Salisbury and Old Sarum

Our second day here dawned sunny and clear, though quite chilly. We arrived at Salisbury Cathedral with a few minutes to walk through before it was closed for the centenary celebrations of the local cathedral school. We spent time in the magnificent Chapter House where one of four remaining copies of Magna Carta is now housed. Inspiring to see it and reflect on the value of a document drafted jointly between church and local leaders to form a values base for government.
Wandered the cloister, sat in the gardens, visited the museum with a display on the influence of Constable on future art works of the Cathedral. Good to enjoy a slow pace and to do so together.
Our picnic lunch was taken at Old Sarum, stone walls just mounds now and the outer ring a common dog walking area. Seeing such a variety of odd dogs made me appreciate Madeleine's Floyd rather more.
We have appreciated these couple of days to acclimatise in the northern hemisphere and now we are ready to head to Portugal tomorrow to meet Pete and Lynne and begin our next camino.

Winchester Cathedral

It was wonderful to spiritually begin our pilgrimage at Winchester Cathedral sharing in Choral Evensong.  We both lit candles to mark the beginning.  Quite amazing to think that with maybe only a handful of execptions (if any) people have gathered to pray, read and reflect every day in this place for at least 1500 years and maybe longer.  The Anglo-saxon Bishop Swithin was here in the 9th century and when he died his relics were fairly quickly associated with miracles.  The old minster quickly became a centre of pilgrimage and was well known across the middle ages.  The remains of Swithin have been partly dispersed and partly lost (following the reformation) which is a little sad considering he gave specific instructions to be buried outside and not relocated into the church.  He apparently indicated his displeasure at being moved by making it rain heavily on the day of his transfer.    He seemed a little happier today, the light rain cleared early and the sun came out in the afternoon flooding the Cathedral with light. 

Some Camino Portugues Links

For those who are interested, here are some links to information about the Camino Portugues.

http://www.csj.org.uk/planning-your-pilgrimage/routes-to-santiago/the-route-in-portugal/