DAY TWO  Dover to Lyminge

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Our first walking day and an early start - at least for those who wanted to attend the Eucharist at St Mary the Virgin (Anglican) Parish Church.

Many pilgrims did and, after hurried cups of tea, set off into the town.

Disturbingly, we discovered that at some point since our explorations yesterday, a road had been cordoned off by the police, apparently because of a serious mugging incident which had subsequently taken place.

The service was a typical, 8.00 a.m., traditional language Holy Communion - Common Worship, Order 2 - which is virtually identical to the 1662 Prayer Book service.

The church had some fine stained glass, including this example from the East Window.

Back at the hall it was time for our first breakfast together, followed by the daily morning ritual of clearing away bedding, filling sandwich boxes and loading the van.

Getting one's hat just so was very important in this sunny weather.

By 10.00 a.m., we were ready to set off . . .

. . . and much of our route took us along the spectacular North Downs Way.

The highlight of the day for many pilgrims was our prayer/refreshment stop at Capel House Farm, which is owned by a relative of Louise Chenery, who along with her husband John, was leading today's walk.

The refreshments didn't just include drinks, but a 'refreshing' shower provided by the garden hose.

A conscientious pilgrim-in-training took the opportunity to practice following the arrows:

Meanwhile, the children played:

The prayer part of our stop took place in the Chapel of the Nativity, which, appropriately is a converted stable. The owner explained how she and her husband, inspired by the TV show 'The Good Life', had bought the land, which had been extremely overgrown, as a safe haven and a place to bring up their children.

Although they been beset by many problems, they had felt that this was God's plan and so they persisted and, with much help, overcame all difficulties.

Many pilgrims ate their packed lunch at the farm, before moving on to The Valiant Sailor for drinks, or further food.

The one word which summarised today's walking was 'hot', and as the day progressed, it became somewhat draining and people's personal supplies of water began to run out.

During the afternoon, we had good views of the channel tunnel rail-link and a chalk, white horse (or so we were told), and passed the Battle of Britain Memorial.

Our stop for tonight is Lyminge Village Hall . . .

. . . and Frances soon took control of her latest kitchen.

After a good meal, pilgrims settled down for an evening in or out, according to taste, before trying to get some sleep after what has apparently been the hottest day in Britain since records began, with a temperature of 38.1°C being recorded at Gravesend.

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