Fully rested after a delightful evening in the bar of the Raddison Blu hotel and hearty breakfast I was ready to start. I said goodbye to Alan, it was emotional! Then it began. 'Oh my goodness they're big ones' ' what ? 'i said 'you must be going on a long,trek ' 'OH, we'll yes I am actually,500 mileS well that's the plan' That was my encounter at customs, well that and having to take my boots off ,to check for bombs I expect. The RyAnair bugle blew as we landed...

I'd like to say a MASSIVE thank you to those who has made a donation to Feet First or might be making one in the next few weeks. Just ove £900 has been raised so far, which is incredible. The thought that so many have made the effort will really give me the courage to complete the 500 mile walk, even when my feet are killing me. I leave in a couple of days. All being well my next post will be from Spain on 'El Camino'. Thank You xxxxxx

Yesterday was a beautiful day... in so many ways! Not just the weather, but I realised something too and I haven't even started the philosphical rampage of 'El Camino': Life is full of 'what I call mistakes', but what you think might be a bummer at the time, could just turn out for the best. Let me explain. I was accompanied on this occasion by my long shanks of a' life partner' (a rare occurence, but welcomed). No this wasn't the mistake, but some might argue o...

I need to say a few words about Merlen. He is the most devoted dog that anyone could wish for and I adore him really even though I pretend not to. He just keeps on going mile after mile and never complains. His stick finding ability has become legendary within the hound fraternity.He doesn't seem to mind that I can't pick them up to throw them( q ruck sack ) he just continues to try his luck with each one he finds. I think he's secretly just having a laugh! Part...

I want to say a big big thank you at this point to my training buddies Paula Caroline and Sarah. Their motivation technique of completely ignoring my whimpers and filing my already overloaded rucksack with their stuff has definitely paid dividends. In return I have provided minutes of pleasure whilst they watch my dinosaur egg shape of body negotiate turn styles. So far since the beginning of April I have walked almost 200 miles. I am now the proud owner of one...