Day 19 Yomping into Paglesham

Okay, suffice it to say we both got very wet and cold on Wednesday! Here is a photo of me at the end of the storm, but bless God, look at the rainbow! Such a reminder of his faithful character! There is a better picture of it later on. That section was quite hard as the wind nearly blew us off our feet and the rain drops were like a million midges biting into our skin.

It didn’t help that I’d left my waterproof in the car so had little between me and the elements…but it's taught me not to do that again!

That section was also hard because there was a real sense of conflict at the confluence, where the two rivers joined (left) – we saw there had been a conflict on the land either between birds or animals as there were feathers and fluff all over the place. We prayed for peace and reconciliation at the confluence.

Walking on, however, we saw a flock of wild geese, an encouraging sign of the Holy Spirit's presence, who we’d been praying would be released over the county since the evening in Southend in July. (Sorry it's not a very good photo but they were about 1/4 of a mile away across the creek and my camera is not made for long distance!)

After the rain, we yomped on down Paglesham Creek, diverting to take the shorter route towards Paglesham Churchend (rather than going on round towards Lion's Wharf Creek) where we found ourselves in the prettiest little street you can imagine. Classic Essex whiteboard houses and Paglesham Church at the end, into which we popped to give and pray blessing for the vicar and his flock – some pictures are below.

Gerry and Margaret then arrived in a warmed-up car, bless ‘em and we soaked Gerry’s car seats all the way back to Romford where we picked up hot fish and chips to thaw us out of our frozen state!

Anyone reading this (or having done driving for walkers) will recognise what a blessing Gerry (right) has been to us with all the driving she has done. So, thanks Gerry! We love you too...

It isn't possible to walk in the way we have - around wild peninsulars with few roads - without a fully supportive servant-hearted driver and I'd just like to mention (low key) how much it has meant to us to have her serve us. That said, we're hoping to have her back to do a lot more walking herself from now on...

These are our projected walking dates for our next week:

Monday 18th August - Montsale to Tillingham & Bradwell Marsh
Tuesday 19th August - Bradwell Marsh to Bradwell Waterside
Wednesday 20th August - Bradwell Waterside to Ramsey Island
Thursday 21st August - Day of Rest (Heavy rain forecast all day)
Friday 22nd August - St Peter's & Maldon

We hope to reach St Peter’s church, the apostolic seat for Essex on Tuesday where we’ll pray, but will keep walking until Wednesday evening. On Friday, we’ll return to St Peter’s for a visit and then pick up where we left off on Wednesday and try and get as close to Maldon as we can.