Life - not so beautiful

Day 2 was a totaaly different experience - wet and windy, which was ok once I sorted out my rain gear!  Quickly discovered that raincoat that fits easily at home, not fit so well with full pack and 3 litres of water bottles in the side pockets, plus the bum bag in front.  Once I stowed the bum bag in the pack, cosy!
I have also discovered that getting 'lost' twice a day by taking the wrong turn, then having to backtrack, is not conducive to making big distances, and by mid-afternoon when I pulled into Castel del Piano I was buggered, my calf was very sore, and my hammy threatening to go out in support.  All Italian towns look deserted at siesta, but nothing compares to Castel  on a wet and windy Sunday afternoon.  After accosting the few locals I did find in half an hour of wandering, I discovered that there is no inn in this quite large town, and that there was quite a difference of opinion as to where I might find a bed in a nearby town.   I went with the most common answer and took the bus to San Sisto, but after another hour of wnaderings and frustration, I still had no bed, so I decided to take the bus on to Perugia, where I spent 3 months in 2002, and where I was certain of a bed.  To say I was frustrated would be putting it mildly, but by 8pm I had a room.
I decide to give my leg a rest day, as I also wanted to lighten my pack by posting some stuff ahead to a guy I'm to stay with in Arles, and then the next day to get the train out to where I should have been if I'd managed to stick to my itinerary.
A most frustrating and depressing day - not a happy camper.

Underway at last

Assisi to Torgiano

A very interesting first day, starting with getting ‘lost’ on my way to the Basilica! I’ve been in Assisi numerous times, and have walked all its streets, but this morning I wasn’t concentrating on the way, and ended up at one of the lower gates. I had to laugh – here I am setting out to walk 2500 kms across 3 countries, and I get lost in the first few hundred meters.

When I reached the basilica they were just finishing a service in the crypt, so I sat and listened to the singing in quiet contemplation – quite serene. Then I fronted to the Office and got my first stamp on my Pilgrim’s Passport – your entry to the many places of religious accommodation along the way.

Then I left Assisi and descended to a path along a tributary of the River Tiber, which I followed for 3 hours before the path started to deteriorate, and then finally disappeared in the middle of the farmer’s fields. I had missed a crossing, and now I was faced with a detour to a main road adding kilometers to my planned route. By this time I was getting very tired, a factor of both a far heavier pack than I’d been training in, and of the fact that I have been unable to do any major walking in the 2 weeks before I left.

I eventually found myself in Torgiano, and tried to ring the B&B I’d booked which was still 2 hours walk away. I was hoping they would be aqble to come and pick me up, but I couldn’t get through on the number I had, so I checked into an Albergo in Torgiano, fell onto the bed, and went straight to sleep for an hour or so.

The good thing about the day was that my feet and calf felt fine most of the time, the main problem being adjusting my shoulders to the weight of a heavier pack. Have made some changes to the pack straps, so hoping this will ease the pull on my shouders.

Tomorrow has become a longer day, allowing for the extra kms not done today, and I will get away a bit earlier.

The weather has been fine, even hot today walking on the tarmac roads for the second half, and the countryside is magnificent – very green, spring flowers out, and the deciduous trees just starting to bud.

Life is beautiful

Less than 48 hours to go

It's now getting very real, and the time available to do things is vanishing rapidly!
A special thanks to my children, Fiona and Peter, who have been working hard to ensure that I will still stay in touch while on the road.  Their IT knowledge far exceeds mine (which isn't hard) - but they have spent many hours ensuring my new phone is up and running, that I am able to connect in the most cost-effective way, that I have translations on my web-page, and the latest gizmo being a tracker that will show where I last logged-in.
In some ways I feel a long way removed from the medieval pilgrims who made their way without any such back-up, but at least on a physical level, I intend to match their 'devotion'.  Thanks very much to both of you - your efforts are much appreciated!
Glad to report that my calf is returning to normal, and here's hoping it holds all the way to Santiago.
Next post from Italy - WOW.

It gets even better

Yesterday I was presented with cheques and cash totalling $1100.00 from the Mornington Peninsula Alpaca Breeders group - $525 was raised on the night of my send-off, and since then a further $575 has been donated - what a fantastic result, and I thank you all for your contributions.   The interest and support I have received from you is much appreciated!

Mornington Peninsula Alpaca Breeders Send-off

What a great night last night!
Some of the local Alpaca Breeders got together to give me a send-off and collectively pledged a further $525.00 to the Leukaemia Foundation which takes our total over $5000.00
Thanks to you all for your interest and support.

Pic shows me receiving Pledge from David Daddo, President, MPAB

This followed a successful show weekend for us, with our Junior Female winning a very strong Fawn class, and our young male, Bositano, winning Intermediate Champion Suri.   It was a good day, having family there to support me, and my grandson Alexander enjoying his first show.
My leg felt stronger today, so I think the rest and stretching is bringing it round (touch wood)!
I've just tapered off my training earlier than intended!
Only 8 days before I leave - Wow

Injured again - Bugger!

Nothing to do with my boots, but yesterday I tore my calf muscle.  I was out on a walk going down a steep path in Arthurs Seat State Park, and stopped to talk with a couple of walkers heading up hill.  Unfortunately, I twisted around and put my foot down the hill behind me to steady me, and RIP!   Still about an hour's walk home before I could get some ice on it, and a quick visit to the physio later.   Luckily it's not a severe tear, so with a couple of days rest, the 'RICE' regime, and then starting stretching again, it should come good. 
It certainly feels better today, but can't afford to take any chances at this stage of preparation, so "slowly,slowly" will be the key - never easy words for me to follow!
Our local Red Hill show is on this Saturday, and I am showing alpacas, so it will be a long day - will just have to stay off my feet as much as possible, and try and keep some icing going.  This time in a fortnight I will be on my flight to Italy!

Happiness is a good pair of boots!

Delighted to report that the new boots feel fantastic - did a 20km walk today, and as soon as I set off, my feet felt relaxed, like wearing a comfortable pair of slippers - so different to the previous pair, and I was able to do the walk without even a bandaid on the blister from the other boots.
Also delighted that donations to date total in excess of $3500.00 and  I would love to double that, so if you can afford to give, or give more, please do so.
I am delighted that I have been able to raise these funds for the Leukaemia Foundation, and to turn my personal journey into something that may potentially have a far wider reach!
Thanks to you all!
Alan