St. Cuthbert's Way

I set off last Wednesday to walk the 62 miles of St. Cuthbert's Way.Weather less than perfect after the first glorious day. Severe weather warnings by grim faced TV forcasters turned out to be accurate. The worst September day in decades in that part of Scotland. N0 weather proof gear is weather proof enough for these conditions. So I was very wet! Paths became streams. Streams became raging torrents. My feet were squelching with every step. I stopped in a wood to wring out my socks. I could have filled my water bottle from them! Didn't, honest. Wet feet in wet socks in wet boots but squelch free. Luxury!

I met no other walkers. Liminal time. That's what I love about walking. Between starting out and destination is the space between. Nothing to distract. No futile attempts at multi-tasking! No tasking at all! All that's to be done is to free the mind. Creative thinking can happen here. Prayer too and thanksgiving to God for the splendours of his creation. I sang spontaneously to entertain the sheep!

I encountered two young men rounding up bullocks on 4 wheel motor bikes. (The men were on the motor bikes!) I stood back to wait for this operation to be completed before walking on. However I was disconcerted when 5 bullocks broke lose and came running at me. This was when I discovered that if there is an olympic event for leaping gates I could qualify! All part of the adventure.

That second day was a great day despite the rain. Something or someone made my pilgrim path glow.