Friar Walk

They made it!

The friar pilgrims reached the Monastery of the Holy Land in Washington, D.C., last night a little before 8 p.m. and were met a few blocks away by Guardian Jeremy Harrington. They kissed the floor of the monastery lobby in gratitude for a safe conclusion to their journey. This morning they saw that an interview they gave the Washington Post was featured on Page 1, above the fold! The story, with some wonderful photos, is in the Post’s online edition at: 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/28/AR2009072803220.html 

The friars are grateful for your prayers and support. “Our pilgrimage was a life-changing experience,” Mark Soehner says, “and we are grateful for the opportunity to be able to do it.”

Almost there!

Tired but exhilarated, the friar pilgrims expect to arrive in Washington, D.C., next week. People they've met along the way -- and others following their journey on the blog -- are invited to visit with them on Wednesday, July 29, at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land, 1400 Quincy St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20017-3087. Stop by anytime before 5 p.m.; go through the gate and look for the receptionist in a recessed area on the right, or inquire at the gift shop. The friars look forward to sharing their adventures with you! -- Posted by the Communications Office

Hitting the Trail

We camped overnight in one of these stone and wood shelters on the Appalachian Trail. It's very beautiful here; we’re surrounded by beauty everywhere.

We’ve had some really wild experiences. All these people taking us in have been great. Last night we were sharing a camp with two guys who have “Trail” names. One is “Pirate”; the other is “Hyena.” They shared their food with us. 

 

The main thing is having potable water. I have iodine pills [to purify water]. Somebody gave us Clif Bars; I was not familiar with them, but they really do have a lot of nutrition. We have one for morning and one for night, and raisins and nuts. The foodstuff we put into a “bear bag” and hang high in a tree. We have seen a number of bears. We think they’re out hunting.

There’s basically been little rain, and the times it’s rained we’ve been able to be at people’s houses. They keep telling us how [unusually] cool the weather is. Our feet our doing really well; that’s another little miracle. The only thing is ticks; they’re everywhere. Every little while you have to check your legs.

Friday or Saturday we’ll be emerging out of these woods, then on to Front Royal. -- Phone call from Mark, posted by the Communications Office

Stopping in Charlottesville

Right now we are at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlottesville and all is well. Today we should be traveling towards Church of the Incarnation. We will be there all weekend doing the Masses, and Mark will be presiding. -- Message from Josh posted by the friars' Communications Office