Day 1 Winchester to Alresford

So, first apologies for the delay in posting both wifi and cell coverage sucks in the central UK. Second, before I step off on the trek, I wanted to show off my new Osprey Talon 22 pack. I had a ‘22 but it was a S/M (I got it on sale) and the frame was really too small for me. The one above is a L/XL and fits much better and thus is much more comfortable to wear.

So, we started the morning with a Eucharistic service in the Holy Sepulcher chapel built in 1190. Other than a single parishioner, we were the only attendees to the service and at the end receiving the blessing of the Cathedral Canon Andrew.

Believe it or not I have dropped 25lbs during training and still look like I swallowed a basketball, very frustrating.

Andy was very nice and had actually spent time in Knoxville a few years back.

As we moved out of Winchester we walked past a small stream with a wild swan.

The morning was atypically warm for this part of England but gray as one often finds in England. The south of England versus the north is much flatter with gentle rolling hills.

There was a misting rain but often times we were sheltered by foliage tunnels like the one above.

As with most of the treks that I’ve been on collecting passport stamps is part of the process. The Pilgrim’s Way is unique in that some churches offer passport stamps but others do not. This has to do with the rift between the Anglican Church and the Roman Catholic Church roughly 1,000 years ago. So, there are several different levels of separation between the two sects. Way too complicated to get into here, but the churches offering stamps typically lean more towards Catholicism.

One of the bad things about hiking in shorts in the UK are stinging nettles. Just brushing these leaves creates a burning sensation on the skin that is quite uncomfortable. Interestingly enough, according to locals, the antidote for the nettles are the plant located in the upper left portion of the frame. The broadleaf is used like aloe as I understand it.

The pathways are generally wider and in better shape than Hadrian’s as the Pilgrim’s Way national path has been in existence much longer than Hadrian’s.

As we moved along we found trail markers to be sporadic. In the above is a stile which hikers pass through as they move into and out of pastures while keeping livestock in.

As we moved along the trail we looked down upon the Itchen River.

As we emerged from the path we came upon another small church (congregation 40) and gathered another stamp prior to stopping at the local pub for a break.

From the pub we crossed into a plains area.

As we entered Alresford, we learned of the Watercress rail line. An steam train excursion line that runs from Alresford to Alton.

The day finished with a stroll through a park like setting to the hotel. Tomorrow on the Alton.