Finally!

On this final week in Cornwall we began our quest to complete the Coastal Path from St Agnes Head on the northern coast round to Helford on the southern coast. To finish this challenge we just have to fill in a stretch from Church Cove up to Coverack. On the face of it this seems very doable.

However, each section we effectively do twice since we have to park the car, walk to wherever we're going and then walk back again to the car. So on Monday we went for it, not the whole lot but just another snippet! We parked up at Cadgwith, then walked south to Church Cove before returning to Cadgwith for our usual picnic lunch. Then it was off in the other direction to Kennack Sands before turning round and retracing our steps back to Cadgwith to pick up the car. I have to confess by then I was knackered! 



We'd already decided to drive back to Kennack Sands where there was a fine beach and so at about 7 pm we entered the sea for a cold but truly relaxing swim! This latest journey had once again seen us enjoy some amazing scenery. Cadgwith in particular is an enchanting coastal village including a small habour filled with traditional and colourful fishing boats. As always our walk was paused from time to time as Ruth encountered yet more of her beloved geocaches.

Later in the week we made a brief visit to Goonhilly Nature Reserve next to the Earth Station where massive satellite dishes stand out across the countryside. In its hey-day it boasted a total of 60 dishes. Afterwards we continued our coastal path target and walked from Kennack Sands to Beagle Point and back before enjoying another evening swim at Kennack Sands. The weather was truly glorious with a wonderful sea breeze. This was definitely the equivalent of a Cornwall Mediterranean day!
What a privilege it feels to be doing this.

During this final week we also visited the Lost Gardens of Heligan https://www.heligan.com/Wow, what a place and totally astonishing how this vast garden has been reclaimed and restored! Its history is fascinating particularly the stories of those who originally worked there, many of whom served in WW1 and consequently lost their lives. Afterwards we made a brief visit to Mevagissey and then Gorran Haven and enjoyed some chips while overlooking the harbour in the evening sunshine. 

On Friday we finally did it! We walked from Coverack to Beagle Point and so joined up the final Coastal Path stretch from St Agnes Head to Helford. We had hoped to mark the occasion with a swim at Beagle Point but for once the weather was cool and we even had rain. So after sharing a 'high five' and a swift picnic lunch we retraced our steps to Coverack.

Nevertheless it was a good feeling to finish this final part of our walking journey. In the evening we celebrated by wandering up to the local pub for a tasty meal plus a pint for me and G & T for Ruth. The pub is where Irene (the lady I sit next to in church) was born! 

On Saturday as we neared the end of our time here we decided to visit some of the places we particularly enjoyed. First on our mini tour was Cape Cornwall including popping in at the Coastal Watch station again. Then it was off to Pendeen lighthouse followed by a walk down to Portheras Beach.

Afterwards we travelled on to Rosemergy for a final cream tea (yum, yum). Feeling full we walked the last section of St Michael's Way before sitting down and watching the majestic sea batter the shore at Godrevy. What a wonderful afternoon!   

And so to our final Sunday service at the local church. Once again we were treated to an excellent sermon (based around the feeding of the 5,000), a warm, friendly and welcoming congregation and a brilliant time of laughter and fun after the service listening to Irene, her sister June and others recite some hilarious stories! We are going to miss them! Here's a photo of June & Irene...
 

Typically when walking the Coastal Path people occasionally pass us in the opposite direction with a nod of the head or a quick word or sometimes a short chat perhaps to confirm they are on the right track to their desired location. So it was no surprise when earlier this week a chap travelling the other way engaged us in conversation.

He'd been on the beach with his wife and family. Whilst they drove back to Cadgwith he'd elected to enjoy the coastal path before meeting them at the other end. He explained how they'd moved from Nottingham to Cornwall about a year ago after receiving a clear call from God to move to this area.

They are now part of a local community church in Helston who believe God is bringing a revival of the Christian faith to this area. It was a natural and unforced conversation offered without knowing anything about our background although we eventually revealed something of our own situation. His words encouraged and at the same time challenged me. Was this just an interesting conversation or is God saying something to us through this? In any event... it was uplifting to witness his strong faith.

I guess this encounter was another one of those moments, all of which add up to something. Part of the joy of having this time away is having space to think, to ponder and wonder. However, it's also potentially dangerous to hear or experience something in isolation and over-think it! 

I'm conscious as I live this life I'm work in progress (indeed, I believe we all are). This break has reminded me to let go of relying on my own strength to grow spiritually. Yes, it's important I don't just sit around and expect things to happen. God has given me (and all of us) gifts, skills and abilities to use for His glory. But we have to open our heart to God and allow the gift of His Spirit, the wisdom and instruction of His Word (the Bible) and prayer (conversation with God) to guide us through this life.

And… whatever our circumstances, I believe, we all have a constant need of Jesus (God in human flesh). Ultimately its nothing that I've done (or anyone has done) but entirely what He has done that really counts. By opening our heart to Him we grow ever deeper in His love which this side of eternity is too great to ever fully understand.

So, whilst I believe we are only saved by faith in Christ I also recognise God wants our expression of love and service to go beyond our own personal growth to acts of kindness, charity, justice and generosity.

I hope and pray this wonderful adventure in Cornwall has helped both Ruth and me in our journey of faith. It has certainly strengthened our relationship with each other and I believe it has drawn us closer in our relationship with God. I'm also grateful to the people who have been viewing my blogs and the words of encouragement I've received.

Writing each blog has enabled me to focus, reflect and record some of what we have experienced. Making this information public has also given me a degree of accountability. So... thank you for reading what I've been offering. I hope in some way it may have helped.

Finally as I finish this final blog I want to thank my beautiful wife for sharing this brilliant eleven weeks with me. It has been truly amazing! Ultimately and most importantly I give thanks to God who continues to bless us and pour out His love upon us in ways I cannot begin to comprehend!

One of the Bible passages I read this week was familiar and helpful... Matthew 7:7-11. The notes that came with it were so encouraging. So, to close I have repeated some of them here:

Jesus tells us to persist in pursuing God. People often give up after a few half-hearted efforts and conclude that God cannot be found. But knowing God takes faith, focus, and follow-up, and Jesus assures us that we will be rewarded. Don't give up in your efforts to seek God. Continue to ask Him for more knowledge, patience, wisdom, love and understanding. He will give them to you. 

Thank you Lord. Amen.