A reason to walk in 2017

Santa has been and the New Year looms and I really must get serious about this walking as I have only walked 250klms towards my 1600klms that I have challenged myself and promised someone that I will walk for them before 1st September 2017. I will do it mate.

I have a few small walks this coming week and then a couple more while I am in North Queensland spending some precious time with my grandkids, I don't see enough of them. I promise this will change in 2017.

I am waiting for some flight deals in early 2017 before I book my return flight from Paris in October - perhaps I may stay there. My leave has been approved and now I am getting serious about the beds in England and France and have now booked 11 nights but still a way to go - a combination of Hotels, Hostels, B & Bs and a Convent. I have the daily walking kilometres organised so it is gradually coming together. A little scary as I will be walking on my own but guess I am a big girl and quite capable. Only 9 months away. Does anyone want to keep me company?

My sore shoulder is starting to get better but a couple more problems but will get them sorted also in the next few weeks. Perhaps a regular massage is the way to go.  I have not carried a backpack for a few weeks while I rest the shoulder.

I have just walked 7klms to White Rock, with my sister Sue, who walked with me through Ireland so nice to spend some time with her doing what we both enjoy. A shame we live 1000klms apart.

Hoping everyone has a lovely Christmas Day and a great 2017.

A few changes since the last post. Yes, I am still walking in 2017 but a little longer than first planned. I will leave England at Dover and cross the Channel into France and walk a further two weeks taking my walk to six weeks and over 600klms.

I have booked my flight to London and now working on a bed here and there. Have managed 4 nights so far.

The walking most morning continues but at a slow pace as the year winds up. I am not carrying a back pack for a few weeks until my shoulder improves - result of carrying a heavy pack in Ireland. 

The weather in Australia is starting to get hotter and will remain this way for a couple of months so any walking must be done early in the morning or late in the afternoon, I prefer very early in the day.

I have also set myself another challenge, to walk 1000 mile or 1600 klms between the two big walks. That is 1st August 2016 and 1st September 2017. So far I have walked 160klms so a way to go yet. I am only walking small distances at present but will get more serious again when the days cool a little.

                      Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone

It is now official and I must walk in 2017.

My work leave has been approved and I have extended it to 6 weeks away - I can feel the aches, pains and sheer exhaustion already.

I have just booked my flight to London leaving in September 2017 and when I have sorted the last couple of weeks walking I will book the return flight, as I am flying FF with Qantas/Emirates I am flying the longer route via Perth but cannot complain. It will give me a chance to see family in Perth if they wish to have a cuppa with me in the middle of the night.

The walk has been extended into France so will finish the last 2 weeks on the continent before catching the Euro back to London or I may fly out of Paris depending on where I can get a FF flight from. These plans have not been finalised yet.

I have only been walking 3 mornings a week, about 20 - 25klms as the days are starting to heat up and much earlier in the day than a few weeks back. It is a lovely time of the year in Queensland with the ground covered in purple petals from the Jacaranda trees but unless we get some rain soon the green grounds will turn brown very quickly. Snakes are out showing their heads so walking on the tracks out through the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail can be a little scary, for the time I will stay with the walks around Ipswich and Brisbane.

 Jacaranda in flower in Ipswich

Spring has arrived

A name change and a new walk for 2017

September 2017 will see me walk the first section of my walk to the Vatican, this time I will be on my own so a little daunting but guess I can do it. At least I speak the same language as the country where I will be walking in. 350klms over 4 weeks so I am giving myself plenty of time to complete the walk.

I have started to organise the walk, applied for my leave and when approved I will sort out some Qantas fares and then start on the accommodation. A piece of cake as I have done it before and I survived.

The training has started with a couple of morning walks before work, usually 6 - 10klms each walk and the occasional Saturday morning walk up Mt Cootha. I enjoy this walk as there is a coffee at the top. My boots survived the Ireland walk and look like they will survive this walk so pleased as they are a large expense. I should not have to purchase any clothing for this walk. Forgot to mention - this time I am carrying what I take so it won't be as much as our luggage in Ireland.

In June 2017 I plan to walk for 6 days out along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and will train short sections of it over the next 12 months. It is an excellent trail to train on. This walk will be a trial for me to see how much I can carry and how much I do not need to take with me to England.

This Pilgrimage to Rome over the next 5 years is for "me" as it will probably be the last overseas trips I make before retirement.

I will post on the blog as I train over the next 12 months so keep watching this spot.......