Day Three, to Bridgetown

It was a big, blue sky day today, the rains only lasted the night. I started late in the morning in Annapolis Royal, and my friend, Janet, met me to walk together for a while in Moschelle. She gifted me with a tiny, knit mouse, another mascot for the journey that will surely have some adventures with me.

The scenes were lovely today along the wide Annapolis River, and many litttle tributaries. 

I enjoyed a LOT of lush plants today, and many birds. Not to mention turtles, deer and muskrat. Sorry, no animal pictures.

Today's trek was about 22.8 kms. Looks like tomorrow will be more like 25, because my destination is in Wilmot. Tomorrow I will start about 8:15 am from Bridgetown.

How great it was to be picked up by son-in-law, Sherwin, at 5:30, and taken back to Hillsburn for supper, and a good night's rest. 

Day Two, to Annapolis Royal

I took my time starting today, because I knew my pick-up time was 4 o'clock or so, in Annapolis. From the Bear River bridge I followed the railbed, with a few exceptions. 

It was another big blue sky day, with a good breeze. Only once when I paused to check out a plant did a few mosquitos land upon me. (This flower is ragged robin.)

By 11:30 I got to Frank and Dora's, and stopped for ice cream, internet, and a bathroom.

Once I got into Clementsport, the rail bed ended at the Moose River, and for a couple kms I followed the road.

Soon, I stopped for a refreshing break at Sharon and Joe's, and filled up my water jug and had a great cup of soup. Thanks! It was another good break for my feet. I did not  change my socks today, but I did switch my shoes once. 

Turning off onto Twin Cove Road, I followed it until it became the railbed again, though quite a  bit of this is overgrown. I took a breather looking back to Goat Island from the shore of the former Upper Clements Park.

I could see demolition of the park is underway. I seemed to gain a tiny mascot at yesterday's Farewell Gathering, so little sheepie enjoyed the trip all day too. Carrying on, the rail bed was clear and smooth, all the way to Annapolis, sometimes gravely and well- worn, sometime grassy and weedy. I was pleasantly surprised to find only one tick on me all day, and glimpsed one on a blade of grass. 

At 4 pm I was about to cross Allains Creek, and shortly was picked up by Teana, Dryden and Amelia. I walked 22.5 kms.

Sharon drove up and joined us for a nice supper in Hillsburn.  Tuesday will be another 20 kms or so, along the rail bed to Bridgetown. Again, I won't start my treck until late morning, due to a suppertime pick up in Bridgetown by Sherwin. I just might need to test out my raincoat tomorrow... maybe.

Day One - a 'half walk'

The start of the Pilgrimage... a blessing and final farewells. Thanks to you all! Wise words were shared...

And a bit of fun, of course. 

I'm so grateful four people joined me for bits of this first bit of the treck, and one for the whole 11.5 kms, to Annapolis County.

A look back at Digby. 

Thanks for joining me, Greg, all the way today; and for tea and pie after, Elaine! Monday I will start around 10 am and head for Annapolis Royal. The first 'full day.'

Pilgrimage Eve

Today was an eventful day, the day before my last day working as Pastor of Digby Baptist, and the day before I start the Pilgrimage. Nothing was according to plan, but it was a wonderful day, spent pretty much with family... Sharon, Teanna, Dryden and Amelia.

 We were in Amherst, where I'd taken a few furnishings and some perennial plants.

 Sharon and I introduced our grandchildren to our new home and town. Then we made the long trek back to Digby. 

It all happened, in part, because I had car trouble, and left ole 'Blueberry' up in Parrsboro. It is in good hands. So... plans change, and things are alright. Tomorrow is a day of change. This too will be alright.

Fifteen Minutes of Fame?

 I seem to get my fifteen minutes of fame about once a year, and it just happened for 2022. The upcoming pilgrimage, and the ongoing walking group of First Baptist Amherst, got featured by the local press. Thanks, Darrell Cole. Here is a link to the article, which may or may not work for you, dear reader. 

https://www.saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/news/new-amherst-baptist-minister-to-walk-the-line-from-digby-100732099/

Not only have I been meeting locals who read the article, I got an email from a Salvation Army officer formerly here in Digby, who was shown the news, and contacted me to see about joining me for a bit of the walk. Wonderful! I met this fellow once, when he was in town visiting old friends. I shall meet him again, and be pilgrims together - even just for a day.

Perhaps you too will walk with me - one kilometer... or twenty.

And, for any who want to see me off when I start, remember: I will be starting on Sunday, May 29, at 6 pm from the Church and Parsonage. Any words of blessing can be spoken then, before I (we) set out. Thanks so very much.

Course Correction

 So, reviewing my walking plan yesterday, I came upon an error. One day's journey that I'd measured as more than 24 kms turned out to be only six! From South Maitland, Hants County, to Green Oaks, Colchester County: check it out.

Some editing of the plan was in order. I gained a whole day. And then, looking towards the final days of the journey, I thought to myself, I don't need to spend a whole day enjoying my old stomping ground, Parrsboro. Especially if it is not a Sunday. So I also cut that day out. Which makes my planned arrival in Amherst two days earlier, Sunday, June 19th. I'm not sure where and how I will worship with others in a Church that day; I will figure that out. Perhaps I will get a very early start and make it to First Baptist Amherst by 10:30 am! No promises yet.

With the help of Cumberland County friends I also sorted out my last night's accommodations and final two days of walking. The plan is adjusting, it is coming together nicely. Thanks to many generous and thoughtful people! A month from now, I will be on my way.

See you along the trail!