Almost Time

Happy New Year 2015!

Another year, and with it comes a time for new things as Annemarie finally retires at month end and my "in between" time will end as we take off for three amazing months of travel February 5th (happily missing the rest of winter!!!). New Zealand, Eastern Australia and Indonesia wait just over the horizon (ok, 14 hours flying time away) and for sure we are very excited to get on the road again. Free of all work commitments, open to new experiences, new cultures and people. An opportunity to visit some close friends and test the waters in an area of the world new to us, yet somewhat familiar. After years of reading books by the likes of Bryce Courtenay, studying the geomorphological history, speaking with many people from these countries encountered on our travels and of course the continuing TV documentaries over the years I feel ready to finally see first hand what this is all about. About time, some have said. I don't know about that, things happen when and as they should...taken as they come.

We have booked only the core infrastructure for this trip including multiple flights, a couple of camper vans and a few hotels. Most of the rest we will simply figure out as we go.

From necessity we have drawn on the services of a cycling company in New Zealand to organize the 340km A2O route and a walking based company in Oz to arrange the 110 km Great Ocean Walk. We will ride and walk independently, but some gear, a few meals and all accommodations during each of these 5 day events have been arranged for us because for these experiences its just about impossible to do this on our own; bring bikes, book remote accommodations, etc. We will bring our basic cycling gear and of course many of the things we will need for walking, aka "tramping" down under. We will have our walking poles, boots, gaiters, minimal wet gear, etc., but alas no serious walking packs, just good day packs. Given we plan to walk in France and Spain late this summer and through the fall we decided not to risk the possibility of loosing much of our Camino gear on one of the many flights we will take over the coming months...9 days with flights, some of these with several connections. We will carry our usual travel packs and as always, pack light:-)

For those interested in following us I plan to blog most of our experiences on our regular travel blog: http://highendeavors.blogspot.ca  But I will post most of our walks here.

Internet will be spotty as we travel, but I will write daily and post when possible. Stay tuned!!