A modern pilgrim does not need a sacred reason for his or her journey. There are no bones of saints involved, but yet I believe a long hiker today shares some of the experiences of mediaeval pilgrims, we seek nature, we seek both solitude and community, we seek adventure and even suffering. Just like in Canterbury tales I have sat through evenings telling stories, shared my adventures, and just like the pilgrims I have walked through the dangers of the road, and just as the mediaeval pilgrim I share it with the world, but most of all I know that my pilgrimage transforms me into something new I could not experience in any other way, and maybe it is an experience only other pilgrims can fully comprehend.
from cairn to cairn —
my pilgrimage meanders
into memory
Today Frank hosts haibun Monday at dVerse and the topic is Journeying.
August 3, 2026
Björn Rudbergs writings 
I enjoyed your modern pilgrimage haibun, Björn, which reminded me of my husband’s walk on St Cuthbert’s Way to Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne. We had already seen St Cuthbert’s tomb on a previous trip, but he did go to Cuthbert’s cave, where the monks kept his body hidden from the Vikings. David made a few friends along the way with modern pilgrims too.
It is so interesting how much you are connected with the past on a pilgrimage.
A haibun that has movement, reaches into philosophy while at the same time portraying simplicity is what defines the genre I think — and makes for a meditative read.
Exploring the link between the modern-day walker in nature (hiker) and the pilgrim is a lovely notion; that fundamentally, despite the outward trappings the human soul takes each step for the same inner reason.
It is a shorter version of a substack article I am writing at the moment… I think we need such pilgremage today.
Love your extended simile, Bjorn! I can almost imagine St, Augustine quipping, “You see? A hike is a pilgrimage through the Liturgy of Nature!”
Nicely done! You have had some really great journeys!
nice one Björn
much love
What a wonderful way to journey…on foot! A hiker is definitely a modern-day pilgrim.
A pilgrimage gives lots of time for thought. There have been a few in my past but sadly my pilgrimages at present are of the mind.
The journey is all the better shared with those who have travelled similar paths – a wonderful meditation – Jae
Yes, I love the modern pilgrimage seeking solitude and nature. A moments peace. Wonderful. Lovely haibun.
I know that my pilgrimage transforms me into something new I could not experience in any other way
It is a fulfilment blessed with good intentions unique in every way. Best wishes Bjorn!
Hank
This is very enjoyable, Bjorn. I love Canterbury Tales, it’s a favourite book of mine 💛
As I approach my 80th birthday toward the end of this year, your haibun sparked so many memories of my pilgrimage. Especially with my companion/husband of 59 years. Thank you for sharing your talented writings. You touch souls.
I was enthralled by this, and I agree, pilgrimage is all of that, and something I enjoy exactly as you tell it Bjorn.