Thanks for the encouragement.....


 

Sunday 26th May

It was great to have two days away from walking over the weekend, it gave us some time to relax and reflect on how much encouragement we had received from so many family, friends and strangers. 

We have met so many people along our route, who have donated to the Shona and Mike Take a Hike challenge, money received in cash from those we have met, or donated through our giving page, all of which are greatly appreciated.

Of course, we must not forget to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated through our Cancer Research giving page. We really do appreciate your generous giving, kindness and messages of support, through all the usual social media outlets. We do read them when we have suitable connectivity. 

Sadly, our phone signals have sometimes been nothing short of useless, we did think about lighting a bar-b-que and sending smoke signals..........Then the rain scuppered that idea, lol.

Thankfully though, we are never, ever, out of touch with our Lord and His encouragement. For many years Shona and I have read through the bible each year and on Sunday evening there was one particular verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 28 verse 20 that said: "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you!" Encouragement, without doubt, from the Highest and greatest Friend we have.

Monday

Due to the Bank holiday and buses not starting till 10 o'clock Monday was a fairly late start for us, nevertheless, it was a good day with only a couple of showers, thankfully the blisters are healing. Well, at least the "compeed" blister pads. other makes are available, are doing their job. 

Tuesday

Talking of "alternative blister pads", on Tuesday afternoon we were in the Mountain Warehouse shop, when the young manager found out we were walking for Cancer Research UK he gave us a few packs of their own make for free.

Also, on Tuesday we walked along the Wye Valley and  came to the swing bridge in the photo, I of course, on the pretence of taking a photo, sent Shona over first to make sure it was safe. 

It was a very "shoogly" bridge........... No worries though Shona made it safely across and on to Ross-on-Wye, oh yes, before you ask, so did I.

Wednesday

Not much to say about today, it was a fairly easy walk from Ross-on-Wye to Ledbury.

Thursday

This was probably our toughest day especially climbing up over the Malvern Hills, exacerbated after a "boo. boo" on my part, primarily for not trusting the compass reading, and relying on my own sense of direction. Writing about this has just reminded me about a verse in the Book of Romans that says: "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death". Thankfully on this occasion it didn't.

Friday

Another lovely morning and a great walk, the highlight of the day was finding a nice wee coffee shop called "Bonnies" at the Wild-goose Rural Training Centre. A care farm and nature reserve in Worcester offering day opportunities to people with special needs.

The ladies in the place were just lovely and very supportive and encouraging towards us, before we left, they gifted us two cans of juice and two pieces of flapjack, they tasted fab (Eileen if you are reading this, they would give your flapjacks a run for your money).

Saturday

A nice easy walk to finish the week, and it is good to say that our feet have improved massively, in no small part, we believe, to your prayers.

"That's all for another week", having said that, Mike is building a great treasure trove of examples for preaching.

Final note: we have now walked 419.5 miles.

Thank you again for reading our blog, and once again please feel free to visit and share the "Shona and Mike Take a Hike" fundraising page at:

https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/shonaandmike-giving-page-2298439   


You can also visit our page using the QR Code below:





Comments

  1. Anonymous1 June 2024 at 12:47

    Well done Shona and Mike 🙏👏👏

    ReplyDelete
  2. Eileen1 June 2024 at 13:19

    Can you go back and ask for the flapjack recipe! 😉 Another week down, well done. Enjoy your day off tomorrow xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shona and Mike Take a Hike2 June 2024 at 10:58

      Will see what I can do Eileen, it's just a short stretch of the legs. We had a lovely time at Temple Baptist Church, imagine how we felt when the first hymn was "To God be the glory".

      Delete
  3. Anonymous2 June 2024 at 04:12

    Harry Secombe is singing in my head I'll walk with God from this day on. Could it be a sign.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shona and Mike Take a Hike2 June 2024 at 11:11

      Oh my, how I remember his tremendous Welsh voice booming out that song, my prayer is that we might know, as we walk, we will, in the words of another old hymn be "leaning on the everlasting arms, safe and secure from all alarms. Thank you for your comment.

      Delete
  4. Julia3 June 2024 at 01:49

    It was so lovely to meet you both on Friday. Each day, I paint a little 2 inch square 'Glimmer' from my day. I painted the Lands End sign pointing to John O'Groats and put it on my facebook page with the story. My friend Bridget commented "I can't believe it - I met them in a pub in West Malvern Yesterday!" A small world indeed. I hope your journey is going well and have enjoyed reading your blogs. Safe travels. (Julia from Bonnie's) x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shona and Mike Take a Hike3 June 2024 at 08:39

      Thanks for your lovely comment Julia, and thanks for your very kind donation it is really appreciated. What a small world indeed, your friend served us when we went in for lunch and we had a good old chin-wag. Please pass on our regards. The flapjack was very yummy. Thanks again to the whole team at Bonnie's. It is one of the places on our "return to" list.

      Delete
  5. Anonymous3 June 2024 at 12:09

    Great to get a catch-up on where you are. You’re doing amazing ! Sleep must come easy after all the walking and fresh air . God bless and keep you safe as you travel north. Your an inspiration:) love and blessings Jim & Kirsty xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shona and Mike Take a Hike3 June 2024 at 13:24

      Hi Jim and Kirsty, thanks for your comments, this week has been a bit easier walking, less hills, or at least they don't feel as steep. Maybe we are just getting fitter, it's certainly been an adventure so far. We have been very much aware that people are praying for us, and very much aware of the Lord's presence. There will be so much to share when we, God willing, finish the challenge send love to you both xx

      Delete
  6. Anonymous3 June 2024 at 14:19

    Hi Shona & Mike! Sounds like you’ve had a great week! Covering the miles and making lots of lovely memories! Keep up the good work! Fiona & Donald
    P.S. - Your peony rose is looking fab!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shona and Mike Take a Hike4 June 2024 at 01:50

      Thanks Fiona and Donald, aye it has been a good week. We're a few miles further on now and on schedule to be in Larbert around the 26th 27th and do some walking from there, more importantly we can have a BATH lol, also get some washing done in a decent machine. Sadly we always seem to miss the peony rose at its best. Thanks again

      Delete
  7. Linda Taylor7 June 2024 at 03:11

    Really enjoying reading about your progress through what used to be home turf for me. The river Wye doesn't normally look so full in June! May God guide your steps as you head north towards Scotland.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shona and Mike Take a Hike9 June 2024 at 09:27

      Thanks Linda, we really appreciate you taking the time to comment. They have had a lot of rain for sure and it has left its mark with all the mud. We are thankful for all the support we receive through messages and prayer.

      Delete

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