I’m having to keep my wits about me. I’m at home, where I shouldn’t really be. It’s not that I don’t want anyone to know – I’m telling you, after all – but I mustn’t think of it as home. This is just a place to sleep tonight. There’s one more day to do.
So I’m resisting every temptation to open piles of post, to pick some fruit for dinner, to see what’s gone on while I’ve been away for seven weeks. That must wait until tomorrow night.
But I allow myself to make real porridge before I pack the bike for a last time, and set off – for Carlisle, the beginning of my old journey to Rome, and the end of this one.
It’s cold; it’s windy; it’s going to rain. Do your worst, I’m telling the weather; I’m well past caring.
I’m looking forward to Carlisle. I’ve met lots of people on the way who said they will be there for the finale. The cathedral got behind the venture, and plan to give me a proper welcome and ending.
So it’s a nice confirmation when the first thing I see outside the North door, as I arrive at the same time as the rain, is a proper poster. There’s another one inside, by the shop, advertising their “Book of the Month”. That’s a very special affirmation.
And it’s affirmation from beginning to end in Carlisle. Sheena introduces me to their new Canon Precentor, two weeks in post, who will take care of the formalities, including some nicely staged photos.
A big audience is gathering, under the high altar and the grand East window; lots of faces I know, and lots more, from far and wide, who greet me like an old friend, having followed my progress for the last 48 days. I must be careful not to be overwhelmed by it all.
One man, I later discover, who was a chorister in this cathedral 60 years ago, had invited a friend to the performance. But the friend had already promised to go to another concert. So the chorister reluctantly changed his plans accordingly – only to find they’re coming here, where he’d wanted to be in the first place.
There’s no hurry about the Meditation. There’s no feeling that it’s nearly over, and I want to get to the finish line. Every performance – I’ve been surprised to find – has absorbed me, and this one is no different. It settles into the place. It settles me into the place. There are some tears. The nearly-three-year-old in the audience goes quietly to sleep.
Afterwards there are books to sign, hands to shake, congratulations – and tea and cake – to be accepted. It’s overwhelming.
Thank you for reading these posts over the past seven weeks. Thank you for your encouragement, your advice, your prayers. I’ve been on a pilgrimage, and now I’m home again. I’m changed.
It is done, and I am finished.
Many congratulations Kenneth! I’ve looked forward to your daily updates here. Such an achievement to keep writing as well as cycling and playing day after day for so many weeks.
Congratulations and Celebrations!!
Bless you Kenneth xx I’m one of the many new faces who wanted to be there but ‘couldn’t!!’ who thought about you all day and every day since meeting you ‘somewhere along the way’ xx you are a good man and a worthy servant xx enjoy your rest – for now!
Here’s to your next adventure!!
Happy planning!!
Happy rest day!!
Libre looks tired, drained. Let her take a well-earned rest.
Or at least let her play something other than Bach Sarabandes.
Bravo Kenneth! You’re a star!
Well done Kenneth, exactly as the previous post said, you kept travelling on, playing, and writing. The final audience looks like a good gathering indeed. It has been a pleasure to follow your journey around England. I am only sorry I could not get to a performance.
Have a good rest !
A mighty effort and your daily blog has been fun to read. Have a good rest
Huge congratulations on completing the pilgrimage and enjoy your well deserved rest back at home! I will miss reading your posts. Take good care.
You are changed…and you shared the possibility of change with us through not just the outward and amazing offerings of words, art and music, but by letting us glimpse into your inward journey through these daily records, and how both the daily struggles and pleasures have equal place on that journey. Thank you.
Wonderful for my wife and I to be at your final concert and it felt such a welcoming and special occasion followed by tea, cakes and conversation in the cathedral cafe.
Your blog posts have been insightful, inspiring and inspirational and I will miss them, but your pilgrimage has run full course and you deserve your well earned rest to recharge your batteries and plan your next adventure, whatever pilgrimage that proves to be.
Chapeau to the amazing cyclist and as the Tour de France has just commenced, wear your “maillot jaune” with pride.
What a journey! So proud of you. Can’t wait to read the book!! Rest up xxx
Well done sir. What a fine journey… And you have changed; I can feel it in your writing.
Ken, Now I want to go to England to see all the cathedrals – and some of the little country churches too! I’ve been following Ben Maton – The Salisbury Organist – on youtube. He specializes in playing organs in small country churches, most of which look very charming!
I also look forward to hearing how your journey goes from here. When you are not cycling to meet deadlines, when you ponder the best moments, as I hope you will, there is yet more to be discovered round the next corner in life. Bless you Kenneth.
Greatly enjoyed your Wells performance and all the posts. I prescribe a regime of rest for a period. Every blessing.
What a journey. Well done in so many ways. I’ve really enjoyed your posts, I’ve laughed a lot and I’ve been moved by the things you’ve shared with us. Take good care of yourself.
So glad to have been part of your last landing, and proud of the proper Carlisle welcome you received! I hope you will feel at home at home, and manage the adjustments and the breathings! Every blessing, and thank you!
Congratulations Ken. I’ll miss your posts . I’m afraid I missed you by one day in Chichester and my friends by one day in Chester. Looking forward to your next project
What amazing and unique journeys you come up with Kenneth. Congratulations on a job complete.
Congratulations and welcome to the all42 cycling club, as it’s newest and most unusual member. Wonder if the cello will get a medal too….
Tetelestai?
Naahh…
In that last photo you simply look verklempt.
Enjoy being home and the completion of your chosen circle.
Funny how your arduous 360 degree pilgrimage has return to the original starting point…
Changed.
Congratulations on completing your pilgrimage! I’m so pleased serendipity brought your venture to my attention and even though the end has come, I can continue pondering on your Meditation notes.
Congratulations on completing your self imposed physical and mental challenge. It was a great pleasure to meet you at Gloucester Cathedral and to enjoy the wonderful contemplative Bach music. I shall miss your daily reports.
Superb! Congratulations! I’m only 9 cathedrals behind you now, but it’ll take me much longer than you. Mine is a slow burn pilgrimage! Loved reading your posts but most of all I’m privileged to have heard you in Rochester and that performance/ worship will stay with me. Thanks.
Welcome welcome welcome!
Bravo! Huge congratulations on this epic ride – I’m in awe!
Congratulations ….what a journey! It’s been a pleasure to share it here and know you’re now safe home for a wee while at least. So lovely to hear you at Southwark
Congratulatons. Hope there will be a book on the journey?