Days 7 & 8, (9 & 10)

Day 7 We had a pleasant walk from Shannon to the Arthurs Lake Pump-house campsite, passing little old farm-cottages. A very skinny fellow road traveller got into ths picture Arno's left knee got sorer, especially over the 750 m downhill to the lake, where we had lunch and got some water. An old bloke, Mike, gave us some of his specially sourced water (which he said was better than the untreated water from Arthurs Lake taps). We had our hour of quiet for our second hour of walking today, then launched into hearing and retelling our seventh string of stories from Mark, looking at Yeshua's concept of clean and unclean, and finishing with his pantomine to a deaf/mute man, and his enabling this man to hear and speak plainly. We moved on slowly, had tea at a lovely little campsite, on a bed of moss, but needed to get some more water, mike came to our aid again and gave us his 3 litre juice container. Dave and i travelled the extra 6-8km & made it back to our campsite with very sore feet. Day 8 the next morning we got up bright and early, 6:30am, but still couldn't be on the road before 8. Took it easy, it was overcast and cool all day lovely for walking. We had our hour of solitude first thing, then later listened to and retold Mark 8. It started drizzling mid morning and kept on till mid afternoon. Had lunch beside Ted &Ed's place: Were finally picked up by Wendy from Poatina, at the top of the plateau before the road descended through clouds to Poatina, where she drove us round for a quick overview of this quaint little town. Booked in to the backpackers' hostel, here is a view from the dining room balcony; Then we bought supplies for the next few days and then hot showers, before tea and joing in on a Faith & the Arts evening one artist's story and one artist's work, with supper. Day 9 We woke, I joined in with a Fusion Village prayer on the hill before the welcome sign @7-8am. Beautiful, and open to the creator. We talked before breaky and decided to stay here for another night, (Arno's knee was still sore, Paul's ankles were swollen) and if possible accept an offer for tea in the park Sat night and see the showcase from the Faith & the Arts camp after tea at the challet. Another very special rest day. & we joined in on a Fusion community morning tea and prayertime and focus-time on Jesus' step-dad, Joseph. ...so, the walk was finished for this stint, at Mount Blackwood. That is where I hope to take it up again from. Today as part of our retreat, we listened to and retold Mark 9 in the hostel lounge. Very special. Our last day of pilgrimage is; Day 10 We all joined in the morning prayer-time, then back to bed till ten. We hope to share it over meals and with Mark 10, before Hannah arrives to join us for tea in the park and to see what we can of the showcase concert. Looking forward to it.