For our first rest day, there was a more leisurely rise time of 8.30 a.m., but a surprising number of pilgrims seemed to be full of energy in spite of yesterday's exertions and were up and about well before this time.

Once breakfast had been eaten and cleared, the furniture was rearranged so that we could have Mass together.

A new feature this year has been the inclusion in the offertory procession of symbols of different parts of pilgrimage life. Today, these were a Compeed blister plaster box, a sleeping bag, a digital camera (representing this Pilgrims Live website and all those online pilgrims who join us through the Internet), the roll of pilgrim's names used to check no-one's lost (representing safety) and Anthony's hand-crafted model of a tree with an orange route arrow right at the top - only Anthony would put one that high. Obviously, this model soon became known as the “offer-tree”.

The rest day also applies to Frances, our cook, and pilgrims are left to their find their own lunch. Some chose a picnic on the grass below the castle.

In the afternoon, pilgrims explored Rochester. Some chose a two-hour trip along the river on paddle-steamer Kingswear Castle, which had started its life on the River Dart.

This was a pleasant way of spending the afternoon, enjoying each other's company and the views from the boat.

Here, Fred and Sue inspect a former Soviet submarine.

Others stayed on dry land and found plenty of interest in Rochester.

Quite a large group took a guided tour of the Cathedral, beginning with the outside . . .

. . . and then moving through t0 the inside.

More pilgrims made their way to the Cathedral in time for Evensong, said as is often the case in August due to choir holidays, and with unaccompanied hymns.

After the service, there was a chance for a last quick look around. These three were quite taken with this modern fresco.

Patrick chatted with one of the Cathedral clergy.

Different people have different ideas of rest. Rounders isn't my idea, but was remarkably popular . . .

and was participated in with some gusto.

In the evening, some went out for meals, others brought take-aways and drinks back to the hall.

We are now relaxing. There is a chance of a sing-song later. We are planning an earlier night than yesterday as we are walking again tomorrow - eighteen miles or so - but rest day evenings tend to go on. As for me, today's page is now finished and will be uploaded with an hour to go before lights out - a first for this year.