Day nine: Hinckley to Ashby de la Zouche

It was lovely spending time with John and Helena and they were very kind to me at the end of a busy day.  Helena is to be ordained on 1 July and our prayers and good wishes go with her.

This morning John cooked me some excellent scrambled eggs before I set off.  He also maked me a super packed lunch.

On the Ashby Road

 The sun was shining and I recorded my thoughts

listen to ‘Leaving Hinckley on the Ashby Road’ on Audioboo

 In contrast to the last few days, this part of Leicestershire has plenty of open establishments, so I was able to have a few cups of tea along the way.  One of them was at Sunflowers.

listen to ‘Tea at the Sunflower Cafe ’ on Audioboo

St Denys, Ibstock

It was a longer walk today, 17 miles, and I took a left at Ibstock, enjoying the sites of the National Forest.

My feet felt more comfortable today, so I got a bit of a shock when I took off the socks to reveal a large blister on my left big toe.  It was not at all painful, but I would appreciate your prayers to manage it properly and for it to go away (the blister, not the toe).

Spot the blister!

Tonight I am enjoying a boys night in with Tim, vicar at Holy Trinity, Ashby de la Zouche.  We have had pizza and salad, and they have gone out to buy icecream!  Tim's son Nathan has just turned 12 and is working his way through the films he is now allowed to watch, so tonight it is Master and Commander.


Tim's wife Sara is in London at the launch of the website http://www.manbuyspresent.com/.  She has her own business at http://www.hopehousepress.co.uk/ which comes highly recommended.

Tomorrow its 14.6 miles to Derby Cathedral.  As well as finding my accommodation I will be looking at the exhibition.

I was running short of data allowance today, but the clock resets on my plan at midnight so expect more uploads tomorrow.  Blessings to all.

Day eight: Rugby to Hinckley

The day started early with a conversation with Emily Jeffery on BBC Surrey at 7.20am, and it was nice to catch up with her again. Listen at 1 hour 23 minutes into the show for a lovely song followed by me!

I went to 8.00am Communion with Avril, had breakfast and set off at around 10.00am.  

Tom & Avril Sign the Roving Rev Hi-Viz Vest

Tom had looked out a route out of Brownsover along a disused railway track.  I stopped to talk to Rob and Sheila.

Rob and Sheila pointed me the way

 I was little unsure about where the railway track started, and they were able to reassure me that I was already on it!

Looking back down the railway - are you already on the way?

This got me to thinking that we often wait for perfection, putting things off.  Sometimes we just have to walk, and God will lead us and use us on the way.

Turn left up Watling Street!

 I emerged on to the A5, Watling Street, where the legions of Rome once marched.  Imagine my surprise when Roger literally popped out from behind a bush to surprise me!  He had kindly driven back up from Camberley to spend part of the day walking with me.  What a guy!

Roger was very keen to try out my pack, which I thought was very game of him,

Roger bearing the load

 and I took this photo of him.

and striding out!

 He took this video of me marching up Watling street.

I was also very glad to talk to Hannah and Jessica, and thank them for the Fathers Day gifts that they posted to my hosts.  I also had a lovely conversation with my sister Ursula in New York using the Android application Viber.

The end in sight

I was made very welcome by John and Helena at their Vicarage in Hinckley.  They were hosting their annual BBQ and I met a host of lovely people.  They have had a lot of lead stolen from their roof, and have to raise £30,000 to replace it and install an alarm system.  They are a very happy lot though!

The walking today was deceptively easy, and I made good progress.  The toes are in much better nick, so thankyou to all who have been praying.  I have noticed that my heels are starting to ache a bit at the end of the day; the message seems to be that a few days of this might be ok, but how much longer?

Thanks again to John and Helena, and blessings to all of you.