Wednesday 31st May - And then there were three..!


Hello again from a beautiful sunny evening in Luton. We've carried the cross 19.6 miles today from Milton Keynes and what a day it's been!

After another night spent with amazing local Christians, we joined for worship in the chapel at Milton Keynes Hospital. We were then accompanied back towards the canal by Philip, the hospital chaplain, and a Buddhist lady in traditional dress.

Several miles of brisk walking along the towpath and we pealed off from the canal to climb up to the beautiful church of Great Brickhill. Flagging energy was restored by mobile refreshments from 'The Man in the van', enabling us to press on through picturesque woodland to the large village of Heath and Reach.

Tea and biscuits were gratefully received from two members of the local congregation, before we once more hit the road. With Fred having sensibly decided to keep and eye on Dave in the van, Isobel and I stepped out with the cross and were glad of the refreshing breeze to keep us cool. After several miles of road, a field of highly inquisitive cows, and yet more aggressive vegetation, we descended into the village of Stanbridge; happy to spot the lunch-giving van parked by the church.

We flopped onto a bench while Fred lay snoozing on the grass nearby, unaware of  an impeding danger... He suddenly realised though that his world had gone dark, the result of a lady reversing right over his head! He shot up like a rocket and escaped to safety; the lady meanwhile nonchalantly parking the car and proceeding to take her kids to the nearby park with the engine still running! Resisting the urge to run off with the car, Dave kindly informed her of this and we all tucked in to our sandwiches.

Soon we were off again and after hobbling the first half mile, got into a good stride along a cycle path towards Luton. Shortly before reaching Dunstable, whilst toiling up a long slope when a group of young lads assailed us! Calling out for us to slow down they ran to catch up with their 'Christian brother' and were keen to find out what we were up to. They stayed chatting with us for over a mile before taking a different road to us as we marched on through Dunstable town center.

Meeting up once more with the Man in the Van, we had a brief rest at the beautiful Priory Church before starting the final 2 miles to the hospital. At this point the sun burst out in full force and it felt as though our gravel path was crossing the Sahara. Finally the hospital came into view and we were very glad to see Varkey, the hospital chaplain waiting outside for us!

The chapel, though on the second floor, was a mercifully short walk, and had recently been refurbished with a beautiful finish. Even more beautiful was the group that gathered to worship with us, a group of Christians from both the hospital and a number of local churches. We were so blessed to take part in a deeply spirit-led service, including uplifting songs accompanied wonderfully by a nurse and her family.

Retiring to various host homes, Isobel and I have just enjoyed a delicious meal before I sat down outside to write this blog. I soon had to escape indoors though as a huge dark cloud spiraling into the center is now passing overhead with the rain now setting in.

Thank you again to you all. Love from all the pilgrims!

---


Here are a few pictures from yesterday... forgive their delay!

Setting off from St Andrew's Northampton

The chapel at Milton Keynes