08. Aug 2025

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.