Today, we were time travelers, stopping first to visit the Neolithic dolmens and standing stones in the region of Carnac, Brittany. Our next stop was St. Cado, named for a 6th century Welsh monk. We capped off our day with a visit to the beach, and a swim in the Atlantic; a sip of local cider was the perfect refreshment.
Normally, the historic labyrinth at Chartres is covered by chairs, but this morning Lynne and Gerald arranged to have the chairs removed, and we were able to walk.
Pilgrim David Smith was inspired by his walk to write a few lines of poetry.
Chartres
Rosetted arches high above hold
Storied windows whispering in the morning sun,
That light our barefoot steps around
The smooth-stoned Labyrinth.
Now side by side, then all alone,
Through gentle curves to centre.
Blessed community – precious solitude -
Reflecting life’s rhythmic anchors!
From morning to night, we explored the Gothic splendor and stained glass of Chartres cathedral. And of course, we ate well!
Beauvais Cathedral, north of Paris, has the highest ceiling in a Gothic cathedral. We meditated, drew, and sang.
We walked a section of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, and then continued on to the museum at the birthplace of John Calvin in Noyon.
Today we visited the oldest Reformed church in France, and later celebrated Evensong in Meaux Cathedral.
All have arrived!
We deeply regret that the Fall Pilgrimage has been postponed. The plan is to do the Reformed heritage tour another year.
