On the Way!
Following Jesus…
When I was sixteen, I got to know Jesus by reading his biography, the first four books of the New Testament. I often wondered how it would have been to have actually walked with Jesus, heard his words and been part of his encounters with people. It would have certainly been life changing. A bit of that I was able to experience these past years on the Snail-Trail – my deliberate way of traveling at a "snail's pace" – walking long pilgrimages across Europe…
- Snail-Trail 1.0 (2023): A 3,268-kilometer-long pilgrimage route, The Way of St. James, from Moosburg to Cape Finisterre in Spain (near Santiago de Compostela).
- Snail-Trail 2.0 (2024): A trek from Germany to Greece, covering approximately 2,500 kilometers. Along the way, I traversed the Balkans and encountered challenges such as wild dogs, dilapidated wooden bridges, and abandoned villages.
- Snail-Trail 3.0 (2025): Last year's foot journey which led me 2,675 kilometers from Tallinn (Estonia) back to my home near Landshut. In total, it consisted of 85 stages with an average distance of 31 kilometers.
Each journey was an extraordinary experience. Even though I could not see Jesus, I felt his presence, which gave me courage and strength for the long road ahead. Although I did not hear his voice audibly, I perceived profound truths about life through the experiences I encountered along the way. Through conversations and prayers with people I met on the path, I was privileged to witness how Jesus encounters others.
Snail-Trail 4.0…
Walking with Jesus does not end with reaching a certain destination, fulfilling a specific task, or reaching retirement age. The call to follow Jesus remains. The journey continues… and for me, too, this year on the Snail-Trail. This time, I set out on June 15th from Inverness, Scotland. I will hike through Scotland and Ireland, along the coasts of Wales and Southern England, through Belgium and Luxembourg, crossing then a small strip of France on my way to Southern Germany. I expect to arrive back home the last week of September… 102 days, 86 stages, and 2,650 kilometers – not counting sea miles. I am now nearly 70 years old, and yes, I can certainly feel my bones and muscles. Yet I walk this path in confidence that God is guiding and strengthening me. Step by step. In the truest sense of the word.
X Marks the Spot…
Together, the four Snail-Trails form an "X" across the greater part of Europe — the sign of the Cross of Jesus Christ. When Jesus, with his final breath, cried out from the cross, "It is finished!", he was thinking of us here in Europe as well. He took upon himself all the suffering and pain of history – with all its bitter injustices and everything that destroys us as human beings and separates us from God. Yet Jesus' empty tomb bears witness that death does not have the final word. There will always be a tomorrow and a new beginning. We have a well-founded hope in Christ. May this grace from heaven touch the soul of Europe! That is what I will be praying for, as I walk from one country to the next.
Together…
Prayer: I see the Snail-Trails not merely as personal paths of faith, but also as an invitation for others to share in them. Through the postings on my blog, I share my impressions, thoughts, and experiences. I would then greatly appreciate your prayer support – for the encounters I have along the way, for protection on the Snail-Trail, and that many hearts would connect with God's heart.
Project: The Snail-Trail is also a walkathon. If you would like to be a part of what the Assemblies of God is doing in this region of Europe (church planting, children/youth/student outreaches…), please click on this link to make an online donation. It could be a one-time gift or per-kilometer-walked-pledge:
Please click on the option "88 Snail Trail". Many thanks!
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Blog
01.
Jan
Dover - Dunkirk
Video: "Leaving the Port of Dover for Calais, France"
This is a special milestone. Not only have I completed the walk through the UK and Ireland, but I also crossed the 1500 km milestone a few days ago and covered enough altimeters equal to four times that of Mt. Everest. There are still two more "Everests" to climb before I reach my home near Munich, Germany. Today is also day 60 in the journey. I give thanks to God for his sustaining and enabling grace!
Photo 1: "The white cliffs of Dover"
Photo 2: Originally I wanted to take the ferry from Dover to Dunkirk, but foot passengers and only permitted on the ferry from Dover to Calais. That means I would need to take the train from Calais to Dunkirk to stay on schedule. Foot passengers where the first ones allowed on board in Dover, but would be the last ones to exit in Calais. On deck I met a young French man named Anton. He had been cycling in the UK for several weeks and was now returning to France. We shared a nice spot at a table in the shade with a great view of Dover. He took this picture of me, before the crowd of auto passengers got to the deck. In the course of the transfer from the island to the continent we had a good conversation about faith and what it means to walk with Jesus.
Photo 3: Arrival at the Port in Calais
Photo 4: Willy was a bit sad about leaving the sea and the coastal area. He is of course a whale. I was quite happy, though, to have my feet back on the continent.
Photo 5: Bergues, France
Across from this old city wall was the campground where I had hoped to stay the night. Again the reception was closed by the time I got there. I called the number posted on the door, but heard the phone ringing from inside an unoccupied office. It was obvious the the place was filled to capacity. I had everything I needed for the night except water. The people camping directly next to the office recognized my predictament and gave me a 1.5 litter bottle of water. I drank almost half of it and used the rest to fill my water bottle. Bergues is an walled city with mutiple walks from midieval times. On my hiking app I saw a place where part of a wall and some woods came together. It was there that I found an inconspicuous spot to put up my tent. It was obvios that sheep had been there under the tree where I would put my tent. Now one more "sheep" was about to spend the night there. I could hear loud music in the distance coming from the city, perhaps even from the campground. I had it very peaceful in God's garden.
This is a special milestone. Not only have I completed the walk through the UK and Ireland, but I also crossed the 1500 km milestone a few days ago and covered enough altimeters equal to four times that of Mt. Everest. There are still two more "Everests" to climb before I reach my home near Munich, Germany. Today is also day 60 in the journey. I give thanks to God for his sustaining and enabling grace!
Photo 1: "The white cliffs of Dover"
Photo 2: Originally I wanted to take the ferry from Dover to Dunkirk, but foot passengers and only permitted on the ferry from Dover to Calais. That means I would need to take the train from Calais to Dunkirk to stay on schedule. Foot passengers where the first ones allowed on board in Dover, but would be the last ones to exit in Calais. On deck I met a young French man named Anton. He had been cycling in the UK for several weeks and was now returning to France. We shared a nice spot at a table in the shade with a great view of Dover. He took this picture of me, before the crowd of auto passengers got to the deck. In the course of the transfer from the island to the continent we had a good conversation about faith and what it means to walk with Jesus.
Photo 3: Arrival at the Port in Calais
Photo 4: Willy was a bit sad about leaving the sea and the coastal area. He is of course a whale. I was quite happy, though, to have my feet back on the continent.
Photo 5: Bergues, France
Across from this old city wall was the campground where I had hoped to stay the night. Again the reception was closed by the time I got there. I called the number posted on the door, but heard the phone ringing from inside an unoccupied office. It was obvious the the place was filled to capacity. I had everything I needed for the night except water. The people camping directly next to the office recognized my predictament and gave me a 1.5 litter bottle of water. I drank almost half of it and used the rest to fill my water bottle. Bergues is an walled city with mutiple walks from midieval times. On my hiking app I saw a place where part of a wall and some woods came together. It was there that I found an inconspicuous spot to put up my tent. It was obvios that sheep had been there under the tree where I would put my tent. Now one more "sheep" was about to spend the night there. I could hear loud music in the distance coming from the city, perhaps even from the campground. I had it very peaceful in God's garden.
13.
Aug
New Romney - Dover
Photo 1: "Last Beach Walk"
Knowing that I would have to take the bus to Hythe to get my phone charging port cleaned, took a lot of pressure out of the day. I was ready to go when the camp reception opened at 9.00 am. I was actually given a special rate for the one night. The bus ride took me off a very busy road and passed terraine that proba ly would have been very hot to walk through and not so interesting. The city of Hythe is right on the shore. I only had to wait about a half hour to get my phone port cleaned so that the charger would connect properly again. It was a very nice last walk along the beach... and my leg was feeling much better.
Photo 2: The end stretch of my walk through England went over the white cliffs to Dover. Going up was not so easy, but the views from on top were breath taking.
Photo 3: A look back over the way I had gone. I had few God-talks on my way to Dover and was able to pray with one older couple, meaning that they were actually older than me.
Photo 4: Coming down to Dover from the cliffs...
Photo 5: It was here that I had my last God-talk in England with Jaro from Poland and his wife Sarah from Great Britain. It was a wonderful day, a nice walk and a good ending to a very long and strenguous journey through the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
Knowing that I would have to take the bus to Hythe to get my phone charging port cleaned, took a lot of pressure out of the day. I was ready to go when the camp reception opened at 9.00 am. I was actually given a special rate for the one night. The bus ride took me off a very busy road and passed terraine that proba ly would have been very hot to walk through and not so interesting. The city of Hythe is right on the shore. I only had to wait about a half hour to get my phone port cleaned so that the charger would connect properly again. It was a very nice last walk along the beach... and my leg was feeling much better.
Photo 2: The end stretch of my walk through England went over the white cliffs to Dover. Going up was not so easy, but the views from on top were breath taking.
Photo 3: A look back over the way I had gone. I had few God-talks on my way to Dover and was able to pray with one older couple, meaning that they were actually older than me.
Photo 4: Coming down to Dover from the cliffs...
Photo 5: It was here that I had my last God-talk in England with Jaro from Poland and his wife Sarah from Great Britain. It was a wonderful day, a nice walk and a good ending to a very long and strenguous journey through the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
12.
Aug
Hastings - New Romney
Photo 1: "A mighty Fortress is our God"
At one time in history Camber Castle, built in the 16th century, was an important fortress. It made me think of Martin Luther's song, "A mighty Fortress is our God". However God is always current, never aging, never fading in prowess or importance. He is "a bulwark never failing". As Paul wrote in Romans, if God be for us, who could be against us. I would need that later on today...
Photo 2: The path slowly took me back towards the shore. It was quite a warm and sunny day, so I was glad for a breeze and shade now and then.
Photos 3 + 4: I passed through a parking lot right before I reached the beach. A lady who was the attendant at the parking lot asked me if I would like a cold bottle of water. I gladly accepted! I would walk on the beach just three kilometers.
Photo 5: The path then went along an inland lake for quite a way. I finally reached the campground at about 7.00 pm. The reception closed though already at 5.00 pm. I called the number listed for people who had reservations and arrived after closing hours. I did try to place a call earlier in the day, but did not get through. I had no reservation. The man who answered said that without a resetvation, I could not stay there, the place is full, and they had had bad experiences with hikers and bikers arriving afterhours in the evening and leaving the next morning before the office opens without paying. There was really no other option for me. I needed water, so I asked if I could at least fill up my water bottles. The next thing I know, this man comes out of a nearby house with his phone in the hand. He looks at me and then says that his boss would not be happy with him with what he was about to do... and then he showed me a small corner where I could put my tent up. I promised him that I would not leave before the office would open, even though I had a 40 km hike slated for the next day and would actually need an early start. I just was happy to have a water source and a place to sleep for the night.
The can of tuna I bought for my dinner was not one of the cans that you just pull open. How could I have overlooked that when I bought it? I asked another camper couple if they might have a can opener, which they fortunately did. They also gave me two packages of vegetable soup to take with me for an emergency. It would actually prove to be God's providence that I would need a few days later.
I was so happy to get to my tent to sleep shortly after 9.00 pm... and then I looked at my telephone. The battery was not charging and I only had 2% battery power left. My charging cable was not connecting properly. I had a similar situation last year in Poland. Dirt and debris had gotten into the entry port. I took my phone to the camp kitchen where I had a plug and a counter to put my phone on. I finally got the wire and phone in a position where the battery could be charged. It was now well after 10.00 pm. I would need to take the bus the next morning to the city of Hythe where there is a shop that does phone repairs. That would reduce the distance of the next day's walk by 19 kilometers... probably a good thing for my right leg. A mighty fortress is our God...
At one time in history Camber Castle, built in the 16th century, was an important fortress. It made me think of Martin Luther's song, "A mighty Fortress is our God". However God is always current, never aging, never fading in prowess or importance. He is "a bulwark never failing". As Paul wrote in Romans, if God be for us, who could be against us. I would need that later on today...
Photo 2: The path slowly took me back towards the shore. It was quite a warm and sunny day, so I was glad for a breeze and shade now and then.
Photos 3 + 4: I passed through a parking lot right before I reached the beach. A lady who was the attendant at the parking lot asked me if I would like a cold bottle of water. I gladly accepted! I would walk on the beach just three kilometers.
Photo 5: The path then went along an inland lake for quite a way. I finally reached the campground at about 7.00 pm. The reception closed though already at 5.00 pm. I called the number listed for people who had reservations and arrived after closing hours. I did try to place a call earlier in the day, but did not get through. I had no reservation. The man who answered said that without a resetvation, I could not stay there, the place is full, and they had had bad experiences with hikers and bikers arriving afterhours in the evening and leaving the next morning before the office opens without paying. There was really no other option for me. I needed water, so I asked if I could at least fill up my water bottles. The next thing I know, this man comes out of a nearby house with his phone in the hand. He looks at me and then says that his boss would not be happy with him with what he was about to do... and then he showed me a small corner where I could put my tent up. I promised him that I would not leave before the office would open, even though I had a 40 km hike slated for the next day and would actually need an early start. I just was happy to have a water source and a place to sleep for the night.
The can of tuna I bought for my dinner was not one of the cans that you just pull open. How could I have overlooked that when I bought it? I asked another camper couple if they might have a can opener, which they fortunately did. They also gave me two packages of vegetable soup to take with me for an emergency. It would actually prove to be God's providence that I would need a few days later.
I was so happy to get to my tent to sleep shortly after 9.00 pm... and then I looked at my telephone. The battery was not charging and I only had 2% battery power left. My charging cable was not connecting properly. I had a similar situation last year in Poland. Dirt and debris had gotten into the entry port. I took my phone to the camp kitchen where I had a plug and a counter to put my phone on. I finally got the wire and phone in a position where the battery could be charged. It was now well after 10.00 pm. I would need to take the bus the next morning to the city of Hythe where there is a shop that does phone repairs. That would reduce the distance of the next day's walk by 19 kilometers... probably a good thing for my right leg. A mighty fortress is our God...
11.
Aug
Polegate - Hastings
Photo 1: "Walk on the beach"
The long hikes at the end of last week were not the best for my shin splint, really felt it today walking on the stones of the beach. Doctor Google recommends rest and taking it easy... not quite what happens on the Snail-Trail. Either God helps me, or if it gets worse, I may have to stop.
Photo 2: I just love seagulls, how they will look at you and laugh.
Photo 3: The path lead back up to the highlands.
Photo 4: "Path leading to the campground"
Completely tired after another long stage of nearly 40 km, I slowly approach the campground where I will spend the night.
Photo 5: This bull would have charged me had there not been a fence between us. He did like me passing so close to his cows and calfs in the early evening with such a big backpack on my back. To be quite honest, I was not so happy about it either. So why do it?
It was dark and after 10.00 in the evening by the time I had gotten my tent up, taken a shower and had something to eat. The campground was mostly an open field with hardly any lights. I looked up and could see the Milkyway so clear than I have seen for quite a long time. It was at this point that I met Josh. He was also looking up, a Buddhist athiest from Vietnam. Two amazing shooting stars raced through the night sky. It was a moment to reflect on the Creator. I do not know how Josh(ua) got his name. He did not know the meaning of it. I told him that Joshua is the Hebrew form for the name Jesus and means "Savior". It gave him something to think about. .. another one of those souls on the by-ways needing to get the invitation to the Father's House. That is why I carry the bag long distances, even with a sore leg.
The long hikes at the end of last week were not the best for my shin splint, really felt it today walking on the stones of the beach. Doctor Google recommends rest and taking it easy... not quite what happens on the Snail-Trail. Either God helps me, or if it gets worse, I may have to stop.
Photo 2: I just love seagulls, how they will look at you and laugh.
Photo 3: The path lead back up to the highlands.
Photo 4: "Path leading to the campground"
Completely tired after another long stage of nearly 40 km, I slowly approach the campground where I will spend the night.
Photo 5: This bull would have charged me had there not been a fence between us. He did like me passing so close to his cows and calfs in the early evening with such a big backpack on my back. To be quite honest, I was not so happy about it either. So why do it?
It was dark and after 10.00 in the evening by the time I had gotten my tent up, taken a shower and had something to eat. The campground was mostly an open field with hardly any lights. I looked up and could see the Milkyway so clear than I have seen for quite a long time. It was at this point that I met Josh. He was also looking up, a Buddhist athiest from Vietnam. Two amazing shooting stars raced through the night sky. It was a moment to reflect on the Creator. I do not know how Josh(ua) got his name. He did not know the meaning of it. I told him that Joshua is the Hebrew form for the name Jesus and means "Savior". It gave him something to think about. .. another one of those souls on the by-ways needing to get the invitation to the Father's House. That is why I carry the bag long distances, even with a sore leg.
10.
Aug
Brighton - Polegate
Photo 1: Climbing steps up and over the white cliffs... without sunglasses.
Photo 2: Looking back over the way I had come.
Photo 3: A lighthouse down in the bay before me.
At one point today going through the town of Altfriston, I missed a turn on my way to a foot bridge. It was no big deal, only cost me a few minutes. When I got to the bridge, though, young hikers were crossing over it. I had to wait for them to cross and then asked the standard question in English: "How are you doing?" We started to talk. Patrick, Rufus and Max were doing a six day hike going in the other direction than me. I got to the point in our conversation where I could drop the question: "Are you also walking with Jesus?" Not really, was the general response. Patrick said that he was Irish-Catholic, but not very devouted. I responded that Jesus never said to come and become a church member, but to come and follow him. "Where is Jesus leading you? What's your next step? It is more about relationship than ritual," I said. Patrick responded: "I like that perspective." I prayed for the three of them and encouraged them to get to know Jesus, to read his biography. Maybe by me making that wrong turn might have helped them to make a turn in the right direction...
Photo 4: "New sunglasses"
I did buy some cheap sunglasses at a store I passed earlier this morning. They are two pieces of polaroid hanging from a fragile plastic frame. They just need to hold together for another 46 days.
In the background of this picture to the right you will a commanding bull. His group of cows and calls were standing by an open gate that I was supposed to pass through. When he saw me, he stepped forward from the gate and took his stand opposite of me. I bowed my head and turned to the right. As I stood to take this picture, I was watching the bull to see what he would do, and relieved to see him turn back to the gate and lead his clan down the field. I decided to walk on the other side of the fence to keep a safe distance and take my chances getting over the barbed wire at the other end if the field. Fortunately there was a stable wooden structure where the fences from the two fields came together, so that could get over the fence without much trouble.
Photo 5: I much prefer seeing sheep in the open fields!
Photo 2: Looking back over the way I had come.
Photo 3: A lighthouse down in the bay before me.
At one point today going through the town of Altfriston, I missed a turn on my way to a foot bridge. It was no big deal, only cost me a few minutes. When I got to the bridge, though, young hikers were crossing over it. I had to wait for them to cross and then asked the standard question in English: "How are you doing?" We started to talk. Patrick, Rufus and Max were doing a six day hike going in the other direction than me. I got to the point in our conversation where I could drop the question: "Are you also walking with Jesus?" Not really, was the general response. Patrick said that he was Irish-Catholic, but not very devouted. I responded that Jesus never said to come and become a church member, but to come and follow him. "Where is Jesus leading you? What's your next step? It is more about relationship than ritual," I said. Patrick responded: "I like that perspective." I prayed for the three of them and encouraged them to get to know Jesus, to read his biography. Maybe by me making that wrong turn might have helped them to make a turn in the right direction...
Photo 4: "New sunglasses"
I did buy some cheap sunglasses at a store I passed earlier this morning. They are two pieces of polaroid hanging from a fragile plastic frame. They just need to hold together for another 46 days.
In the background of this picture to the right you will a commanding bull. His group of cows and calls were standing by an open gate that I was supposed to pass through. When he saw me, he stepped forward from the gate and took his stand opposite of me. I bowed my head and turned to the right. As I stood to take this picture, I was watching the bull to see what he would do, and relieved to see him turn back to the gate and lead his clan down the field. I decided to walk on the other side of the fence to keep a safe distance and take my chances getting over the barbed wire at the other end if the field. Fortunately there was a stable wooden structure where the fences from the two fields came together, so that could get over the fence without much trouble.
Photo 5: I much prefer seeing sheep in the open fields!
09.
Aug
Brighton
Video: "Sunday service at the Anglican Church"
Photo 1: I went with Don and Ann to their home church, The St. Andrew's Church in Ferring. It can date its beginning back to the year 765. I am just amazed at these chuch buildings and the congregations that have stood the test of time through one generation after the other other. Today the congregation faces new challenges in these changing times. God has entrusted the task of moving forward to a young woman priest who has a passion to reach the community. During the service I sensed the Lord whispering words of encouragement for me to share with her after the service. The appropiate time came, and together with Don and Ann I spoke out these words and prayed for the priest. Tears came. It was a God moment. Both the Irvine's and myself had tried months before to connect with a church for a possible point of ministry for this Sunday, but no door opened. It was obvious that God wanted this dear servant of his to be encouraged.
Photos 2-5: Other impressions from the past week that did not make it to the storyline and top five photos of the day...
Photo 1: I went with Don and Ann to their home church, The St. Andrew's Church in Ferring. It can date its beginning back to the year 765. I am just amazed at these chuch buildings and the congregations that have stood the test of time through one generation after the other other. Today the congregation faces new challenges in these changing times. God has entrusted the task of moving forward to a young woman priest who has a passion to reach the community. During the service I sensed the Lord whispering words of encouragement for me to share with her after the service. The appropiate time came, and together with Don and Ann I spoke out these words and prayed for the priest. Tears came. It was a God moment. Both the Irvine's and myself had tried months before to connect with a church for a possible point of ministry for this Sunday, but no door opened. It was obvious that God wanted this dear servant of his to be encouraged.
Photos 2-5: Other impressions from the past week that did not make it to the storyline and top five photos of the day...
08.
Aug
Littlehampton - Brighton
Video: "Seagulls taking flight"
Photo 1: "Early start..."
I got an early start this morning. I felt surprisingly good after the long record walk yesterday. A lot of that had to do with the good meal I had yesterday evening, the comfortable bed at night, and the loving kindness of my hosts for the weekend, Don and Ann Irvine... (see photo 5). Since I would be staying at the same place until Monday morning, I was able to leave most of my gear there today and just took the essentials and my lunch with me. What a relief! I almost forgot what it felt like to walk normal again without so much weight!
Photo 2: "Boat on the Beach"
Even though my backpack was very much deflated, I still was asked about it on two different occasions which led to God-talks. Both times I was asked whether I was coming from far. The notion of an old man walking from Scotland to Germany does cause curiousity and raises many questions. The answers will eventually land with Jesus. Particularly the second talk was more than that. It was a God-appointment. Steve and Laura were looking for the real thing, not just some religios concept, but a faith foundation that carries, a God connection that gives life and purpose, and a Good Shepherd who will be one's Personal Trainer who is always there and is always faithful. They were asking what that first step would be. My answer: Say yes to Jesus, get to know him and follow his lead. Pray that they will take that step.
Photo 3: "Bigger Cliffs"
Willy felt real small next to these cliffs. The whiteness was amolst blinding in the sun... glad I had sunglasses.
Photo 4: "Looking back to Brighton Beach"
I decided to take advantage of walking without the backpack and did an extra 6 kilometers to the next beach, before taking the bus and train back to the Irvine's. That would ease up Monday's stage. Somehow, though, in the shuffel from bus to train I lost my sunglasses. Rats!
Photo 5: It was a great blessing for me to stay three days in a row with Don and Ann and their dog Bonnie. There home was a place of rest and refuge towards the end of my journey through the UK and Ireland. They are both active retired ordained ministers with the Anglican Church.
Photo 1: "Early start..."
I got an early start this morning. I felt surprisingly good after the long record walk yesterday. A lot of that had to do with the good meal I had yesterday evening, the comfortable bed at night, and the loving kindness of my hosts for the weekend, Don and Ann Irvine... (see photo 5). Since I would be staying at the same place until Monday morning, I was able to leave most of my gear there today and just took the essentials and my lunch with me. What a relief! I almost forgot what it felt like to walk normal again without so much weight!
Photo 2: "Boat on the Beach"
Even though my backpack was very much deflated, I still was asked about it on two different occasions which led to God-talks. Both times I was asked whether I was coming from far. The notion of an old man walking from Scotland to Germany does cause curiousity and raises many questions. The answers will eventually land with Jesus. Particularly the second talk was more than that. It was a God-appointment. Steve and Laura were looking for the real thing, not just some religios concept, but a faith foundation that carries, a God connection that gives life and purpose, and a Good Shepherd who will be one's Personal Trainer who is always there and is always faithful. They were asking what that first step would be. My answer: Say yes to Jesus, get to know him and follow his lead. Pray that they will take that step.
Photo 3: "Bigger Cliffs"
Willy felt real small next to these cliffs. The whiteness was amolst blinding in the sun... glad I had sunglasses.
Photo 4: "Looking back to Brighton Beach"
I decided to take advantage of walking without the backpack and did an extra 6 kilometers to the next beach, before taking the bus and train back to the Irvine's. That would ease up Monday's stage. Somehow, though, in the shuffel from bus to train I lost my sunglasses. Rats!
Photo 5: It was a great blessing for me to stay three days in a row with Don and Ann and their dog Bonnie. There home was a place of rest and refuge towards the end of my journey through the UK and Ireland. They are both active retired ordained ministers with the Anglican Church.
07.
Aug
Havant - Littlehampton
Photo 1: "England Coast Path"
For the rest of my walk through southern England I will mostly be following the "England Coast Path"
Photo 2: Since Monday I have been nursing a shin splint in my right leg, massaging it during breaks and before and at the end of a stage. I was very concerned about the hikes yesterday, today and tomorrow, all together totaling 128 kilometers. Today would be the longest hike that I have ever done, just a few meters short of 49 km.
Photo 3: I passed through Chichester and walked right by the impressive Cathedral that was there. In the center of the grounds was this statue of Saint Richard of Chichester. I will be honest to admit that I had never heard of Sain Richard (1197–1253), a famous English bishop known for his deep piety, care for the poor, and defense of church integrity.
Photo 4: "Willy back on the beach"
From Chichester I had to walk over two hours on a very busy main road before I reached the coast once again. Willy was so happy to be back on the beach. Walking on the rocks, though, was not always easy.
Photo 5: "Baby Cliffs" - They will get bigger...
I was so exhausted when I reached my destination, but I made it, with God's help. Towards the end of the stage I did have a short God-talk with a man named Mat who was a skateboard rider propelling himself forward without kicking with his foot off the ground. When he passed me the second time, I commented on his expertise. That's how the conversation started. May the Holy Spirit continue that conversation.
For the rest of my walk through southern England I will mostly be following the "England Coast Path"
Photo 2: Since Monday I have been nursing a shin splint in my right leg, massaging it during breaks and before and at the end of a stage. I was very concerned about the hikes yesterday, today and tomorrow, all together totaling 128 kilometers. Today would be the longest hike that I have ever done, just a few meters short of 49 km.
Photo 3: I passed through Chichester and walked right by the impressive Cathedral that was there. In the center of the grounds was this statue of Saint Richard of Chichester. I will be honest to admit that I had never heard of Sain Richard (1197–1253), a famous English bishop known for his deep piety, care for the poor, and defense of church integrity.
Photo 4: "Willy back on the beach"
From Chichester I had to walk over two hours on a very busy main road before I reached the coast once again. Willy was so happy to be back on the beach. Walking on the rocks, though, was not always easy.
Photo 5: "Baby Cliffs" - They will get bigger...
I was so exhausted when I reached my destination, but I made it, with God's help. Towards the end of the stage I did have a short God-talk with a man named Mat who was a skateboard rider propelling himself forward without kicking with his foot off the ground. When he passed me the second time, I commented on his expertise. That's how the conversation started. May the Holy Spirit continue that conversation.
06.
Aug
Eastleigh - Havant
Photo 1: "No Bull..."
This is not exactly the sign you want to see just before you go over a fence to cross a field. Yes, this was the public walking path... but there was no bull. He was in the next field after that, and fortunately eating grass peacefully with his cows and calfs.
Photo 2: I am not sure what this was, but I walked by it, perhaps the ruins of an old church. Many such strutures dot the countryside.
Photo 3: A typical by-way between two fields. It is thought that these walkways developed for peasants to make their ways to the fields. In Luke 14:23 Jesus speaks in a parable about servants being sent to the highways and hedges to find people to come to the wedding feast. The highways are the highlands and the hedges the by-ways. I have found many people on such paths to invite to the Father’s House, people who do not walk near the church, but wanting to know the way to the Father’s House.
Photo 4: "Lunch Break"
I try to get about half of a day's hike done before I take a lunch break. (Sometimes I have lunch later than I would like.) It is a moment to take the the backpack and shoes off. Usually after eating and drinking, my carrying load will be at least 1 kilo less.
Photo 5: "Hot and dry days in England"
On such days it is always nice to find shade on the path. I am now walking through an area of England that was once called Wessex. In the early 700's a Benedictine monk by the name of Winfrid left permantly the shores of Wessex to travel to the continent of Europe and bring the message of hope, life and saving grace through Jesus Christ to the pagan Germanic tribes. In bold faith, Winfrid felled the Donar's Oak at Geismar to demonstrate the powerlessness of pagan gods, and used its wood to build a chapel. Winfrid met his martyrdom on June 5, 754 AD, in Dokkum (modern-day Netherlands) and was eventually entombed at his favored Abbey of Fulda. Some years before that, Pope Gregory II had changed his name to Boniface, the Apostel to the Germans. Now I walk and pray, an English speaker from Germany, where Boniface had once lived, walked and prayed. May that passion for people to find the God connection and that bold faith that Boniface lived in, be ignited in the churches and hearts of the followers of Jesus in England once again. This is my prayer as I walk through the coastal region of southern England.
This is not exactly the sign you want to see just before you go over a fence to cross a field. Yes, this was the public walking path... but there was no bull. He was in the next field after that, and fortunately eating grass peacefully with his cows and calfs.
Photo 2: I am not sure what this was, but I walked by it, perhaps the ruins of an old church. Many such strutures dot the countryside.
Photo 3: A typical by-way between two fields. It is thought that these walkways developed for peasants to make their ways to the fields. In Luke 14:23 Jesus speaks in a parable about servants being sent to the highways and hedges to find people to come to the wedding feast. The highways are the highlands and the hedges the by-ways. I have found many people on such paths to invite to the Father’s House, people who do not walk near the church, but wanting to know the way to the Father’s House.
Photo 4: "Lunch Break"
I try to get about half of a day's hike done before I take a lunch break. (Sometimes I have lunch later than I would like.) It is a moment to take the the backpack and shoes off. Usually after eating and drinking, my carrying load will be at least 1 kilo less.
Photo 5: "Hot and dry days in England"
On such days it is always nice to find shade on the path. I am now walking through an area of England that was once called Wessex. In the early 700's a Benedictine monk by the name of Winfrid left permantly the shores of Wessex to travel to the continent of Europe and bring the message of hope, life and saving grace through Jesus Christ to the pagan Germanic tribes. In bold faith, Winfrid felled the Donar's Oak at Geismar to demonstrate the powerlessness of pagan gods, and used its wood to build a chapel. Winfrid met his martyrdom on June 5, 754 AD, in Dokkum (modern-day Netherlands) and was eventually entombed at his favored Abbey of Fulda. Some years before that, Pope Gregory II had changed his name to Boniface, the Apostel to the Germans. Now I walk and pray, an English speaker from Germany, where Boniface had once lived, walked and prayed. May that passion for people to find the God connection and that bold faith that Boniface lived in, be ignited in the churches and hearts of the followers of Jesus in England once again. This is my prayer as I walk through the coastal region of southern England.
05.
Aug
Stockbridge - Eastleigh
Video: "Milestone 51 Days - Halfway Point"
Photo 1: "Dehairing the nose and ears"
I could not believe it. It actually rained a bit in the early morning. My tent was still damp when I got up. I got it dried and the plastic groundsheet was drying nicely while I ate my breakfast. I was just about to pack everything away when a cloudburst came... hard rain for ten minutes. I covered all my things with the groundsheet to keep it dry, then started all over again to get the groundsheet mostly dry before packing it. This set me back in my time schedule. I arrived in Stockbridge right when the barber shop opened. I had been thinking about getting a hair cut, and decided to go in, since there were no other customers there and I would not have to wait. The barber was a young man named Palo from Kurdistan - Region Iraq. His English was not the best, so when he asked me if I wanted to have my nose and ears cleanen, I said yes, thinking like always that the hair on my ears and by my nose would be cut away. Before I knew it, this warm brown stuff, wax, was put in my nose with ear cleares, and in and on my ears with strings. After a short moment the wax became hard. Pola pulled out the wax from my nose with the ear cleanen and rippen the wax off my ears with the strings. All nose and ear hairs were instantly gone. I never had that done before!
Photo 2: "Palo the barber"
As best as I could, I shared with Palo about Isa (Jesus) and encouraged him to get to know what Isa said in the Injil (Gospel). I told him that I was a Christian Imam (spiritual leader) and offered to pray for him which he accepted. I prayed God's blessings to be with him, his family and business, for healing in his home country, and that he would know the peace that Isa has come to give him, to connect his heart with God's. Palo then gave me a bottle of cold water which I drank right away... and did not charge me for cleaning the nose and ears!
Photo 3+4: Some real nice foot paths today, and a lot was in the shade.
Photo 5: "Old church and graveyard"
Mistakes happen. This one almost put me on the street for the night. I reserved a room at a cheap townhouse, but did so for the night before and not today. Fortunately the owner was willing to allow me to stay, even though it meant changing rooms for another guest. I met a very nice couple, Charlie and Carla, at the house. They had been camping and wanted to make a Sunday roast this evening to have a nice cooked meal. It was also the anniversary of the death of Carla's father. They said that my story inspired them and they wanted me to be their guest for dinner. I gladly accepted and said that I was celebrating the halfway milestone in my journey and that I only had canned vegetable soup with canned tuna the night before. I shared with them more from my life and pilgrim paths. Charlie said at first that he was an athiest. Both had had pain and loss in life. When I prayed for them, though, tears came to their eyes. I think they expierenced the presence of Jesus, maybe for the first time. It was a God-appointment.
Photo 1: "Dehairing the nose and ears"
I could not believe it. It actually rained a bit in the early morning. My tent was still damp when I got up. I got it dried and the plastic groundsheet was drying nicely while I ate my breakfast. I was just about to pack everything away when a cloudburst came... hard rain for ten minutes. I covered all my things with the groundsheet to keep it dry, then started all over again to get the groundsheet mostly dry before packing it. This set me back in my time schedule. I arrived in Stockbridge right when the barber shop opened. I had been thinking about getting a hair cut, and decided to go in, since there were no other customers there and I would not have to wait. The barber was a young man named Palo from Kurdistan - Region Iraq. His English was not the best, so when he asked me if I wanted to have my nose and ears cleanen, I said yes, thinking like always that the hair on my ears and by my nose would be cut away. Before I knew it, this warm brown stuff, wax, was put in my nose with ear cleares, and in and on my ears with strings. After a short moment the wax became hard. Pola pulled out the wax from my nose with the ear cleanen and rippen the wax off my ears with the strings. All nose and ear hairs were instantly gone. I never had that done before!
Photo 2: "Palo the barber"
As best as I could, I shared with Palo about Isa (Jesus) and encouraged him to get to know what Isa said in the Injil (Gospel). I told him that I was a Christian Imam (spiritual leader) and offered to pray for him which he accepted. I prayed God's blessings to be with him, his family and business, for healing in his home country, and that he would know the peace that Isa has come to give him, to connect his heart with God's. Palo then gave me a bottle of cold water which I drank right away... and did not charge me for cleaning the nose and ears!
Photo 3+4: Some real nice foot paths today, and a lot was in the shade.
Photo 5: "Old church and graveyard"
Mistakes happen. This one almost put me on the street for the night. I reserved a room at a cheap townhouse, but did so for the night before and not today. Fortunately the owner was willing to allow me to stay, even though it meant changing rooms for another guest. I met a very nice couple, Charlie and Carla, at the house. They had been camping and wanted to make a Sunday roast this evening to have a nice cooked meal. It was also the anniversary of the death of Carla's father. They said that my story inspired them and they wanted me to be their guest for dinner. I gladly accepted and said that I was celebrating the halfway milestone in my journey and that I only had canned vegetable soup with canned tuna the night before. I shared with them more from my life and pilgrim paths. Charlie said at first that he was an athiest. Both had had pain and loss in life. When I prayed for them, though, tears came to their eyes. I think they expierenced the presence of Jesus, maybe for the first time. It was a God-appointment.