Cami de Cavalls, Menorca

The ancient bridle path of Cami de Cavalls in Menorca is now established as GR 223 path, within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The Cami de Cavalls gave a right of way to all inhabitants of Menorca, even though it passed through private land, estates, development and urban expansion. Today it does cross holiday development, artificially created vacation areas (e.g. Cala en Bosc) but it is, by public demand and state intervention, an established and well used public right of way for walkers, cyclists and horse riders (though some parts are really tricky for riders, so only the very experienced should attempt various sections).

Mallorca can be seen is the distance

Good guide books and information are available to help the serious coastal path walker and cyclist to travel along the Cami de Cavalls in stages. There are helpful guided trips by sea kayak around the island. It is estimated that a group of kayakers at an average level of ability could manage to tour the island in eight stages, in eight days, but about three days should be allowed in the event of bad weather and adverse conditions. Just keeping to the south coast of the island would be much easier, as the north side is more exposed and more challenging.

The lighthouse is at Cap d'Artrutx, on the south west tip of the island.

Menorca: beautiful, beautiful beaches and wonderful weather

Menorca in early May es magnifico!

The beaches are just how I like to see them.

This beach has not changed much since I was last here about 45 years ago. It's my favourite.

In early May there is not much to do if you are a life guard. It's certainly not Baywatch!

Menorca in May 2017

Menorca in May is marvellous. The weather is excellent. The hotels are just starting the holiday season, but it's low season. The hotel staff are fresh and fit for purpose. The roads are not congested with high season traffic with full car parks, and spoilt by the hordes of impatient holidaymakers crowding onto the lovely beaches. The beaches are really quiet in early May. You can even find a beach all to yourself, with nobody in sight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GV01hsN7t_I


Far from the madding crowd. A marvellous get away from it all place, in early May. Wonderful weather, peaceful places and a paradise on earth. Sun, sea, and splendid beaches.

Another bad decision in big football match

On Sunday there was another big and bad decision in the semi-final game at Wembley between Manchester City and Arsenal. Had there been a video review then the Manchester City goal, which had been wrongly disallowed, would have been given. The ball was not out of play. The television audience saw that it was a goal. It is high time to allow technology to help rule out these errors. Come you football administrators, get into the 21st century! There have been too many errors for far too long.

My recent videos on YouTube: johlibaptist channel

For those who like to watch my videos on YouTube, I have uploaded several recently during my walks and travels. I particularly like the ones which feature Addison's Walk at Magdelen College, Oxford, where CS Lewis was a fellow. Then I have added a few showing the delightful Suffolk countryside by Ramsholt and the River Deben.

I hope that the hyperlinks work. Happy viewing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNZTru7zyAo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNZTru7zyAo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRMt7MxNh8c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRMt7MxNh8c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcF8Pdev6HE

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcF8Pdev6HE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNyQXHSqjGY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNyQXHSqjGY

The Decline and Demise of the Open Brethren in Hornchurch: conclusions

Now that I have written a series of observations on how the Open Brethren in Hornchurch went from a significant part of the Christian landscape, in the 1970s when I came to the area, to a failed denomination with no active chapel or assembly at the present time in Hornchurch, I wish to conclude with some comments by a former Brethren elder who gave his reasons why there is no longer a Brethren presence in Hornchurch.

He put it down to three reasons: a call for professionalism, a changing world, and the demise of the small church.

On the call for professionalism, he mentioned that there was a desire to have trained ministers, those with expertise and men who were full time, theologically equipped to teach and lead the assembly.

On the matter of a changing world, he thought that the demands of modern life, the long hours working culture, job commitments, family needs, and school activities for the children, made it very difficult to find time to prepare for ministry, preaching, meetings etc.

On the demise of the small church, he believed that ninety nine per cent of those who left the Brethren assemblies went to other churches. The range of activities in larger churches was very appealing for the whole family, particularly in youth groups, larger Sunday schools etc. Larger church had more social events and a much more varied programme. It was easier to join in and to take a back seat, enjoying the activities without responsibilities and commitments.

I would add that the Brethren failed to get to grip with the changes in the world. Their position on charismatic renewal, women's ministry, and cultural issues, did not make them attractive to the baby boomers (those who were teenagers in the 1960s) and the generations that followed. The Brethren lost the means and the methods of passing on their brand of Christianity in Hornchurch.

If you have any reflections, observations, or insights then I would be delighted to hear from you. I welcome your comments.

In Oxford, Magdalen College: Addison's Walk , late March 2017

While attending a ministerial Gaudy at Regent's Park College, I stayed at Magdalen College in the Waynflete building. The scouts at the main lodge were very helpful and explained the way to Addison's Walk in the grounds.

The weather was wonderful in the morning though slightly overcast in the evening. but the grounds were splendid by the beautiful River Cherwell.  It was a walk in a paradise, a place of peace and a promised land.

CS Lewis had rooms in this building. It was where he gave tutorials.