The Wicket Gate

On my walk yesterday (Monday 30th. March) this gate on one of the local bridle paths reminded me of John Bunyan's 'Pilgrim's Progress'. No shining light in sight but I found the wicket gate! - the entry to the narrow way.
No slough of despond either! That probably comes about halfway to Santiago de Compostela, when I might be asking 'is it worth it?'.

I would appreciate your prayers for determination and safety on The Way, as well as any donation you feel able to give to FCN.

If you can, please give on-line at :-
Just Giving - FCN. Thank you.
You can read more about FCN (Farm Community Network) at :-
www.fcn.org.uk

The Uphill Way

I have been asked 'why a pilgrimage?'
There are a number of reasons - I think the important one for me is that it is an opportunity to spend time with the Lord God. After 20+ years of parish ministry, a period of time away from the demands of phone, text and e-mail will give me the chance to listen in prayer, instead of coming to God with my daily 'shopping list'!
There is also the learning curve of having to spend time with companions and people not of my choosing! (O.K. it may be a bit like parish ministry in that respect but at least I do not have to walk with them - only listen to their snoring at night!)
The sponsorship is very worthwhile but not the foremost reason for undertaking something that becomes more and more scary as the time to leave approaches!
The title to this page is from the poem by Christina Rossetti - if you cannot remember it - here it is in full. Speaking about the pilgrimage of life not just the road to Santiago de Compostela.


Uphill -- Christina Rossetti

Does the road wind up-hill all the way?
Yes, to the very end.
Will the day's journey take the whole long day?
From morn to night, my friend.

But is there for the night a resting-place?
A roof for when the slow dark hours begin.
May not the darkness hide it from my face?
You cannot miss that inn.

Shall I meet other wayfarers at night?
Those who have gone before.
Then must I knock, or call when just in sight?
They will not keep you standing at that door.

Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and weak?
Of labour you shall find the sum.
Will there be beds for me and all who seek?
Yea, beds for all who come.

Walking the Haldon Hills

As you can see, walking in the area around our home leads through some beautiful countryside. These pictures were taken just a few miles down (or rather up) the road. The hills round here vary from an easy 1:15 to a strenuous 1:4 - even steeper if I go 'off piste'. I have graduated to carrying my full expected weight of 7 kilos. A walk of 15 miles last weekend on the coast path to Rame Head near Plymouth was about what I need to do each day. I was slightly stiff next day but not unduly so. Hopefully the next six weeks or so will include some similar treks.
Meantime I am enjoying the English countryside in spring - anyone know what has happened to all the frogs - no spawn anywhere - or is it simply too early?

Introducing Terry

Hi everyone. Folk in touch with 'Farm Crisis Network' (now Farm Community Network) will know that I am planning to walk from Exeter to Santiago de Compostela in Spain in April and May this year.
Having just retired I am busy training and promoting my walk as a means of raising money for FCN.
I will hope to update this blog on a regular basis during my walk and so keep all you good folk up to date on my progress. Meanwhile if you feel that you can donate anything towards Farm Crisis Network you will find details at :-
www.fcn.org.uk
If you can, please give on-line at :-
Just Giving
Using this 'justgiving' page means that you can pay by Credit Card, opt for Gift Aid 'thank you'!
Please be generous!
Terry