Day 11: Rest Day in Stratford-upon-Avon

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After six days' walking, the rest day is very welcome. In the luxury of King Edward VI School, Stratford, many of us sleep late, though some manage to get out of bed to join the local congregations for their morning Eucharist.

For most, especially those who've been with us from the start, it's a day first of all for practicalities - clean clothes. Today's prime destination was the Sparklean laundrette!

while others washed clothes by more traditional methods. Father Joe tried drying his by the African method but, although it was sunny, there wasn't enough heat to dissipate the moisture!

Important details were everywhere

Others sought recreation in another rowing boat trip - different river, same idea.

though we thought Patrick was leading us on a wild goose chase

After an eventful journey (someone put bends and bridges on the river) we enjoyed a river bank picnic

and as usual someone ended up in the water (I'm so glad I gave Ant the digital camera)

Back on dry land, pilgrims were relaxing in various other ways

and others again were planning the Iona liturgy for tomorrow

And Patrick had a hairdo from the junior contingent

In the evening some went out for a meal, some to see Becket at the Holy Trinity church, and some brought takeaways back to the hall

Then the wind ensemble (!) played, to the uninvited accompaniment of assorted improvised percussion (we just about kept our "sheep safely grazing")

The two factions then joined forces and we played various hymns and songs, including learning some new ones, for hours (that's why the page is late again!)