Bikıng to Avignon

Kayaking 8km down the Gard River and under the Pont du Gard was ındeed amazing. Hılarıous really! Couldn't go straıght, running the rapids, guiding over and into rocks, taking time to take in the views (including nude bathing) .....

Amazingly we didn't go up to walk on the bridge. For us it was enough to go underneath and look up at the amazing structure that was built so long ago - completed in AD14 and so accurately shaped that no mortar was needed in the joints!

Mykonos and Delos

<-Currently staying in Mykonos and caught the boat out to Delos today - canceled the first sailing - too rough but did get out and back though the return trip was very scarey with waves breaking over the top deck where I was but I'd managed to get a seat up under the overhang which was the only place to be today!! I'd taken my "Sealegs" so ok thank god! Amazing place and to think I was walking the pathways that were made a walked before Christ! The top of the hill at Delos was soooooo windy! Worse than down at Tora Coast and that's saying something!

Trip over 30 hours so great to be in Athens. A little testing to get to hotel as bus driver dropped me in wrong Karaiskaka square and I had to catch trains to get to the right place - quite an ordeal as Michelle could tell you as I am not the best once I get underground and loose total control of direction! So the 1 1/2 hour bus ride and then another hour on the trains and tara! Apollo Hotel! Highlight of the day was dinner on the roof providing a wonderful view of Athens and the Acropolis and one of my destinations for the next day. What a place!
A full circuit ride on the Hop-on-hop-off bus gave me a good idea of where things were and so I did just that all day and walked lots. Unfortunately left the climbing up to the Acropolis until the heat of the day so with the aid of lots of water, an ice cream and lots of stops for catching my breath was rewarded with a fantastic view and an enormous dose of history. The marble used up there! Large slabs on the ground proved slippery so had to be careful not to slip as some people were doing. Lots of photos then down to the shelter of some trees and air conditioned escapes. Hadrian's Gate, Hadrian's Library etc etc and all the ruins tucked amongst a very busy city.
The Intrepid group of 11 and the leader is great - all younger than me but we get on so well. From Oz, NZ, Colorado, Britain and NZers living in Uk so at least we all speak the same language.
Currently on Syros (extremely HOT - mid 30s)so lots of water being consumed) and leaving for Mykonos about 11am so must return to the hotel and be ready. No card reader at this internet cafe so photos next time, I hope. Will be hard to choose as so much to see and find myself snapping madly, so will have lots of editing to do when I get back.

Three days to take off!!!
Backpack bought and packed but needs to be sorted again (and again!) so I can get it onto my back!! I really must learn how to travel lighter! Have a friend of a friend of a friend meeting me at Athens Airport so I'm feeling a little more at ease on that score. Another friend from our own primary school days, has made contact with her cousin who now lives in Athens. I am hoping to meet up with her before I join up with my walking tour on the Greek Isles. (Barbara (me) will meet up with Barbara (Athens) who is the cousin of Barbara (Hamilton). At least I'll have no trouble remembering her name.)

Lyn and I have been out and about both together and separately to ready our backsides for our Mediterranean trip and cycling in the South of France. This photo was taken at Papamoa Beach prior to our little ride to Mount Maunganui and back. All flat so a nice easy ride.

A few of the Tora Tarts relaxing with a wine after the big walk to the top of Papamoa Mountain. Just reward!

8 weeks to go!
July holidays are over and so it's this term that I leave for my big OE. During my non contact time with schools, I was able to go on a few bike rides with Ethan around Te Aroha - when it was fine. I also met up with Lyn in Papamoa and we pedaled 22km just for fun! We also joined up with our Tora Tarts (walkers) and walked around Mount Maunganui and up to the summit of Mount Papamoa. Relaxing that night in the spa with a mulled wine and the sea and sand below us was heavenly. Thanks Leanne.
Hiked off up into the race stands at Te Aroha tonight - up and down the steps a few times and even jogged up on one occasion - just to give the heart some exercise. Then off around the race track. Must do that more often.

Ethan beside the geyser (it was really working this time) above the Domain in Te Aroha. We rode along the mountain-bike track for a little way but it was so bumpy and huge stones prevented us from completing the ride. We lifted our bikes over a fence and made our way back into town on the lovely smooth, downhill roads.

Let's Move On

Planning for my trip to Europe is well under way and I am now itching to get onto my bike and resume my fitness programme. My wee knee op 2 weeks ago has meant no biking for 2 weeks now and both Ethan (my grandson) and I miss the exercise and our special times together.