Bueno Camino 2017/1: a million steps!

To paraphrase Lao Tzu: 'A journey of a million steps begins with a single step'.
A million steps?! 800 km = 800 000 m = about a million steps  (up or down the hills each step is nowhere near a metre long).
To get to the start of the Camino there is always a journey. Train from Lille to Paris, Paris to Bordeux  (1 hour late so missed connection), Bordeux to Bayonne 2 hours late. Arrived at Hotel Arcaux about 11pm (just across the river from train station).

Train to St Jean Pied de Porte next morning, collect compostela and find place to stay as it is raining so not starting until tomorrow. 

I am planning to go slowly in an attempt to avoid blisters this time. So, first day is only 12 km from St Jean Pied de Porte to Valcarlos. This is along the 'low' way (not the Napoleon route that goes up into the hills). The route to Valcarlos follows the main road and meanders to either side of it. It is less strenuous to stay walking on the main road but this has the complications associated with cars and trucks very near you!

There are certain constants on the Camino that provide a sense of security. The way is marked by arrows and little stone markers - so usually hard to lose the way.. It is also nice to see 'shadow' back once the sun is out.

Somme and Le Quesnoy visit.

A visit to various WW1 gravesites and memorials is a sobering reminder of the futility and wanton waste of war.

 At least the beautifully kept sites have some enlightening features.

 Every intersection in this area seems to have multiple signs to gravesites.

The present beauty of the countryside is such a contrast with the photos of the trenches!

We visited new friends in Le Quesnoy and coincidentally discovered a strong connection to NZ due to action by soldiers during WW1. They liberated the town with great bravery and minimal damage to it.

Marie-line and Bruno live in the countryside just outside Le Quesnoy. 

A few days in Paris

Arrived 19 May - a little jetlagged of course!  Aparthotel Adagio Tour Eiffel well situated  - 10 min walk from Eiffel Tower  and easy walking distance to other key areas of central Paris.

Traffic and parking  in Paris is a challenge of course but the locals seem to manage.

A day at Roland Garros for the tennis was a new experience  (the first day of qualifying).

Also the Formula E race was on. It may be the way of the future BUT not the sound appeal of 'real' racing!!

Sorry that video not available. 

NZ Cycleways: Pou Horenga Tai.

I had the pleasure of riding a section of a new cycleway in the top part of the North Island in February.

The two sections I did were Kaikohe to Okaihau and Okaihau to Horeke - approx 25 km. The first leg was a gentle uphill out of Kaikohe (including an old railway tunnel) and then mostly level into Okaihau (past Lake Omapere).

The second section started sedately on a new track through paddocks, then a dramatic downhill road, through a beautiful stream/ valley and finishing along a boardwalk through mangroves.