Day 33 bis Wellington

 

Day 33 bis Wellington

Day 33 bis Wellington

Now in early 2026:  Looking back on my adventures in August and September 2023, I was content with the progress I had made down into Italy but disapointed a heavy cold prevented my going up to the Great Saint Bernard Pass.  I was relaxed about the decision at the time and are looking how to include that into my 2026 adventures.

During 2024 and 2025 I kept up my regular routine of day walks and kept noting my stamina was holding back the distances achieved.  I consulted the very helpful world wide community at https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community.  The response was very supportive and suggested I aim for not more than 20 km a day and in reality often less from one suitable hostel/backpack to the next.  My indicative 2026 trip log from Piacenza to Sienna is built accordingly.

About 10 days ago I booked a flight (in early April) to London via Shangahi Pudong.  I have yet to book a flight to Milan.  And then by train to my start point Piacencza.

Then two days ago the US started "a war to end all wars", in the middle east at least!

Looking at the map, my flight from Shanghai should, literally, fly well above and north of any difficulties.  But ...

In 2025, with 84 day trips around the Wellington region, I completed just over 1,400 km.  I noted my speed when walking had dropped from a high of about 5.5 kph to around 5.1 (age does weary and the years do condemn).  To hekp give me the best I consulted a personal trainer I first met in late 2023: the brief assist with stamina and tone my legs.  After a week (five to go) the pace is about right and I am feeling very positive.

It is early morning as I write this, so I will rise and shine.