Before retuning to Cairns I had to prove to myself and everyone else that I was OK and capable of taking on Switzerland. Not a little morning 8klms walk, I decided on a 161klms walk down the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail or better known as the BVRT, the longest Rail Trail in Australia. Why this one you ask? It is close to home, it is there to walk on and a phone call away from family if I found I had taken on too much but me being me - this would not happen. I had family and friends and the BVRT Ranger close by so I felt safe and capable of the walk. The first day nearly killed me as I had not carried a backpack or walked long distances and back to back days since Portugal last year. I had also had two lots of surgery in the last previous four months so probably I did not factor all this into the walk. I had a bed each night and friendly people along the way but not much company on the trail.
After 7 days and walking170klms I was ready for the big Cancer walk with Sue.
The walk and days off are nearly organised, just some trains to sort out and the bags to pack again and again. I have purchased a smaller Osprey day back pack as we have decided to have our larger bag delivered from bed to bed. After the France walk I decided I did not like the idea of carrying my wardrobe on my back as some days it became a real burden. I never overpack but it was still heavy some days. I also must decide on these walking poles. Do I take them or survive without them? I will still be making this decision when I am closing and locking the bags.
This walk is only a little over 6 weeks away and I will still train, but much shorter and local walks. I am as fit as I can be after these last few weeks. I have been one of the lucky people and already I am looking at life with a new set of glasses.
Sue and I have extended the promised amount to Cancer to $2,000 and already the donations are flowing in. A small amount from the sale of each book is donated back to Cancer and the Kuranda Information Centre has kindly placed a Cancer tin on the counter and I am surprised at the generosity of the local community and the tourists that pass through the centre. Every little bit helps for this good cause.
https://give.everydayhero.com/au/walking-the-via-francigena-to-italy
The walking books that are available are:
1. Walking Ireland for the Craic - 2016 walk through Ireland
2. In the Footsteps of Pilgrims Past - 2017 walk across England and France
3. Their Mother Wore Army Boots - 2018 walk in Portugal and Spain
