3 July 2009
Fundraising monies are still flowing in and, as at 2 July, the total already received by Parkinson's Disease Research is a wonderful £6744 WITHOUT the statutory 28p for every £1 donated as Gift Aid.
Hazarding a guess, approximately 95% (a low estimate!) of the monies received is eligible for Gift Aid and - as this blogger would loathe to be challenged by a mathematician - I think someone else can come up with the magic total figure.
All I know is that it's all looking bloody good from where I am sitting.
Parkinson's Disease Research has greatly benefited from all of you out there who came up with the goods AND from two not-so-young pedallers who had the completely crazy idea that they could 'move mountains' by achieving a marathon bike ride from Dieppe to Santiago de Compostela.
It was well worth all the torture of those ......... never-ending hills, wasn't it?
Mountains were moved!
Jenny
I had originally intended to close this blog at the end of June but, as monies are still being received and pledged, it will remain open for some time to come.
Friday 3 July 2009
Sunday 14 June 2009
PHOTOGRAPHS
14 June
I am unsure, at the moment, just how long to keep this blog up and running. The general concensus of opinion is to leave it open until almost all the sponsor monies are gathered in. That means, of course, that all of you have the opportunity of knowing the precise amount raised by Ben and Paul for Parkinson's Disease Research. You could have a long wait!
In the meantime, how about the above three photographs:
1. Just to prove that men do all the yapping whilst women work themselves into the ground!
2. One of the dormitories which our pedallers found so peaceful!
3. A favourite of mine - the elation of achievement and victory for our two Parkinson's Disease Research Pedalling Fundraisers! Would that I could have been there with them.
Jenny
Tuesday 9 June 2009
A ROLLERCOASTER OF SPONSOR MONIES
9 June
Ben is overwhelmed with the generosity, support and everyone's belief in him achieving 'The Goal' and so I thought that I would bring his blog up to speed with the total of sponsor monies already received.
To date, sponsor monies already given to Parkinson's Disease Research are £5056.50 which does NOT include Gift Aid. This has yet to be added. An amazing total and there are still many pledges of sponsor money to come in.
I have also NOT included Paul's online (Just Giving) and offline sponsor monies that will also be donated to Parkinson's Disease Research. Just how good does it get!!
Everyone has been fantastic
What more can I say? Nothing - for once, I am lost for words.
Jenny
Ben is overwhelmed with the generosity, support and everyone's belief in him achieving 'The Goal' and so I thought that I would bring his blog up to speed with the total of sponsor monies already received.
To date, sponsor monies already given to Parkinson's Disease Research are £5056.50 which does NOT include Gift Aid. This has yet to be added. An amazing total and there are still many pledges of sponsor money to come in.
I have also NOT included Paul's online (Just Giving) and offline sponsor monies that will also be donated to Parkinson's Disease Research. Just how good does it get!!
Everyone has been fantastic
What more can I say? Nothing - for once, I am lost for words.
Jenny
Sunday 7 June 2009
THE PILGRIM HAS RETURNED
7 June
Ben has come home - weary, elated and - I have to say - looking very svelte. Several pounds lighter, tanned and ...... Oh Yes! I have a dishy husband.
He travelled back on the same flight as Liz and I, meeting up with one of his walking pilgrim pals at Santiago airport - purely by chance - and there was a definite feeling of nostalgia in the air.
Both Paul and Ben will have wonderful memories of what can only be described as an epic journey achieved by two steadfast, very determined and motivated men.
Ben's pilgrimage has been an inspiration to all of us and, on his journey, he found the greatest gift of self-belief. Paul made Ben's pilgrimage possible and attainable which was the greatest gift that Ben could have received from anyone. Thankyou, Paul - Greater Love ..........
Jenny
Ben has come home - weary, elated and - I have to say - looking very svelte. Several pounds lighter, tanned and ...... Oh Yes! I have a dishy husband.
He travelled back on the same flight as Liz and I, meeting up with one of his walking pilgrim pals at Santiago airport - purely by chance - and there was a definite feeling of nostalgia in the air.
Both Paul and Ben will have wonderful memories of what can only be described as an epic journey achieved by two steadfast, very determined and motivated men.
Ben's pilgrimage has been an inspiration to all of us and, on his journey, he found the greatest gift of self-belief. Paul made Ben's pilgrimage possible and attainable which was the greatest gift that Ben could have received from anyone. Thankyou, Paul - Greater Love ..........
Jenny
Thursday 4 June 2009
SAN ESTEVO DE LAMOS! buenos dias!
4 June
Alleluia! We gave met up with our pilgrim - Benjaminium - and have actually had two days of his valuable time. What a wonderful journey Ben and Paul have achieved. Enthralled with all that they have done and just how proud does this wife feel of her husband.
We are just about to go out separate ways, until the end of next week. Paul will have arrived back in Moulton by now and Ben is hoping to come home at the end of next week.
Keeping the spiritual side of things rolling by staying in a monastery at the moment.
Great blog, Malcolm - thanks so much for taking over
Jenny
Alleluia! We gave met up with our pilgrim - Benjaminium - and have actually had two days of his valuable time. What a wonderful journey Ben and Paul have achieved. Enthralled with all that they have done and just how proud does this wife feel of her husband.
We are just about to go out separate ways, until the end of next week. Paul will have arrived back in Moulton by now and Ben is hoping to come home at the end of next week.
Keeping the spiritual side of things rolling by staying in a monastery at the moment.
Great blog, Malcolm - thanks so much for taking over
Jenny
Wednesday 3 June 2009
More Photographs
First an apology for the blog not being updated for a few days - pressure of work - Malcolm
The following photographs were received on 30th May...
Ben and Paul had a quiet day on the 30th (Saturday), going to the Pilgrim's service in the moring at the cathedral (in the pictures). They just needed to relax and rest until they come home. Paul has a flight booked for Wednesday (today 3rd June) and has found a 'bike wrapping service' - he is not leaving his bike in Spain!
Santiago is full of tourists and pilgrims, cyclists and walkers, of whom the latter make up the majority. It is unbearable hot and sitting in the shade is the order of the day.
There is a big fair on in the park near thier hotel and the noise carried on until 2:00am. They have a two hour break in the day and shops reopen until 7:00pm and everyone eats very late in the restaurants which don't open until 8:00pm or even 9:00pm, after they go out socialising hence the fair going on till late.
The people in Santiago have been very helpful and kind. The boys could not find a hotel at first but a lady who spoke good English rang around for them and pointed them in the right direction. She said at one point 'give me time to think' and told someone to wait as shee needed to help these english.
It sounds as though they are both having a great time after thier epic journey and hopefully once back, they will both contribute some more personal stories to the blog.
In the meantime we wish them a safe journy home, and look forward to seeing them again.
Malcolm
The following photographs were received on 30th May...
Ben and Paul had a quiet day on the 30th (Saturday), going to the Pilgrim's service in the moring at the cathedral (in the pictures). They just needed to relax and rest until they come home. Paul has a flight booked for Wednesday (today 3rd June) and has found a 'bike wrapping service' - he is not leaving his bike in Spain!
Santiago is full of tourists and pilgrims, cyclists and walkers, of whom the latter make up the majority. It is unbearable hot and sitting in the shade is the order of the day.
There is a big fair on in the park near thier hotel and the noise carried on until 2:00am. They have a two hour break in the day and shops reopen until 7:00pm and everyone eats very late in the restaurants which don't open until 8:00pm or even 9:00pm, after they go out socialising hence the fair going on till late.
The people in Santiago have been very helpful and kind. The boys could not find a hotel at first but a lady who spoke good English rang around for them and pointed them in the right direction. She said at one point 'give me time to think' and told someone to wait as shee needed to help these english.
It sounds as though they are both having a great time after thier epic journey and hopefully once back, they will both contribute some more personal stories to the blog.
In the meantime we wish them a safe journy home, and look forward to seeing them again.
Malcolm
Saturday 30 May 2009
Friday 29 May 2009
ARRIVAL IN SANTIAGO AT 12:15BST 29th MAY 2009
Well done to Ben and Paul on successfully completing their epic ride!
Paul rang at just after 12:15 (BST) today to confrirm that they had arrived in Santiago and it is awesome.
They are seating outside a cafe drinking a cool glass of coke after making excellent progress this moring arriving at the halfway stage today at 10:30am. The plan was to stop overnight if it was hot but decided that at it was so early they would press on and reach the goal.
They now have five days ion santiago to recover and do some well deserved ralaxing and sight seeing - pictures will follow I am assured.
The statistics:
1,600 miles travelled
37 days riding a bike!
Only 2 days rest!!!!!!
Once again my congratulations got to them both as I am sure all of their followers do.
More posts as and when they contact me together with pictures.
Malcolm
Paul rang at just after 12:15 (BST) today to confrirm that they had arrived in Santiago and it is awesome.
They are seating outside a cafe drinking a cool glass of coke after making excellent progress this moring arriving at the halfway stage today at 10:30am. The plan was to stop overnight if it was hot but decided that at it was so early they would press on and reach the goal.
They now have five days ion santiago to recover and do some well deserved ralaxing and sight seeing - pictures will follow I am assured.
The statistics:
1,600 miles travelled
37 days riding a bike!
Only 2 days rest!!!!!!
Once again my congratulations got to them both as I am sure all of their followers do.
More posts as and when they contact me together with pictures.
Malcolm
Thursday 28 May 2009
Pilgrimage Day 23 - A Hard Days Ride
Today's report is via email from Paul...
The pedaling pair have had a very hard days with a lot of climbing that wasn't too steep but relentlessly going on. It has also been extremely hot which made the days riding even more difficult.
They have taken lots of stops for rests and refreshments but they have achieved the target of Palas de Rei, arriving at 3:45pm.
Whilst the aim is to arrive in Santiago on Friday they will make a decision tomorrow morning if to press on or just take an extra day, arriving on Saturday lunchtime.
Ben called and added that they had found somewhere to stay for 25E and had another excellent Pilgrim meal for 8E each (free wine as usual!).
We will hopefully have some more pictures overnight and i will try and upload to the blog on Friday morning.
A short report tonight but our pedaling pair are near the end. This is always the hardest part of any ride over a distance as your body is starting to shut down and relax and more effort is needed to keep going those last few miles. Keep going lads you WILL make it!
Malcolm
The pedaling pair have had a very hard days with a lot of climbing that wasn't too steep but relentlessly going on. It has also been extremely hot which made the days riding even more difficult.
They have taken lots of stops for rests and refreshments but they have achieved the target of Palas de Rei, arriving at 3:45pm.
Whilst the aim is to arrive in Santiago on Friday they will make a decision tomorrow morning if to press on or just take an extra day, arriving on Saturday lunchtime.
Ben called and added that they had found somewhere to stay for 25E and had another excellent Pilgrim meal for 8E each (free wine as usual!).
We will hopefully have some more pictures overnight and i will try and upload to the blog on Friday morning.
A short report tonight but our pedaling pair are near the end. This is always the hardest part of any ride over a distance as your body is starting to shut down and relax and more effort is needed to keep going those last few miles. Keep going lads you WILL make it!
Malcolm
Pictures from Pilgamage Day 21
Received the following from Paul overnight:
The picture above is of Paul at the Statue of a Pilgrim at the summit of the mountain today.
Likewise of Ben...
The road up looking from the top...
The picture above is of Paul at the Statue of a Pilgrim at the summit of the mountain today.
Likewise of Ben...
The road up looking from the top...
Halfway up.
At the bottom, looling upto the road and the piece of Spanish engineering taking the road over the valley.
Sorry the pictures are in reversew order - didn't upload as I expected to!
Malcolm
Wednesday 27 May 2009
Pilgrimage Day 23 - Over the Hill!
The intrepid duo have arrived in Sarria a hillside village in the mountains after travelling 42 miles.
Paul is the reporter tonight as Ben was otherwise engaged!
The first section of the climb was fairly strenuous and both nearly got off at one point. they got to the top.
There will be some photographs added on Thursday of today's ride showing the boys at the bottom looking up at a lorry on the road, one with the lorry next to them halfway up, and the third of them looking down from the top at the lorry. Paul says this will show us just how much they climbed and rode.
They passed through a village called El Cebreiro a 'National Monument' comprising of pallozas which are round thatched dwellings of Celtic origin which are set into the mountain side. Very pretty and olde worldy. The church is also very pretty.
At the top is a statue of a pilgrim and the views are magnificent and it was a privilege to be up there.
After a few more miles of undulation the big decent woooooooooooooooooo (Paul's word!) for 12Km. They stopped on a few occasions to let the wheel rims cool off - no wonder when Paul reached a speed of 37mph! Paul says it didn't feel like he was doing that speed but the speedo on the bike says he was so he must have been.
Cebreiro is anther town that is 'dead' with only a few shops and hostels. In Spain they don't open in the afternoon and it is difficult to get a meal before 8:30pm. Places open 9am to 1pm then close till 8:30ish. Paul suspects that when they go into town it will be quiet, there is nothing of interest to photograph.
The aim to get to Palas do Rei on Thursday and they have 40 miles to go to Santiago so are wll on target to arrive by (or even before) Saturday.
They are now just setting their sights on arriving in Santiago and I am sure that the last few days of their travels will be great - as long as Ben doesn't leave his camera behind again and have to get a taxi to go and get it from the top of the mountain they had just come down!
Hopefully the pictures will have arrived overnight and I will post them on Thursday.
Malcolm
Paul is the reporter tonight as Ben was otherwise engaged!
The first section of the climb was fairly strenuous and both nearly got off at one point. they got to the top.
There will be some photographs added on Thursday of today's ride showing the boys at the bottom looking up at a lorry on the road, one with the lorry next to them halfway up, and the third of them looking down from the top at the lorry. Paul says this will show us just how much they climbed and rode.
They passed through a village called El Cebreiro a 'National Monument' comprising of pallozas which are round thatched dwellings of Celtic origin which are set into the mountain side. Very pretty and olde worldy. The church is also very pretty.
At the top is a statue of a pilgrim and the views are magnificent and it was a privilege to be up there.
After a few more miles of undulation the big decent woooooooooooooooooo (Paul's word!) for 12Km. They stopped on a few occasions to let the wheel rims cool off - no wonder when Paul reached a speed of 37mph! Paul says it didn't feel like he was doing that speed but the speedo on the bike says he was so he must have been.
Cebreiro is anther town that is 'dead' with only a few shops and hostels. In Spain they don't open in the afternoon and it is difficult to get a meal before 8:30pm. Places open 9am to 1pm then close till 8:30ish. Paul suspects that when they go into town it will be quiet, there is nothing of interest to photograph.
The aim to get to Palas do Rei on Thursday and they have 40 miles to go to Santiago so are wll on target to arrive by (or even before) Saturday.
They are now just setting their sights on arriving in Santiago and I am sure that the last few days of their travels will be great - as long as Ben doesn't leave his camera behind again and have to get a taxi to go and get it from the top of the mountain they had just come down!
Hopefully the pictures will have arrived overnight and I will post them on Thursday.
Malcolm
Tuesday 26 May 2009
Pilgrimage Day 22 - Time Out!!
Ben's opening remark tonight was 'we didn't get up the hill'. Apparently both our pilgrims were unable to get up the energy to tackle the ascent and so (wisely) stopped at the bottom of the climb in a lovely little village of Vega de Valcarce having still travelled 32 miles. They stopped riding at about 13:30 and started at 09:30 with a headwind all day.
Having to pedal going DOWNHILL gives an indication of the effort needed to pedal uphill! The problem is that when you are in a valley or gorge the wind funnels down it and it is weird because even when there is no wind there is still a wind pressure and when going down hill with no wind you still have to pedal.
Ben went to bed at 3pm today and slept for two hours in a super place with twin beds and shower. An advantage of stopping early is that you are guaranteed a decent bed for the night! That was after he had done is washing outside in a rub a dub dub tub sink, and has got it dry on the line.
Paul mentioned Refugio's (?) that he refuses to stay in. They are basically dorms with anything from 50 to 150+ beds in them, you have to queue to use the showers, the toilet and anything else. Food is not always provided either. At 65 he says that the 'adventurer' in him has gone and if he was a lot younger he may have used them but he now needs to be able to crash out in peace and Ben needed to today. An Irish that they met said she would rather sleep under a hedgerow that use one! You also don't know what other people are carrying/have got...
The first lady they asked owned a bread shop with a six room 'B&B' opposite. You can tell that a village like this relies entirely on the Pilgrims, without who there would be no income at all. They had a 9E Pilgrim meal (including the free bottle of wine!) which was lovely. Ben says that asking for a Coke is impossible as they can't understand that you would be willing to pay for it.
Ben's opinion of the day is that Ben didn't particularly enjoy it, it has been a 'Ben's been a pain the the arse day!
They are now out of the harsh burnt landscape and into more greener scenery and where they have a bit of soil they really look after it.
Paul takes over the commentary and says that they have 120 miles left and once they are over the hill tomorrow, which is 5km long and they are still on target to arrive in Santiago on Friday or Saturday.
Once they have made the climb there is a 12Km descent which they have to be careful with and stop regularly to allow their rims to cool down. Paul's problem with the bursting tyre was due to his brakes being misaligned and they were rubbing on the tyre wall causing it to overheat and wear - problem now fixed so the descent tomorrow will be safer!
This is the hardest of the climbs (even over the Pyrenees) and once they are over it they will leave mountains behind and have to contend with a few hills. Yesterdays hill was the highest but tomorrows will be the steepest.
On the way today they were a little confused and were consulting the maps when a police motorbike stopped and a very helpful Spanish policeman gave them directions - in English! A marked difference to the policeman in France eh Paul? People have been very nice and helpful and even not being able to speak the language they have been able to communicate. There has been no animosity to pilgrim's and some 80-100,000 people pass through here each year as all the roads are converging onto the one road into Santiago.
Paul says that things are now one blur in that they can't remember what was where, what happened where or where they have stayed when (even last night!).
Paul says that arriving at Santiago will be euphoric but he is worried that after that there will be an anti-climax and them asking the question 'What now?' A suggestion is to cycle home!
Well that's about it for tonight, despite a bit of a disappointing day they are both in good spirits and are probably recharging their batteries in preparation for the long climb tomorrow - we can only wish them good luck and I hope to be able to report success on the blog tomorrow.
Malcolm
Having to pedal going DOWNHILL gives an indication of the effort needed to pedal uphill! The problem is that when you are in a valley or gorge the wind funnels down it and it is weird because even when there is no wind there is still a wind pressure and when going down hill with no wind you still have to pedal.
Ben went to bed at 3pm today and slept for two hours in a super place with twin beds and shower. An advantage of stopping early is that you are guaranteed a decent bed for the night! That was after he had done is washing outside in a rub a dub dub tub sink, and has got it dry on the line.
Paul mentioned Refugio's (?) that he refuses to stay in. They are basically dorms with anything from 50 to 150+ beds in them, you have to queue to use the showers, the toilet and anything else. Food is not always provided either. At 65 he says that the 'adventurer' in him has gone and if he was a lot younger he may have used them but he now needs to be able to crash out in peace and Ben needed to today. An Irish that they met said she would rather sleep under a hedgerow that use one! You also don't know what other people are carrying/have got...
The first lady they asked owned a bread shop with a six room 'B&B' opposite. You can tell that a village like this relies entirely on the Pilgrims, without who there would be no income at all. They had a 9E Pilgrim meal (including the free bottle of wine!) which was lovely. Ben says that asking for a Coke is impossible as they can't understand that you would be willing to pay for it.
Ben's opinion of the day is that Ben didn't particularly enjoy it, it has been a 'Ben's been a pain the the arse day!
They are now out of the harsh burnt landscape and into more greener scenery and where they have a bit of soil they really look after it.
Paul takes over the commentary and says that they have 120 miles left and once they are over the hill tomorrow, which is 5km long and they are still on target to arrive in Santiago on Friday or Saturday.
Once they have made the climb there is a 12Km descent which they have to be careful with and stop regularly to allow their rims to cool down. Paul's problem with the bursting tyre was due to his brakes being misaligned and they were rubbing on the tyre wall causing it to overheat and wear - problem now fixed so the descent tomorrow will be safer!
This is the hardest of the climbs (even over the Pyrenees) and once they are over it they will leave mountains behind and have to contend with a few hills. Yesterdays hill was the highest but tomorrows will be the steepest.
On the way today they were a little confused and were consulting the maps when a police motorbike stopped and a very helpful Spanish policeman gave them directions - in English! A marked difference to the policeman in France eh Paul? People have been very nice and helpful and even not being able to speak the language they have been able to communicate. There has been no animosity to pilgrim's and some 80-100,000 people pass through here each year as all the roads are converging onto the one road into Santiago.
Paul says that things are now one blur in that they can't remember what was where, what happened where or where they have stayed when (even last night!).
Paul says that arriving at Santiago will be euphoric but he is worried that after that there will be an anti-climax and them asking the question 'What now?' A suggestion is to cycle home!
Well that's about it for tonight, despite a bit of a disappointing day they are both in good spirits and are probably recharging their batteries in preparation for the long climb tomorrow - we can only wish them good luck and I hope to be able to report success on the blog tomorrow.
Malcolm
Monday 25 May 2009
Pilgrimage Day 20 - Hills and Wind Turbines!
The pedal pushers have now arrived in Molinaseca having travelled 32miles and climbed to 1504 meters.
The ride was reasonably hard work especially when they had a headwind (again) but was doable. When at the top Ben called Luke and was saying that they had done thfirst climb and the minnute they set of off the .... rain came down going down hill and you couldn't see a .... thing, and coming downhill wasn't all downhill you suddenly had a sharp uprise, you are in the clouds and you can't see when to pedal and when not to, Ben had to get off and walk and Paul did as well.
Prior to that, as they were ascending the hill, they were overtaken by seven lorries carrying the parts to build a wind turbine. This was interesting as Ben pulled over after the first thinkning that was it but the lorries carrying the blades came along and to get the lorrise around the hairpin bends the following van pulled up and a chap got out to remotely control the rear of the vehiles whilst in contact with the driver by radio. Paul has some picture and we will hopefully receive them when the get a WiFi connection. So on the steepest hill they had to do they got these .... overtaking you.
Paul was given a key ring by one of the lorry drivers with thename of the company - an unusal souvenier that Paul will be able to remember today with. An unusaul token that can't be bought in the local souvenier shops!
On the descent Paul was ahead and Ben caught up with him on a bend, Paul had had a ... blowout on the tyre that was fitted in France. Paul had a foldup tyre and did a briliiant job of getting it fixed, Ben admits that he would have been .... if it was him - the only assistance he could give Paul was to hold the back end of the bike up to stop the chain getting covered in ..... By the time they had fixed it, it had stopped raining and they were now coming into El Acebo.
All the books reccomend that cyclists get off and walk and isn;t rideable. Ben's opinion is that anyone who tries to cycle wants their heads testing. The whole of the road is concrete and there is a gutter running down the middle where there are cobbles sticking up in herring bone fashion runing into the main central gutter and are lethal to add to this there are cobbles sticking up out of the concrete - .... lethal and no way you could cycle on it. There is a monument to a German cyclist who was killed in 1987 - chilling stuff!
The descent into Molinaseca was a steep hairpin bend and Paul has some good pictures of Ben on the descent. The place is lovely but totally dependant on Pilgrim's without who, the place would be .....
As they arrived the first hostelry was full and as they walked along the road there was chap sitting on a chair who pointed to a sign offering a bed for the night - bingo a nice twin room that is great for the intrepid duo to rest their wary souls for the night. They have had an excellent Pilgrim's meal (more free wine!) and it is a lovely feeling walking round the town. They have visited the river and Roman bridge but aparently haven't been for a dip in the swimming hole!
The river is dammed up but isn't at the moment and Ben thinks it would be very nice as the water is clean and fresh as it is constantly being changed - but it will be cold even in Summer!
Paul is going to double check his wheel and brakes before they set off tomorrow as he is concerned over the causes of the blowout - best to be safe than sorry! The hills tomorrow are steeper than todays and steeper than France so if they have to walk up then they will. There are some cyclists with follow vehicles and a group of german walkers with a coach! Paul says it is down to your personal acievement and he is not worried about what they are doing - he can live with his and Ben's achievement. Totally agree their achievement is top notch and a very personal one to each of them and we can all say 'Very well done' without a doubt!
They have about 150 miles to go and should arrive in Santiago on Saturday - barring any problems.
Ben mentioned that Jenny got drenched in Santiago again today and had problems with the hire car - should have got a bike!
Ben is suffering with a split lip and is blaming him possibly sounding p....d on the phone - nothing to do with the free wine. Paul has apprently left a trial of blood on pillows since Dieppe from a slit lip he had that cleared up a feew days ago, Ben's is taking a bit linger!
That's it for tonight look out for the next installment tomorrow...
Malcolm.
The ride was reasonably hard work especially when they had a headwind (again) but was doable. When at the top Ben called Luke and was saying that they had done thfirst climb and the minnute they set of off the .... rain came down going down hill and you couldn't see a .... thing, and coming downhill wasn't all downhill you suddenly had a sharp uprise, you are in the clouds and you can't see when to pedal and when not to, Ben had to get off and walk and Paul did as well.
Prior to that, as they were ascending the hill, they were overtaken by seven lorries carrying the parts to build a wind turbine. This was interesting as Ben pulled over after the first thinkning that was it but the lorries carrying the blades came along and to get the lorrise around the hairpin bends the following van pulled up and a chap got out to remotely control the rear of the vehiles whilst in contact with the driver by radio. Paul has some picture and we will hopefully receive them when the get a WiFi connection. So on the steepest hill they had to do they got these .... overtaking you.
Paul was given a key ring by one of the lorry drivers with thename of the company - an unusal souvenier that Paul will be able to remember today with. An unusaul token that can't be bought in the local souvenier shops!
On the descent Paul was ahead and Ben caught up with him on a bend, Paul had had a ... blowout on the tyre that was fitted in France. Paul had a foldup tyre and did a briliiant job of getting it fixed, Ben admits that he would have been .... if it was him - the only assistance he could give Paul was to hold the back end of the bike up to stop the chain getting covered in ..... By the time they had fixed it, it had stopped raining and they were now coming into El Acebo.
All the books reccomend that cyclists get off and walk and isn;t rideable. Ben's opinion is that anyone who tries to cycle wants their heads testing. The whole of the road is concrete and there is a gutter running down the middle where there are cobbles sticking up in herring bone fashion runing into the main central gutter and are lethal to add to this there are cobbles sticking up out of the concrete - .... lethal and no way you could cycle on it. There is a monument to a German cyclist who was killed in 1987 - chilling stuff!
The descent into Molinaseca was a steep hairpin bend and Paul has some good pictures of Ben on the descent. The place is lovely but totally dependant on Pilgrim's without who, the place would be .....
As they arrived the first hostelry was full and as they walked along the road there was chap sitting on a chair who pointed to a sign offering a bed for the night - bingo a nice twin room that is great for the intrepid duo to rest their wary souls for the night. They have had an excellent Pilgrim's meal (more free wine!) and it is a lovely feeling walking round the town. They have visited the river and Roman bridge but aparently haven't been for a dip in the swimming hole!
The river is dammed up but isn't at the moment and Ben thinks it would be very nice as the water is clean and fresh as it is constantly being changed - but it will be cold even in Summer!
Paul is going to double check his wheel and brakes before they set off tomorrow as he is concerned over the causes of the blowout - best to be safe than sorry! The hills tomorrow are steeper than todays and steeper than France so if they have to walk up then they will. There are some cyclists with follow vehicles and a group of german walkers with a coach! Paul says it is down to your personal acievement and he is not worried about what they are doing - he can live with his and Ben's achievement. Totally agree their achievement is top notch and a very personal one to each of them and we can all say 'Very well done' without a doubt!
They have about 150 miles to go and should arrive in Santiago on Saturday - barring any problems.
Ben mentioned that Jenny got drenched in Santiago again today and had problems with the hire car - should have got a bike!
Ben is suffering with a split lip and is blaming him possibly sounding p....d on the phone - nothing to do with the free wine. Paul has apprently left a trial of blood on pillows since Dieppe from a slit lip he had that cleared up a feew days ago, Ben's is taking a bit linger!
That's it for tonight look out for the next installment tomorrow...
Malcolm.
Sunday 24 May 2009
Pilgrimage Day 19
Well folks our intrepid duo have done 42.13K today and up till they saw the 15Km sign it was a piece of cake and Ben said to Paul that they had only another 10m to do... then they saw the .... hills! That last 15k took an hour and a half.
Ben likened them to the hills at Little Bytham - only magnified by TEN! You get up one, then a plateau, then another hill followed by a plateau, then another hill followed... you get the idea. You could see the first tow, you get to the top them then then there's a third ... then you get to the top of that and there's another ...... ten you get to the top and then there's a fourth one.
They would have been alright if hadn't been for the wind. Ben says they are technically getting better at the hills but when you have got the wind chucked at you and then a third hill - this point our Vicar said something that I didn't catch but Ben made reference to the fact that Paul was a vicar and Paul responded it's being with him!
They stopped in Leons for about and hour and looked at the Cathedral - at this point Ben asked me if i could hear the thunder, I couldn't but he said that this was the second storm since they had been here and it is really going for it. Thunder and lightening and when it rains here it chucks it down but he says they are under cover and so...
The guys are 'lost' in that they have travelled so far and seen so many places that they had to ask me where they were last night! Having reminded Ben he reiterated that the place (Mansilla de los Mulas) was all ripped up and nothing doing. They had had a nine Euro Pilgrim's menu and it was the second to worst meal of the trip so far, but at least they got fed for just 9E and they throw in the bread, wine and water. They are pushing the boat out a bit tonight and paying English prices but it will be back to Pilgrim's menus tomorrow. The Pilgrim's menus vary from 9 to 19E the food, certainly in France, has been excellent.
Ben is still pondering the eating habits of Storks, and he now realised what they only ever see one bird on the nest - the other is out looking for food. They saw four in a field and Ben surmises that they are looking for frogs, but he is only guessing. All the towns they have been through have had a stork stand except Astorga - for some reason they don't seem to like them here.
No decent pictures of the cathedral due to scaffolding but Paul has taken my email address so he can send what he gets as and when.
The boys just now have Santiago in their sights and just want to get there. 180 miles to go but there is a big hill tomorrow about 1500m climb over 25-30k which will be interesting!. Then they will have a day of rest and then another big hill so in three days time they should be over the worst and going downhill!
When you get to the top you come down in a ... hurry. They have been advised to stop every so often (2-3Km) on the downhills and check that their brakes are not over heating - sound advice!!
Spain is not as half as interesting as France and Ben feels this may be because they have been through all the emotions and seen the sights and they just want to ... get there now - probably about five days of riding.
As you all know Jenny is over there now and got soaked in Santiago - we assume it is the storms that Ben and Paul are now encountering moving eastward.
A factoid from Paul - they have been travelling 1400 miles, they have been there 35 nights and stayed in 33 different places, can't remember what or where, it's been good but hard work sometimes on the hills.
Well, they are both in good spirits if sounding tired and with some big hills ahead of them let's hope they take a deserved rest day and tackle the hills with renewed vigour.
Malcolm
Ben likened them to the hills at Little Bytham - only magnified by TEN! You get up one, then a plateau, then another hill followed by a plateau, then another hill followed... you get the idea. You could see the first tow, you get to the top them then then there's a third ... then you get to the top of that and there's another ...... ten you get to the top and then there's a fourth one.
They would have been alright if hadn't been for the wind. Ben says they are technically getting better at the hills but when you have got the wind chucked at you and then a third hill - this point our Vicar said something that I didn't catch but Ben made reference to the fact that Paul was a vicar and Paul responded it's being with him!
They stopped in Leons for about and hour and looked at the Cathedral - at this point Ben asked me if i could hear the thunder, I couldn't but he said that this was the second storm since they had been here and it is really going for it. Thunder and lightening and when it rains here it chucks it down but he says they are under cover and so...
The guys are 'lost' in that they have travelled so far and seen so many places that they had to ask me where they were last night! Having reminded Ben he reiterated that the place (Mansilla de los Mulas) was all ripped up and nothing doing. They had had a nine Euro Pilgrim's menu and it was the second to worst meal of the trip so far, but at least they got fed for just 9E and they throw in the bread, wine and water. They are pushing the boat out a bit tonight and paying English prices but it will be back to Pilgrim's menus tomorrow. The Pilgrim's menus vary from 9 to 19E the food, certainly in France, has been excellent.
Ben is still pondering the eating habits of Storks, and he now realised what they only ever see one bird on the nest - the other is out looking for food. They saw four in a field and Ben surmises that they are looking for frogs, but he is only guessing. All the towns they have been through have had a stork stand except Astorga - for some reason they don't seem to like them here.
No decent pictures of the cathedral due to scaffolding but Paul has taken my email address so he can send what he gets as and when.
The boys just now have Santiago in their sights and just want to get there. 180 miles to go but there is a big hill tomorrow about 1500m climb over 25-30k which will be interesting!. Then they will have a day of rest and then another big hill so in three days time they should be over the worst and going downhill!
When you get to the top you come down in a ... hurry. They have been advised to stop every so often (2-3Km) on the downhills and check that their brakes are not over heating - sound advice!!
Spain is not as half as interesting as France and Ben feels this may be because they have been through all the emotions and seen the sights and they just want to ... get there now - probably about five days of riding.
As you all know Jenny is over there now and got soaked in Santiago - we assume it is the storms that Ben and Paul are now encountering moving eastward.
A factoid from Paul - they have been travelling 1400 miles, they have been there 35 nights and stayed in 33 different places, can't remember what or where, it's been good but hard work sometimes on the hills.
Well, they are both in good spirits if sounding tired and with some big hills ahead of them let's hope they take a deserved rest day and tackle the hills with renewed vigour.
Malcolm
Saturday 23 May 2009
The Pilgrimage Day 18
Well first 'Hello' from Malcolm - I now have the envious task of following Jenny's missives on behalf of the pedaling duo so i hope you find my words as interesting and entertaining. Here goes...
Tonight's stop over is in Mansilla de las Mulas and the intrepid duo have pushed those pedals for 62.31 miles today.
Having stopped at Sahagun for lunch the option was to continue for another 49 miles with no breaks. Having monitored the weather they decided to opt for this and, I'll be blowed, the wind was IN THEIR FAVOUR!!!!It remained so all day and although overcast it actually made the cycling much more bearable.
There were few hills Ben only getting into granny gear 2 or three times for short durations but there was absolutely .... all to see, only took one picture of a herdsman with his goats. Just miles of wheat, barley and oats (and from the farmers eye (Ben) not very good at that) with no trees nearby.
What they did see was to the north was the Picos de europa, a range of mountains that stop the Baltic wind and weather from hitting Spain - so mountains do have their uses!
When in Carrion de los Condes last night, staying in a Convent, the intrepid duo went out for a meal and then sat in the market square watching the local youth having a game of football. Ben says it was great to watch them all joining in and the cars slowing down for them, with the mothers sitting around the bars getting drunk! He was enthralled by the 'beauty' of the scene.
Tonight, in contrast, there is nothing happening - the place is dead and is a reflection of what happens to the small towns and villages along the roads where a motorway has been built. The places have no visitors and so the bars, cafes, and hostels close down. If it wasn't for the Pilgrims this town would also die completely as would many along the route.
Ben is intrigued by the number of nesting Storks - they are everywhere, on the top of industrial building and churches and tonight he has seen at least three nesting pairs. So, a question from Ben: What do Storks feed on and is it likely that the same pairs use the same nests each year?
Our pedal pushers are also delighted with the friendship shown between the walking pilgrims and the cycling pilgrims. With the exception of a couple everyone is extremely friendly and this is making the journey an experience.
Tomorrow they are going to Leons and then to Astoga where they may rest their weary bones and bikes for a bit of sightseeing. I don't blame them and i hope they have a great day! More on that tomorrow though...
Hats off to both of them and from a very jealous friend - keep going lads you are doing brilliant!
Malcolm
Tonight's stop over is in Mansilla de las Mulas and the intrepid duo have pushed those pedals for 62.31 miles today.
Having stopped at Sahagun for lunch the option was to continue for another 49 miles with no breaks. Having monitored the weather they decided to opt for this and, I'll be blowed, the wind was IN THEIR FAVOUR!!!!
There were few hills Ben only getting into granny gear 2 or three times for short durations but there was absolutely .... all to see, only took one picture of a herdsman with his goats. Just miles of wheat, barley and oats (and from the farmers eye (Ben) not very good at that) with no trees nearby.
What they did see was to the north was the Picos de europa, a range of mountains that stop the Baltic wind and weather from hitting Spain - so mountains do have their uses!
When in Carrion de los Condes last night, staying in a Convent, the intrepid duo went out for a meal and then sat in the market square watching the local youth having a game of football. Ben says it was great to watch them all joining in and the cars slowing down for them, with the mothers sitting around the bars getting drunk! He was enthralled by the 'beauty' of the scene.
Tonight, in contrast, there is nothing happening - the place is dead and is a reflection of what happens to the small towns and villages along the roads where a motorway has been built. The places have no visitors and so the bars, cafes, and hostels close down. If it wasn't for the Pilgrims this town would also die completely as would many along the route.
Ben is intrigued by the number of nesting Storks - they are everywhere, on the top of industrial building and churches and tonight he has seen at least three nesting pairs. So, a question from Ben: What do Storks feed on and is it likely that the same pairs use the same nests each year?
Our pedal pushers are also delighted with the friendship shown between the walking pilgrims and the cycling pilgrims. With the exception of a couple everyone is extremely friendly and this is making the journey an experience.
Tomorrow they are going to Leons and then to Astoga where they may rest their weary bones and bikes for a bit of sightseeing. I don't blame them and i hope they have a great day! More on that tomorrow though...
Hats off to both of them and from a very jealous friend - keep going lads you are doing brilliant!
Malcolm
Friday 22 May 2009
BEN
22 May
During the course of this very lengthy and rambling blog site, I have mentioned all that Paul and Malcolm 'have done' for Ben.
What I have failed to mention, and deliberately omitted, until such time as and when Paul and Ben had accomplished the greater part of their Pilgrimage, is:- "What Ben has done for Ben".
Ben has done what the vast majority of us could not, or would not, even attempt to do. A stubborn man with determination, strength of character and single-mindedness who, although afflicted by Parkinson's Disease, was driven by sheer guts to achieve his very own Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela and no-one was ever going to deter him or obstruct his path in achieving his goal.
The Pilgrimage of The Route of Saint James has been Ben's obsession from the very moment that he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Even on the occasions when he experienced the downside of the Disease, there was always the Pilgrimage to motivate and spur him onwards. A man totally committed and absorbed with 'finding himself' on what has proved to be a very emotional and very spiritual journey.
I have found, whilst writing this blog and speaking to Ben on a daily basis, that I have become completely preoccupied with and, at times, very much emotionally effected by Ben's Pilgrimage.
"What Ben has done for Ben" is to give himself a purpose in life, the impossible can become possible, realise that great mountains can be overcome despite the affliction of Parkinson's Disease and that there are a great many people out there to whom he is a shining example and who think that he is one very, very special man.
I have nothing but admiration and love for Ben - my husband, the Pilgrim.
Jenny
During the course of this very lengthy and rambling blog site, I have mentioned all that Paul and Malcolm 'have done' for Ben.
What I have failed to mention, and deliberately omitted, until such time as and when Paul and Ben had accomplished the greater part of their Pilgrimage, is:- "What Ben has done for Ben".
Ben has done what the vast majority of us could not, or would not, even attempt to do. A stubborn man with determination, strength of character and single-mindedness who, although afflicted by Parkinson's Disease, was driven by sheer guts to achieve his very own Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela and no-one was ever going to deter him or obstruct his path in achieving his goal.
The Pilgrimage of The Route of Saint James has been Ben's obsession from the very moment that he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Even on the occasions when he experienced the downside of the Disease, there was always the Pilgrimage to motivate and spur him onwards. A man totally committed and absorbed with 'finding himself' on what has proved to be a very emotional and very spiritual journey.
I have found, whilst writing this blog and speaking to Ben on a daily basis, that I have become completely preoccupied with and, at times, very much emotionally effected by Ben's Pilgrimage.
"What Ben has done for Ben" is to give himself a purpose in life, the impossible can become possible, realise that great mountains can be overcome despite the affliction of Parkinson's Disease and that there are a great many people out there to whom he is a shining example and who think that he is one very, very special man.
I have nothing but admiration and love for Ben - my husband, the Pilgrim.
Jenny
THE PILGRIMAGE - DAY 17
22 May
Ben and Paul are in absolute and complete seventh Heaven tonight! They are in accommodation that many men - especially monks - would move the Pyrenees in which to spend a night of bliss and rapture .......... A CONVENT! The nuns will not know what has hit them when two rampant middle-aged pedalling pilgrims get into the swing of spending the entire night pounding the Cloisters!
After cycling 44.56 miles, in high temperatures, our pedallers lurched into the Convento de Santa Clara - located in the town of Carrion de Las Condes - at precisely 3.30pm.
Not only do the names of the towns/villages ring out 'Mexican' but our boys also say that the terrain, landscape and appearance of the villages/towns all conjure up visions of the previously mentioned Spaghetti Western movies. Very bizarre.
Paul and Ben were the only two people staying in the Parador last night and said that it was a wonderful place to stay. They had the very best room with a great balcony for the very lowest price and dined extremely well. Breakfast this morning was a feast of bacon, scrambled eggs, omelette, croissants and a variety of breads - all washed down with tea, coffee and fresh orange juice. The waitress, Patricia, also multi-tasked as cook and room cleaner. That's what happens when you are the only boys in town.
Having pedalled through another Adobe town, they were faced with a steep climb up an escarpment and subsequently arrived on a plateau that was completely covered in piles of boulders. These had been removed from a field which was growing a thin and meagre crop of barley. Upon their descent, they were surrounded by fertile land growing peas, barley and wheat - all of which were benefiting from working irrigation (some information for those of you who are Lincolnshire farmers).
Having replenished their hunger and thirst (crisps, apple, banana and cold drinks - the breakfast was still very much in their systems) sitting under a much-welcomed tree for 30 minutes, on a bench in the town of Fromista, Paul and Ben continued on their much more enjoyable day's pedalling, until they reached THE CONVENT. Over the course of the day, they have encountered many walking Pilgrims but failed to mention those of the cycling variety.
A word of advice for our pedallers from she who writes their blog -
Behave yourselves tonight, eat well and sleep soundly
Jenny
Ben and Paul are in absolute and complete seventh Heaven tonight! They are in accommodation that many men - especially monks - would move the Pyrenees in which to spend a night of bliss and rapture .......... A CONVENT! The nuns will not know what has hit them when two rampant middle-aged pedalling pilgrims get into the swing of spending the entire night pounding the Cloisters!
After cycling 44.56 miles, in high temperatures, our pedallers lurched into the Convento de Santa Clara - located in the town of Carrion de Las Condes - at precisely 3.30pm.
Not only do the names of the towns/villages ring out 'Mexican' but our boys also say that the terrain, landscape and appearance of the villages/towns all conjure up visions of the previously mentioned Spaghetti Western movies. Very bizarre.
Paul and Ben were the only two people staying in the Parador last night and said that it was a wonderful place to stay. They had the very best room with a great balcony for the very lowest price and dined extremely well. Breakfast this morning was a feast of bacon, scrambled eggs, omelette, croissants and a variety of breads - all washed down with tea, coffee and fresh orange juice. The waitress, Patricia, also multi-tasked as cook and room cleaner. That's what happens when you are the only boys in town.
Having pedalled through another Adobe town, they were faced with a steep climb up an escarpment and subsequently arrived on a plateau that was completely covered in piles of boulders. These had been removed from a field which was growing a thin and meagre crop of barley. Upon their descent, they were surrounded by fertile land growing peas, barley and wheat - all of which were benefiting from working irrigation (some information for those of you who are Lincolnshire farmers).
Having replenished their hunger and thirst (crisps, apple, banana and cold drinks - the breakfast was still very much in their systems) sitting under a much-welcomed tree for 30 minutes, on a bench in the town of Fromista, Paul and Ben continued on their much more enjoyable day's pedalling, until they reached THE CONVENT. Over the course of the day, they have encountered many walking Pilgrims but failed to mention those of the cycling variety.
A word of advice for our pedallers from she who writes their blog -
Behave yourselves tonight, eat well and sleep soundly
Jenny
INTRODUCING MALCOLM
22 May
Many thanks go to Malcolm Smith for taking over the management of this Peddling for Parkinson's blog site tomorrow, 23 May, until our pedallers throw their cycles away in Santiago de Compostela!
Over the past four years, from the day when The Route of Saint James was a tiny seed in Ben's brain, Malcolm has been a very large feature in Ben's cycling life - and an extremely good friend.
Malcolm's knowledge of bicycles, biking and the pitfalls of travelling on a bicycle has been invaluable to Ben. He has given up a great deal of his precious spare time (and, it has to be said, time at work) to advise and accompany Ben on long days of biking. I really admire the way that he has coached, motivated and cajoled Ben, understanding the nature and unpredictability of Parkinson's Disease. Malcolm's patience with Ben and determination that he would achieve this phenomenal Pilgrimage has never waivered. The Fens is the worst training ground imaginable for 'battling with hills and mountainous terrain' and biking in the Lincolnshire wolds proved to be a regular haunt for them.
It was during last year, whilst Ben was biking solo from the Orkneys to Weston, that Malcolm travelled up to the North, joining a despondent Ben on a long weekend. In so doing, he encouraged Ben - who had hit an all time 'low' motivation and confidence level - in conquering volumes of hills.
Where Malcolm, like the rest of us, has never succeeded with Ben is in the fine art of light packing when travelling on a bike. The only way that anyone pays for excess baggage on a bike is by laborious pedalling or coming to a complete halt whilst endeavouring to climb. Ben's idea of packing is to take his whole wardrobe, and more, on board.
Many, many thanks Malcolm for everything. I know that Ben would re-iterate and add so much more to what I have written here.
Jenny
Many thanks go to Malcolm Smith for taking over the management of this Peddling for Parkinson's blog site tomorrow, 23 May, until our pedallers throw their cycles away in Santiago de Compostela!
Over the past four years, from the day when The Route of Saint James was a tiny seed in Ben's brain, Malcolm has been a very large feature in Ben's cycling life - and an extremely good friend.
Malcolm's knowledge of bicycles, biking and the pitfalls of travelling on a bicycle has been invaluable to Ben. He has given up a great deal of his precious spare time (and, it has to be said, time at work) to advise and accompany Ben on long days of biking. I really admire the way that he has coached, motivated and cajoled Ben, understanding the nature and unpredictability of Parkinson's Disease. Malcolm's patience with Ben and determination that he would achieve this phenomenal Pilgrimage has never waivered. The Fens is the worst training ground imaginable for 'battling with hills and mountainous terrain' and biking in the Lincolnshire wolds proved to be a regular haunt for them.
It was during last year, whilst Ben was biking solo from the Orkneys to Weston, that Malcolm travelled up to the North, joining a despondent Ben on a long weekend. In so doing, he encouraged Ben - who had hit an all time 'low' motivation and confidence level - in conquering volumes of hills.
Where Malcolm, like the rest of us, has never succeeded with Ben is in the fine art of light packing when travelling on a bike. The only way that anyone pays for excess baggage on a bike is by laborious pedalling or coming to a complete halt whilst endeavouring to climb. Ben's idea of packing is to take his whole wardrobe, and more, on board.
Many, many thanks Malcolm for everything. I know that Ben would re-iterate and add so much more to what I have written here.
Jenny
Thursday 21 May 2009
WE HAVE PHOTOGRAPHS TO BRIGHTEN UP THE DAY!
21 May
1. The Long and Winding Road to nowhere - until Paul verifies destination!
2. A coffee break in Burgos - like the beard, Paul. Where is yours Benjamin?
3. Two walking Pilgrims - looks like they were on 'the pull' (the pedallers and/or the walkers)
4. You have now arrived at Burgos
5. What d'you know - they saved the best until last ...... the superlative storks (fantastic)
The above photos have lifted the cloud off a very dismal day's blog.
Thanks boys, you must have been telepathic.
Jenny
THE PILGRIMAGE - DAY 16
21 May
Two late entries relating to last night:
1. the delicious Pilgrims' meal was 9 Euros
2. during the pedallers' evening walkabout, they came across storks nesting in the town's Church tower.
Today's cycle ride was 47.34 miles and the pedalling pair are staying the night in a Parador at Olmillos de Sasamon. I think that I might have tempted fate when I mentioned the name of the town 'Belorado' in yesterday's blog as sounding very much 'Western Movie'. When they entered Olmillos de Sasamon they described it as being the same setting as in Clint Eastwood's 'Spaghetti Western Movies' - quote: "no people, no noise, empty old buildings, eerie and with ....... all else". In this emptiness, and with nowhere visible to stay, our pedallers found a Parador. They had certainly had enough of their bikes for the day. Neither Ben nor Paul have found pedalling very enjoyable over the past two days.
They have travelled along the main highway (N120) all day, accompanied by a constant stream of traffic - including many heavy lorries - which was stressful, tedious and tiring. Awaiting our pedallers, half-way up one very drawn-out steep climb, was a lengthy series of road works -through which the traffic was obliged to go single file. Confronted by a three foot concrete gully with an immediate very sharp drop on one side and the road works on the other side - Ben walked through the road works deeming it too dangerous to risk cycling. That's my boy!
They eventually arrived at the major city of Burgos and were pleased with their prowess at cycling straight through the city's very busy centre. The pair of them found time to stop at a bar, located on a side street, in order to take some food and liquid into their weary systems. The pedallers exited the city by what they both have described as the most gorgeous, ancient route out of any town or city that they have ever visited. Every possible mode of transport (including pedestrians) had been planned and taken into consideration - each one having it's own very wide designated path/road separated from the others by rows of beautiful old trees.
Having exited Burgos, our boys were in complete agreement that - due to a motorway looming - they would opt for the N126 which was devoid of traffic and an absolute joy to pedal. Feeling despondent that the information for tonight's blog might be very boring, their spirits were completely elevated when 3 flocks of vultures - comprising of 30 - 40 birds in each flock - loomed over them, casting enormous, spooky dark shadows over the ground beneath them. It was at this particular time, of all times on their journey, Ben was praying like a man possessed that he would not fall off his bike. He had visions of being stripped to bare bones in a matter of seconds. Perish the thought - it sounds too much like Alfred Hitchcock's territory. I have not enjoyed typing this bit of information.
Ben specifically has asked me to mention that he 'achieved' his 15th fall off his bike today. Just how complacent can a man get over falling off his bike and just how dismal can today's blog get!
That is definitely IT for today's screed - I have had enough!
Hasta luego
Jenny
Two late entries relating to last night:
1. the delicious Pilgrims' meal was 9 Euros
2. during the pedallers' evening walkabout, they came across storks nesting in the town's Church tower.
Today's cycle ride was 47.34 miles and the pedalling pair are staying the night in a Parador at Olmillos de Sasamon. I think that I might have tempted fate when I mentioned the name of the town 'Belorado' in yesterday's blog as sounding very much 'Western Movie'. When they entered Olmillos de Sasamon they described it as being the same setting as in Clint Eastwood's 'Spaghetti Western Movies' - quote: "no people, no noise, empty old buildings, eerie and with ....... all else". In this emptiness, and with nowhere visible to stay, our pedallers found a Parador. They had certainly had enough of their bikes for the day. Neither Ben nor Paul have found pedalling very enjoyable over the past two days.
They have travelled along the main highway (N120) all day, accompanied by a constant stream of traffic - including many heavy lorries - which was stressful, tedious and tiring. Awaiting our pedallers, half-way up one very drawn-out steep climb, was a lengthy series of road works -through which the traffic was obliged to go single file. Confronted by a three foot concrete gully with an immediate very sharp drop on one side and the road works on the other side - Ben walked through the road works deeming it too dangerous to risk cycling. That's my boy!
They eventually arrived at the major city of Burgos and were pleased with their prowess at cycling straight through the city's very busy centre. The pair of them found time to stop at a bar, located on a side street, in order to take some food and liquid into their weary systems. The pedallers exited the city by what they both have described as the most gorgeous, ancient route out of any town or city that they have ever visited. Every possible mode of transport (including pedestrians) had been planned and taken into consideration - each one having it's own very wide designated path/road separated from the others by rows of beautiful old trees.
Having exited Burgos, our boys were in complete agreement that - due to a motorway looming - they would opt for the N126 which was devoid of traffic and an absolute joy to pedal. Feeling despondent that the information for tonight's blog might be very boring, their spirits were completely elevated when 3 flocks of vultures - comprising of 30 - 40 birds in each flock - loomed over them, casting enormous, spooky dark shadows over the ground beneath them. It was at this particular time, of all times on their journey, Ben was praying like a man possessed that he would not fall off his bike. He had visions of being stripped to bare bones in a matter of seconds. Perish the thought - it sounds too much like Alfred Hitchcock's territory. I have not enjoyed typing this bit of information.
Ben specifically has asked me to mention that he 'achieved' his 15th fall off his bike today. Just how complacent can a man get over falling off his bike and just how dismal can today's blog get!
That is definitely IT for today's screed - I have had enough!
Hasta luego
Jenny
Wednesday 20 May 2009
THE PILGRIMAGE - DAY 15
20 May
Cycling today for Paul and Ben was one long steady climb and, having achieved 36.87 miles, they have come to roost for the night in Belorado (lovely name for a small town - conjures up thoughts of Western movies). They were mighty relieved to feel a drop in the air temperature and the addition of wind (curry, again) helped to cool down our sweaty pedallers. The initial stage of the journey was 3 - 4 km of tranquil and peaceful cycling until the route came to an abrupt halt and they were given no alternative but to cycle the next 2 km along the Pilgrims' footpath, which was shingle all the way and a great rattling experience.
Having overcome that cycling hurdle, they proceeded down an extremely busy main road on which the cycle path was 2 - 3 ft maximum. The traffic was heavy and constant, leaving Ben and Paul with nothing but praise for the extremely courteous and friendly lorry drivers. The drivers 'pipped', waved and shouted words of encouragement through their windows to the pedallers which took the sting out of two hazards:- a. when another lorry approached from the opposite direction, causing the nearside ones to veer within inches of Ben and Paul and b. when a chain of lorries drove past them, causing air movement which had the 'knock on' effect of sucking the pedallers towards the lorries. Their concentration prevailed and Belorado was approached with a degree of relief.
During the course of the day, two snow-capped mountain ranges have been in the distance and there has been a significant increase in the volume of Pilgrims - in particular, the walking variety.
Today they have climbed to 760 metres. This will rise to over 1100 metres tomorrow and they will remain cycling at that level for quite some time.
It will be back to the heavy breathing, boys.
Hasta luego, otra vez -
Jenny
Cycling today for Paul and Ben was one long steady climb and, having achieved 36.87 miles, they have come to roost for the night in Belorado (lovely name for a small town - conjures up thoughts of Western movies). They were mighty relieved to feel a drop in the air temperature and the addition of wind (curry, again) helped to cool down our sweaty pedallers. The initial stage of the journey was 3 - 4 km of tranquil and peaceful cycling until the route came to an abrupt halt and they were given no alternative but to cycle the next 2 km along the Pilgrims' footpath, which was shingle all the way and a great rattling experience.
Having overcome that cycling hurdle, they proceeded down an extremely busy main road on which the cycle path was 2 - 3 ft maximum. The traffic was heavy and constant, leaving Ben and Paul with nothing but praise for the extremely courteous and friendly lorry drivers. The drivers 'pipped', waved and shouted words of encouragement through their windows to the pedallers which took the sting out of two hazards:- a. when another lorry approached from the opposite direction, causing the nearside ones to veer within inches of Ben and Paul and b. when a chain of lorries drove past them, causing air movement which had the 'knock on' effect of sucking the pedallers towards the lorries. Their concentration prevailed and Belorado was approached with a degree of relief.
During the course of the day, two snow-capped mountain ranges have been in the distance and there has been a significant increase in the volume of Pilgrims - in particular, the walking variety.
Today they have climbed to 760 metres. This will rise to over 1100 metres tomorrow and they will remain cycling at that level for quite some time.
It will be back to the heavy breathing, boys.
Hasta luego, otra vez -
Jenny
Tuesday 19 May 2009
A SHOT IN THE DARK!
20 May
These two photographs arrrived overnight and, hazarding a guess and looking at the signposts, they could well have been taken at the Spanish/French border (signposts).
I may not be accurate in my surmisal but they brighten up the blog!
Jenny
THE PILGRIMAGE - DAY 14
19 May
Prior to commencing the events of today, I have to return to the photographs of yesterday. Photograph No 1 was NOT taken in the monastery. Paul informed me, tonight, that he slotted his camera through a small hole in the wall of the Chapel (closed at the moment) which is situated at the highest point of the Pilgrims' route through the Pyrenees. Hoping for the best, he clicked and produced the rather lovely photograph below. All around the exterior of the Chapel are hundreds of Crosses which Pilgrims leave/have left on their journey towards Santiago de Compostela.
They found a 'restaurant' last night that served the traditional Pilgrims' 'cena' and, inclusive of as much red wine as one could consume (Dios Mio, Benjamin!), the cuenta was 13 Euros. Fortunately, for the economy of the 'restaurant', Paul limits his intake of vino to the occasional odd glass or two. Many visits from Ben and the place would be financially broke.
It transpired that the wine in this area is supplied by the local bodega at Irache. For a long, long while Ben has been singing the praises of this place called Irache because, in the town, there is a very old fountain which produces a constant supply of ........ not water, BUT FREE red wine. Now, THAT was one place where he was determined to quench his thirst. Que lastima! (what a shame!) Ben and Paul were 3 km further down the road when they realised that they had inadvertently missed the turning (maybe Paul had very sensibly opted for a spot of bad map reading at that particular junction). The one rule laid down by the pedallers, and to which they are rigidly adhering, is that YOU NEVER TURN BACK. Shame, Ben!
The bodegas in the area, through which they are cycling, are plentiful - as are the olive groves and the yellow broom (which is in full flower, very prolific and emanates a very pungent perfume/odour. Ben's snout maintains that it is perfume and Paul's sensitive snout is not happy with the odour).
Today our pedalling pair arrived, suffering from the very hot cycling weather, at Navarette. Arrival time was 5 pm and they had pedalled 47.3 miles. They confirmed that, upon waking this morning and inspecting their anatomies, they were delighted that there was not a single bed bug bite to be seen. No breakfast at the Inn either - fear not, their stomachs found food in a cafe on the edge of Estella's picturesque park! Back on the saddle again and heading for Logrono which was a town that they were keen to bypass. Their map reading skills were confused by a mass of different roads and, as a consequence, they took the wrong road into the town and the wrong road out of the town. Quote: ' we were .......' (a lesser word would be 'agotado' i.e. worn out) - not only by the road system but also by the rapidly rising temperature - 30C and increasing. It was gratifying for them to realise that their pals - the Dutchmen (see earlier post) - were also hopelessly lost in Logrono. It appears that Ben and Paul are making some extremely good mates on their Pilgrimage who all tend to arrive at the same watering holes and overnight stops as our pedalling pair.
Although suntanned already, Ben has a face like the rising sun tonight and Paul's face is sporting a very enviable deep colour of brown.
Hasta luego -
Jenny
Prior to commencing the events of today, I have to return to the photographs of yesterday. Photograph No 1 was NOT taken in the monastery. Paul informed me, tonight, that he slotted his camera through a small hole in the wall of the Chapel (closed at the moment) which is situated at the highest point of the Pilgrims' route through the Pyrenees. Hoping for the best, he clicked and produced the rather lovely photograph below. All around the exterior of the Chapel are hundreds of Crosses which Pilgrims leave/have left on their journey towards Santiago de Compostela.
They found a 'restaurant' last night that served the traditional Pilgrims' 'cena' and, inclusive of as much red wine as one could consume (Dios Mio, Benjamin!), the cuenta was 13 Euros. Fortunately, for the economy of the 'restaurant', Paul limits his intake of vino to the occasional odd glass or two. Many visits from Ben and the place would be financially broke.
It transpired that the wine in this area is supplied by the local bodega at Irache. For a long, long while Ben has been singing the praises of this place called Irache because, in the town, there is a very old fountain which produces a constant supply of ........ not water, BUT FREE red wine. Now, THAT was one place where he was determined to quench his thirst. Que lastima! (what a shame!) Ben and Paul were 3 km further down the road when they realised that they had inadvertently missed the turning (maybe Paul had very sensibly opted for a spot of bad map reading at that particular junction). The one rule laid down by the pedallers, and to which they are rigidly adhering, is that YOU NEVER TURN BACK. Shame, Ben!
The bodegas in the area, through which they are cycling, are plentiful - as are the olive groves and the yellow broom (which is in full flower, very prolific and emanates a very pungent perfume/odour. Ben's snout maintains that it is perfume and Paul's sensitive snout is not happy with the odour).
Today our pedalling pair arrived, suffering from the very hot cycling weather, at Navarette. Arrival time was 5 pm and they had pedalled 47.3 miles. They confirmed that, upon waking this morning and inspecting their anatomies, they were delighted that there was not a single bed bug bite to be seen. No breakfast at the Inn either - fear not, their stomachs found food in a cafe on the edge of Estella's picturesque park! Back on the saddle again and heading for Logrono which was a town that they were keen to bypass. Their map reading skills were confused by a mass of different roads and, as a consequence, they took the wrong road into the town and the wrong road out of the town. Quote: ' we were .......' (a lesser word would be 'agotado' i.e. worn out) - not only by the road system but also by the rapidly rising temperature - 30C and increasing. It was gratifying for them to realise that their pals - the Dutchmen (see earlier post) - were also hopelessly lost in Logrono. It appears that Ben and Paul are making some extremely good mates on their Pilgrimage who all tend to arrive at the same watering holes and overnight stops as our pedalling pair.
Although suntanned already, Ben has a face like the rising sun tonight and Paul's face is sporting a very enviable deep colour of brown.
Hasta luego -
Jenny
Monday 18 May 2009
'DEMONIOS!'
18 May
I am not sure, due to lack of wi-fi in Estella, how Paul managed to email the above photographs over to me. However - without any information from the dear man as to where these were taken - I can only ascertain that:
No 1 - the inside of the old monastery at Roncesvalles (apologies, my interpretation was incorrect - description rectified on 19 May)
No 2 - Biking Benjy with his head in the clouds - Pyrenees
No 3 & 4 - exactly the same route as No 2. It would have been a bonus if the road sign had been legible in No 3 - beggars can't be choosers and we have to be grateful for whatever photographs are emailed. It's a grand effort, on their part, to send any at all.
Thanks Paul and, here's a message for both old timers, - K.B.O. (a favourite expression of Ro, a friend of mine. Work it out for yourselves!)
Jenny
THE PILGRIMAGE - DAY 13
18 May
Belated news - 24.45 miles cycled yesterday.
TODAY - 61.83 miles cycled ...... 'Dios Mio!'
Upon their departure this morning, Paul and Ben were immediately confronted with a very long, steep ascent and subsequently descended into the astoundingly beautiful Valley of Erro (bypassing Pamplona on the eastern side). This gave them the opportunity to revel in 21km of perfect scenery and pedalling. The valley ended at Urroz and, having crossed over the main highway, the heat (weather) intensified. En route they had seen many birds of prey and two very large vultures - whom they had the ....... nerve to name Pam and Jenny (after their long-suffering wives at home).
Paul, Ben's 'simpatico amigo' has developed a great regime for helping Ben not to fall off his bike when he comes to a halt. He rides in front, stops and stabilises Ben's bike when Ben comes steaming to a stop. Thus enabling Ben to dismount in a more dignified and much safer manner.
Paul - you are a rock for Benjamin. Muchas gracias!
Following a roadside lunch in the shade, our boys arrived in Puente la Reine where they refilled their water vessels and embarked upon another very steep climb. Yet again, the landscape was breathtaking and, on the horizon, they were able to see 10 different windfarms. The pedallers said that the sight of the windfarms was absolutely spectacular - a remark that they are fully aware may cause some controversy. They don't care - they're in Spain, pretending to be Don Quixote!
Their attention has been drawn to the marked difference in the terrains of France and Spain - the latter with less trees and more of a scorched appearance but, nontheless, as pleasing on the eye as France.
The pair of them are staying at a rather dubious b & b tonight - not 'bed and breakfast, but 'bed and bed bugs'. One or two of the offensive little bugs were spotted on Paul's bed - so I guess that it won't be very sweet dreams for those two pedallers tonight.
The town of their abode is Estella - steeped in history, very narrow old cobbled streets and a ban on traffic. They will be exploring the delights of the town after cena (dinner, for those who do not speak Spanish).
Guess who will be scratching tomorrow?
Jenny
Belated news - 24.45 miles cycled yesterday.
TODAY - 61.83 miles cycled ...... 'Dios Mio!'
Upon their departure this morning, Paul and Ben were immediately confronted with a very long, steep ascent and subsequently descended into the astoundingly beautiful Valley of Erro (bypassing Pamplona on the eastern side). This gave them the opportunity to revel in 21km of perfect scenery and pedalling. The valley ended at Urroz and, having crossed over the main highway, the heat (weather) intensified. En route they had seen many birds of prey and two very large vultures - whom they had the ....... nerve to name Pam and Jenny (after their long-suffering wives at home).
Paul, Ben's 'simpatico amigo' has developed a great regime for helping Ben not to fall off his bike when he comes to a halt. He rides in front, stops and stabilises Ben's bike when Ben comes steaming to a stop. Thus enabling Ben to dismount in a more dignified and much safer manner.
Paul - you are a rock for Benjamin. Muchas gracias!
Following a roadside lunch in the shade, our boys arrived in Puente la Reine where they refilled their water vessels and embarked upon another very steep climb. Yet again, the landscape was breathtaking and, on the horizon, they were able to see 10 different windfarms. The pedallers said that the sight of the windfarms was absolutely spectacular - a remark that they are fully aware may cause some controversy. They don't care - they're in Spain, pretending to be Don Quixote!
Their attention has been drawn to the marked difference in the terrains of France and Spain - the latter with less trees and more of a scorched appearance but, nontheless, as pleasing on the eye as France.
The pair of them are staying at a rather dubious b & b tonight - not 'bed and breakfast, but 'bed and bed bugs'. One or two of the offensive little bugs were spotted on Paul's bed - so I guess that it won't be very sweet dreams for those two pedallers tonight.
The town of their abode is Estella - steeped in history, very narrow old cobbled streets and a ban on traffic. They will be exploring the delights of the town after cena (dinner, for those who do not speak Spanish).
Guess who will be scratching tomorrow?
Jenny
Sunday 17 May 2009
THE PILGRIMAGE - DAY 12
17 May - THE PYRENEES CONQUERED
Although Paul and Ben did not ascend to the altitude of one or two of the mountains that they had overcome in France, the route that they took today was the steepest and slowest that they have encountered - averaging 5km per hour. As an example of the generosity and kindness that both Pedallers have been shown throughout their journey, the lady at the b & b last night informed our duo that not only had she arranged to have all their luggage taken to Roncesvalles today, but she had also booked them in to a 'hotel posada' for tonight and would not take any remuneration for her gesture. She was adamant that, in view of the climb today, the lack of luggage would enhance their performance. They assured me tonight that she was absolutely correct! Two Dutch cycling Pilgrims were most definitely severely impaired by their luggage - even though it was lightweight. Their ascent was extremely arduous and slow.
This morning our boys enjoyed a flamboyant display by the local fire brigade of their equipment, uniforms and vehicles - French firemen strutting their stuff with their hoses!
Paul and Ben proceeded to embark upon one of the most scenic rides that they have undertaken to date, only to find themselves immersed in clouds and very cold weather 2km from the summit. This, of course, impaired what would have been some breathtaking views for miles around. There was a complete lack of visibility for a long while and then, when Paul and Ben finally emerged the clouds, they could only describe what confronted them as 'complete and utter mayhem'! They had arrived in Roncesvalles in the middle of a religious festival and the town was a solid, heaving mass of locals and pilgrims. It was 1.30pm and our pedallers could not reach their posada for two hours - but loved every minute of it, including a sighting of their little Asian lady who continues her Pilgrimage in 'striding out' mode. What a remarkable lady!
They attended Mass in the Church (attached to the monastery) at 6pm - a Service that was also attended by many, many Pilgrims of every nationality filling the Church to it's capacity. Ben and Paul are experiencing inexplicable emotional and uplifting moments at every turn on this wonderful Route of St James.
Following the service, they partook in a Pilgrims' evening meal (9 Euros and delicious) at the Posada - joining other multi-national Pilgrims in convivial, fascination and entertaining conversation.
I am unbelievably envious.
790km to Santiago de Compostela (there's a sign in Roncesvalles)
Jenny with apologies for absolutely no knowledge of the miles achieved today.
Although Paul and Ben did not ascend to the altitude of one or two of the mountains that they had overcome in France, the route that they took today was the steepest and slowest that they have encountered - averaging 5km per hour. As an example of the generosity and kindness that both Pedallers have been shown throughout their journey, the lady at the b & b last night informed our duo that not only had she arranged to have all their luggage taken to Roncesvalles today, but she had also booked them in to a 'hotel posada' for tonight and would not take any remuneration for her gesture. She was adamant that, in view of the climb today, the lack of luggage would enhance their performance. They assured me tonight that she was absolutely correct! Two Dutch cycling Pilgrims were most definitely severely impaired by their luggage - even though it was lightweight. Their ascent was extremely arduous and slow.
This morning our boys enjoyed a flamboyant display by the local fire brigade of their equipment, uniforms and vehicles - French firemen strutting their stuff with their hoses!
Paul and Ben proceeded to embark upon one of the most scenic rides that they have undertaken to date, only to find themselves immersed in clouds and very cold weather 2km from the summit. This, of course, impaired what would have been some breathtaking views for miles around. There was a complete lack of visibility for a long while and then, when Paul and Ben finally emerged the clouds, they could only describe what confronted them as 'complete and utter mayhem'! They had arrived in Roncesvalles in the middle of a religious festival and the town was a solid, heaving mass of locals and pilgrims. It was 1.30pm and our pedallers could not reach their posada for two hours - but loved every minute of it, including a sighting of their little Asian lady who continues her Pilgrimage in 'striding out' mode. What a remarkable lady!
They attended Mass in the Church (attached to the monastery) at 6pm - a Service that was also attended by many, many Pilgrims of every nationality filling the Church to it's capacity. Ben and Paul are experiencing inexplicable emotional and uplifting moments at every turn on this wonderful Route of St James.
Following the service, they partook in a Pilgrims' evening meal (9 Euros and delicious) at the Posada - joining other multi-national Pilgrims in convivial, fascination and entertaining conversation.
I am unbelievably envious.
790km to Santiago de Compostela (there's a sign in Roncesvalles)
Jenny with apologies for absolutely no knowledge of the miles achieved today.
Saturday 16 May 2009
PHOTOGRAPHIC ADDITIONS - DAY 11
16 May continued ....
Four photographs have arrived avec moi and they are:
4. The original Pilgrim's Gate at the entrance to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
3. England 2 - Benjamin - posing at the Pilgrim's Gate (just look at those legs of his - mon Dieu!)
2. The Pyrenees as seen on the pedallers' approach to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
1. The inside of 'A Church'. I will update this blog if, and when, our Reverend Paul Winn remembers the location of the Church. The emotions of the day have obliterated his memory.
Jenny
THE PILGRIMAGE - DAY 11
16 May - TWO VERY EMOTIONAL PILGRIMS
Paul and Ben cycled into Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port at 2.30pm. Having stabilised their emotions, they telephoned me at 3pm and re-iterated that no photographs, no dialogue and not one person could ever portray or describe the atmosphere, the inspiration, the unity of every single person on the route or the feeling of 'spirituality' that this journey gives so freely and unconditionally to all it's Pilgrims.
36 miles were cycled today and all in the foothills of the majestic, snow-covered Pyrenees. An exhilerating day's pedalling during which our pedallers were in awe of a tiny lady (Far Eastern descent) who had commenced her Pilgrimage in Lausanne. At the very most she was 5' tall and their estimation was that she most probably weighed, if lucky, 6.5st. She carried a plastic bucket, containing a large lemonade bottle and a loaf of bread, and a backpack. Her walking speed was such that our pedallers were in big danger of being humiliated and losing their pride by this gutsy lady actually overtaking them. A woman striding out on a very big mission - I admire her.
Ben and Paul entered Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port by the gate through which millions of Pilgrims have passed since the advent of the original Pilgrimage, leading on to the original cobbled road of the Pilgrimage - Rue de Citadelle. They are staying in one of the old houses in the town - Basque-style architecture with ornate wooden overhangs at roof level (balconies). Our boys are completely enthralled with the town and everything therein.
If possible, Paul will email me some photographs but photographs can wait. It would almost be a disappointment and a sacrilege if modern technology (wi-fi) had entered this place. Ben and Paul will savour every moment of this day - one of the days for which they have striven with such tenacity and determination.
Bless them
Jenny
Paul and Ben cycled into Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port at 2.30pm. Having stabilised their emotions, they telephoned me at 3pm and re-iterated that no photographs, no dialogue and not one person could ever portray or describe the atmosphere, the inspiration, the unity of every single person on the route or the feeling of 'spirituality' that this journey gives so freely and unconditionally to all it's Pilgrims.
36 miles were cycled today and all in the foothills of the majestic, snow-covered Pyrenees. An exhilerating day's pedalling during which our pedallers were in awe of a tiny lady (Far Eastern descent) who had commenced her Pilgrimage in Lausanne. At the very most she was 5' tall and their estimation was that she most probably weighed, if lucky, 6.5st. She carried a plastic bucket, containing a large lemonade bottle and a loaf of bread, and a backpack. Her walking speed was such that our pedallers were in big danger of being humiliated and losing their pride by this gutsy lady actually overtaking them. A woman striding out on a very big mission - I admire her.
Ben and Paul entered Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port by the gate through which millions of Pilgrims have passed since the advent of the original Pilgrimage, leading on to the original cobbled road of the Pilgrimage - Rue de Citadelle. They are staying in one of the old houses in the town - Basque-style architecture with ornate wooden overhangs at roof level (balconies). Our boys are completely enthralled with the town and everything therein.
If possible, Paul will email me some photographs but photographs can wait. It would almost be a disappointment and a sacrilege if modern technology (wi-fi) had entered this place. Ben and Paul will savour every moment of this day - one of the days for which they have striven with such tenacity and determination.
Bless them
Jenny
Friday 15 May 2009
THE PILGRIMAGE - DAY 10
15 May
As expected, last night was a night completely without sleep for Ben, whose earplugs were ineffective to the horrendous snoring of friend, Francois. Paul's earplugs blocked out all sound. A frisky, refreshed and enthusiastic Francois rattled the hell out of Ben at 5.30am this morning when he jumped out of bed, donned his gear and was all set for cycling action.
A relatively uneventful, but very enjoyable, day on the saddle for Paul and Ben. Having pedalled 34.8 miles, they arrived at Navarrenx in exceptionally good time and dismounted at 2pm. Had they not telephoned gites and hostelries ahead and been informed that all accommodation was fully booked, our boys would have soldiered onwards. If they had taken a chance, it could have been very interesting with Paul in his 'one man' tent and Ben in a sleeping bag open to the elements. It would have certainly livened up this particular blog. They took the opportunity of going into a 14th century English 'bastide' in Navarrenx this afternoon and mulled upon the battle with the Giants that awaits them.
A lowlight and a highlight today. The lowlight being that Paul was 'hauled over' by Les Gendarmes whilst pedalling. No explanation from the two unfriendly gentlemen and after a considerable amount of gesticulation on their part, a non-plussed Paul and a 'bon jour, comment allez vous?' from Benjamin (as he ground to a halt, wrongly assuming that they were engaged in chatty conversation), the cops told our pedallers to get on their bikes! (I'm thrilled because, for once, that expression can be used in it's correct context)
The highlight manifested itself at the summit of the last .... hill of the day before Navarrenx. Paul, comme d'habitude, was first to reach the summit and was pointing towards something in the distance. Ben caught up with his pal and saw the vision for himself. Quote from both: 'Awesome'
Alors! The Giants - the mighty Pyrenees! Those ........ hills of the past weeks will now look like molehills.
They hope to reach Saint-Jean-de-Port - the final French town on The Route of St James - tomorrow evening. After that, it's L'Espagna and The Pyrenees.
Let battle commence.
Jenny
As expected, last night was a night completely without sleep for Ben, whose earplugs were ineffective to the horrendous snoring of friend, Francois. Paul's earplugs blocked out all sound. A frisky, refreshed and enthusiastic Francois rattled the hell out of Ben at 5.30am this morning when he jumped out of bed, donned his gear and was all set for cycling action.
A relatively uneventful, but very enjoyable, day on the saddle for Paul and Ben. Having pedalled 34.8 miles, they arrived at Navarrenx in exceptionally good time and dismounted at 2pm. Had they not telephoned gites and hostelries ahead and been informed that all accommodation was fully booked, our boys would have soldiered onwards. If they had taken a chance, it could have been very interesting with Paul in his 'one man' tent and Ben in a sleeping bag open to the elements. It would have certainly livened up this particular blog. They took the opportunity of going into a 14th century English 'bastide' in Navarrenx this afternoon and mulled upon the battle with the Giants that awaits them.
A lowlight and a highlight today. The lowlight being that Paul was 'hauled over' by Les Gendarmes whilst pedalling. No explanation from the two unfriendly gentlemen and after a considerable amount of gesticulation on their part, a non-plussed Paul and a 'bon jour, comment allez vous?' from Benjamin (as he ground to a halt, wrongly assuming that they were engaged in chatty conversation), the cops told our pedallers to get on their bikes! (I'm thrilled because, for once, that expression can be used in it's correct context)
The highlight manifested itself at the summit of the last .... hill of the day before Navarrenx. Paul, comme d'habitude, was first to reach the summit and was pointing towards something in the distance. Ben caught up with his pal and saw the vision for himself. Quote from both: 'Awesome'
Alors! The Giants - the mighty Pyrenees! Those ........ hills of the past weeks will now look like molehills.
They hope to reach Saint-Jean-de-Port - the final French town on The Route of St James - tomorrow evening. After that, it's L'Espagna and The Pyrenees.
Let battle commence.
Jenny
Thursday 14 May 2009
THE PILGRIMAGE - DAY 9
14 May
Ben's Blog:- "God Works in Mysterious Ways"
Four days ago, Ben's money belt - carrying an undisclosed amount of cash reserves - snapped. He rolled it into a small ball, secured it with string and placed it in a safe place at the bottom of his cycle pouch (the pouch that carries his valuables). Strangely, Paul's money belt had also snapped (are the pedallers putting on weight?) but he was able to repair it. Germany 3 & 4(please see previous blogs) had asked them a couple of days ago if either of them had lost a money belt which held a few (good ploy, and discretion, on the part of the Germans) British pounds, having found it en route and on the roadside. Our guys said 'No' and that was 'end of story' ----- UNTIL Ben discovered his belt was missing when he re-packed his belongings this morning. A vast panic erupted and England 1 & 2 backtracked in an attempt to find their German cycling adversaries. After much searching of campsites, they found the couple in a cabin who then enquired as to the name of the English village where Ben lives. If the question appears bizarre, it is because there was a cash point receipt from Weston Post Office in the belt - along with the money. Thank God for your cash machine MALCOLM!
It goes completely without saying that Germany 3 & 4 are angels and Benjamin really does love this couple . Shame he doesn't know their names . No more future cycling competitions for Ben with Germany on this particular Pilgrimage.
And now, to proceed with the day's cycling blog -
With 20 miles of cycling under their belts (whoops!), in extremely cold weather and very heavy rain, Paul and Ben put down their anchors at Arzacq-Arraziguet. It was 1.20pm and they were very, very wet. They checked in to a 77 bed gite d'etape and are in a '4 man room'. At the moment of their phone call, there was only one other French man sharing - leaving one bed unoccupied. A fourth man - also French - had fleetingly been in the room, but had done an immediate exit due to recognising the already ensconced Francois as being a man with whom he (Michel) had already shared a room earlier on the route. The reason being that both French men experienced a sleepless night due to each other's excruciating volume of snoring.
Ear plugs in for everyone tonight. The gite will be rattling.
E.T.A. at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (Saint John At The Foot of The Pass) is anticipated to be Saturday or Sunday.
Jenny
Ben's Blog:- "God Works in Mysterious Ways"
Four days ago, Ben's money belt - carrying an undisclosed amount of cash reserves - snapped. He rolled it into a small ball, secured it with string and placed it in a safe place at the bottom of his cycle pouch (the pouch that carries his valuables). Strangely, Paul's money belt had also snapped (are the pedallers putting on weight?) but he was able to repair it. Germany 3 & 4(please see previous blogs) had asked them a couple of days ago if either of them had lost a money belt which held a few (good ploy, and discretion, on the part of the Germans) British pounds, having found it en route and on the roadside. Our guys said 'No' and that was 'end of story' ----- UNTIL Ben discovered his belt was missing when he re-packed his belongings this morning. A vast panic erupted and England 1 & 2 backtracked in an attempt to find their German cycling adversaries. After much searching of campsites, they found the couple in a cabin who then enquired as to the name of the English village where Ben lives. If the question appears bizarre, it is because there was a cash point receipt from Weston Post Office in the belt - along with the money. Thank God for your cash machine MALCOLM!
It goes completely without saying that Germany 3 & 4 are angels and Benjamin really does love this couple . Shame he doesn't know their names . No more future cycling competitions for Ben with Germany on this particular Pilgrimage.
And now, to proceed with the day's cycling blog -
With 20 miles of cycling under their belts (whoops!), in extremely cold weather and very heavy rain, Paul and Ben put down their anchors at Arzacq-Arraziguet. It was 1.20pm and they were very, very wet. They checked in to a 77 bed gite d'etape and are in a '4 man room'. At the moment of their phone call, there was only one other French man sharing - leaving one bed unoccupied. A fourth man - also French - had fleetingly been in the room, but had done an immediate exit due to recognising the already ensconced Francois as being a man with whom he (Michel) had already shared a room earlier on the route. The reason being that both French men experienced a sleepless night due to each other's excruciating volume of snoring.
Ear plugs in for everyone tonight. The gite will be rattling.
E.T.A. at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (Saint John At The Foot of The Pass) is anticipated to be Saturday or Sunday.
Jenny
FUNDRAISING UPDATE
14 May
Ben's sponsor monies - received to date and WITHOUT THE ADDITION OF GIFT AID (28p in every pound is added if the sponsor is a British Tax Payer) - has reached a staggering £4322.50.
This figure does NOT include Paul's online and offline sponsorship funds.
Parkinson's Disease Research richly deserves the funds - but our two pedallers justifiably deserve great admiration and praise by cycling the long, long journey - in order to raise all the funds that keep rolling in for Parkinson's Disease Research.
Well done, old timers and keep pedalling for Parkinson's.
Blogger Jenny
Ben's sponsor monies - received to date and WITHOUT THE ADDITION OF GIFT AID (28p in every pound is added if the sponsor is a British Tax Payer) - has reached a staggering £4322.50.
This figure does NOT include Paul's online and offline sponsorship funds.
Parkinson's Disease Research richly deserves the funds - but our two pedallers justifiably deserve great admiration and praise by cycling the long, long journey - in order to raise all the funds that keep rolling in for Parkinson's Disease Research.
Well done, old timers and keep pedalling for Parkinson's.
Blogger Jenny
A USEFUL PIECE OF INFORMATION?
14 May
I thought that the following information, obtained from both of our pedallers, might well be of interest to all those would-be/amateur cyclists who are contemplating journeys that incorporate tackling ....... hills.
Paul and Ben have both discovered that, on the days when they have been unable to have a satisfactory 'constitutional' in a 'Clochemerle', the extra load that they are carrying effects their pedalling progress, prowess and speed.
The moral of the saga is to always carry a laxative on your bike or, on the previous night, eat a bloody hot curry. Guaranteed to lighten the superfluous weight on anyone's cycle.
Jenny
I thought that the following information, obtained from both of our pedallers, might well be of interest to all those would-be/amateur cyclists who are contemplating journeys that incorporate tackling ....... hills.
Paul and Ben have both discovered that, on the days when they have been unable to have a satisfactory 'constitutional' in a 'Clochemerle', the extra load that they are carrying effects their pedalling progress, prowess and speed.
The moral of the saga is to always carry a laxative on your bike or, on the previous night, eat a bloody hot curry. Guaranteed to lighten the superfluous weight on anyone's cycle.
Jenny
Wednesday 13 May 2009
THE PILGRIMAGE - DAY 8
13 May
After the photographs arrived, the blog that ensued was not full of substance. They have arrived, after 44 miles of pedalling, at Aire-sur-L'adour. The river L'adour is, in their eyes, very big and they were greeted by an equally big thunderstorm and heavy rain. The pedallers made their way to an Italian restaurant where they devoured pizza (why is there never any mention of alcohol, I wonder) and subsequently crashed into their beds at a 2 star hotel.
By all accounts, the cycling was not so enjoyable today. Not only were there innumberable ..... hills (Quote:"....... the guidebook, that said today's ride would be flat"), Paul and Ben encountered heavy traffic for the first time in many days. It was a shock to their complacent systems and Ben, particularly, felt vulnerable and intimidated by the immense volume of the not so courteously driven lorries and cars.
Hopefully, this is just a short spell when the drivers of motorised vehicles have little, or no, regard and respect for the walking and cycling Pilgrims.
On a lighter note, to end today's report, the pedalling pair were reunited with their friendly cycling competitors - Germany 3 & 4 - in the Italian 'nosherie' tonight and, after exchanging times of arrival at Aire-sur- L'adour, England 1 & 2 remain in the lead and favourites for gold medals.
Here's wishing our two boys a better and less stressful ride tomorrow.
Jenny
After the photographs arrived, the blog that ensued was not full of substance. They have arrived, after 44 miles of pedalling, at Aire-sur-L'adour. The river L'adour is, in their eyes, very big and they were greeted by an equally big thunderstorm and heavy rain. The pedallers made their way to an Italian restaurant where they devoured pizza (why is there never any mention of alcohol, I wonder) and subsequently crashed into their beds at a 2 star hotel.
By all accounts, the cycling was not so enjoyable today. Not only were there innumberable ..... hills (Quote:"....... the guidebook, that said today's ride would be flat"), Paul and Ben encountered heavy traffic for the first time in many days. It was a shock to their complacent systems and Ben, particularly, felt vulnerable and intimidated by the immense volume of the not so courteously driven lorries and cars.
Hopefully, this is just a short spell when the drivers of motorised vehicles have little, or no, regard and respect for the walking and cycling Pilgrims.
On a lighter note, to end today's report, the pedalling pair were reunited with their friendly cycling competitors - Germany 3 & 4 - in the Italian 'nosherie' tonight and, after exchanging times of arrival at Aire-sur- L'adour, England 1 & 2 remain in the lead and favourites for gold medals.
Here's wishing our two boys a better and less stressful ride tomorrow.
Jenny
PHOTOGRAPHER EXTRAORDINAIRE - MONSIEUR WINN
The above photos were sent to me today by our very own pedalling photographer - Paul, with the following explicit information:No 2 - hanging rocks! No 3 - view from the terrace! No 4 - dinner on the terrace! No 5 The bridge at Cahors (Day 5 of The Pilgrimage - 10 May)
AND
we all recognise, without doubt, the fantastic trio in photo No 6 - 'Chataigne' and her/his owners has to be favourite photograph (will someone please give this wonderful donkey a gender? Answer on blog, please!)
I have no idea where those rocks are hanging and I do know that Nos 3 & 4 were taken during the pedallers' stay in Senegue (Day 3 of The Pilgrimage - 8 May)
HOW COULD I POSSIBLY HAVE OVERLOOKED 'SPEEDY GONZALES' IN PHOTOGRAPH NO 1! Good God! c'est biking Benjamin. He must have been pedalling tres ...... vite because the scenery is a ...... blur. No wonder he has a problem with falling off his vehicle when he comes to an abrupt halt! Maybe he should take a look at Chataigne's leisurely pace of travelling.
Jenny
Tuesday 12 May 2009
THE PILGRIMAGE - DAY 7
12 May
Prior to commencing today's blog, our two very smutty minded little (?)biking boys wanted me to emphasise that they are staying overnight in a town called C O N D O M. Whilst Ben was giggling on the telephone to me, Paul was guffawing in the background. I have to say, as well, that their combined misuse of the English language is rapidly going from bad to worse.
AND NOW TO THE BLOG:-
Today commenced on the most appropriate and with another emotional moment. They were preparing to get on their saddles when the were rendered speechless and immobile. An older man and a young girl, accompanied by a donkey, walked past them - three very special Pilgrims. When the pedalling duo's powers of speech returned, they discovered that the Pilgrims were a father, daughter and their pet donkey(named 'Chataigne' - translated: chestnut). These three had walked from Geneva, averaging 14-20km per day, and had already been walking for two months - maintaining that it would be another two months before they arrive at Santiago de Compostela.
52.12 miles were pedalled today in a temperature of 31C - the weather had definitely warmed up today.
They enjoyed a short halt to cycling in the fascinating village of Auvillar, for an early lunch, where the medieval circular market hall (situated in an arcaded square) has been painstakingly and meticulously restored.
Paul and Ben have given up on 'hill counting' as there are now too many to count and "We are concentrating too hard on getting up the ...... things, not counting the .........s" (quote, believe it or not, from Paul).
It appears that the two of them got into a little boys' game of playing 'who will get to Condom first' with a couple German cyclists. Today's journey was taken up with England overtaking Germany and vice versa until they arrived at their destination and the grand result of: England 1st and 2nd, Germany 3rd and 4th!
The piece de resistance was their grand entrance into C O N D O M, when Benjamin fell off his bike in front of a crowd of people/Pilgrims. That's when England blushed!
With the exception of the 'stoner Frenchman', Paul and Ben have nothing but praise for everybody that they have had the pleasure of meeting on this journey. All of them being friendly, helpful and kind - a broad spectrum of nationalities with each and every one of them united, and coming together, on a journey towards the same goal.
Jenny
Prior to commencing today's blog, our two very smutty minded little (?)biking boys wanted me to emphasise that they are staying overnight in a town called C O N D O M. Whilst Ben was giggling on the telephone to me, Paul was guffawing in the background. I have to say, as well, that their combined misuse of the English language is rapidly going from bad to worse.
AND NOW TO THE BLOG:-
Today commenced on the most appropriate and with another emotional moment. They were preparing to get on their saddles when the were rendered speechless and immobile. An older man and a young girl, accompanied by a donkey, walked past them - three very special Pilgrims. When the pedalling duo's powers of speech returned, they discovered that the Pilgrims were a father, daughter and their pet donkey(named 'Chataigne' - translated: chestnut). These three had walked from Geneva, averaging 14-20km per day, and had already been walking for two months - maintaining that it would be another two months before they arrive at Santiago de Compostela.
52.12 miles were pedalled today in a temperature of 31C - the weather had definitely warmed up today.
They enjoyed a short halt to cycling in the fascinating village of Auvillar, for an early lunch, where the medieval circular market hall (situated in an arcaded square) has been painstakingly and meticulously restored.
Paul and Ben have given up on 'hill counting' as there are now too many to count and "We are concentrating too hard on getting up the ...... things, not counting the .........s" (quote, believe it or not, from Paul).
It appears that the two of them got into a little boys' game of playing 'who will get to Condom first' with a couple German cyclists. Today's journey was taken up with England overtaking Germany and vice versa until they arrived at their destination and the grand result of: England 1st and 2nd, Germany 3rd and 4th!
The piece de resistance was their grand entrance into C O N D O M, when Benjamin fell off his bike in front of a crowd of people/Pilgrims. That's when England blushed!
With the exception of the 'stoner Frenchman', Paul and Ben have nothing but praise for everybody that they have had the pleasure of meeting on this journey. All of them being friendly, helpful and kind - a broad spectrum of nationalities with each and every one of them united, and coming together, on a journey towards the same goal.
Jenny
THE WAY OF ST JAMES
Several people have asked me 'What is the origin of this Pilgrimage?'
Until Ben became obsessed with completing the very long journey to Santiago de Compostela, I had been completely devoid of any knowledge of such a route and the real meaning behind it. The Way Of Saint James is the third largest Christian Pilgrimage in the world and, for over one thousand years, countless people have either walked or ridden (horseback or donkey) from Le Puy en Velay to Santiago de Compostela. Cyclists have joined the Pilgrims on the route relatively recently. The many, many thousands of travelling Pilgrims increase with every year that passes and, during a Holy Year, the amount of Pilgrims becomes an 'avalanche'.
Legends of The Pilgrimage's origins abound but, by far the favourite, is that when Christ died His Disciples scattered to all parts of the then known world - spreading The Word. Saint James travelled to Spain where, without great success, he remained for two years. Having returned to Jerusalem, he was beheaded by Herod in AD44.
Immediately, following his martyrdom, St James' followers carried his body back to Spain where he was entombed on a hillside with, at a later date, two of his followers.
750 years later, during the reign of Alfonso II of Spain, the remains of the three were discovered - one being identified as the remains of St James. Alfonso declared this to be a Holy Site and, having declared that St James be the patron Saint of Spain, he built a church and monastery over the tomb.
Around this Holy Site, a town steadily grew and that town became Santiago de Compostela.
The majestic building, under which the remains of Saint James lie, is the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
This is a completely condensed and sketchy precis of the Pilgrimage's origins and reams of information can be found on websites and in books. I hope this miniscule piece has helped to answer the question that I have been asked.
Jenny
Until Ben became obsessed with completing the very long journey to Santiago de Compostela, I had been completely devoid of any knowledge of such a route and the real meaning behind it. The Way Of Saint James is the third largest Christian Pilgrimage in the world and, for over one thousand years, countless people have either walked or ridden (horseback or donkey) from Le Puy en Velay to Santiago de Compostela. Cyclists have joined the Pilgrims on the route relatively recently. The many, many thousands of travelling Pilgrims increase with every year that passes and, during a Holy Year, the amount of Pilgrims becomes an 'avalanche'.
Legends of The Pilgrimage's origins abound but, by far the favourite, is that when Christ died His Disciples scattered to all parts of the then known world - spreading The Word. Saint James travelled to Spain where, without great success, he remained for two years. Having returned to Jerusalem, he was beheaded by Herod in AD44.
Immediately, following his martyrdom, St James' followers carried his body back to Spain where he was entombed on a hillside with, at a later date, two of his followers.
750 years later, during the reign of Alfonso II of Spain, the remains of the three were discovered - one being identified as the remains of St James. Alfonso declared this to be a Holy Site and, having declared that St James be the patron Saint of Spain, he built a church and monastery over the tomb.
Around this Holy Site, a town steadily grew and that town became Santiago de Compostela.
The majestic building, under which the remains of Saint James lie, is the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
This is a completely condensed and sketchy precis of the Pilgrimage's origins and reams of information can be found on websites and in books. I hope this miniscule piece has helped to answer the question that I have been asked.
Jenny
Monday 11 May 2009
THE PILGRIMAGE - DAY 6
11 May
A short update tonight, as it has been a short day for our boys. They reached Muissac at 3pm, having cycled 39 miles, and decided to dismount.
Ben found a very mediocre room for the night and Paul opted for his tent. Please pray that it doesn't rain tonight otherwise, if heavy rain comes along, there may well be one Wet Winn!
Dinner, tonight, was par excellence - in other words, 'the norm'. They have not had anything but great grub throughout their journey .......so far
Jenny
A short update tonight, as it has been a short day for our boys. They reached Muissac at 3pm, having cycled 39 miles, and decided to dismount.
Ben found a very mediocre room for the night and Paul opted for his tent. Please pray that it doesn't rain tonight otherwise, if heavy rain comes along, there may well be one Wet Winn!
Dinner, tonight, was par excellence - in other words, 'the norm'. They have not had anything but great grub throughout their journey .......so far
Jenny
Sunday 10 May 2009
THE ROUTE OF ST JAMES - DAY 5
10 May
Ben and Paul are bemused by the fact that Marcilhac-sur-Cele, once the richest town in France, is in the throes of becoming a 'ghost town' - most hotels, shops, restaurants and the gite d'etape have closed down. Nonetheless they stayed overnight in their large house and their napoleonic beds and the pedalling gourmets were suitably fed and watered/wined.
Upon reaching the town of Cahors at 1.30pm, having pedalled 29.5 miles of relatively flat terrain, they decided to give their cycles a break and take a half-day's rest themselves. Very wise. The only hill was on the approach to Cahors and that particular hill did not merit foul language - which must be the only one, to date, that can boast that honour. Our gents have run dry on superlatives to describe the scenery as it is all just so wonderful.
A sour point, managing to take the edge off a leisurely and very pleasant ride, occurred during the morning. They were cycling alongside the River Cele when they approached a tunnel. Ben dismounted in order to take photographs and was verbally abused by a very obnoxious Frenchman for having one foot on his property.
Acting completely out of character (thank God!) Ben retreated and, in the process, suffered the indignity and potential danger of being stoned by the nasty little git.
They are staying overnight in Inter Valentre which comes under the umbrella of a hotel chain called Hotel La France.
Dormez bien - boys - and, Ben, just forget that nasty little git - he may well have lost the plot.
Jenny
Ben and Paul are bemused by the fact that Marcilhac-sur-Cele, once the richest town in France, is in the throes of becoming a 'ghost town' - most hotels, shops, restaurants and the gite d'etape have closed down. Nonetheless they stayed overnight in their large house and their napoleonic beds and the pedalling gourmets were suitably fed and watered/wined.
Upon reaching the town of Cahors at 1.30pm, having pedalled 29.5 miles of relatively flat terrain, they decided to give their cycles a break and take a half-day's rest themselves. Very wise. The only hill was on the approach to Cahors and that particular hill did not merit foul language - which must be the only one, to date, that can boast that honour. Our gents have run dry on superlatives to describe the scenery as it is all just so wonderful.
A sour point, managing to take the edge off a leisurely and very pleasant ride, occurred during the morning. They were cycling alongside the River Cele when they approached a tunnel. Ben dismounted in order to take photographs and was verbally abused by a very obnoxious Frenchman for having one foot on his property.
Acting completely out of character (thank God!) Ben retreated and, in the process, suffered the indignity and potential danger of being stoned by the nasty little git.
They are staying overnight in Inter Valentre which comes under the umbrella of a hotel chain called Hotel La France.
Dormez bien - boys - and, Ben, just forget that nasty little git - he may well have lost the plot.
Jenny
VOILA - MORE PHOTOGRAPHS HAVE ARRIVED
The above photographs arrived today, 10 May. Due to the fact that Paul has been without wi-fi for several days, the photographs relate to previous posts. Apologies for the confusion, but blame it on lack of modern technology in remote places - which is what it's all about .....getting away from 'high tech' and the rat race.
The photos above, as named by Paul, relate to:-
The meadows of wild daffodils; Ben reaching the summit of Aubrec; Paul at great heights - Col Aubrec; a roundabout on the Route of St James (which makes our English ones look very second rate) a beautiful stained glass window in Puy en Velay Cathedral.
Enjoy and wait for the next batch to come through!
Jenny
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