Posada 15: On a bicycle made for 4!

Phew it was a busy day for our travellers who had stayed at Milton Abbas church overnight and woke early to take part in a Holy Communion service. Following this they travelled swiftly (by car!) to Turnworth where Donkey enjoyed being the centre of attention at the Carol Service....they would never have made it in time on foot and by donkey!

After an early lunch they got some training in for next year's Ride and Stride as they accompanied their host cycling around the churches in the benefice....everyone was pleased it was a dry day!
(Joseph was seriously considering trading in Donkey after this exciting outing!)

Later in the afternoon, Joseph (being a Carpenter!) was eager to visit Stickland church to look at the plans for the new prayer tree. He was very impressed with the idea of recycling parts of the church Christmas tree to include in the design. He was just sorry that with the baby's imminent arrival he would be too busy in the New Year to help out himself but he did recommend a very talented local Carpenter (...well Joiner actually!) who he felt sure would love to help out!


After a brief rest for Mary, who was feeling pretty tired, the travellers were taken to Whitechurch for another lovely Carol Service. Donkey was particularly impressed when everyone sang a song that was all about him! ( Donkey is definitely enjoying his celebrity status!)


And so it was home to an early night for the tired trio as they would have to be up in time for Morning Prayer at Stickland the next day where they would meet their new host. Donkey was feeling a little bit hyper as he hadn't done much walking today but he decided to behave himself as he was a bit worried about where the owner of that very large horseshoe might be!

 

Posada 14: Trees, carols and candles,

 

Mary, Joseph and Donkey arrived at St James, Milton Abbas to find it full of trees - Christmas Trees - with lights sparkling and decorations hanging from every branch. It was beautiful! While they rested, they watched the church fill with people. And before they knew it, the church was filled with music  and singing. There were songs about Christmas trees, shepherds and encouragement to go to Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph were introduced to everyone in the church - were they celebrities?  

 

Our travellers were invited to spend the night in the peaceful church surrounded by all the trees; only to be woken by the Rector stumbling in with his bag and books and waking them up in the morning! - He was here for the early communion service and Mary, Joseph and Donkey watched as he lit the advent candles. The Rector said that this Sunday the candle was for John the Baptist. - Donkey wondered who he was.



A bicycle ride to clear the head.

  

 On Friday morning, our travellers made their way from Stickland to Houghton by bicycle as Donkey was a little 'under the weather'.  Joseph wondered if he should trade Donkey for John's bicycle but he was a bit unsure how Mary ( in her condition) would fit on the saddle. So the donkey stays.
They stopped on the way to admire the tree at St Andrew's, Houghton. So this is what a 'Christmas' tree is! So much prettier than the netted spikey wild tree that they helped to tame at Posada number 5.




They were quite hungry and really enjoyed their meal with everyone in Posada 13.  Donkey had by then fully recovered after the previous night. From now on - he would only drink water.









The entertainment afterwards was most unexpected and they were very impressed with the pianist! Obviously it is not only the hills that are alive with the sound of music but also the Winterborne valley.
Mary, Joseph and Donkey looked forward to more opportunities to sing before they reached their destination.

There was room at the Inn last night - but was it a mistake?

 Well, Posada number 12 turned out to be an Inn called The Crown and, surprisingly, they had plenty of room for our travellers. It looks like they settled in very comfortably! No cold and draughty barns here!
'Joseph and the donkey had a lovely time at The Crown (although donkey may have overdone the wine) Mary was happy with a mineral water as her due date gets closer!'


Oh dear! Someone should have kept an eye on Donkey!

It looks like a stable but is it THE stable?

There they are! There were concerns that Mary and Joseph had got lost ( less concern about the donkey going missing) but here they are checking out the Smiths chicken house. Did they spend the night here?

Unpacked at the Coffee Stop.

Everyone was so busy at the Coffee Stop getting ready for the Christmas Tree festival on Saturday, Mary and Joseph thought they might get forgotten.

Posada day 9: No wine for Mary!

Mary and Joseph spent a very jolly evening having been invited to join a group of friends who usually meet to talk about the bible. Tonight was a special meal.  Mary did not drink her glass of wine but the donkey enjoyed his carrot.