01. Jul 2025

Irvine - Culzean Castle

Photo 1: "Greenan Castle on the Ayrshire Coastal Path"

Photo 2: "Willy's first peek at the ocean"

Photo 3: "Catholic Priest Patrick"
There were not many people on the coastal path and those that were, were mostly dog walkers. So I was really curious when I actually saw this man coming my way carrying a backpack. He is a Catholic Priest named Patrick. He was on the last stage of a pilgrimage called The Whithorn Way. It is a 155 mile walking and cycling route, which follows much of the westerly pilgrimage route to Whithorn, travelled by pilgrims for well over 1300 years. Patrick saw my Way of St. James Logo on my hat and showed me the one he had on his felt jacket. We understood each other and prayed for each other.

Photo 4: "The Coastal Path"
A little before this point I saw four young guys attemping to light a fire. They asked me if I might be able to help. I saw some hamburgers that they were wanting to grill. It was starting to rain and the wood was getting damp. I saw that their biild up for a fire was completely wrong and rearranged the wood and igniters. My years with the Royal Rangers was helping me here. We got the fire started. I then shared a few words and prayed that God would light his fire in their hearts, to burn everything away that should not be there, and burn everything in, that should.

Photo 5: The next 2.5 hours I would see practically no one and walk in the rain. For the first time this trip I needed to put my tent up in the rain. Fortunately I was at a campground and could get things dry in the laundry room. It rained all night with a strong wind. I slept well though... was exhausted after the 45 kilometer walk.