Climb up Croagh Patrick, Co Mayo - carrying with me special words and blessings. The cross is from my special friends in Midland and I carried their blessings (the blessings of the elders) and words with me to the top of the mountain. The stone at the head of the cross is one I have carried with me on this six month journey - it holds my dreams and prayers, and now is left here on this sacred mountain.

Here is a short "sceal" or story about the blessing of the "wise ones":
One of the first actions after the decision to make this journey, was to ask for a Blessing. I sought out dear friends who I consider are wise ones. I have known each of these dear friends for a long time some stretching back over 30 years. We have a long tradition of joining in prayer and social action together.

On this clear Saturday Spring morning in May, we were gathering once again for for breakfast and prayer. When Jon and I pulled up the car up to the kerb outside the little wood-framed gray house in Bay City, Michigan, I rolled the window down to savour the morning. Boxes of plants and herbs had been gathered for Jon to take home for planting in his new herb garden. I was struck by the simplicity of the moment and love which my dear friends have shared over the years.

It was then I thought of the way I could carry them in my heart while I was gone. I would ask each of them to give me a word or two which aptly describes their own personal experience of their journey as it is now unfolding for them. This way I could carry their hopes, their struggles, their giftedness to the world with me while I was gone.