Camino NS day 3

 Today was the longest walk... for me, at least.

Started onto the trail and the first thing of note was some artwork. Soon, we all found out that a bridge, early in in the trail, was closed for this one day, for repairs! So we made a few different plans, and a few different routes were takes by the eight pilgrims. 

There were a few scenic spots in the first few kms, and I ended up wandering with and near a few of the others, so we enjoyed the trail together.

One highight was a spruce grouse that flushed up into a nearby pine branch, and stayed there while four of us looked on. This photo is not much, just proof of it. ;)

Once we parted ways, I found my way onto the trail, past the bridge that was out, via the highways. 

This was one section of the Rum Runners Trail I had been on before, just this spring, during the Hiking Summit. Today, I could not resist revisiting the Castle Rock Trail.

Back on the main trail, I carried on, enjoying birds and plants and lichens. I saw just a few other people on this section, running or bicycling. One of the others of our group had seen a black bear early on in the day! I saw some favourite lichens. 

On this longest day yet, we were grateful for a couple water drops from the support team, with bonuses like Pepsi! 

.

By late afternoon, I got in to Chester, and the Baptist Church. The shower was a great gift to us all. This day was 33.5 kms for me, thanks to the extra 3 k loop to Castle Rock. I was the second last to arrive, everyone else having taken shorter routes.

Supper was magnificient (I guess I did not take a photo), with chicken and pesto pasta, and wine, among other delicasies. And we almost all found separate little bedrooms - mine even has a bathroom!

Tomorrow it is on to Mahone Bay, which should be about 26 kms. And rain in the morning. We will see what happens. 

We have all been guided well this third pilgrimage day. Guided by the planners, guided by the trail, guided by the creatures of creation, guided by our own creativity and intuition, guided by the Spirit. As a Celtic Psalm 23 says: Adonai, you are my shepherd - I want nothing more.

Camino NS day 2

 

I raise the sails of my spirit

And catch the wind of God's breath.

This week's story half logged,

Still time to adjust my course. 

(Celtic Daily Prayer)

There are always a few signs and signals along a journey. Today's trek was a bit hotter than yesterday's, but at least as beautiful. Walking from Boutilier's Point to Hubbards was again a new part of the province for me. Here are a few morning scenes from our departure point. The host churches have been lovely and inspiring.

The 'staff' guiding and caring for us have been great. 

  I did visit Queensland Beach, and had a quick dip in the cool water. 

Later, at St. Luke's, I washed the salt off in a local rocky river. Warmer water! :)

We tend to walk at our own paces, sometimes with one another for a while. We prepare and enjoy supper together. Tonight: potato salad, sausages, and then apple crisp. Who knows what other relaxing we will do before our usual early bedtime.

Camino NS Day 1

The raven sings

Like a black-cowled friar

In ancient monastery choir.

...

This Tuesday's hours

More footsteps forward

Through sacred, gifted time.

(Celtic Daily Prayer)

Today we walked from Upper Tantallon to Boutillier's Point. Actually, that route was too short, so we began east of St. Luke's on the trail. 

The weather was pretty much perfect. Sunny, breezy, not too hot. There was even a touch of fog once we got to St. James in Boutillier's Point. 

I chatted just a bit with my seven other pilgrims, but it was mostly a quiet walk of 16 kms. 

It was early afternoon when most of us arrived. The afternoon was spent in rest, reading, and even swimming, by a few (not me).

My 'star word' for the day was "learn." Mostly, about this, I pondered what there is for me to learn at this chapter of life. Something worth wondering about.

Camino NS intro

 This week a group of eight of us are walking a ' Camino Nova Scotia.' 

We have only just begun. 

Intros. Supper. Sunset. 

We set out on the Rum Runner Trail tomorrow. Stay tuned.