First four kms..

With the first four km done, the legs are warm and tingly.. Did some steep green hillsides.. But I know it was nothing compared to what the boys have done previously.

End of the first day

16 kms for Lilly and I on our first day. Nothing quite like poor old Morgan and Ages first day of steep climbing and 30 km...

But we are tired and footsore- no blisters thank goodness.

We passed through so many beautiful spots. I'll include some here, but think lush soft greenness, mossy old stonewalls, ancient oak forests and cobblebpaths.

I feel particularly inspired to have seen the ivy - which I hold sacred - profusely growing everywhere. With The Way , I am walking my own path, with new eyes, having left field influences forcing me to rethink... Well everything. 

I draw strength from seeing the ivy in thick patches, just when I am feeling a bit hopeless.

To be sure, you are not the same person once you have begun The Way.

Onward to more adventure!

Brrrrrrrr Sarria...

Brrrr. Far out its cold. The day was spent travelling to meet up with the boys. Buses and trains, planes and buses.. So delighted to see them! Age and Morgan look fit and healthy.

We organised our Pilgrim passports, Morgan so delighted to be an expert and show us around.

I've taken a few shots of where we are staying tonight. Delightful place, wood and stone.

Travelling is all about waiting...

Lilly is quickly learning that alot of travelling is waiting for connections.. We 've had a bit of a rough day so far, got in to London after midnight, up at four to be at the  airport at 4.45 am. Ryan air wasn't so bad, but the waiting was tiring.. We are now in Santiago, waiting of a bus to Lugo, then I hope to find a way to Sarria.. And we catch up with the lads...

We will prob have little internet access for the next ten days... So wait for the flurry of posts after that!

Sunny(!!!) Spain

Welcome to Spain... Its seven degrees,raining  and pretty miserable!

However, Lilly and I have officially started our walk... And gotten lost.. But took some great photos as we went.

Can't wait to see the boys! Hope to meet up with them today in a few hours.

A permanent reminder of Amsterdam

We were told this place in the red light district was the bomb.. Decisions decisions.. Tat or piercing?

So I went with a nose piercing, a very tiny one, and I love it!

Lilly held my hand the whole way. She was so concerned. Gotta admit, seeing the photos of the needle going in, ewwe must have looked bad.

Very interesting process. The chick was very professional and quick. A hollow needle is pushed through the flesh and then the piercing is fed through the straw. It bled a bit and I think you can see me steeling up as its pushed through.

I love it!!! And its a fun reminder of Amsterdam..

Farewell Amsterdam!!

Saying goodbye to lovely Amsterdam.. We've had fabulous weather the last two days.. Seen so much!

Dutchy dutchy stuff

I've come to the realisation that dutchy dutchy stuff is all about the good things in life, the sunshine and friends, good cheeses, amazing hot chocolates, incredible apple cake and mouthwatering fish. My beautiful friend Mashenka and her step dad Ron- who I adored quickly- took Lilly and I around some traditional netherlands places, treating us to all the wonders it has to hold.. Finishing off with beer in the sunshine overlooking the harbour.. And apple cake... Oh my..

Muiderslot Castle

Wow. Simply breathtaking. It over looks the sea, with a clear deep moat also surrounding it. It reminds me of bodnim castle in the UK.. The towers and rooms are well preserved, gorgeous cobble stones in the courtyard. It was built in the 12 Century and been kept in wonderful order since. Such a great resource for kids.

 Its tiny, but so much to explore. The torture chamber is spooky enough to send chills..One room was filled with costumes to try on, another with armoury and another with weaponry. We loved the jousting replica, but Lillys favourite was the archery. 

The gardens are small but immaculate.

I AMsterdam!!

Gratuitous shots of Lilly in the giant Amsterdam sign outside the museum. Its about 8.30 at night here. The park was full of families enjoying the sunshine. 

I am so close now to seeing Age and Morgan. It hurts my heart to think we are so close but not yet with each other. Ive really missed my man..- and my little man. Csnt wsit for hugs

Windmill trip

We spent the day doing 'dutchy dutchy' things. Wow the weather really turned it on for us too. Gorgeous sunshine bathed us the whole day. We explored the worlds only working windmills.

One is a sawmill and the other makes peanut oil.

I've popped in photos of the steep stairs up to  look at the cogs, the mill stone and of the view across the canals.