Paul lost the bet...

Well eveything was planned perfectly ...timed to perfection until we were nearing our daughters place and I realised that I had left my phone at home.40mins away!!
Fair to say I was not a happy boy and Anita remindeded me that I had lost the bet ie . the first to lose something on our trip😡
Anyway , a quick run back home and an hour later we were back at our daughters .... and yes , as you can see by the pics , we made it . I wonder what adventures lie ahead ... how many more things I can lose .

A pilgrims prayer

Before we jump on the  plane in the next few hours thought I would share the "Pilgrim's Prayer" with you ...I am sure Anita and I will be praying this everyday and would appreciate if you could add your voice to that as well..

I think we are ready...

Just a day away From flying out and all the To-do list ticked ...
✓check in online
✓ Mia sent to expensive Cattery
✓ Aussie and Camino patches sewn onto packs
✓ ... oh yes..pack ready...weighing in at 7.5kg ex water and food..Noel L would be happy ☺

Taking the family to Cruce De Ferro

One of the highlights on the Camino is the Iron Cross called "Cruce De Ferro". This is a huge pile of stones and momento's deposited by thousands of pilgrim over the years as a moment of reflection, prayer and commitment ...many laying down their burdens and cares, lightening the load of their lives for a new beginning ...it marks the re-birth as you head on the last leg to Santiago de Santiago.
Both Anita and I are taking momento's , mine are stones with the names of my family but humorously my son asked how big the rocks were :) you see what I mean in the photo below.

From 100 to 1,000,000 steps

Had a quick reflection today as I came across some pics of my double hip replacement in Feb 2102 ....amazing , I couldn't walk a hundred steps prior, now attempting 1 million..AMAZING !

It nearly summer in Pamplona.

we have been religiously Following the weather in Spain as there Was snow on the Pyrenees only a couple of weeks ago. Temperatures as we approach Summer in Spain were colder than beautiful Queensland heading into Winter ... but thankfully things have started warming up but I say that advisable as we don't want real hot weather either ... well that the Camino and I will stop . whinging now.

A New Season begins

We have now a couple of days to put the finishing touches to our preparations for our Camino Pilgrimage .... with nagging questions In our minds such as, have I got to much?..... have I missed anything ?etc
The excitement and expectation is growing and we can't wait till we jump on the Cathay Pacific plane heading for Europe.
Thanks for all the support from community , we covet your prayers for each of the 1 million steps we take .

An old season ends

After nearly 12 years today Is my last day as Pastor for church management at Gateway . Mixed feelings leaving my awesome team (what an awesome.send off everyone has given me, so, affirming..my heart is full).... but i am full of peace and excitement about a new season as Men's Pastor .... but first to enjoy the adventure of the CAMINO.

The last 25km before we leave

well , three weeks before we leave on the adventure of a life time.... a pilgrimage to usher us into a new season.... Our 60th year it was time for a final 25km walk Through our favorite Mt Cotton .. Venman national park and Daisy Hill forest .
So we rugged up and left nice and early ... on the path by 6:15 am ..a magnificent time to walk.

After so much rain the paths were some what scoured making them rougher than normal but it was great hill training...so on an amazing blue queensland day everyone seem to be and about , riding horses, mountain bikes and walking....so with our traditional m/tea at venman and lunch at the quarry it was a fantastic day and great training day....now for the Pyrenees!