http://battyes.blog.co.uk/en-EUMokoFeed10http://battyes.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/1c/8389ea6fc1c70f9f777cc1638a3e2b_160x200.jpghttp://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/10/29/i_m_home~3212360/tag:battyes.blog.co.uk,2007-10-29:/2007/10/29/i_m_home~3212360/Mon, 29 Oct 2007 11:41:46 +0100 <p>Well, sitting here at home, it seems strange to be here. A lot of men say their wives don't understand them. I'm lucky, mine dose, probably better than I do, and without her none of it would have been possible. Has it changed me? Not sure. I suppose family and friends will tell me that, but I feel much the same person as when I left. Although it was a pillgrim route, for me it was not a pillgrimage. I went to see the sights and enjoy the walking with an open mind and thought it might change my outlook on religion. Infact what it has done is to reinforce what I already felt. I have met some very kind people who have gone out of their way to help, or have given us food and drink. I have also met people who are not so nice. In both cases they have been a mixture of religious and none religeous people. The Camino has been discribed as a " get out of hell free card" my feelings are. Just because you go to churcuh, it dosen't make you a christian.<br>       All in all I've had a great time. The places I've seen and the people I've met have been amazing. They say the camera never lies, but the photos don't do justice to the scenary, at times it was just breath taking. I've stayed in all sorts of places, from a preists garden and a convent, to a 4 star hotel it realy has been an experience. Would I do it again? Yes, to long distance walking, with some provisos. No to the Camino. The reason for that is the foot path in Spain is just an open sewer, the rubbish and the filth. If you could find a shady spot, it would have been used as a toilet. The bit I cant work out is, who dose it, the people I sat down and eat with in the evening, some must also be the people who abuse the countryside. <br>       Once I got to Santiago I was a bit torn. Part of me would have liked to turn left and go through Spain and down through Portugal. But the bigger part of me wanted to come home. What I have learnt is that I can do without a lot of the material things in life, and I do like life on the road, but most of all I missed my wife, family and friends. Like they say " Home is where the heart is"<br>        As for the kit, most of it lived up to expectation. I went through shoes quicker than I though I would and my spork broke, which was one of the most useful bits of kit. My sleeping bag was a bit on the thin side, in hindsight its better to carry a bit more weight and be warm. My solar pannel developed some dead spots, so in the end I had to buy a phone charger. My only real regret is I didn't have a better camera.<br>       Well thats it. Thanks for looking and all the comments. "Adios" as they  say </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/10/29/i_m_home~3212360/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/10/29/i_m_home~3212360/#commentshttp://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/10/25/santander~3192105/tag:battyes.blog.co.uk,2007-10-25:/2007/10/25/santander~3192105/Thu, 25 Oct 2007 10:26:55 +0200 <p>Thanks for all the comments. It was nice to get here, a 9 hour coach ride, with a 1.5 hour stop off so the driver could have a rest. As the family arrived so did the bad weather. First rain we´ve had in 3 weeks. Staying in a very posh hotel, wich makes a change. Took a bus ride on a supra bus to Bilbao, leather seats, stewardess service and movies, just like being on a plane, to see the Guggenheim museum. Very strange place but well worth seeing. The outside is better than the inside. Must say most of the exhibits went straight over my head! On the afternoon boat back to Plymouth today. So the final update will be when I get home. I spose I can honestly say "See you soon"</p> <p>Pics: The Guggenheim museum and one for Geoff, strange set up for a tricycle!<br><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00558/2091877" title="DSC00558"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/877/2091877_fb2638fa33_s.jpg" alt="DSC00558" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00565/2091878" title="DSC00565"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/878/2091878_e02bfc62fd_s.jpg" alt="DSC00565" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00567/2091889" title="DSC00567"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/889/2091889_63ec4158c3_s.jpg" alt="DSC00567" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="135" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00566/2091879" title="DSC00566"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/879/2091879_c488439095_s.jpg" alt="DSC00566" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00560/2091888" title="DSC00560"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/888/2091888_faf787e30f_s.jpg" alt="DSC00560" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="135" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00569/2091890" title="DSC00569"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/890/2091890_713b123635_s.jpg" alt="DSC00569" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><br>  </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/10/25/santander~3192105/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/10/25/santander~3192105/#commentshttp://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/10/20/santiago~3165441/tag:battyes.blog.co.uk,2007-10-20:/2007/10/20/santiago~3165441/Sat, 20 Oct 2007 09:25:31 +0200 <p><br>Well we´re here ! 1850k give or take a few, in 86 days. Its amazing how far you can go by foot if you have the time. The walking through Galicia has been some of the best in Spain, full of small villages, small fields with live stock in and a mixture of vines and corn. They grow a lot of eucalyptus trees here, the smell as you enter the woods is realy powerful. Santiago is better than I was expecting. It was´nt very crowded, which made it more pleasent looking around. The Catedral is something else. The old town has narrow streets with overhaning buildings and has a good atmosphere. We got here yestoday. So today is chill out day and hopefully meet up with a few of the people we have met on route. Tomorrow we take the bus to Santander, 9 hours! and meet up with the family. How do I feel now the walkings over? Don´t know yet. I´ll let you know when I get home. Next post will be from Santander, with a bit of luck.</p> <p>Pics: Portmarin, they flooded the original village, but befor they did they moved the church, stone by stone, you can still see the numbers ; Views of Galicia ; Al has now found somthing better than chocolate, chocolate with condensed milk underneath ; The finish point and Santiago Catedral. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00494/2077243" title="DSC00494"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/243/2077243_0d6b765e97_s.jpg" alt="DSC00494" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00496/2077244" title="DSC00496"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/244/2077244_3cce13a9d5_s.jpg" alt="DSC00496" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="135" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00495/2077245" title="DSC00495"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/245/2077245_b07a9fbfda_s.jpg" alt="DSC00495" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00487/2077295" title="DSC00487"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/295/2077295_40a38ac0ab_s.jpg" alt="DSC00487" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00501/2077266" title="DSC00501"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/266/2077266_a16ccba3e6_s.jpg" alt="DSC00501" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="135" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00504/2077267" title="DSC00504"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/267/2077267_a2ffb6e15e_s.jpg" alt="DSC00504" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00485/2077271" title="DSC00485"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/271/2077271_1ce3c4a244_s.jpg" alt="DSC00485" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00509/2077273" title="DSC00509"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/273/2077273_75eb016970_s.jpg" alt="DSC00509" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00507/2077268" title="DSC00507"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/268/2077268_280c66705d_s.jpg" alt="DSC00507" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="135" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00518/2077272" title="DSC00518"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/272/2077272_491c045812_s.jpg" alt="DSC00518" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00523/2077294" title="DSC00523"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/294/2077294_51eae55c9c_s.jpg" alt="DSC00523" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00533/2077293" title="DSC00533"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/293/2077293_8ee31c4692_s.jpg" alt="DSC00533" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/10/20/santiago~3165441/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/10/20/santiago~3165441/#commentshttp://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/10/11/cacabelos~3120036/tag:battyes.blog.co.uk,2007-10-11:/2007/10/11/cacabelos~3120036/Thu, 11 Oct 2007 16:17:03 +0200 <p>Hi All. Finally left the Meseta, YES! and now back into the mountains, much better. The walking is harder but much more rewarding. We have been told the last 2 weeks are the best. The pantiles have given way to slate again on the roofs which makes the towns look very different from a distance. The towns are much larger now with indusrtrial areas on the edges, but in the old parts of the town, the houses have jutted out balconies and are close together in small cobbled streets. Therehas been a gastro bug going arroud, but I´ve managed to avoid it so far, even though I awoke one night to find my room mate being seriously ill. Counting down the days now, less than 200k left. Seems hard to believe I´ll soon be home!</p> <p>Pics; The longest bridge on the route, Some old bones in a church that was being renovated, A coulpe of houses, A pension we stayed at, the highest part of the Camino and Molinaseca</p> <p> <br><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2052311" title="DSC00413"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/311/2052311_45aaada31a_s.jpg" alt="DSC00413" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2052312" title="DSC00421"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/312/2052312_956584ef05_s.jpg" alt="DSC00421" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2052313" title="DSC00437"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/313/2052313_42a413cb94_s.jpg" alt="DSC00437" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2052314" title="DSC00439"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/314/2052314_f77f921a55_s.jpg" alt="DSC00439" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2052319" title="DSC00446"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/319/2052319_064588b96a_s.jpg" alt="DSC00446" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2052321" title="DSC00430"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/321/2052321_612685ce90_s.jpg" alt="DSC00430" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2052320" title="DSC00442"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/320/2052320_34b8c60bd7_s.jpg" alt="DSC00442" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a>  </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/10/11/cacabelos~3120036/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/10/11/cacabelos~3120036/#commentshttp://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/10/06/leon~3095085/tag:battyes.blog.co.uk,2007-10-06:/2007/10/06/leon~3095085/Sat, 06 Oct 2007 19:56:58 +0200 <p>Well its been a while. We´ve been up on the Meseta, where time has stood still, so if there is internet its still on dial up. To give you an idea of what its like. Close your eyes, think ot the flatest flat thing you can, then make it flatter. Imagine a stright track running through the middle, and then it could either be pouring down with rain, or 30 deg. in the baking heat with no shade. THATS the MESETA. "They say the rain in spain" and all that, well its true. Its also been very cold. There was snow in the area we crossed the Pyrenees. Glad to say thats all changed now and we should be in for better weather. We´ve now covered 1500 k and on the last page of the map. On course to finnish a day early. Just worn out my second pair of shoes, so just got the sandals now, hope they last!</p> <p>Pics; Sulpture just passed Pamplona, 3 of THE MESETA, Hontanas, caves they use to store wine, San Bol the remotest refuge. Use to be a lepper hospital and Al, she feels the cold and LOVES her chocolate fix in the morning</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2037630" title="DSC00312"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/630/2037630_067e3f8458_s.jpg" alt="DSC00312" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2037628" title="DSC00358"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/628/2037628_743c16c4bf_s.jpg" alt="DSC00358" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2037631" title="DSC00376"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/631/2037631_0837c09344_s.jpg" alt="DSC00376" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2037642" title="DSC00386"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/642/2037642_02d9909e0e_s.jpg" alt="DSC00386" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2037639" title="DSC00380"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/639/2037639_2cd2b900c7_s.jpg" alt="DSC00380" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2037641" title="DSC00399"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/641/2037641_0bb5f0d5b8_s.jpg" alt="DSC00399" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2037640" title="DSC00379"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/640/2037640_43144aa626_s.jpg" alt="DSC00379" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2037629" title="DSC00366"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/629/2037629_5ccbfe70fe_s.jpg" alt="DSC00366" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2037624" title="DSC00355"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/624/2037624_7322b0764f_s.jpg" alt="DSC00355" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="135" height="180"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/10/06/leon~3095085/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/10/06/leon~3095085/#commentshttp://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/09/25/logrono~3038267/tag:battyes.blog.co.uk,2007-09-25:/2007/09/25/logrono~3038267/Tue, 25 Sep 2007 17:40:01 +0200 <p>Hi all, found myself a good, free internet room with decent laptops. We have now done just over 1200k and going well. We´ve gone through Zubiri, Pamplona, Maneru, Villamayer, Torres Del Rio to Logrono. The landscape is truly amazing. Flat planes with the towns rising up from them, most of them were fotrified. The weather has been good, hot and sunny most of the time. The food here is easier, so lots of omletts and corn tortllas. Meeting lots of new perigrino now. Some from Scotland and Ireland, but most are Dutch or German. The wine fountain was free, just press the button and very dry red wine comes pouring out. There is a sign saying dont abuse it, and also a webcam watching you! </p> <p>Pics: Early morning crossing the Pyrenees, The Spanish boarder, The highest point of the Pyrenees, Roncevaux, Metal sculpture and widmills suplying Pamplona, a couple of landscaps, Eric at the fre wine fountain, A sight all to familiar rubbish pelagrino have left behind and comming into Lograno<br><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2006131" title="DSC00267"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/131/2006131_a0a9d0e0d2_s.jpg" alt="DSC00267" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2006132" title="DSC00269"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/132/2006132_52f48b9fb9_s.jpg" alt="DSC00269" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2006133" title="DSC00275"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/133/2006133_7084d07575_s.jpg" alt="DSC00275" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2006138" title="DSC00279"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/138/2006138_fc23185b24_s.jpg" alt="DSC00279" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2006139" title="DSC00280"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/139/2006139_6d6ce2c510_s.jpg" alt="DSC00280" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2006140" title="DSC00312"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/140/2006140_067e3f8458_s.jpg" alt="DSC00312" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2006141" title="DSC00318"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/141/2006141_ca35d7995e_s.jpg" alt="DSC00318" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2006143" title="DSC00329"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/143/2006143_9913a0b5be_s.jpg" alt="DSC00329" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2006144" title="DSC00330"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/144/2006144_d81e53f6a7_s.jpg" alt="DSC00330" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2006146" title="DSC00341"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/146/2006146_0017b2168f_s.jpg" alt="DSC00341" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2006147" title="DSC00344"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/147/2006147_ff945f2869_s.jpg" alt="DSC00344" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a>  </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/09/25/logrono~3038267/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/09/25/logrono~3038267/#commentshttp://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/09/21/pamplona~3018176/tag:battyes.blog.co.uk,2007-09-21:/2007/09/21/pamplona~3018176/Fri, 21 Sep 2007 16:12:35 +0200 <p>Horah! were in Spain. We had a good day for crossing the Pyrenees, not to hot or cloudy. There are a lot more pilgrims this side of the mountain. Although the refuges are cheap, there also horrible. 60 to a dorm, all the bunks pushed together and not many showers or loos. Needless to say we stayed in b&b. A german said he had to wait 1.5 hours for a shower! The scenary is spectacular but there is also a lot of rubbish and toilet paper at the side of the trail, not so spectacular. Now we,ve got rid of the tents its much easier. Clocked over 1150k now. Think I,m still the same hieght?</p> <p>Sorry no pics this time. Computers in Spain all seem to be rubbish, either no usb port or it dosen´t work. Maybe next time </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/09/21/pamplona~3018176/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/09/21/pamplona~3018176/#commentshttp://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/09/17/more_pics~2994020/tag:battyes.blog.co.uk,2007-09-17:/2007/09/17/more_pics~2994020/Mon, 17 Sep 2007 15:21:19 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1981177" title="DSC00247"><br><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/177/1981177_5814d3d7bf_s.jpg" alt="DSC00247" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1981178" title="DSC00236"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/178/1981178_27dee7b34f_s.jpg" alt="DSC00236" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a></p> <p>A pelerin fountain, when you turn the handle on the top, fresh spring water comes out ( ice cold ) and the Stele de Gibralter, where the paths meet </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/09/17/more_pics~2994020/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/09/17/more_pics~2994020/#commentshttp://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/09/16/st_jean_le_vieux~2989620/tag:battyes.blog.co.uk,2007-09-16:/2007/09/16/st_jean_le_vieux~2989620/Sun, 16 Sep 2007 18:28:10 +0200 <p>Hi pep's, <br>  Been a long time no access. We've now left the pine trees and the beach behind us, thing were getting a bit difficult, camp sites closed and no food in the site stores. we have now switched to the Tours route, which is more popular and better organised. Travelled down through Biscarrose, Eulalie Plage, Bios, Le Vignac, Taller, St Paul Le Dax, Peryhorde, Berguey, Uhart Mixe to St Jean-Le-Vieux. Since Taller we have been staying in hostels and Chambre D'hote. Some of the hostles are free, or you give a donation, others are very cheap. Most are well equiped with cookers and fridges etc. Taking a day off tomorrow to prepare for the big push across the Pyrenees. Now we're in the foot hills of the mountains its harder giong, spiolt by the flat of the Landes, its now long climbs and decents. the temp in the afternoon is now between 28 and 30. I'm now sitting in a bar, having an appreo, looking at the Pyrenees. Wow, its a hard life being a pelerin!!</p> <p>Pics: the hall in Taller, The mosaic floor at Sorde L'abbey, The little chapel and the best Gite yet at Urhart Mixe<br><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1981123" title="DSC00211"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/123/1981123_82a59dad17_s.jpg" alt="DSC00211" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1981126" title="DSC00221"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/126/1981126_ecccc8dd2c_s.jpg" alt="DSC00221" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1981125" title="DSC00240"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/125/1981125_fbb79aa562_s.jpg" alt="DSC00240" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1981124" title="DSC00241"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/124/1981124_a5e4c5ed27_s.jpg" alt="DSC00241" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/09/16/st_jean_le_vieux~2989620/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/09/16/st_jean_le_vieux~2989620/#commentshttp://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/09/07/arcachon~2941314/tag:battyes.blog.co.uk,2007-09-07:/2007/09/07/arcachon~2941314/Fri, 07 Sep 2007 16:39:14 +0200 <p>Well been on a couple of boat rides since Saujon, crossed from Royan to Montalivet across the Griande. then down the Atlantic coast through Hourtin, Lacanal, Corhot Ocean and then across the Arcachon basin on a little ferry to Arcachon. The scenary is much the same day after day. Stright roads and pine trees, or, endless beaches. The ferry to Acachon was fun, Incase of emergency, you had to follow the arrows, which were just painted on the floor and pointed to the back of the boat! Went up the Dune Pyla, the largest dune in Europe. 60 million cubic meters of sand. realy was quite amazing. Done 850 k and just about on target. Entered the Londe today. some of the houses in the old part of Acachon look like they belong to the Adams family.</p> <p>Pics: The road got a bit boring, so we thought we'd go on the beach! the ferry to Arcachon, one for Laura me on dune Pyla, dune Pyla, Arcachon and Al and Eric on a dune</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1949542" title="DSC00163"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/542/1949542_ae1e84ee2f_s.jpg" alt="DSC00163" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1949543" title="DSC00166"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/543/1949543_f0c7f11a76_s.jpg" alt="DSC00166" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1949552" title="DSC00179"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/552/1949552_cbae0fccd7_s.jpg" alt="DSC00179" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1949544" title="DSC00194"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/544/1949544_02fd3a5f52_s.jpg" alt="DSC00194" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1949545" title="DSC00191"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/545/1949545_e41a8c3b61_s.jpg" alt="DSC00191" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1949556" title="DSC00189"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/556/1949556_bbefde98f7_s.jpg" alt="DSC00189" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1949555" title="DSC00165"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/555/1949555_5135f786a3_s.jpg" alt="DSC00165" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/09/07/arcachon~2941314/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/09/07/arcachon~2941314/#commentshttp://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/08/30/saujon~2896345/tag:battyes.blog.co.uk,2007-08-30:/2007/08/30/saujon~2896345/Thu, 30 Aug 2007 17:08:01 +0200 <p>Hi all. Well what a good time was had by all at La Rochelle, shame it had to come to an end. Back on the road again through port Punay, Rochefort, Pont L'Abbey and into Sujon, tomorrow Royan and across the river, which is a bit of a mile stone. Lookin forward to that. Most of the landscape is still flat, the odd hill here and there but then it flattens out again. The bridge crossing at Rochefort was fun, its just a platform suspended on cables and then it runs like a cable car. Might be a bit intresting if it gio windy!<br>Thats it for now. Off down the cost tomorrow for a bit of body surfing.</p> <p>Pics from top: More of us in La Rochelle, the shower block at the "La Bateau" campsite and the crossing at Rochefort.<br><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1926198" title="DSC00125"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/198/1926198_d06e27ea8f_s.jpg" alt="DSC00125" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1926199" title="DSC00126"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/199/1926199_42ba502d20_s.jpg" alt="DSC00126" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1926203" title="DSC00130"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/203/1926203_97d51b673c_s.jpg" alt="DSC00130" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1926204" title="DSC00137"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/204/1926204_4b3a34571f_s.jpg" alt="DSC00137" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1926205" title="DSC00139"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/205/1926205_73f6ed95a3_s.jpg" alt="DSC00139" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1926206" title="DSC00140"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/206/1926206_07f03e1ee4_s.jpg" alt="DSC00140" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/08/30/saujon~2896345/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/08/30/saujon~2896345/#commentshttp://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/08/25/la_rochelle~2867609/tag:battyes.blog.co.uk,2007-08-25:/2007/08/25/la_rochelle~2867609/Sat, 25 Aug 2007 12:21:45 +0200 <p>No I'm not dead. Just a long time no internet access. When you ask for it, they look at you as if your mad! Still, here we are in La Rochelle. Mad, Jen and Joe have flown out for the weekend. Good to see them. The journey down from Vannes has been "intresting" to say the least. most of the area we've been through has been closed,  when you ask why, they say " Its holiday season" ! Left Vannes, fighting off the flying caterpillers, down through Roche Bernard and across the Grand Briere, which is where alot of French salt comes from. A bit wild out here, espeially with the weather we're having, blowing a gale and horizontal rain. Crossed the river Loire at Pelleran and round the "Grande Lac" which you coudn't get to because its private. There is an invation of fresh water langusteen? which escaped from the Grand Briere and are now taking over. The one in the pics looks like its been in a bit of a fight. Only six people have permission the fish for them. The houses are changing with the landscape. Slate is givin way to Roman Pantiles, and houses to single storey. More of he gardens are fenced off and loads of vicious looking dogs. Dificult finding footpaths here so a lot of road work. Thruogh Lucon, less said about that place the better. South along the canal, so flat here you can see to the hoizon in all directions. Long stright paths which are hard going. Then through Charron, which was closed, along the coast path passed the moule farms and into La Rochelle. Done about 550K so far. We are in a hotel over looking the old port. Bit noisy as the whole area turns into a street theater in the evening. Thats it for now. might put some more pics up before I leave tomorrow.</p> <p>Pics from top: La Roche Bernard, the Grand Breire, Fully restored windmill, crossing the Loire, fresh water langusteen, the sunflowers look as happy about the weather as us, the moule farms north of La Rochelle and La Rochelle<br><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1910895" title="DSC00063"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/895/1910895_0d9bf6cb58_s.jpg" alt="DSC00063" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1910896" title="DSC00069"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/896/1910896_e995f9b13d_s.jpg" alt="DSC00069" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1910897" title="DSC00076"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/897/1910897_5d181caa53_s.jpg" alt="DSC00076" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1910898" title="DSC00084"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/898/1910898_1198d4c076_s.jpg" alt="DSC00084" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1910899" title="DSC00087"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/899/1910899_183e03ff9b_s.jpg" alt="DSC00087" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1910900" title="DSC00101"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/900/1910900_0b8ccedda6_s.jpg" alt="DSC00101" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1910901" title="DSC00109"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/901/1910901_b01266fbe4_s.jpg" alt="DSC00109" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1910902" title="DSC00116"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/902/1910902_9cfac6f7e5_s.jpg" alt="DSC00116" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1910903" title="DSC00117"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/903/1910903_34e3b1df46_s.jpg" alt="DSC00117" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a></p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/08/25/la_rochelle~2867609/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/08/25/la_rochelle~2867609/#commentshttp://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/08/10/title~2785758/tag:battyes.blog.co.uk,2007-08-10:/2007/08/10/title~2785758/Fri, 10 Aug 2007 12:38:55 +0200 <p>Here we are in Vannes 230 k so far mixture of walking on roads and tracks. The Fountains are all over the place and if you drink the water it shuold cure you of somthing, but you have to ask the locals what. Didn't fancy it much due to the frog in there. St Anne D' Auray is where pilgrims from all over Finnisterre to be healed. didn't see a miracle but Al's phone was reconected!!!  Did some "wild" camping down by lock 26 on the river Blavet near Quelennec, so peaceful but no facilities.<br>      For the Gluen free readers. I was starting to worry a bit, run out of supplies, and you can only eat so much of rice and peas. Found a supermarket here that sells g/f stuff so ok for a while.</p> <p>Pics  Vannes, A  Fountain, St Anne D'Auray, The view from our tents<br><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1871210" title="DSC00050"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/210/1871210_00da78c6e2_s.jpg" alt="DSC00050" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1871211" title="DSC00054"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/211/1871211_abf04a037b_s.jpg" alt="DSC00054" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><br><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1870788" title="DSC00043"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/788/1870788_a9fb40a90e_s.jpg" alt="DSC00043" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1870789" title="DSC00047"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/789/1870789_37874f793a_s.jpg" alt="DSC00047" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1870790" title="DSC00038"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/790/1870790_529e27bc1d_s.jpg" alt="DSC00038" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1871212" title="DSC00037"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/212/1871212_a914462f2d_s.jpg" alt="DSC00037" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/08/10/title~2785758/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/08/10/title~2785758/#commentshttp://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/08/04/le_faouet~2754691/tag:battyes.blog.co.uk,2007-08-04:/2007/08/04/le_faouet~2754691/Sat, 04 Aug 2007 15:09:46 +0200 <p>Down as far as Le Faouet, a mixture of scenery on the way through. some of the foot paths are very old, especially around the chapples. The storie behind the "Rock of the virgin Mary" is that a hunting woman was out one day and she was attacked by two widl boars. She thought they were going to kill her. She vsaid to herself. If I survive I will build a statue. Needless to say she stabbed the 2 little pigs with a dagger and built the statue. The huge standing stone has been there since before Chrirtyanity. A cross was built on the other side of the track to protect the pillgrims. The Chapelle St Barbe was built on a rock shelf. Makes you wonder how they did it. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1854674" title="DSC00011"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/674/1854674_2efe074465_s.jpg" alt="DSC00011" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a></p> <p>Sorry cant turn this round!</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1854683" title="DSC00026"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/683/1854683_4945f9c445_s.jpg" alt="DSC00026" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1854684" title="DSC00031"><br><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/684/1854684_d47cefb218_s.jpg" alt="DSC00031" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a></p> <p>Pics from the top: The rock of the virgin Mary, the standing stone and Chapelle St Barb. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/08/04/le_faouet~2754691/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/08/04/le_faouet~2754691/#commentshttp://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/07/31/al_and_eric_s~2733806/tag:battyes.blog.co.uk,2007-07-31:/2007/07/31/al_and_eric_s~2733806/Tue, 31 Jul 2007 18:08:49 +0200 <p>It was good to get started, but not so good saying goodbye to Mads. It was a rough crossing with kids bieing sick everywhere. The walk down to Morlaix was nice. I always think of this area just being cabbages and onions, but the coast has loads of secluded bays and it made intresting walking. Stayed in the convent Friday night. Very basic but the Nuns were very friendly. Met up with Al and Eric Sunday morning and arrived at their place in the afternoon.  Its been a nice to have some R & R and have time to make adjustments to kit, but it will be good to get going again tomorrow. Weather is getting better, sunny and hot. Distance travelled so far 85 k. </p> <p>Pics from the top: Leaving Plymouth, Views of Roscoffe, the convent and the first path marker I found<br><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1845471" title="DSC00001"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/471/1845471_52cf8eb9f3_s.jpg" alt="DSC00001" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1845472" title="DSC00002"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/472/1845472_f392c87d1f_s.jpg" alt="DSC00002" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1845516" title="DSC00004"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/516/1845516_9f36db870e_s.jpg" alt="DSC00004" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1845474" title="DSC00004"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/474/1845474_c50e7c0e52_s.jpg" alt="DSC00004" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1845475" title="DSC00006"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/475/1845475_784731fd79_s.jpg" alt="DSC00006" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1845476" title="DSC00003"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/476/1845476_cde6026a13_s.jpg" alt="DSC00003" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a>  </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/07/31/al_and_eric_s~2733806/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/07/31/al_and_eric_s~2733806/#commentshttp://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/07/25/time_to_go~2698733/tag:battyes.blog.co.uk,2007-07-25:/2007/07/25/time_to_go~2698733/Wed, 25 Jul 2007 13:46:53 +0200 <p>Well this is it! doesn't seem like 2 years ago that we were sitting in Al and Eric's kitchen saying "put me down for that" but its finally arrived. Everything on the table is my "life in a bag" for three months. Weight was a bit more than I would have liked ( 11 k dry weight ) but couldn't throw anything else out. That might change once we start. Hope to be at Al & Eric's on Sunday. Next update then<br><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1828005" title="DSC00002"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/005/1828005_3750311695_s.jpg" alt="DSC00002" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1828006" title="DSC00005"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/006/1828006_d8e2e29e00_s.jpg" alt="DSC00005" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/07/25/time_to_go~2698733/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/07/25/time_to_go~2698733/#commentshttp://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/07/03/west_bay_to_seaton~2568464/tag:battyes.blog.co.uk,2007-07-03:/2007/07/03/west_bay_to_seaton~2568464/Tue, 03 Jul 2007 22:19:18 +0200 <p>Well that was an adventure. Gord had three falls, but no submitions or a knock out!! Dodging the showers we covered the 30k in just over 6 hours + a few stops along the way. Not bad for the type of terrain. </p> <p>Pics from top. West Bay, Us on Golden Cap, Dodging the storms, but in the end they caught up with us at Seaton<br><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1757798" title="DSC00003"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/798/1757798_9c81c84230_s.jpg" alt="DSC00003" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1757800" title="DSC00008"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/800/1757800_d6efb0a7cb_s.jpg" alt="DSC00008" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1757802" title="DSC00013"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/802/1757802_58a71c2cd4_s.jpg" alt="DSC00013" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1757804" title="DSC00014"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/804/1757804_cc0fc0fde5_s.jpg" alt="DSC00014" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/07/03/west_bay_to_seaton~2568464/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/07/03/west_bay_to_seaton~2568464/#commentshttp://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/06/25/glasonbury~2517415/tag:battyes.blog.co.uk,2007-06-25:/2007/06/25/glasonbury~2517415/Mon, 25 Jun 2007 17:24:23 +0200 <p>Well you can tell from the weather it was Glastonbury, warm and wet, mud up to your armpits, but what a great time we all had. Damien Rice, The Kooks, James Morrison and of course the Who. Just goes to show old rockers never die, they just need medical attention between songs!! Here are some of my Glasto moments. Joe, or Jo, claimed he had to borrow Jens mini skirt and pop socks( won't mention the underwear. Ooops. Sorry!) because all his clothes were wet, course we beleive you!!!  I think all he needs is a red nose.<br><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1727530"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/530/1727530_6508397a3c_s.jpg" alt="" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="135" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1727774" title="Image010"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/774/1727774_4a4526fb68_s.jpg" alt="Image010" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="135" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1727531" title="Helen at her favorite bus"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/531/1727531_998454c08d_s.jpg" alt="Helen at her favorite bus" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1727489"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/489/1727489_609e8984e2_s.jpg" alt="" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1727487" title="Me and Pierre"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/487/1727487_fc88e4269e_s.jpg" alt="Me and Pierre" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1727490" title="Just needs a red nose"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/490/1727490_cdbe204d10_s.jpg" alt="Just needs a red nose" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="135" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1727492" title="The Who"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/492/1727492_09452fb635_s.jpg" alt="The Who" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1727493" title="When its all over"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/493/1727493_cd2354e252_s.jpg" alt="When its all over" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a></p> <p>From the top  Mad, Helen and the cider bus, Liquid mud, Pierre and me, Joe/Jo, THE WHO  and after its all over!!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/06/25/glasonbury~2517415/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/06/25/glasonbury~2517415/#commentshttp://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/04/23/the_marathon~2148322/tag:battyes.blog.co.uk,2007-04-23:/2007/04/23/the_marathon~2148322/Mon, 23 Apr 2007 19:33:34 +0200 <p>Well, another HOT one, even hotter than 1996, the last time I ran it. I was looking to do it in sub 4, but due to the heat it took me 4:13:56 which placed me 9831 out of 36396. Going slower had its advantages, but with so many runners ( biggest since it started) it was crowded and hard to get into a rhythm, the first mile or so was a bit stop start. It was still a struggle hitting the wall around the 19-20 mile mark, but got through that and felt good towards the end, and I could still walk this morning. A <strong>very big </strong>thank you to every one who has donated to "Headway" my chosen charity, it was very kind of you.<a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1390424" title="DSCF0133"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/424/1390424_44cbd99f6c_s.jpg" alt="DSCF0133" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1390425" title="IMG_1278"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/425/1390425_84bf511e7d_s.jpg" alt="IMG_1278" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1390426" title="DSC00001"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/426/1390426_8824db49cc_s.jpg" alt="DSC00001" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1390668" title="IMG_1277"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/668/1390668_b809828b68_s.jpg" alt="IMG_1277" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="135"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1390427" title="IMG_1275"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/427/1390427_e29862318c_s.jpg" alt="IMG_1275" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="240" height="180"></a><br>Pics of me, going to the start at Blackheath, and the winner of the womens race.</p> <p>Well now thats over I can concentrate on the walk !!!!<br> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/04/23/the_marathon~2148322/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/04/23/the_marathon~2148322/#commentshttp://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/03/29/training_for_the_walk~1999950/tag:battyes.blog.co.uk,2007-03-29:/2007/03/29/training_for_the_walk~1999950/Thu, 29 Mar 2007 21:13:02 +0200 <p>In training for the walk I decided I would run in the London Marathon. As April 22 looms, thoughts of have I done enough milage!! will i make it round? If all goes according to plan I should finish in 3 3/4 - 4 hours. I'm not getting sponsorship, but if any one wants to donate, my chosen charity is "Headway" they help people who have suffered brain injury.</p> <p>Watch this space to see how it all turns out!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/03/29/training_for_the_walk~1999950/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://battyes.blog.co.uk/2007/03/29/training_for_the_walk~1999950/#comments