Well, I'm finally into serious walking! I left Exeter Cathedral this morning at 9.00 a.m. after attending the 8.00 a.m. service of Holy Communion. It is humbling when people make a special effort to be there to bid farewell and God speed. Bishop John of Plymouth left home early to be with us and give me a 'Pilgrim's Blessing'. JaneB came, along with some friends of my wife Valerie and myself and representatives of FCN Devon. An emotional service which I shall always remember!
I then had company walking from the Cathedral, down Forestreet and over the ancient mediaeval bridge with its ruined tower from the travellers' 'chapel on the bridge'.
The walk over Haldon Hill is strenuous but not too difficult - just a matter of keeping going. Easier going up the 1:6 than coming down! In the days of stage coaches they had a number of horses stabled at the foot of the hill to assist on the drag to the top - 'trace horses' for those who know about these things!
I now have two nights in Chudleigh and then to Buckfast Abbey guest-house on Thursday night, Ivybridge on Friday and into Plymouth on Saturday.
We will try to keep information coming on this blog - certainly until I leave Plymouth on Sunday on the 4.00 p.m. ferry - after that it may be a bit more erratic, depending on cyber-cafes etc.
For those who are walking - 'Go well and Safely'
For those who remain behind - 'Stay well and safely'
If you don't know the Roncesvalles blessing used by Bishop John of Plymouth it can be found at
http://www.pilgrimage-to-santiago.com/board/miscellaneous-topics/topic3723.html#p20131
Looking forward to following your progress, (though I know from experience that in rural France, internet access is not all that frequent.) Buen Camino!
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