DAY ELEVEN Shrewsbury to Oswestry
Our rest day over, breakfast and lunchtime rolls were served in the cricket pavilion, so pilgrims could stock up well for this, our longest day this year.
By half past eight, there was the usual frenzy of activity as the van was packed and pilgrims put on their boots and back packs.
It was a very short walk to our first stop, the school chapel . . .
. . . where Father David led Morning Prayer.
Our route out of Shrewsbury was picturesque, taking us along by the river.
We were joined by Caroline, a day pilgrim who lives locally.
Although hot and sunny to begin with, ominous clouds soon began to gather.
The front markers set an interesting challenge for the backmarkers by putting an arrow high in a tree with the help of some tree surgeons who were working on it.
Pilgrims tended to conserve their energy today, by sitting down when not actually walk, such as at this drink stop.
The front markers restocked with arrows and liquid refreshment at our lunchtime pub, which had opened especially for us.
Meanwhile, the drinks car team practised the extremely pointless skill of beer mat flipping.
After lunch, we had our second prayer stop at All Saints', Baschurch. We were welcomed by the minister who led us in prayer, before our two Canadian pilgrims, spoke to us.
Our afternoon walk was mainly along field paths.
Some were very overgrown and caused problems for the front markers. Here we are waiting while they get the route sorted out.
We also saw some sort miniature ponies (although I'm open to correction on exactly what form of equine these beasts are.)
After our sunny start, there were intermittent showers throughout the day, with an overall deterioration in the weather as the day progressed. We ended up walking mainly in the rain, with only occasional dry spells.
We have been somewhat spoiled with the size of our halls so far this year, but tonight's is comparatively small.
There is minimal floor-space left now that everyone's bed spaces are claimed and our evening meal was consumed sitting or sprawling on sleeping bags.
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ITINERARY 0840 [0.0 miles] Shrewsbury School, The Schools, Kingsland, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SJ484122 0845-0900 [0.1] Shrewsbury School Chapel, Prayers SJ485121 [3.0] Crosshill SJ453193 1130 [6.0] Bomere Heath SJ474193 1205 [7.7] Romping Cat PH SJ455202 1330-1430 [10.7] New Inn, Baschurch, Lunch SJ425219 1445-1500 [10.75] All Saints, Baschurch, Prayers SJ422218 [12.1] Mill House SJ405215 [15.8] Eardiston SJ369249 [17.9] Twyford SJ348263 1815 [18.0] Queens Head SJ338268 [20.6] Aston Square SJ324284 2015 [22.75] St Oswald King & Martyr Church Hall, Cae Nef, Upper Brook Street, Oswestry SJ289294 Leader: Maurice Hickman |
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Created: 24/8/04