This is God's House Tower, the official end of the St James' Way pilgrimage:
But before I set off on the road my host took me to view Eastleigh Methodist Church. And although the building has some structural roof problems, it is modern and light, and I found it quite homely!
After that my host took me to the parking where I finished yesterday. A great thanks to both my hosts and their dog for the welcome, food and lodging. This bit of the journey I have found a real welcome everywhere, and I am grateful for it but also so thankful to all!
As three churches belong to the Winchester, Eastleigh and Romsey Methodist Circuit, there was a real continuity and I have found it interesting to see how the circuit is supporting each other. As a URC minister I found this a real strength!
The journey this time was maybe not as beautiful, as it passes a sewage plant, industrial sites, Southampton International Airport and alongside thr M27 before entering Southampton. At the same time the river Itchen flows through quite a few designated nature reserves, so nature and human activity live together and influence each other.
But because it is not as beautiful also meant that the paths were a bit more difficult and more overgrown. I got quite skilled redirecting bramble branches with my walking pole!
But that is also what pilgrimage is about: the journey continues even if it is not as beautiful or easy - just as life.
But still God travels with us, whatever the circumstances.
I took a little detour to see Southampton Airport, as otherwise I would have only heard it!
I spent a lovely time resting at Mans Bridge where the river is not yet tidal but quite wide and slow. An Indian family was happy together swimming / standing in the water amongst other river users. I didn't want to take a picture though, but took this one instead:
After that the walk continued along the river through the park into the Southampton outskirts, where as the Itchen is now tidal it turned much wider.
Then through some industrial and housing estates the journey ended in the city centre. It has quite some similarities with Canterbury, but larger. There are city walls and remains of towers. Old and new developments next to each other.
The last is a picture of God's House Tower, the official end.
But after getting a pilgrimage stsmo there and something to eat I walked via the Quay and a new shopping centre (where I had a pizza) to the coach station.
I arrived at 11pm back at Canterbury!
I write this on the Sunday after. The blog will now pause until 7 September, when I start the Southampton to Canterbury journey!
See you then!
