Alf speaks after completing the pilgrimage

 

 

 

As most of you are aware I finished my pilgrimage on Saturday 28th at Maenan Abbey. I will now write-up my notes and put them on the web for those who would like to see it.

 

The last few days have been especially good despite the rain and a couple of soakings. On the last day I was joined by my brother, Della Fazey, Paul Ellis from Moelyci and Della's friend Sue. We managed to get a bit off course coming over from Dolwyddelan but it was a new experience (the area, not getting lost) The walk over Gwydir Forest was pretty steep and hard going.

It was also good to call in at Llanrwst to the church where I was baptised (the font looks quite small). The welcome was much appreciated by those who came to see me home.

My thanks to Stephen Wigley for the devotions at the end and all who have supported and prayed for me during the month. I would especially like to thank Keith who has handled the technical end with the blog site and pictures and of course Mary who has waited patiently everyday to pick me up. Personally I think that has been the hardest part of the pilgrimage.

Can I also thank those people who have given so generously to Action for Children during this special year. I will get the final figure out and let everyone know the result.

Once again a big thank you to everyone for their support.

Shalom

Alf

Alf returns to Maenan Abbey

After having posted all Alf's messages during the last month, it was a pleasure to be at Maenan Abbey to welcome him back at journey's end.   A few minutes after he arrived we gathered for a short service to recognise the pilgrimage.   Below is the service in  which we took part:

Order for the Blessing of a Pilgrim after their Return 

May God, our hope and our strength, fill you with peace and with joy in the Holy Spirit.   Glory to God, now and for ever.   Amen 

Your pilgrimage has been a privileged period of grace given by God.   May you be moved with a new resolve to be renewed in heart and mind. 

The sanctuaries that you have visited are a sign of that house not built with hands, namely, the Body of Christ, in which we are the living stones built upon Christ, the cornerstone.   As you return home, may you live as a member of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people God claims for his own, so that you may everywhere proclaim the goodness of him who called us from darkness into his marvellous light.   Amen 

Intercessions 

Heavenly Father, you set your church in this world as a sanctuary from which the true light would shine for all to see; grant that we may all walk in your ways.

You have told us that here we have no lasting city; grant that we may always seek the city that is to come.

You teach all the faithful to perceive the signs of your presence along all the pathways of life; grant that like the disciples of Emmaus we may come to recognise Christ as the companion of our journey and know him in the breaking of the bread. 

Prayer of blessing

Blessed are you, O God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.   From all races of the earth you have chosen a people dedicated to you, eager to do what is right.   Your grace has moved our hearts, to love you more deeply and to serve you more generously.   We ask you to bless us, so that they may tell of your wonderful deeds and give proof of them in their lives.   We ask this through Christ our Lord.   Amen 

Concluding Rite

May God, the Lord of heaven and earth, who so graciously has accompanied you on this pilgrimage, continue to keep you under his protection.   Amen

May God, who gathered all his scattered children in Christ Jesus, grant that we will be of one heart and one mind in Christ.   Amen

May God, whose goodness inspires in us all that we desire and achieve, strengthen our devotion by his blessing.   Amen

Only one more lap!

Alf's message:

Walked from Trawsfynedd to Dolwyddelan. Had company from John Fazey. It was good to have someone with 'local knowledge'. Church Warden at St. Gwyddalen had kept the church open which was really nice - persuasive powers of Della. Weather was very good but the route was very wet and boggy. Fascinating vista, Roman fort, amphitheatre as well as Celtic grave stones and slate mines.

Feet good but knee in need of rest and TLC. Final stage tomorrow to Maenan Abbey should arrive at about 13.00hrs. Wales on Sunday Photographer is going to be there for the finish.

Shalom

Well done, Alf.   John Fazey was a little worried as he waited to meet you.   Della rang me at 8.30am to check where you were due to start!   Big finish tomorrow!!

The way to Trawsfynedd

Alf's message:

I was joined by Martin Evans-Jones (Synod Cymru) and Sister Eluned. Called at Cymmer Abbey before heading for Trawsfynedd, Heavy rain and high winds so we all got soaked. Despite the weather pretty stunning countryside. Glad to see Mary at the end of the journey, a hot shower and a lovely meal. and as Samuel Peppys use to say.... and so to bed.

God bless

That Caterpillar Again

These are Alf's promised photos from Wednesday:

Thanks for the photos, Alf.   That caterpillar has done some amazing mileage.   Don't let it beat you to Maenan!

The Climb to Dolgellau

Alf's message:

Sorry I could not send in a report last night, the library closed at 13.00hrs and Sister Eluned didn't arrive until late.

Anyhow Eluned, and Martin Evans-Jones (former chair of Synod Cymru) are joining me on the walk to Cymmer Abbey and the next stage.

Yesterday was a long hard pull up through Corris and over the mountains to Dolgellau. Heard a woodpecker as well as a Cuckoo

Weather was really great and the wind was behind me. That Caterpillar and his friends are still trying to catch me up, I will post some photos later today when I get back.

Shalom

By now, Alf, your body is able to give you that bit more and so you will beat the caterpillars easily!

On the Glyndwr Way

Alf's message:

What a change on the way back from my walk yesterday, the sun came out and blue sky everywhere.

This morning started off very nice at Ponterwyd but got quite threatening. By the time I got onto the Glyndwr Way the sun was out again and I had to take off some tops.

Plenty of Red Kites about yesterday and today.

Feet holding out and I have Dog Oil for my knee which is fantastic.

Off to Dolgellau tomorrow.

High winds and rain

Alf's message:

Still no boats for Caldey, weather pretty bad. Walked from Strata Florida to Duffryn Castell today. Poured with rain made worse by high winds. When I arrived and met Mary we had intended having a meal but the hotel is closed for refurbishment so went back to Devil's Bridge.

Long day tomorrow especially if the weather is bad again.

Bad luck about boats to Caldey, Alf.   I thought about you this morning as the wind was hurling rain against the windows.   After lunch the weather cleared up - typical!   Good luck for tomorrow's long walk.

Changes to Alf's itinerary

Alf's message:

Included photos from Llanllyr and today at Llanddewi Brefi and Strata Florida.

Weather last night was horrendous but no problem this morning., cool but fine. Feet holding out.

Lady from Cadw at Strata Florida was expecting me as she had seen the report in the Wales on Sunday newspaper.

Revised Itinary:

Monday 23rd May - Strata Florida - Duffryn Castell

 Tuesday 24th May - Duffryn Castell - Machynllech

 Wednesday 25th May - Machynllech - Dolgellau

 Thursday 26th May - Dolgellau - Cymmer Abbey - Cymmer Abbey - Trawsfynydd

 Friday 27th May - Trawsfynydd - Dolwyddellan

 

Saturday 28th May - Dolwyddellan - Maenan Abbey

David Easton and Martin Evans-Jones are likely to join me during the week If anyone else wants to join me give me a call on my mobile.  

Shalom

Alf, you are making excellent progress.   This is no mean feat (or maybe feet!).   Keep it up, sir!

All change

Alf's message:

Left Henllan early this morning, weather cold to start but great during the day.   Did not rain until we were driving back to Carmarthen.   Called in at Llanllyr and was shown around by the owner of the farm, Mr. Gee, very helpful and knowledgeable regarding the site.   Showed me an early Celtic cross as well as the site of the nunnery and fish ponds.   He has identified where several nuns are buried but no serious dig has taken place.

 

He produces 'Llanllyr Water' from a spring on the site..

I am taking tomorrow off and walking to Strata Florida on Sunday.

 

I am one day ahead of my schedule and intend splitting the last day so that I will have a shorter trip to finish.

New schedule tomorrow.   Having a problem loading the pictures, will try tomorrow.

 

 

Made it to Henllan

Alf's message:

Glorious start to the day,sun shining and gentle hills. Made it to Henllan near Drefach. Unfortunately left my phone and camera on charge in the house so will send some pics tomorrow, a little job for Mary.

Will be walking on to Llanllyr the Cistercian nunnery tomorrow., hoping for another nice day.

 

 

Still making good progress, Alf.   Keep it up.   It's been a good day back at the factory too!

Caldey voyage postponed

Whitland Abbey

Alf's message:

No pleasure boats at all operating from the harbour due to bad weather, earliest will be Thursday. I have decided to press on and come back to Caldey at a later stage.

Quite wet to start today but a much shorter walk, picked up in the afternoon. Whitland Abbey is on private land but a most helful owner who keeps the grounds well trimmed.was happy for me to visit and take photos.

Whitland to Drefach tomorrow and the weather report looks good.

Cheers

The expression, ruined abbey can really mean different things, can't it?   Looking at the background landscape here one can imagine a very quiet sanctuary.

Tuesday's report

Tenby - Caldey





Pendine



Saundersfoot



Carmarthen



Alf's message:

Early start from Llanddarog. Walked through to Tenby, fairly heavy going 30 miles, Leg and blister playing up not something I will try again especially with the coastal footpath going up and down. Seemed like more ups than downs but I wanted to gain an extra day to allow me to visit Caldey as this is the only active Cistercian monastery in Wales. However, no boats to Caldey due to the bad weather so I will try tomorrow. Weather today has been a bit miserable, neither one thing or the other, just a constant drizzle.

Interesting old chapel up for sale near Amroth. The plaque stated that it had been founded in 1862, the b(e)centenary of the heroes of conscience (bit I could not read). I will research this later.

Very kind gentleman showed me the route around the headland and into Tenby.

Neath to Llanddarog

Alf's message:

 

Good walk today after a rest day.

Travelled from Neath to Llanddarog, nothing much to photograph. Ammanford has changed a lot since I took my driving test there forty odd years ago.

Weather excellent, not too hot. Nursing a rather large blister but no pain.

Another early start tomorrow and hope to get past St, Clears tomorrow,

 To Alf from Stephen Roe
Well done Alf, it's great keeping up with you via the blog. Halfway timewise, all downhill from here, at least metaphorically!
Stephen

Maybe no photos but progress all the same!   Keep it up, Alf!

Photos tomorrow.

Shalom

Neath Abbey

Alf's message:

Great day met lots of people, Three workers in a pick up passed me several times and wanted me to swop my hat for a baseball cap, not in the same league.

Took some more pictures of Margam Abbey before pressing on to Neath. I have passed the abbey many times in the past but it was good to see it close up. No sign of their furnaces.

 

Nice long rest for today and tomorrow ready for some big miles next week. Weather was fresh but sunny.

God bless

You are going great guns, Alf.   You must tell me the story of the furnaces some time.   The hat is certainly creating a stir down south!   As you say, there are big miles before you next week!

Margam Abbey

Alf's message:

Heard my first cuckoo this year on Llwynpypia Mountain. Also saw two Dippers.

Had a chat with several people about the pilgrimage, one was a teacher who saw my Carmino shells and was very interested, she did it last year.

Problems going through the forestry. Having walked up the mountain I had to go back because the route was closed for road building and tree-felling. Not very happy with the extra mileage.

Lovely reception at Margam Abbey. They knew Dr. Maddy Grey who initiated the Cistercian Way very well. Wonderful exhibition of the Celtic crosses and stones.

Delightful ladies in the Church bookshop, also both gave donations for Action for Children.

Weather a bit wet. One blister which is not causing a problem.

Margam to Neath tomorrow, and then a day of rest.

Shalom

How lovely to get such a welcome at the abbey!   It all helps to spur you on when you are undertaking such a long journey.   Great to be able to do a spot of bird watching as you walk.   Pity about the weather but on the whole you have not done too badly.   Watch that blister, Alf.

Treorchy

Alf's message from Thursday 12th May:

Completed walk to Penrhys, hard going over the hills, plenty of ups and downs, especially at the end. My brother David joined me yesterday and today. The Sky engineer passed me again today and gave several loud hoots. Weather a bit wet but not too bad. Made a few wrong turns but many thanks to those kind folks who pointed me in the right direction. Had the best fish and chips yet at Treharris.

 

David gave me some great stuff for my knee, called 'freeze', certainly did the trick.

 

Start early for Margam tomorrow Charlie picking me up at 7.00p.m.

God bless

Eventually able to place the blog and pictures before our public!   Blogger was down for 24 hours.   Don't ask me why!   That Sky engineer has taken to you, Alf.   How to make friends and influence people!   Keep on walking in the light of God.

Early at Llantarnum

 

 

 

Alf's message:

 

Another early start that was worth the effort. Reached Llantarnum nice and early.

Sisters showed me around and gave me a history of the Abbey. She was one of the original sisters when the abbey opened in 1947.

Stopped on the way by a Sky installer, he had seen me yesterday and wanted to know what I was doing with a shell on my head.

Loads of ducks and ducklings on the tow path.

Heading for Penrhys tomorrow, weather fine.

God bless

 

Great progress, Alf.   You should have asked the Sky installer what he was doing sticking dishes on house roofs!

Tintern behind him

Alf's message:

Easier walk today from Monmouth to Tintern (10 miles) so walked on to Newchurch to cut down tomorrow's walk as knee is playing up a bit.

Met yet more people doing the Land's End to John a Groats Walk. Must be something in the water. Met a party of nuns and priests from Germany with a school party. Good chat.

Weather good, hot and sunny at times. Looks like heavy rain overnight.

Caerleon and Llantarnam Abbey Tomorrow.

 

 

The 10 miles to Tintern must have been like a "walk in the park" after the distances completed so far.   Well done and congratulations on the photos.   Tintern Abbey is a wonderful sight.   Once had a fantastic ploughman's lunch at the local pub there!

The Longest Leg - so far

Alf's message:

Longest walk yet from Hay on Wye to Monmouth. Met a couple doing the Land's End to John a Groat's walk. Vic and Ann. They were camping and taking everthing with them. Also met a young Methodist From my old circuit in Barry doing the Offa's Dyke Walk. Thunderstorms and hail, What happened to the gentle rains?

Tomorrow off to Tintern.

Never trust the weather forecast, Alf.    How do you manage to keep bumping into Methodists?   Now when you get to Tintern send some lovely photos.   It is in the most beautiful setting.   Wordsworth loved the area.

Message from Margaret and Rob Moon:  Well done on your progress so far.   Great to follow your pilgrimage!