To be a pilgrim It was composed as part of a 30-day virtual pilgrimage last May from Warblington's church of St Thomas Becket to Canterbury cathedral, part of the newly-discovered 'Old Way', where each day's stage was detailed and mapped online with an accompanying contribution from participants. It was arranged by Christians Together in Emsworth. To be a Pilgrim - Camino word pictures 2002/2003 Apprehension, anticipation The enemy is weight Adjust the rhythm of your gait to the day-after dayness Sharing others' stories, unisex dormitories (Women snore – who knew?) Early morning starts Sunrise on cobwebby dew French limestone plateau, hidden valley, Conques below Ethereal organ in hushed evening abbey What to eat where to sleep not to worry Cares drop away, there's no hurry to what lies ahead All will be revealed in time Another night another hostel Church next door, priest washes feet A nightly service as the pilgrims meet 'Bonne route', 'Buen camino, peregrino' Why do it? Seeking, thanksgiving, retirement, bereavement, adventure, escape Solitary walking, sharing, talking Bread and cheese in a forest glade Bare essentials, time to think Quiet churches form a link across the many miles to Compostela Bread and wine at day's end Now not strangers but friends, share, care, encourage, console Brother, sister, feet that blister in the ups and downs Of hard Asturian hills Waking to Ave Maria crescendo Refugio, donativo, ultreia – onwards – to Santiago Multicoloured ponchos snail-like up wet Galician slope Tourists complain, pilgrims praise – and hope To hug the saint at journey's end! Manage Cookie Preferences