12. Aug 2025

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...