25 April

Late supper but back on track despite the odds!

Bikes carefully packed in back of taxi!

Final leg in a taxi to Pamplona after 80 mile cycle

High altitude navigational adjustments

From sea level to 2130ft in 30 miles, time for a rest!

More mountain meadows

Arriving in Bilbao on Sunday 25th April

Arriving in Bilbao Sunday 25 April

Emergency re-routing committee,
cafe at Bilbao railway station










Mountain Meadows

Day 3 - 25th April - Bilbao to Puente la Reina

Sliding Dawes...You've seen the film, now ride the bike!

"What could possibly go wrong?!!" I uttered in response to a comment of Peter's as final docking manoeuvres where under way at our berth in Bilbao. Peter's final check of the route south to Bilbao station on our map, revealed that the vital bridge link across the river seemed unsuitable for bikes, so last minute replanning was hurriedly completed. This did not seem straightforward. Roundabouts were orbited several times, and hazardous railway lines delicately crossed and recrossed without mishap. John Y confidently led the way north, which felt somewhat counter-intuitive. "Prepare for your first cycle on a motorway Simon!!" shouted Peter from behind me. We pedalled furiously up a spiralling ramp with far too many bright blue signs to instil any confidence that he was joking. Thank goodness it was early on Sunday morning, as our indiscretions may go unnoticed. I envisioned our trip coming to an abrupt end, either by being thrown in a damp Spanish clink, or welded against the crash barriers as Raspberry jam. The detour north added unfortunate distance to our dash to meet our train departure, but the motorway speed limits boosted us on our way. Few honks on horns from startled drivers, and mercifully few juggernaughts thundering through the narrow tunnels, far to close for comfort. The aroma of burnt coal dust as we passed through the intensely industrial backdrop, reminded me of Teesside, Grandparent's hearths, and the Welsh narrow gauge railways of childhood holidays. A welcome slip road to normality led us towards conventional streets towards our goal. As we huddled round map for clarification, a Spanish police woman pulled up to help us on our way. Good job she hadn't seen us earlier!

Red lights slowed our progress, until desperation greened them to our eyes as we raced to find our train. Minutes flew faster than the miles, and with yards to go we realised our quest was lost. We stood in the station entrance forlorn. John Y disappeared. There would be another train at three in the afternoon, which would connect with ours to Pamplona, so all was still achievable. Urgent yelps from John Y from the top of the escalators sent us scurrying for Platform 7, as he had discovered our train had not yet left. We found him with beaming, full-faced grin, standing by a waiting train, underneath the platform sign. Our momentary relief was cruelly dashed, when we pointed out the sign was for Platform 8. Platform 7 was Train-spotterless!

Standing in awe of the proudly spectacular stained glass window, portraying Bilbao's mighty industrial heritage, the clock reminded us it was time to re-book our tickets for the later train......or so we thought!

First ticket station clerk put hands up in horror, not their problem, nothing to do with them. We deduced after further probing and translation of gestures, this was the local ticket office, and we needed one further along the concourse. Off we wheeled. Here we met Spain's equivalent of Little Britain's "Computer says NO!!" John A has done sterling work with the Spanglish, but this pert, non-smiling, unswerving ticket-retaining operative had him beaten! Aghast at the apparently devastating negative answers to his questions, we engaged the services of a helpful Spanish-speaking Brit. Her aged eyes diverged to port and starboard simultaneously, cunningly keeping an eye on both sides of the conversation.
"Can we change our tickets for the 15.00 train?"
"NO!"
"Can we buy new tickets for the 15.00 train?"
"Are those your bikes?"
"Yes they are, we need to take them with us to Pamplona"
"No bikes on trains!"
"No bikes on trains?!!"
"No bikes on trains!"
"Is there ANY way we can get our bikes to Pamplona by train?"
"No"
"Do you have any suggestions for alternative ways to get our bikes to Pamplona?"
"No!"
"Really? None at all?"
"You could ride them...."
Our stalwart Brit. was dumb-founded, turned to us and said "You have a problem, she has no personality!"

Thanking her for her efforts, we sloped off on the down escalator for coffee and half a ham bun, which we later realised was our only breakfast. Emergency re-planning committee was convened. Hiring of van was ruled out, as it was Sunday and the offices were still shut. A quick scout around the station revealed nothing more that a few groggy local buses. The remaining option was to take the Ticketmistress' advice, so we got on our bikes, and aimed for Puente la Reina!

Day 2 - Pride of Bilbao towards Spain.

Random performances of noctural snoring techniques proved we are all as talented as each other, despite protestations to the contrary.

Stirrings at 07.20, followed by road testing of my Bruzor, led to one small shaving cut, to remind me of the fresh blade, otherwise successful.

Careful choreography in our very confined cabin left us washed, clothed and ready for breakfast, with no shared trouser legs. The appetising colours of the grapefruits, orange, pineapple and other fruits belied their lack of flavour and all shared a similar texture. I certainly had my quota for the day, but not convinced that there were any nuritional benefits. You would imagine that the British would have perfected the art of tea making, even on board a ferry. Polystyrene cup, PG bag in steel teapot, and several drizzles of hot water to start the brew. What could possibly go wrong? ......Pouring! At first we assumed John A was just careless as he sprinkled the table. Peter demonstrated the correct technique, with the same unfortunate result. I learned from these observations, and watered the floor instead. John Y, with confident gleam in his eyes, swift flick of the wrist, started a cascade of perfectly aimed tea. Early success was thwarted at the final flourish of the backstroke, with a reliable puddle flooding as before. Note to self: design stainless steel teapot spout that actually works, rather than just posing.

Whale and Dolphin watching was the order of the day, with a small pod of Dolphins spotted early on. This taster left John A and myself scanning the waves, but little more was spotted. Good oportunity to chat with fellow spotters, Czech archtect Milan being an interesting conversationalist.

Peter and I went to investigate the Posh Bar, with a walkthrough clad in our vibrant yellow jackets. Toffee-nosed noses were turned and peered down, from invisible ivory towers. I couldn't resist a repeat lap to outstare the condescending smirks. We shall leave them to preen, and enjoy the honesty of less pretentious bars.

Compostela Blog

Compostela Blog
23rd April St George's Day
Meet at Ye Olde Ship Inn at 16.45, 16.55 cycle to Godalming station, 17.30 train to 20.00 ferry to Bilbao.
Last minute panic struck our trip, just a few hours before the start. Text's, emails and phone calls from John Y, alerted us to his discovery of the significance of asterisks on the timetable. **your ferry leaves at 20.00, not 21.00!
Miffed that such vital information had been so obscured, final packing was accelerated to a flurry. I apologise to my delightful housemates for the trail of debris through the house. I blame the volcano!
Much thought has gone into weight reduction for this trip, although I still seem to have an extra spare tyre on my midriff. My bike is now light enough when loaded to pick up with one hand, a big improvement. Experience from previous trips has taught us all what is truly necessary, and what can be left at home. John Y has caused us great amusement with the "hamster cage" strapped above his panniers. We suspect a cunning plan for power assistance using a hamster wheel, but won't be able to see clearly until he eats more of the obscuring choccy bars.
Ye Olde Ship Farwell Committee was very lively, with Caroline C doing the photographic honours, festooned with cameras like a one woman Papparazzi Tree. It was fun to boss her around for a change to ensure pictorial perfection. Violet S took change of elf 'n safe tea, warning her with seconds to spare of the approaching bus. I still think the shot would have been better from slightly further back...
With the final arrival of John Y, we left our beloved YOSI as we climbed St Catherine's Hill, bound for Godalming. Further panic at Godalming Station as John Y's train ticket did a disappearing act. Forensic search of the route by The Sniffer Squad revealed nothing. Logical analysis of John Y's recent activity exposed his ticket wedged in behind his pannier, having escaped through a vent in his cycle helmet.
Split into John Y and Peter C at front of Portsmouth train, with John A and Simon HW bringing up the rear.
Time to write some blog!
Photographs to be inserted when possible.
Many thanks to the truly wonderful internet postess!
24th April
Day and overnight on Ferry
25th April
Arrive Bilbao in the morning, cycle to station for train to Pamplona, arrive 17.00. Cycle to Puente La Reina, Hotel Bidean.
15 miles

The second stage of our cycle journey to Santiago de Compostela

In 2008 I started a cycle ride from Le Puy in France with Peter, to be joined two days later by Andy and John. We planned to follow the traditional route of St James to Santiago de Compostela, but on roads that were suitable for road bikes. We used a guide written by John Higgison, The Way of St James (Cicerone), as the basis of our route, with few modifications. It was our intention to cycle the journey in two stages. The first year from Le Puy, across the Massif Centrale, and through the Pyrenees to Pamplona. For various reasons we postponed the second leg until this year, and shall now be leaving from Portsmouth on 23rd April 2010. Fortunately we decided to travel by ferry to Bilbao, and then back to Pamplona by train, so we shall not be affected by the problems suffered by the airlines due to the unexpected eruption of the volcano in Iceland.

The photograph above shows two versions of my "Push-me-pull-you" modifications to toothbrushes and razors, in an attempt to reduce carrying too much weight over the mountains of Northern Spain. Not quite sure what to call them, but Bruzors seems favourite at the moment...comments and suggestions welcomed!

I am hoping that internet access will be improved in the places we shall be staying along the way, and also have had offers from friends at home to help post regular progress reports.

Our main concern at the moment is not so much the cycling of the journey, but whether there will be any aircaft to fly us home on May 7th. We could always cycle back through Spain and France I suppose!

This year we shall be a team of five, John A, Peter C, Andy D, John Y and Simon HW

I can not disclose the location of this doppleganger image, as HM would NOT be amused! Various comments had been made about an image of me appearing in the darkest corner of the cellars, and gently teasing remarks. Curiosity eventually got the better of me after a few minutes, and I went in search of the source of these rumours. Others see you as you really are. I only know what I look like from the mirror, and I am usually on the wrong side of the camera for alternative views from the side to become familiar too me. A colleague obliged with my camera, and I have to say, the profile is very funny! Perhaps one day I shall complete the image with a bow and false ponytail....Who Nose?

Onslow Village Arboretum - 7th January 2010

Having spent hours photographing the snow in Guildford on 2nd February 2009, I had forgotten that I had vowed not to do the same again! The snowfall arrived here again on 6th January, and I spent a good long while trying to make images with the snow, that were not just a repeat of what I had done before. I felt pretty uninspired, and as the day was very grey too, I didn't tarry too long. Snow is lovely.....but I didn't want to waste more time photographing boring images of it. However, the 7th January was a fine and glorious day with the most magical blue sky offered as a tempting backdrop to tease me out from under the bed-covers. With legs weary from the previous day's tramping, I didn't want to travel too far. Right on my doorstep....actually round the back doorstep, I realised that Alpine scenery had been stretched out for my enjoyment, and no ski passes or air fares where required. Fabulous fun, and next Christmas's cards are in the bag!

See more images on my Flickr site (see top right link).

Gordon & Melanie's move

Yesterday and today I am helping Gordon and Melanie with their move. I just couldn't resist making a small 4 image panorama of Gordon in action. Good weather again today, so perfect for the job in hand. Looking forward to a fluid celebration when all is completed this evening!

Pieces of eight?

Almost every day that I am out and about, somebody asks me for directions, and I nearly always know the answer, even in a strange place. It's spooky! Yesterday an elderly man approached me, asking for directions to a place off Walnut Tree Close in Guildford. His intented destination was in view, so easily pointed out. He left with thanks, and I smiled to myself as I crossed the road. As I did so, another man approached, asking for directions to an electrical wholesaler. I knew the one he was looking for had moved, and gave him new directions.....hold on a moment.....was that a parrot on his shoulder? Mind if I take a photo? Sure help yourself! The parrot was saved from a rescue centre, and my new aquaintance told me he was a parrot whisperer. I nodded, to conceal my ignorance on such matters, as the parrot started squawking happily, and VERY loudly. Resisting the tempation to allow it to snip off my fingers, I hurridly snapped some shots, and we went on our separate ways.

The parrot was unrestrained, and sat very knowingly on his saviours perch. A strange encounter indeed!

Brighton Pier

Had a lovely day in Brighton with Anna on Wednesday. Weather was glorious, but I wasn't really in the mood for taking lots of photos for some strange reason. This panorama is made up of 5-6 images. The advantages of digital for tackling wide subjects is demonstrated here. Pity about the fences on the left hand side, I should have moved further to the right, but realise that being that picky about things is best left to when I am on my own!

Now the clocks have sprung forward an hour, I am looking forward to more evening shots with reasonable light at last.

Hartlepool

Went on a trip recently overnight to Hartlepool, and just had time for an early morning stroll around the Old Quay area. I did my Industrial Design degree in Middlesborough in the late 1970's, and I am not sure I got to Hartlepool then. The North East has suffered from neglect and under-investment for years, and seems to be largely ignored by those "Arrogant Southerners". Having recently passed through Middlesborough and other Teesside towns recently, I was surprised to find myself feeling nostalgic for a part of my life that was certainly a bit grim! I feel inspired to revisit some of my old haunts as a ghost from the past, and see how things have developed (or not) over the intervening.....errrr....THIRTY YEARS!!!

There are many unique gems in this area, and the character of some of these industrial towns is quite unlike anything else in the country. The surrounding countryside is quite spectacular too, and unknown to the many that prefer to ignore the North East. People often refer to Middlesborough and the neigbouring towns in derogatory terms, as an example of the worst types of urban existence. My experiences there, so many years ago, enriched my perception of other people's perspective's, hopefully made me less arrogant than I may have been when I first arrived. We ignore such places at our peril.

Guildford at Night

Attended a Committee meeting for Guildford Photographic Society on Thursday, and realised on the way home that I had my tripod in the car. I had taken a few photogrtaphic notes earlier in the week with my Lumix, to remind me to try some night time images of Guildford with my Olympus E3 and a tripod. It was night, I had my Olympus, and I had my tripod! Off to park at the bottom of the High Street and set up some shots in Friary Street.

Things were going fine, even though I get really annoyed at all those cables strung across the streets in Guildford for Christmas decorations, which are left up ALL YEAR. I have removed them from the image using Photoshop.

Halfway through a long exposure (careful...!) at the North Street end of Friary Street, I was approached by two police officers about their nightly patrol. They quizzed me about what I was up to, perfectly politely, and after I reassured them I knew my Rights and was a member of GPS rather than a terrorist, they left me in peace.

Since I have looked at my results, I realise that I need to take more care setting the exposure for the highlights, as the tonal range at night is colossal, and I have many burnt out highlights to sort out.

Off to take some photos now, so will be wandering around town soon.

Cobham Mill

Just trying to remember how to arrange the layout and add photos, so this is just a test image. It is composed of four photos stitched together to form a panorama, of The Mill at Cobham, Surrey.

Springing into Life again

My blog was started some time ago, specifically for a cycle ride with Ye Olde Gits, to chronicle our 675 mile journey across France. The following year I added to it in a rather half-hearted manner, to record the first leg of our cycling of a Compostella route, starting in Le Puy, France. This first leg took us over the Massif Centrale, over the Pyrenees, and into Pamplona. We were going to complete the jouirney to Composella this year, but the economic climate persuaded two of us it was worth posponing it until next year.

So.....I have decided to treat my blog in a more diary-like manner, and will add to it when I feel like it, and ignore it when I don't! I am inspired by friends at The Guildford Photographic Society, a number of whom maintain interesting blogs. Mine might not be so interesting, but I shall do my best.

Day 10 Sunday 15 June Valcarlos to Pamplona

Day 9 Saturday 14 June Navarrenx to Valcarlos

Having refreshments in St-Jean Pied de Port before continuing to our hotel at Valcarlos. Making good progress and the Pyrenees look fabulous.

Day 8 Friday 13 June Aire L'Adour to Navarrenx

Showered and getting ready for meal at Hotel du Commerce, Place des Casernes in Navarrenx. Really good, if demanding ride, and we can see the Pyrenees at last (can spell it now too!) It's been a good Friday 13th. Missed being drenched by minutes, which was a surprise considering the early morning rain.

Day 7 Thursday 12 June Condom to Aire L'Adour

Had Armagnac tasting on the way today. A kind owner filled our water bottles with fresh water, then topped each up with a generous sample of Armagnac - tastes wonderful! Some major roads today which were smooth, but had we had to be very careful with the HUGE lorries thundering past. Our hotel is on a crossroads with the same road and our rooms are a the front...hoping that will drown the sound of snoring! Weather hot all day today and the beautiful clouds in the French blue skies.

Day 6 Wednesday 11 June Moissac to Condom

Group photo at Flamarens

The main square Lauzerte - four refreshed old gits!

Day 5 Tuesday 10 June Cahors to Moissac

Day 4 Monday 9 June Figeac to Cahors

Day 3 Sunday 8 June Estaing to Figeac

We are having technical difficulties in emailing information back to the UK. Please come back here tomorrow! SHW

Day 2 Saturday 7 June - Aumont-Aubrac to Estaing

Day 1 Friday 6 June Le Puy to Aumont-Aubrac

Very wet and cold all day & extremely difficult conditions - Simon and Peter pleased to arrive at Aumont-Aubrac to a warm shower and a welcome meal.

London to Le Puy

Early start at T5 for flight to Lyon. Re-acquainted with the bikes. Train from Lyon to St Etienne change for second train to Le Puy. Feeling proud of route planning - so far!

Bikes assembled and tested successfully.Bike bags packaged for forwarding to Pamploma ahead of us. Washed and ready for a decent drink, supper and early night. Tipping it down!

'Stuffed' with a really good meal and unnecessary trimmings. Basic but delightful hotel.

The FROGS go cycling again!

Last minute preparations are underway. Simon HW has packed his pair of undies and toothbrush and the Frogs jet off tomorrow for another exciting cycling trip from Lyon in France, across the Pyrenees and into Spain. Log in here during the next 2 weeks to read all about it!

Day 12

The 'FROGS' motto!

The 'FROGS' arrive in Montpellier

More to follow....