After a very frustrating 10 days offline while I changed ISP, I'm delighted I can again get online without visiting the local internet cafe!
Less than 3 weeks to go now - press releases have gone out, emails to all my friends and colleagues have been sent, and the total donated is now nearing $3000.00 .
I now have another new pair of boots - I was fortunate to find a Hi-Tec pair in my size in the 'remnants' box at Ray's tent city - as soon as I put them on I could feel the difference, and I couldn't wait to try them out - they have now survived the first break-in walk with flying colours! Oh well - that's $230 down the drain, but I feel much more confident in facing the challenge in these than in the other new boots I had bought.
I now have a new 'smart phone', and quickly realised that the 'smart' tag may well be accurate in relation to the phone, but in no way does it cover the person holding it! Fortunately, I have now been able to download the 310 page User's Guide, so will have to get in some speed reading to get it set up. Fortunately, my son-in-law has kindly offered to load some programs and apps I may need, and to run me throught the installation process - phew!
It's now getting to the stage where it's hard to find time to continue my walking in addition to all the other outstanding matters, including preparing for the Red Hill Show on the 27th, but it needs to be done. Have now been able to back up 2 days of 20kms plus in succession without any real problems, so I'm happy my preparations are on track.
Wish me luck, and if you haven't donated yet, please make a donation if you are able!
Ultreia.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
One month to go
Wow, I can hardly believe I'm writing that, and part of me wishes it wasn't so - there's still so much to do, and I know how quickly 30 days will go!
Fortunately, my foot problems have settled down, and I'm now doing longer walks in my new boots, and I'm feeling more comfortable with them.
I was about to set out for a walk yesterday, but had a look at the radar before I left and decided it wasn't a good time. While the storm descended on Melbourne in all its fury, down here we were spared the worst, only getting 16mm for the day.
I set off this morning (Sunday), hoping to try out my new rain cape (pictured on another day), but only got a bit of drizzle, but it was probably enough to make me feel satisfied that my new gear will do the job. I was 'sold' on it on the basis that it covered both me and the pack, and unlike putting a cover on the pack, and a separate jacket on myself, it would keep the pack straps dry, while still allowing a reasonable airflow around the body, especially since you can open/close the front with velcro tabs, as well as covering up for storms with the zippers.
I have now started seeking sponsors in earnest, so please, if you are able to make a donation, please do so.
I was very heartened that my local alpaca breeders group have decided to give me a send-off, with funds raised going to the foundation - Thanks to the Daddo's for that great initiative.
I also visited the Leukaemia Foundation on Friday, and got a very warm welcome. It's nice to feel that my efforts are appreciated and will help the cause, even if only in a small way.
Fortunately, my foot problems have settled down, and I'm now doing longer walks in my new boots, and I'm feeling more comfortable with them.
I was about to set out for a walk yesterday, but had a look at the radar before I left and decided it wasn't a good time. While the storm descended on Melbourne in all its fury, down here we were spared the worst, only getting 16mm for the day.
I have now started seeking sponsors in earnest, so please, if you are able to make a donation, please do so.
I was very heartened that my local alpaca breeders group have decided to give me a send-off, with funds raised going to the foundation - Thanks to the Daddo's for that great initiative.
I also visited the Leukaemia Foundation on Friday, and got a very warm welcome. It's nice to feel that my efforts are appreciated and will help the cause, even if only in a small way.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Injured - BUGGER!
After much indecision, and a discussion with the podiatrist, I finally bought new boots - a low cut pair made By Hi-Tec.
I have worn Hi-Tecs for the past 15 years, and have always found them comfortable and easy to wear in. Started out with a couple of shorter walks, and having no trouble with blisters or rubbing, I thought "These are Ok", and took off on a 20km+ walk.
At the end my feet were very sore, and by the time I got home, felt that I would not have wanted to be walking any further. The next day my instep was killing me, so off to the podiatrist again. The diagnosis : plantar fasciitis. Unfortunately, ALL the Hi-Tec boots are now made with a higher arch, which seemed to be causing the problem. The podiatrist said I needed to wear them around for shorter periods to get them loosened up, before doing any more longer walks. Typical me - getting impatient and rushing things.
So I started icing,massage and taping, and took 4 or 5 days off which eased the pain considerably. I then starting walking again with my old boots, and with much trepidation, I took off yesterday in the new boots to walk down to gym at Dromana - about 8 kms. Fortunately, I arrived in good shape, and although they are a little tender this morning, I'm now more confident they will settle in. Best to be having these problems now, rather than in Italy, and I still have 6 weeks to get them right.
Happy to say that I now have 3 sponsors having lodged pledges on my website in addition to the direct donations, even though I haven't yet started to actively seek sponsorship. Thanks for your support.
I have worn Hi-Tecs for the past 15 years, and have always found them comfortable and easy to wear in. Started out with a couple of shorter walks, and having no trouble with blisters or rubbing, I thought "These are Ok", and took off on a 20km+ walk.
At the end my feet were very sore, and by the time I got home, felt that I would not have wanted to be walking any further. The next day my instep was killing me, so off to the podiatrist again. The diagnosis : plantar fasciitis. Unfortunately, ALL the Hi-Tec boots are now made with a higher arch, which seemed to be causing the problem. The podiatrist said I needed to wear them around for shorter periods to get them loosened up, before doing any more longer walks. Typical me - getting impatient and rushing things.
So I started icing,massage and taping, and took 4 or 5 days off which eased the pain considerably. I then starting walking again with my old boots, and with much trepidation, I took off yesterday in the new boots to walk down to gym at Dromana - about 8 kms. Fortunately, I arrived in good shape, and although they are a little tender this morning, I'm now more confident they will settle in. Best to be having these problems now, rather than in Italy, and I still have 6 weeks to get them right.
Happy to say that I now have 3 sponsors having lodged pledges on my website in addition to the direct donations, even though I haven't yet started to actively seek sponsorship. Thanks for your support.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Peninsula Trails
Have been enjoying walking the trails nearby - we have been here for nearly 4 years but had no idea how pretty these tracks are. Have been walking with a 12kg pack, and after many adjustments, I think I have finally got the adjustments right - it sits really well, and is not too hot, so I'm very happy with it.
Last weekend I walked 26 kms from Arthurs Seat to Cape Schanck along the Two Bays track - a really good training walk with lots of ups and downs, different terrain, roads in part, and some beautiful scenery to boot. Felt a bit tired at the end, but could easily have gone further if necessary, and don't think I would have had any trouble backing up again the next day - next weekend I will try back-to-back longer walks.
I have now decided to leave the camping gear at home and rely on booked accommodation on the way through.
Still working on the communications and data management gear, with great help from my son-in-law Chris. Have now managed to get GPS tracks for several sections of the track, and although there will be many uncharted areas, these will be a big help, particularly in Italy.
One thing I have not yet encountered is rain, as I need to try out my wet weather gear and pack water-tightness, so please pray for rain! The farm and the animals would love it as well!
Last weekend I walked 26 kms from Arthurs Seat to Cape Schanck along the Two Bays track - a really good training walk with lots of ups and downs, different terrain, roads in part, and some beautiful scenery to boot. Felt a bit tired at the end, but could easily have gone further if necessary, and don't think I would have had any trouble backing up again the next day - next weekend I will try back-to-back longer walks.
I have now decided to leave the camping gear at home and rely on booked accommodation on the way through.
Still working on the communications and data management gear, with great help from my son-in-law Chris. Have now managed to get GPS tracks for several sections of the track, and although there will be many uncharted areas, these will be a big help, particularly in Italy.
One thing I have not yet encountered is rain, as I need to try out my wet weather gear and pack water-tightness, so please pray for rain! The farm and the animals would love it as well!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Counting down
It's nearly the end of January, and I can feel the days counting down - only 72 days to go!
I have started my longer walks, and am now wearing my boots that I will start the walk in - they are not new, and probably won't last the distance, so I will have to get new boots on the way - not looking forward to that. I have bought my new pack - originally chose a 50 litre pack, but when I got it home and started loading, it soon became apparent that I would need something bigger. So back to Bogongs, and I walked out with a Deuter 75 litre pack - almost an extra 1/2 kilo in pack weight, but I will have plenty of room now. I didn't want to have to spend 3 months squeezing my gear in everyday! Next step is to start wearing it on my walks, gradually building up the weight.
I am also rethinking whether to take a tent and sleeping mat. If I don't it will save me pack weight and also the outlay, but I will lose the flexibility to stop where I like. However, I have now worked out my daily stages in detail, and I am happy I can find accommodation each night and stii retain some flexibility.
Tomorrow I go hunting for new communications gear - can't decide whether to get a smartphone or a mini netbook - the new Sony P looks good, but very expensive.
Ciao for now
I have started my longer walks, and am now wearing my boots that I will start the walk in - they are not new, and probably won't last the distance, so I will have to get new boots on the way - not looking forward to that. I have bought my new pack - originally chose a 50 litre pack, but when I got it home and started loading, it soon became apparent that I would need something bigger. So back to Bogongs, and I walked out with a Deuter 75 litre pack - almost an extra 1/2 kilo in pack weight, but I will have plenty of room now. I didn't want to have to spend 3 months squeezing my gear in everyday! Next step is to start wearing it on my walks, gradually building up the weight.
I am also rethinking whether to take a tent and sleeping mat. If I don't it will save me pack weight and also the outlay, but I will lose the flexibility to stop where I like. However, I have now worked out my daily stages in detail, and I am happy I can find accommodation each night and stii retain some flexibility.
Tomorrow I go hunting for new communications gear - can't decide whether to get a smartphone or a mini netbook - the new Sony P looks good, but very expensive.
Ciao for now
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Christmas Greetings
Got a plug in on talkback radio on 774 the other day, as a result of which I've had a photographer contact me who has himself walked the Camino, and who may be interested in recording my journey. It would make it a very different experience from what I had contemplated, but we will talk again!
The Leukaemia Foundation now have their own donations page established, so I have been the guinea pig for the site, ironing out the bugs, but it is now ok and I have been able to personalise a few things on my page, which you can find at http://my.imisfriendraising.com.au/personalPage.aspx?SID=87431.
Son Peter has been busy finalising my website, and we can now link to the donations page - hopefully it will be finished for Xmas !!!!
Please visit at www.assisi2santiago.com
I have been working with a personal trainer for 2 months, and after Xmas I will start my longer walks. Fortunately, there are lots of excellent trails on the Peninsula, and I look forward to seeing more of it at walking pace.
In the meantime I wish you all Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel, Buon Natale, and Feliz Navidad.
The Leukaemia Foundation now have their own donations page established, so I have been the guinea pig for the site, ironing out the bugs, but it is now ok and I have been able to personalise a few things on my page, which you can find at http://my.imisfriendraising.com.au/personalPage.aspx?SID=87431.
Son Peter has been busy finalising my website, and we can now link to the donations page - hopefully it will be finished for Xmas !!!!
Please visit at www.assisi2santiago.com
I have been working with a personal trainer for 2 months, and after Xmas I will start my longer walks. Fortunately, there are lots of excellent trails on the Peninsula, and I look forward to seeing more of it at walking pace.
In the meantime I wish you all Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel, Buon Natale, and Feliz Navidad.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Springtime continues!
We now have 4 cria safely arrived, and it has been a steep learning curve, as mum #3 suffered a prolapsed uterus, which necessitated an early morning emergency call to the vet. All well now, and it's fascinating to watch the new bubs charging around the paddocks. With the changing spring weather it has been a constant round of cria coats on, coats off, in to the shed, out of the shed - time and again as the weather changes. In a few weeks they will be strong enough to cope on their own, but for the time being, they need the extra protection.
On the camino front, research continues on mapping my own path, and I have now booked the first 3 nights from Assisi. Also had my medical check-ups, and it's all systems go! Less than a month to Xmas, and I'm sure the time will fly until I leave in 128 days time!
On the camino front, research continues on mapping my own path, and I have now booked the first 3 nights from Assisi. Also had my medical check-ups, and it's all systems go! Less than a month to Xmas, and I'm sure the time will fly until I leave in 128 days time!
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