Santander

We have arrived in Santander today. The weather is good and we have had little rain so far.
After 31 degrees in Bilboa it is a little cooler again now.

We stayed at a great albergue last night where we met some interesting people from around the world. The host was very interesting and he had lots of volunteer who help him run the hostel. We were provided with meals and entertaiment.

We are not sure of the mileage we have done because of the conflicting information on maps , road signs when we see them and the guidebook. However there is still a long way to go so we are not focusing on the mileage.

Today we will explore Santander before moving on. It is a bustling city and a change from cow paddocks.

The little gas stove we have has proved very useful. At present my man servant is making me my morning tea.

I could not have done this trip alone, Vern has been so helpful and motivating when I needed it. That walking stick is a great prod :-) .

We met a French couple who where cycling the route and she had a whistle to send a message to her husband if he got too far in away.

We are getting into the groove

Hi to all. We are both well.

We had a rest day in Bilboa which was really nice and much deserved. After expecting an industrial city we were very surprised as it was welcoming and clean. The Guggenheim Museum was great. More so for the building than the modern art inside.

We are now on the coast west of there and our days start at about 6am walking whilst it's cool. Then breakfast along the way. Into town by early afternoon if possible. We are doing better with our walking speed now.

Heading into Cantabria and the hills are less demanding apparently, ahead of us.

There are few albergue open so we are staying in Pensions which are comfortable and welcoming at the end of the day.

We have had some nice fresh food and vino tinto (only a little).

Heading for Santander now love Chris & Vern

ummmmm....I have no idea and I didn't watch. Cane toads are too good!!

Hi Chris and Vern
Sounds like all is going well even if you feel it is a little slow. I am sure you will pick up the pace once you catch up with the training part!
Keep up the news I am really enjoying it.
Donie and George

Making Progress across Spain

We are making our way closer to Bilboa. The weather has been fine and is getting quiet warm now.

Our progress has been slower than we planned however we do not want to rush into any injuries at this stage.

We have met some interesting people, such as Rapheala from Switzerland who is riding her pushbike from Sandiago to home. Also Rosa who was running a private albergue (accommadation)and made us very welcome at her home. She also made a great meal for us.
There has not been many albergue open along the way so far so we have stayed at pensions and last night in a farm house with hostel beds. It was great except for the cow smells being very close to our bedroom window. The seaside views were spectacular however.
The countryside is very green and dramatic and very steep in places. We have walked through some remote country but it is easy to find our way as it has been well marked path.

We hope everyone is well at home and Go the Maroon

Chris & Vern

Teresa and My wedding

Hi guys,

It looks like you are having a great time, I really look foward to pics, im sure we can use up a work day :P

Teresa and got married yesterday as you knew, the day was perfect sunny, nice temp and everything worked well. After the wedding I woke up at 5:50 and saw the ISS float over head. That completed a great 24 hours.

May 26 and 27 Atlantis undocks the ISS, if you go here http://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=25544 you can find out when it will be over top. I really suggest you take a look, it was a awesome sight.

Tales from Hondarribia

Presently we are in the Walled City of Hondarribia on the Spain / French border
Korea was a buzz. A two hour trip from the airpot at incheon to seoul.
We had a great hotel that wasn't far from the market area which was fascinating
We arrived in Madrid on Sunday a bit jet lagged. But it was great. We took a heap of photos
Monday we wandered the city. Saw some of the plazas etc, the architure is nothing like we see at home all approx six to ten level high rise. Tuesday we caught the train to Irun seeing the beautiful countryside along the way. Then hiked our way here. That's about all for now. We hope all are well, next stop San Sebastian adios amigos

The Adventure Begins

After at least two years of planning, lots a reading and walking we are about to set off on our adventure.

We have managed to keep our packs below 10% of our body weight and that was much easier for me than it was for Vern.

We will be in Madrid on Sunday evening 16th May after two nights stopover in Seoul Korea.

beechbum

beechbum :P nice name