Rose

I'm not sure if Norman is missing me, Frenchie or Kitty... but I'm hoping it's me [;-)] update... Just spotted the Rose!  yeah [:$]

Can I say a quick hello too?  I dropped by for the first time in ages and found this little reunion! [kiss]

[quote user="Grecian"]... didn't manage to get into Bishop Blackall, would have been nice though an all girl's school, hmm....[:P] [/quote] Church of England Grammer School for Girls no less!  It changed to a comprehensive during my second year so we were the last year to take the 11+... the school never changed much though whilst I was there... it was a real shame when they merged and closed it. Back on topic a little when I was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago, we had a similiar conversation about whether we should be stay in France.  We worried that we wouldn't understand the system or that we would need the support system of friends and family in the UK.  In reality I was between surgery and treatment when we had this conversation and it was totally impracticle to consider a move but with hindsight it was the right thing for us to stay in France.  The treatment I received was excellent and we discovered that we were very much part of our community... and we did have a support system here.  Greyman (husband) was inundated with offers of help... he never had to cook a meal when I was in hospital and folks even offered to do his laundry.  The school was also excellent... my son was 12 when I was diagnosed.  Fortunately my cancer has been sleeping for over 3 years but it would be fair to say that the whole experience kind of cemented our position here in France... we felt like we belonged.  Hope that doesn't sound too airy fairy but it's the best way to describe it. That's not to say that there haven't been hurdles... I speak french ok but dealing with my treatment and subsequent follow-ups and drugs isn't always easy.  The normal homesickness comes and goes as with most folks... but for now France is home. So when were you at Sunday school?  I was part of St Matthews from about 1969 - 1979... Father Reid was the vicar [:$]

[quote user="NormanH"] From your name it sounds as if you are from St James's park, but if you were near the old Heavitee hospital you could be from Newtown or if near the New RD & E  I suppose it could have been Heavitree .. "Debn born Debn bred strong in the arm thick in the head " [/quote] Exeter boys and girls!  I was born in Heavitree!  [:D] [:D] [:D] I also sang in the choir at St Matthews Church in Newtown for 10 years too [:$] and went to school at Bishop Blackall beside St James park [blink] sorry... I'm off topic on a very serious post... but couldn't resist!  [:$]

Hello!!! I'm rubbish at checking this thread... Greyman has just told me to come and look... so sorry! Apps... the one I've got is called Camino Francis and is by Wise Pilgrim... I've also used this website ... http://caminopedia.com/?page_id=15 - it has lots of useful information and places to stay.  Hope that helps as a starter [:$] I'm not ready... I need another month... another 2 months!  Where has the time gone?  Last year this seemed like so far away that I felt I would be superwoman by now... and now I think I'm so unprepared. I've had a few hiccups recently.  A health concern that might have put an end to my walk but thankfully all is fine and I have the seal of approval.  I had a week of walking last week and horror of horrors I got three bad blisters!  I've never been troubled with blisters before, and I've been walking my boots in loads.  So... drastic actions... I've bought 2 new pairs of boots and I'm trying them at home.  I have feet as wide as clowns and the blisters are because the boots are too narrow.... in between the toes. Mint - I've got so many pairs of socks I could open a shop - but dont tell greyman!  (I could also sell shoes as I'm on my 7th pair now) [Www] - I've tried several combinations and at the moment feel happier with coolmax liner and a merino wool outer... and yes good idea about saving the washing!  I have 3 new pairs coming tomorrow - they have been recommended by a blister expert... so I'll give them a go too... only a week to choose! I've also decided I dont like walking with my Pacer Poles.  I've used them a lot on my practice walks but last week I ended up carrying them and felt they were a nuisance.  They do help on the hills but I found walking down through the steep decsents I wanted to use my arms to balance and I found them distracting.  I think on balance I'll prefer to save the weight and leave them behind.  I can always buy a walking pole or find a stick/branch if I really miss them? And... we're now starting at Roncesvalles... for a whole host of reasons.  But we decided it was simply easier and it's the traditional start point of the Camino Frances... and what's 20km between friends! So... we're off... in a few days... I'm sooo excited and sooo terrified!  I've started a blog for friends and family - if anyone is interested PM me and I'll send you the link. Happy walking everyone... wish me luck please... I feel I'm going to need it!

[quote user="Yonner"]Hi Rose, I know just what you mean about shoes!! Mrs Y has developed a bump on her Achilles which is aggravated by the boots, so we may also be going for a shoe type boot. We've also gone for sandals - think they are tensas - and seem very comfy so far, I can see them getting plenty of use weather permitting. Training walks are coming along too, but we'll see how effective they are once we get on the way I suppose. I think we'll be booking Orison, and perhaps Roncevales, but its interesting you've booked the next two, we hadn't considered that, but will now though. We expect to start on 16th September, so we may well bump into you on the way!![/quote] Yonner, I'm getting some insoles made - collect them next week.  I went to see a podiatrist as I had been getting a little bit of an ache.  It's down to my scoliosis and how I've adapted my walk to compensate.  She's wasn't worried unduly but felt that maybe the insoles would help me.  Maybe Mrs Y would find this useful too? We may well see each other... I'm not planning on walking fast... certainly not in the first week or so.  I've got 7 weeks so I dont want to rush.  I only booked the two extra nights because I wanted to take the pressure off the first few days.  I've got kind of a plan for the first week but I think I'll play it by ear and not book any more.  I've got a list of places that folks have recommended... and a couple of camino apps on my phone... saves carrying books! Maybe see you soon!

[quote user="mint"] WHAT an experience you will have, Rose.  I envy and pity you in equal measure!! No, seriously, you will get from the Camino all that you wish for and MORE. Buen Camino, Rose [:D] [/quote] I'm counting down the days... wishing I was better prepared... can't beleive how quickly this year has gone... but you know what... I'm already thinking about my next adventure [:$] But I think maybe I should see if I can manage this one first! [:D] [kiss] [kiss]

[quote user="Cendrillon"]... After you've walked through the spooky woods (not dangerous but it's where they used to burn witches!) there is a café in the next village and cafés in the next small towns after that... [/quote] Why would you tell me that [:-))]  - I am the easiest person to frighten... if I could I would still sleep with the light on [blink] [kiss]  [kiss]

[quote user="woolybanana"]Rose, why do you have to indulge in this torture? You seem a fulfilled human being, normal and happy, so what on earth motivates you into doing this mad trek? God is not at the other end, She told me so! We used to have a poster here called Tweet17 who did this, and as far as I can see, for her, it was nothing but discomfort and no knickers. Could you not do somethine else?[/quote] [:D]  Wooly I have been asked why so many times and I dont really have an answer... as you know I had my own little battle with cancer a few years ago and now I want to do this simply because I can... a kind of celebration of life.  I'm really hoping I dont lose my knickers... or anything else... and I hope I can emulate our other intredpid adventurers and make it to Santiago without too much incident [blink]

[quote user="Yonner"]Hi Rose, how are the training sessions coming along? Feet Ok now? Ours has been sluggish, but we'll be correcting that now we can see the start gate, mind is focussed! Looks like our start date will now be around the time of yours, perhaps a few days later. The Orrison plan also sounds like a good idea to us, we'll look more into that. BTW, are you reserving all your refuges, or just the first few busy ones?[/quote] Yonner - I am so sorry for the slow reply!!  I really should drop by more often! My plans are coming along.  I haven't been able to walk as often as I wanted, but I have done plenty of walks, and I've done a few days on the trot with 12-15km walks.  I know I'm getting fitter and stronger and I am walking with my full pack too.. but it's so hot at the moment.  I've got 6 weeks now to step up the training and I've got 6 days holiday at the end of August where I'm going to be walking every day. My feet are ok but I had dreadful problems finding shoes.  I am on my third pair now!  Mammuts, mid shoe - a bit heavier than I hoped for but they fit well and I've done about 100km in them and they're feeling good. I've also bought some good merino wool socks (Brigdale)... so far so good.  I also bought some Keen sandals - 2 pairs actually... first pair we're too big and heavy - I now have some Keen whispers.. i've only had for 3 days but they are feeling good too. I have booked my first night at Orrison.. Greyman is going to spend the first night there too.  He'll then go home and I carry on alone.  We're leaving SJPP on 13th September.  I've not booked Roncevalles as I think getting a bed will be no problem but I have booked the next 2 nights.  I am keeping my first few days easy and booking will mean that I will feel obliged to stop, regardless.  I will try and stick to no more than 15km a day... I know 15km is easy for me and for the first week I can relax... after that I hope I'll feel more confident about how it works. Once I get over Alto de Perdon I'll feel like I'm on my way! I have a kind of a plan of where I would like to stop... but I will just play it by ear once I get passed the first few days. I'm getting very excited and very nervous in equal measure - what have I got myself into! [:D] How are your plans going?  What day will you be starting?

Hi folks - I've clearly missed the big name change?  I liked Sweets too [blink] Paul - interesting about washing socks as I had a pair a few weeks ago and I hated them... but wore them new without washing.  Maybe i'll give them another go! I've bought my third pair of shoes today... Mammut.  I have really wide feet and it's proving a real problem... please let these be ok! Minty Fresh... if you're around I hope all is well with you and yours xx

Hello Mint!  I've missed the excitement of the change of name [:D] Thanks for the link... I've got just over 10 weeks to go before I start my walk.  I've been walking my way down the Vezeley Route in recent times - it passes within a few km's to home  and I'm hoping I can walk all the way down to St Jean... it's a good way to test my gear and get me fit too.  If I manage that, and I manage the walk, I can say that I walked from my front door to Santiago. [blink] I'm having problems with shoes.. just can't seem to find the right pair at the moment... off to Bordeaux again tomorrow and I really hope that 3rd time lucky applies to me! [kiss]

Betty... many thanks!  the second link is really useful!

Hi Paul and thanks for the reply - that's pretty much what I thought but I wanted to be sure I wasn't missing something obvious.  That's not going to be anywhere near enough!  I know I can find wifi spots along the way to save my data limit but I do want to be secure in the knowledge that a) I can have coverage/internet/data etc if I need it and b) that it wont cost me an arm and a leg when I get home. More research needed I think... the most annoying thing is that all these companies are international but the spanish information is only in spanish... why not have a range of language options?  grrr... just my moan for the day! thanks again!

Some of you may remember that in a few weeks I'm hoping to retrace Sweets and Gems fabulous walk across Northern Spain.  I'm planning to walk in September and I've allowed 7 weeks for the walk. I plan to carry a smartphone/phablet... it will be my phone, my camera, my guidebook, my map, my book, my internet, and my link to home (and to you lot). I've not bought the phone yet but I'm thinking of getting the Note 3 (my son wants me to get the new HTC) and I'm then I'm thinking of getting a Pay as You Go SIM for use in Spain... ideally sorted advance so it can be set up before I leave home. We've looked at a few deals but as I've not used a smartphone before I'm unsure what kind of useage I'll need. How much is 100mb a month? If I'm loading photos to something like skydrive or flickr will that soon get eaten up? I've been using mapmywalk at home on my laptop and would like to load the app onto the phone to trace my steps... but I'm guessing this will eat into my data usage but I've just no idea how much?  There are a few Camino apps that have been recommended too which I'll also use. I will take advantage of free wifi whenever possible but I really like to get this right and sorted before I go... so any clever people out there who can guide me? p.s. to give you an idea of my skill level... I currently dont have a mobile phone! p.p.s It seems like vodaphone is a popular choice in Spain... any others I should consider? And what is happening on the 1st July? Will that impact on my choices? a big THANK YOU in advance!

[quote user="NormanH"] The 'truth' must be the sum of our experiences not one or other of them.. [/quote] I like that Norman ... how is it I took paragraphs and you can say it in a few words?

[quote user="You can call me Betty"] ...snide remarks about "broken Britain" and the "YUK"...where everyone (or so it seemed) was "frightened to go out" and it seemed that every street corner (except, oddly, mine) was populated by drunks, immigrants, pickpockets and other ne'er-do-wells. Everyone was leaving the UK (it seemed) to get away from pollution, crime, immigration and the general rapid decline of society. Now THAT made ME sad.... [/quote] I totally agree with you - I've never understood the contstant comparison between the two countries.  I love my corner of Devon just as much as my corner of the Dordogne... I once explained to my neighbour that it's like having 2 children that you love equally for different reasons... and even once that Devon was God's country but that he had a second home in the Dordogne. [quote user="You can call me Betty"] The much-mentioned rose-tinted specs were worn by some as a shield against some of life's harsher realities, and by others because that's just how they see life. Again,, as mentioned elsewhere, some have the ability and capacity to lead a happy and untroubled life, but that's absolutely nothing to do with WHERE you live and everything to do with HOW you live. [/quote] I'm kind of with you on this one (I think) in that generally it's not about WHERE but HOW.   [quote user="idun"] ... it feels like you are talking about 'you and yours' and that really is fair enough. The thing is that I don't do that when I speak of France. I am a great listener, because if I made sure I spoke to anyone, I also listen........... and take it all in, all of it. So even if I have had excellent eg hospital care, I take note of the lady I know who's teenage daughter had the wrong leg cut off.  And if we had good builders and no problems, then my french neighbours who were locataires, went on to have a home built, ended up with cowboys, a lousy dangerous build and loosing boat loads of money.  I have endless stories, of the good, the bad and the indifferent [/quote] Sort of Idun... If someone asks for experiences on how I have found 'school', 'sport', 'doctors', 'life' then I do tend to answer directly on how I have found them but I do take into consideration how it is for those around me too.  I'm really not being blind to lifes problems,  I just see them as that - life's problems ... problems that are encountered regardelss of where you live. Here's an example - my son was attacked once in the school playground.  He can home with a horrible black eye and a lump on the side of his face.  It wasn't because he was British but a case of mistaken identity.  The lad that hit him was defending his sisters honour and thought my son was someone else.  As a mum I was horrified/furious/upset and all the other things that you would feel in that situation.  Half a dozen neighbours knocked on the door that evening asking how we were and saying sorry (it was odd how many people said sorry... it wasn't their fault).  The headmaster called us in and explained that we had to report this as a crime - we had to get a doctors letter and a dentist letter and visit the gendarmerie and make a statement.  People around us were genuinely shocked and upset that this violence had taken place in our local college. So... if someone asks how I have found schools in France I say great.  I dont mention this incident because it was something that happened and it's not indicative of schools in France, nor of schools England... it doesn't show that there is violence in French schools... it's just a horrible thing that happened.  Does this incident represent French kids?  Does this incident represent French School?  No... I think it just represents life and holding it up as an example of schooling in France would be unfair.  [quote user="idun"] ...the law of averages says that at some point one will hit a pepin or two or more. It is just life ... [/quote] I'm with you there - maybe I'm wrong but I just assume that everyone knows that too... dont they? [quote user="idun"] Incidentally, I am very softly spoken IRL. [Www] [/quote] I never doubted it for a second! 

[quote user="Chiefluvvie"] Couldn't agree more Betty and bonemachine. I threw away my rose tinted specs years ago - not easy because you so want things to be how you believe them to be. It's hard when they're not, and even harder to hold up a mirror and honestly reflect back what you see....some folks just can't deal with it and go into denial..... [/quote] I've been hovering for a while reading this thread and I do wonder if I should just keep my hands away from the keyboard - but my goodness it's just too hard... so here's my rose-coloured opinion.  I never understood the 'rose tinted' remarks or the 'fluffy' remarks.  I guess I'd be considered both and if  I was honest I'd say I find it just a tiny bit offensive (and I know I'll be in trouble for using that word).  We've only been here 7 years... and yes we don't live in real France because about 300,000 Brits live in the Dordogne and everyone speaks english don't they? I recognise that France has her own problems... indeed I recognise that wherever there are people, the problems that people make are usually close behind.  But... I'm happy here and sometimes when I've tried to offer a positive slant,  I or others like me, get called the 'pink and fluffy' brigade.  Sometimes it feels as though  it's considered wrong to be happy - wrong to have got on with life and settled down - wrong to have made friends with the people that live around us and found them to be perfectly normal - wrong to have found a school where you're the only foreigners but still found folks helpful/welcoming - wrong to have found your hospital care excellent - wrong to have found working here pretty painless - or just wrong to have been fortunate enough to have found the move across the sea a good one. I understand that for some people France isn't right and that it will never be home and as someone has already said it's not down to anyones fault... it's just because.   But sometimes I've cringed at the comments made within these threads and from comments made in the real world too... The french this... and the French that... and I wonder to myself if we subsituted the word french for Black or Muslim or Jew and made the same statements how would our comments be read or taken then? The original OP asked what happened to the forum and I think probably the internet offers so much information from so many different sources that this kind of forum has passed it's peak?  For me it was also a case of feeling that my comments were seen as somehow inferior or less valid and I grew tired of trying to justify my position... and I also think life itself took over and I have less time.  The problem with writing down words is that the reader can choose how to read them  and how to perceive them - there's no body language or tone of voice to express the true sentiment behind the comment - so to help you read my comments I'll just say that I find this thread a little sad and so my comments are quietly spoken... and pink [:$]

[quote user="Chancer"]And in the same vein, Dick Smith and Gluestick, things were always lively in those days... [/quote] I was a bit fearful of posting in those days... [:$]

[quote user="Cendrillon"]As I have mentioned before, it is good if you can start the walk in France in the Basque Country and give your muscles time to get used to the walking. (there's a bus from Dax railway station to St Palais) Go from  St. Palais to Ostabat (several refuges) Ostabat to St Jean P.de P (nightstop) St Jean P de P to Orrison and from there to Roncevalles. You'll still be knackered but it does help![Www] [/quote] Thats a good idea C but timing is tight for us as Greyman is walking to Orrison with me over the first weekend.  But the advice is still good and I can go on a few good long walks at home in the days before we leave on the 12th to get me into the swing of things!

[quote user="basquesteve"]... most walkers are under half a kilometre apart you will not be on your own[/quote] I read this and I'm counting on it... I hope that I can  find company when I want and maybe be alone when I want and that I can walk at my own pace but that I can take comfort in the knowledge that there are others walking around me. This revival has got me all fired up again!  I discovered another circuit today - if I walk into our village and take the road out the other side I can do a big circle in and around the afore mentioned forest... lots of hills and long drags and a few steep downhills too.  I drove around today and it's about 16km and I'm thinking I may have a go tomorrow and see how I get on!

[quote user="sweet 17"] ...you are so bouyed up with enthusiasm and determination that you haven't yet had time to develop the nagging doubts that will truly come![;-)]  The doubts are not just to do with questions about your ability to undertake the task but also your sanity as to why you'd want to prolong your suffering![:-))]  [/quote] Dear Sweets, trust me my doubts are there all the time!  I am frequently asking myself if am I mad!  Greyman is worried as he says I need a grown-up with me all the time and he just wonders how on earth I'll cope. Here's an example... I am walking every day.  There's a circuit around our house that's perfect.  Very steep uphill climb that tapers off for a little before a steep downhill section.  It lasts an hour and gets the heart pumping.  Part of the walk is through the forest... and I'm scared of the forest!  How on earth am I going to cope walking across northern spain if the forest behind my house scares me?!!!  [:-))] This is just one of the many fears I have to conquer... but I am still resolved to do this.  I still want to do this.  I am still determined to give it my all... so I guess I have some kind of mad addiction - I'm also hoping that I'll conquer a few of my fears en route. [:$]

Hi Steve - I am indeed starting at SJPdeP and preparing for the long climb!   I am planning to break the first few days into smaller chunks and I'm going to spend the first night out at Orrison.  From all I've read and been advised it's best to take the first few days easy and build up to the 20km a day.  I've allowed plenty of time so that I can set my pace according to how I feel... but yes the first few days aren't going to be the easiest [:$]

Hello one and all... doesn't time fly!  It's only 9 months now until my big walk... and hello Yonner and Mrs Y. I haven't yet bought my boots but I will investigate the arch issue... anything to help my feet and prevent blisters and nail problems will be good for me.  I will be getting new boots and I'm also going to get some good sandals as I reckon the more time I can spend in sandals will be better.  I've been looking at Keen  and Teva for sandals... but wide fit is going to be the most important element.   I think that getting the right shoes will be half our battle! I've started a daily routine of walking for an hour everyday - not a stroll but a proper heart racing walk.  We've got a few steep hills around so  I'm getting practice going up and down!  My idea is that if I do this every day I'll build my general fitness levels.  I'm also doing longer walks at weekends to get me used to the 20km a day ahead but I'm working myself up to them... I have 9 months to get ready after all! happy walking peeps [8-)]

Sweets  - I will indeed get those boots worn in. I have a few quite a few concerns and worries... I could easily write a list... and it would for sure include feet problems!  I had problems with my toenails after my cancer treatment and I'm only now getting that under control so I am keen to protect them... and because of my wide feet I often get blisters on my little toes so I'm also very keen to avoid them!  So... shoes are really really important for me (and socks). Your enthusiasm is a real tonic!  I am indeed lucky to have this opportunity... counting down the days [:D]