I'm woken by the voice of our driver announcing our arrival. We pull up in what appears to be a wood. A path leads up to a dimly lit building and I can make out some people walking around. A cheery Australian man boards our coach and welcomes us to St Michael's school. We're invited to offload our bags at the bottom and to wander up the hill where we'll find tea, coffee, soft drinks and our first Aussie BBQ. It's been a long journey and we're keen to take up the offer.

It's dark outside, and quiet, except for the sound of the local wildlife: local birds sing to each other their joyful chorus. We unload our backpacks and make our way to the party.

At the top, there is a small registration desk. We meet Ann, who has been responsible for organising events for the Nelson Bay parish, our home for the next few days. She pairs us up with our host families who will accomodate us. I meet Tony and Suzie Burgin, a retired couple, each displaying an excited twinkle in their eyes.

There are groups here from Hawaii, Canada, and Malaysia. We socialise together in the cool evening, warmed by our hot dogs and hot coffees. The community seem delighted to have us here and are eager to learn more about us and our stories. There is plenty of time for that though, and once fed and watered we move across to the Church to celebrate a welcoming mass together.

It's 8pm. local time (11am. back home) and we have been travelling for nearly two days. Exhaustion has well and truly set in. For my part I find it difficult to stand up straight let alone keep my eyes open. However, the Mass is lively and congregation participation is encouraged by a vibrant church band and extensive PowerPoint presentations. Prior to the Gospel reading, the Priest invites the pilgrims to form two lines down the sides of the aisle to welcome the book which contains the scriptural readings for the day. After Mass the group disperses, each person to their respective host's home.

The pilgrimage has begun proper.