tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22294887344650342562024-03-13T17:49:49.790+00:00funkywheelchair.comThis blog is the place to explore and comment on self-balancing wheelchairs in particular the Genny Mobility chairDavid Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-27016056589720776812022-06-20T20:35:00.694+01:002022-07-16T00:46:45.165+01:00Camino de Santiago Week 2 summary - Logroño to León (Electric wheelchair style)<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfMs2xRCszhcaAxIjtLRjrzoA0W45sYZvTzpQy7mVlmE4QOu4Yf0hj7OD3wjLA7fag_A_6IvLZC2BOju7Q2pzsgydfbBcsDrRFA2YB_ogV_CP_OKWTReC28xhkGHSkHYohZoM3Uv1aIN9KNbv0VtS_9LcRs5EWvyJd30x7g5N6ZgYij-a8ZA427ajzQ/s4032/IMG_1375.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfMs2xRCszhcaAxIjtLRjrzoA0W45sYZvTzpQy7mVlmE4QOu4Yf0hj7OD3wjLA7fag_A_6IvLZC2BOju7Q2pzsgydfbBcsDrRFA2YB_ogV_CP_OKWTReC28xhkGHSkHYohZoM3Uv1aIN9KNbv0VtS_9LcRs5EWvyJd30x7g5N6ZgYij-a8ZA427ajzQ/s320/IMG_1375.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was fantastic to return for a second week to the Camino de Santiago commencing in Logroño where I had finished in October 2021 It was like home-coming in its familiarity and simple functionality. Your commitment is to the path, and following the yellow arrows keeps you safe and leads you to food, shelter, safety and ultimately Santiago de Compostela.</div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>* Week 1 of my Camino journey is available</i> <a href="https://www.funkywheelchair.com/p/camino-de-santiago.html">HERE </a> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Once again my journey involved a long drive via Switzerland to Logroño where I garaged my VW van. Over the next seven days I travelled from </span>Logroño to León, a distance of about 300km, on my Genny Mobility self-balancing wheelchair</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOsAP90EfmoDkFrm68YQJ4dk36kzznLmntecilXU9laffjzWmjBQnR_XjXKRZ8QdzW5QR_ksVPizA-aC25smyP0ztJybIlYvBpEh6kv1xqlNh45OzEEHm32AzN4tilJ1uuJXu0K9mvR7EH3Ud-nah1ryoYAxqq_ixFk8pjdaidxNuAtiPH_HeX8s33Q/s1471/IMG_1431.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1471" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOsAP90EfmoDkFrm68YQJ4dk36kzznLmntecilXU9laffjzWmjBQnR_XjXKRZ8QdzW5QR_ksVPizA-aC25smyP0ztJybIlYvBpEh6kv1xqlNh45OzEEHm32AzN4tilJ1uuJXu0K9mvR7EH3Ud-nah1ryoYAxqq_ixFk8pjdaidxNuAtiPH_HeX8s33Q/w640-h360/IMG_1431.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Progress to date: 2021 Saint-Jean-Pier-de-Port to Logroño. June 2022 LogroñoI to León<br />Santiago de Compostela in the west as the ultimate destination</i> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Map data ©2022 Google</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This section of the Camino traversed different landscapes than my 2021 trip. From the satellite image above you can see the green woodland section west of Logroño that leads to the high agricultural planes of north central Spain. The section west of Burgos is called the Meseta, a high upland plateaux that is largely big open fields of cereal crops. Many pilgrims choose to miss this section, getting busses directly from Burgos to León and avoiding the long uphill climbs and days of open repetitive views</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-ed7rJChApS95DOLFhQoDIJfZ_Gu8MYwShuf15qbrDOd4OcRx3o8CuZBQBvLgOucyeUxVdeq6FH1A128dUMHbqySIplqvvcsMOBSFYUPG-W1c1MMEv1AbFYm5qQaf4y7w6r_QUxL9_wQtTAwZUyznBbslK7OiWkVtBednMVt8KYVqhAj7MrTP8yv5A/s1440/DSC00058.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-ed7rJChApS95DOLFhQoDIJfZ_Gu8MYwShuf15qbrDOd4OcRx3o8CuZBQBvLgOucyeUxVdeq6FH1A128dUMHbqySIplqvvcsMOBSFYUPG-W1c1MMEv1AbFYm5qQaf4y7w6r_QUxL9_wQtTAwZUyznBbslK7OiWkVtBednMVt8KYVqhAj7MrTP8yv5A/w640-h480/DSC00058.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although the landscapes are generally similar in this section, progress was easy on my wheels and the riot of wildflowers a delight. Travelling faster than most walking pilgrims nothing was arduous or unsatisfactory, rather insightful and meditative </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZIwq4HaC7aJuGmBUE4AAI_i61alwkAvefrNgQOGbeOgf_nLCf6jUZDtKksyjAyb7GV_e04AxigTwKyO3kulmmaw_cmXVhVu6oKr7Ocg5s94ag8fou-_EOMZs6o0jR4x1TEU3KesbvlcseODlK2eywYNswFuBUx8XunAqfqFFyPWWYfgPuppheZTrFg/s4032/IMG_1147.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZIwq4HaC7aJuGmBUE4AAI_i61alwkAvefrNgQOGbeOgf_nLCf6jUZDtKksyjAyb7GV_e04AxigTwKyO3kulmmaw_cmXVhVu6oKr7Ocg5s94ag8fou-_EOMZs6o0jR4x1TEU3KesbvlcseODlK2eywYNswFuBUx8XunAqfqFFyPWWYfgPuppheZTrFg/w640-h480/IMG_1147.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At times I would journey with others, getting better acquainted with people I had shared a meal with or met at some earlier point however mostly I would travel alone at my own pace. This could be faster or slower than others depending on the terrain and many times I would overtake people who would later catch me up at a steep hill or when breaking for coffee or lunch. Most days I was comfortable covering between 30 and 40km</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOtn5xSXcokj3D-Y9FeHn9_GYg9yrgvDtOdpP0vMH4qlaliU2VGL-j2t3x4uK_34vnVmdJLOarCvbzgfwlGOrL2O7U8iPKScDfxOxkTV8Nj7WijIn4n2q8tRJll7pwPPfdEAFP3YqloG6Slw1nT0UxeHcqigGkpJLcqWiVvG5zvm6KWETQsGBvEL2yA/s4896/DSC00054.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOtn5xSXcokj3D-Y9FeHn9_GYg9yrgvDtOdpP0vMH4qlaliU2VGL-j2t3x4uK_34vnVmdJLOarCvbzgfwlGOrL2O7U8iPKScDfxOxkTV8Nj7WijIn4n2q8tRJll7pwPPfdEAFP3YqloG6Slw1nT0UxeHcqigGkpJLcqWiVvG5zvm6KWETQsGBvEL2yA/w640-h480/DSC00054.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The path ascending to the Meseta leaving Castrojeriz</i> </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Early June was great weather with fresh early mornings getting hotter till early afternoon where I would settle into whatever albergue I was staying in. Often it was late afternoon or early evenings that was the hottest and I would rest, read and dry washing</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_p7CHGAQ5imVVi8VgoM8X7w8iCzR40gjbxcz79pbQL4k7gx-WdEx3IsjS5WOlVZAkgZouz-ImKUEg0A-tCmH1MpND5t6CZgT0_Hr6OEucd60cZ8ygCKl4c9tmUuxwExIGuZ6ymGC-vBsxiwofu6yyqjgLt_SO3IBeM1vasd06pfkq0HAO4DbFU88wA/s4032/IMG_1180.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_p7CHGAQ5imVVi8VgoM8X7w8iCzR40gjbxcz79pbQL4k7gx-WdEx3IsjS5WOlVZAkgZouz-ImKUEg0A-tCmH1MpND5t6CZgT0_Hr6OEucd60cZ8ygCKl4c9tmUuxwExIGuZ6ymGC-vBsxiwofu6yyqjgLt_SO3IBeM1vasd06pfkq0HAO4DbFU88wA/w640-h480/IMG_1180.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>There is much good art on the Camino</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">In my 7 available days I ventured as far west as the Cathedral city of <span style="text-align: center;">León. This was a journey of about 300km which I considered a real achievement. I had covered 13 day sections as defined in the guide in my 7 so approaching twice the pace of the average walking pilgrim. </span>According to the guidebook I have 13 sections left to Santiago de Compostela</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am uncertain if I am rushing, keen to continue but also not wanting to finish. What I'm not doing is the various Cathedral visits or city break days to explore museums and galleries. This may be a missed opportunity but may also be a limitation of being a wheelchair user as often access to these old buildings and sites involves access limitations which can be really disappointing </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With these mixed emotions I have already booked a return of another 7 days this coming October</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSh7J8oZJDK-GSsS-OApj5rO8kZWkcxMCqI74deogrhSGiGOSVzTQNR8gH0zyZ_uVdIycPesUklZdliLBG7BSLsLLRmb8ffRYVEhqgnoYh7YiOAImpIRU8jrx_lTOw22Dh7LQLqM8whnQDOkv3deUkVGq3m99WE7QzCUQ_KSg6DO9hB_igtOuCqYrFQ/s1440/DSC00011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSh7J8oZJDK-GSsS-OApj5rO8kZWkcxMCqI74deogrhSGiGOSVzTQNR8gH0zyZ_uVdIycPesUklZdliLBG7BSLsLLRmb8ffRYVEhqgnoYh7YiOAImpIRU8jrx_lTOw22Dh7LQLqM8whnQDOkv3deUkVGq3m99WE7QzCUQ_KSg6DO9hB_igtOuCqYrFQ/w640-h480/DSC00011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de Santa María de Burgos</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><span style="text-align: center;">From </span><span style="text-align: center;">León</span><span style="text-align: center;"> I got a series of busses via Burgos back to my starting point in</span> Logroño to collect my VW van</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-3HHwo734-8k1QPrnJyt068hhCwiEt_gCoPcwndd7O2kznoG7ej5r0Hn3cDfaPb35IjL2b8WHtV5l3fbfq7C7Rei-XisbrAS1YLdiiqP_iqSFmB87b33xI8jHF_6YSGc_UYmlEGFm5Q6wjGrtaX3inW4c8utu10ANSeomMFcLC8px6VTPe17H5qC-A/s4700/Camino-Passport.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2052" data-original-width="4700" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-3HHwo734-8k1QPrnJyt068hhCwiEt_gCoPcwndd7O2kznoG7ej5r0Hn3cDfaPb35IjL2b8WHtV5l3fbfq7C7Rei-XisbrAS1YLdiiqP_iqSFmB87b33xI8jHF_6YSGc_UYmlEGFm5Q6wjGrtaX3inW4c8utu10ANSeomMFcLC8px6VTPe17H5qC-A/w640-h280/Camino-Passport.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Camino credentials</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">- Buen Camino -</span></h2><div><span><br /></span></div><div><i>* To view all these posts in chronological order please scroll down or click </i><b><a href="https://www.funkywheelchair.com/2022/06/camino-de-santiago-8-logrono-to-azofra.html">HERE</a></b></div></div>David Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-12322204288570465382022-06-12T16:09:00.007+01:002022-07-14T16:06:05.278+01:00Camino de Santiago 13 - Sahagun to León (Electric wheelchair style)<p>My final day on the Camino and I would complete the biggest stretch to date at 55km. My destination was León where I would bus it back to my VW van garaged in Logroño</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cfm4jEN-yRnc9_Y59LERcmgk3UKSiecpVihzjqtE7fXxodsipOgHxC2SuC77CKbeNURVnVisj_wSuKcHvfxW7Tl4nsxMpdgXzlMembKBzyKubz7flBS9p7fIGfq-k5gjw8Ah-euQ3nLNaaMpyi413QCxmlhvoAXTnbK-l8TaI59eXCmWY0oSCji0lQ/s4032/IMG_1379.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cfm4jEN-yRnc9_Y59LERcmgk3UKSiecpVihzjqtE7fXxodsipOgHxC2SuC77CKbeNURVnVisj_wSuKcHvfxW7Tl4nsxMpdgXzlMembKBzyKubz7flBS9p7fIGfq-k5gjw8Ah-euQ3nLNaaMpyi413QCxmlhvoAXTnbK-l8TaI59eXCmWY0oSCji0lQ/w640-h480/IMG_1379.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Leaving <span style="background-color: #fefefe;">Sahagún early I encountered the stragglers from the previous evenings fiesta. The mood was good and I was cheered on my way</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqV3waKRyppoHMTout7DMH1xEtUU5jhr_WVc6SkdyFE2hryDMlmpB5vSaW482BGXWRsMd5ufAhOe5a6LjE3Ism0wOucsuKEC2QVcB3LylCBDmmGJIhnwSNRnkN39dZLsMb78Z8qBPJUx_ahBVI1tCqucNa855tubWZ1i4vbdAWtfNdTOfxXFwq3ri-g/s4032/IMG_1361.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqV3waKRyppoHMTout7DMH1xEtUU5jhr_WVc6SkdyFE2hryDMlmpB5vSaW482BGXWRsMd5ufAhOe5a6LjE3Ism0wOucsuKEC2QVcB3LylCBDmmGJIhnwSNRnkN39dZLsMb78Z8qBPJUx_ahBVI1tCqucNa855tubWZ1i4vbdAWtfNdTOfxXFwq3ri-g/w640-h480/IMG_1361.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The morning after...</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNyOnW7VJkH3Ru39XLNGs6Uar7DENxGUGBwqhOsAf66PEkrjTEwZfhRUpPY1zxM_niGgJcPBrg_xLXnPrSH9O1ELbTD_5sXhgDhHxiYT8VvlaU76kbLaSpjdccOjGEbyjnuyAIP1rx3FibGyxIGDKWO0p-NhKwla5FiCd9IjrzBRNFk_d-za_1F7yzA/s4032/IMG_1373.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNyOnW7VJkH3Ru39XLNGs6Uar7DENxGUGBwqhOsAf66PEkrjTEwZfhRUpPY1zxM_niGgJcPBrg_xLXnPrSH9O1ELbTD_5sXhgDhHxiYT8VvlaU76kbLaSpjdccOjGEbyjnuyAIP1rx3FibGyxIGDKWO0p-NhKwla5FiCd9IjrzBRNFk_d-za_1F7yzA/w480-h640/IMG_1373.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Starting through adobe villages and small towns the route was mainly adjacent to tiny roads through Bercianos del Real Camino, Mansilla de Las Mulas and Puente Villarente before entering the urban landscape of León</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I ate up the miles on this increasingly urban route before rolling into León. This sort of journey is lovely on my wheels. Walking on hard pavements on a hot afternoon in town is not ideal with a heavy rucksack on your back however for my Genny Mobility wheelchair it is a natural habitat. One difference travelling by wheels is your dependence on pavement ramps. There is always a way up or down a curb however, with block after block and intervening streets the easiest way is not always the marked Camino route. Head down in a map on my mobile phone trying to regain the route I dropped down a large curb that tipped me over the handlebars. Although not particularly painful it is hard on my wheels and tends to get a lot of attention. Kind people want to help and someone upside down in a wheelchair is a magnet. In embarrassment rather than pain I dusted myself off and straighten my handlebars. The urban bits just needed getting through and with broad pavements and renewed attention I quickly reach the historic centre</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmAHeKxdPSSUW3j0NEmvOz0VsHlruNrP6FbaayiXn3Ordlusc1Our5gpCr6rnsDId7GMBXOJItVd0ODF3bqtxYtv5y_HV2QVIl2xkrCpV2F5DXKvkIEPIjn0EoBRrWq0bhkVobWT1Q4zgvCfssmOjjgSboi4uor0qNjr1qUahuE1-73YGpsZIkSjTkw/s4032/IMG_1385.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmAHeKxdPSSUW3j0NEmvOz0VsHlruNrP6FbaayiXn3Ordlusc1Our5gpCr6rnsDId7GMBXOJItVd0ODF3bqtxYtv5y_HV2QVIl2xkrCpV2F5DXKvkIEPIjn0EoBRrWq0bhkVobWT1Q4zgvCfssmOjjgSboi4uor0qNjr1qUahuE1-73YGpsZIkSjTkw/w640-h480/IMG_1385.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>León is a fantastic vibrant city on a summers day. I arrived to a chess tournament outside the cathedral and the streets were packed</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOfa7IBXb_Nwhp9FacJnJzumjrxqvKjMPooNWZ59Yh7E88zzXsb62pDi2cs9mcZMUa5U_DX5TKyxKNNhKcUuBl3CiJYxlvx8Ral6nTrGUZ87Hi0GnOyjUAUU1WuZt01rAUN-GgF_6utXlLNaYqemGC_1ceL8eLWjDjnz7rT2fHLaQ8v2PC_mXVVPc_w/s4032/IMG_1401.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOfa7IBXb_Nwhp9FacJnJzumjrxqvKjMPooNWZ59Yh7E88zzXsb62pDi2cs9mcZMUa5U_DX5TKyxKNNhKcUuBl3CiJYxlvx8Ral6nTrGUZ87Hi0GnOyjUAUU1WuZt01rAUN-GgF_6utXlLNaYqemGC_1ceL8eLWjDjnz7rT2fHLaQ8v2PC_mXVVPc_w/w640-h480/IMG_1401.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The older parts of town were filled with cafes spilling onto the streets</i><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QbNRRBWIWWyiTrDFf8xrX24g30fkHPlAgi5uyDwcPakbIp3YGkpnagNGKq3Y_b4rWdmqWnr0fCqPdf5BrvehqKHk3zLBQXKSMgoiSxz7IiYf16Wk9auEqJftBMnCIOVJW2whHPEB-CHJ3O2Oh6a45A1UMOo4D7U0g_GT-L9-LNrtju9UglyJIIHuLw/s4032/IMG_1398.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QbNRRBWIWWyiTrDFf8xrX24g30fkHPlAgi5uyDwcPakbIp3YGkpnagNGKq3Y_b4rWdmqWnr0fCqPdf5BrvehqKHk3zLBQXKSMgoiSxz7IiYf16Wk9auEqJftBMnCIOVJW2whHPEB-CHJ3O2Oh6a45A1UMOo4D7U0g_GT-L9-LNrtju9UglyJIIHuLw/w640-h480/IMG_1398.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The former City Hall in the Plaza Mayor </i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9MPm5bqqIYOd1-oaW8kJr0_hX7kSEEXVbRnwoxaLmGOMG0Zvfpb-EXjCSQ_dyHwzpRhCLczFRmuxDnAR_ByaE8UYbe5l7sE-Q8gn_GFlX1YuoiwYcAeyhzgWF36sEsk78mBUrywUrpG_jCjVWF3YFduN1aRn7afmbivyLw1tBTlkChuceHn6HLEUWg/s4032/IMG_1386.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9MPm5bqqIYOd1-oaW8kJr0_hX7kSEEXVbRnwoxaLmGOMG0Zvfpb-EXjCSQ_dyHwzpRhCLczFRmuxDnAR_ByaE8UYbe5l7sE-Q8gn_GFlX1YuoiwYcAeyhzgWF36sEsk78mBUrywUrpG_jCjVWF3YFduN1aRn7afmbivyLw1tBTlkChuceHn6HLEUWg/w640-h480/IMG_1386.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Casa Botines - built by Gaudi in 1891</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNAsAfSHbGjTkvU9Mfkgz2VaEJ2UMxZc-aW9LKq1XcR1VJmHwLlv4uNwAf6_U2IfftevVEy064rWLS_T605rEdkxUC9cU2Ys_e75zEpsQVxzwpbtEMyCRSDUXXMQyRADkCJAcqYQTAjImr_B77xFnj7774FwkY4kqx3ONsvKAw8uu8uiVCjV2SHhcmg/s7914/IMG_1405.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3628" data-original-width="7914" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNAsAfSHbGjTkvU9Mfkgz2VaEJ2UMxZc-aW9LKq1XcR1VJmHwLlv4uNwAf6_U2IfftevVEy064rWLS_T605rEdkxUC9cU2Ys_e75zEpsQVxzwpbtEMyCRSDUXXMQyRADkCJAcqYQTAjImr_B77xFnj7774FwkY4kqx3ONsvKAw8uu8uiVCjV2SHhcmg/w640-h294/IMG_1405.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The majestic Cathedral Santa María de Regla de León</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I stayed in the Hostel Quartiere in the heart of the old town which was the most gorgeous hostel. With the assurance of good accommodation sorted I set out to explore León</div><div><br /></div><div>This was my final evening before returning to Logroño to collect my van and return home. After exploring the city I ate tapas and drunk cold beer on a street side bar and planned my return in October 2022</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>*** <a href="https://www.funkywheelchair.com/2022/06/camino-de-santiago-week-2-summary.html">SUMMARY</a> </div>David Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-7857628105821112812022-06-11T15:38:00.006+01:002022-07-24T22:28:19.238+01:00Camino de Santiago 12 - Carrión de los Condes to Sahagún (Electric wheelchair style)<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwKJfnYhp6akO28SL7090EePywzdvDjaTEAmF8DVfP3FFZewl3Dc4kEspxktVO-_JuFTyxspjHEFGW2A5ycJrJxhGduJgBv-hgs7fwtmipcBrkA_e2VcwYLbPQZ11IXtaswftWNl9ctq1bCp4jV8M8mdA7qDr0l1JcyJlaju3kHsTcUX3NH12SswvNQ/s4032/IMG_1330.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwKJfnYhp6akO28SL7090EePywzdvDjaTEAmF8DVfP3FFZewl3Dc4kEspxktVO-_JuFTyxspjHEFGW2A5ycJrJxhGduJgBv-hgs7fwtmipcBrkA_e2VcwYLbPQZ11IXtaswftWNl9ctq1bCp4jV8M8mdA7qDr0l1JcyJlaju3kHsTcUX3NH12SswvNQ/w640-h480/IMG_1330.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>Day 6 of my trip started with the now familiar open agricultural landscape but a slightly shorter journey day. I crossed the halfway point of 395km which in total had taken me 13 days from the start in Saint-Jean-Pier-de-Port to my midway point. I realise this is fast and that the suggested stages in the guide books normally make for a journey of 33 days. Often people take rest days for sightseeing or to recover the feet.</p><p>Was I rushing, was I missing out on things, should I slow down? </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6sLNG7_jYCNcX24jfopJrs0TitHUTl8YT_7zTb6joUukUBQycO4y_QVZy3AEmOLfXPfGK1aVaLEjKQkRcqaPUeZnT99GrnBjL98JzZRXN_FLlqlNDwdVp2l4Wb278IH5T8h5eUYu75jNlB-RLb1DUoIfc4JqBdZ7Z8dogA635OD6tEagnulelciGeA/s4032/IMG_1339.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6sLNG7_jYCNcX24jfopJrs0TitHUTl8YT_7zTb6joUukUBQycO4y_QVZy3AEmOLfXPfGK1aVaLEjKQkRcqaPUeZnT99GrnBjL98JzZRXN_FLlqlNDwdVp2l4Wb278IH5T8h5eUYu75jNlB-RLb1DUoIfc4JqBdZ7Z8dogA635OD6tEagnulelciGeA/w640-h480/IMG_1339.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Camino midpoint markers</i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: #fefefe;"><p>According to a post on the <a href="https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/have-you-seen-the-beautiful-midpoint-marker-placed-right-before-sahagun.22425/" target="_blank">Camino forum</a> these "midpoint markers, placed at the Ermita del Puente site right after the medieval bridge over the Valderaduey River. The sculptures were recently unveiled and they are absolutely gorgeous. Two huge statues flanking the Camino, one of Alphonse VI the Brave (1065-1109) - Promoter and Protector of the Way of St. James and on the other side Bernardo de Seriedad (Spanish name; Aeseriac: French)), an Abad considered one of the founders of Sahagún"</p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFmNImEEHM4gDC9I1EdkWnpmhwC_zAjkRcIa6jliuia5NDb-ipe9DoAmmuNsTV00h91ccDaWLDnnga1VXPFpDOHwPvdr4uqU5qUQevrpkCZui_61iVi1r-zyeoM4WJ1zUVIGhw7B2aNAtcERsR5i8yMyFNX99eNrgxW8xT9OZvQecZ1Dthfvrti-CIw/s4032/IMG_1340.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFmNImEEHM4gDC9I1EdkWnpmhwC_zAjkRcIa6jliuia5NDb-ipe9DoAmmuNsTV00h91ccDaWLDnnga1VXPFpDOHwPvdr4uqU5qUQevrpkCZui_61iVi1r-zyeoM4WJ1zUVIGhw7B2aNAtcERsR5i8yMyFNX99eNrgxW8xT9OZvQecZ1Dthfvrti-CIw/w640-h480/IMG_1340.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Passing the midpoint the sky suddenly darkened threatening a storm however after just a few raindrops, it disappeared as quickly as it came </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmtuRY66NZdAqVvBmwirimv79ni6m0oW4FjcShZDEyHoZfY7iS7fRJrB9r2AX2S1LryXJXvx5qkKfdQjk3anJmnG47mrs2Ts7pwcRztW4wYEcxqbIk-mLPb78zfFalY0Ev8CxICV9LJpfzDRcE5zntt0XYg8vKgoC-YxPIiv3fXkJvcYmU3lNSBqSQQ/s4032/IMG_1341.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmtuRY66NZdAqVvBmwirimv79ni6m0oW4FjcShZDEyHoZfY7iS7fRJrB9r2AX2S1LryXJXvx5qkKfdQjk3anJmnG47mrs2Ts7pwcRztW4wYEcxqbIk-mLPb78zfFalY0Ev8CxICV9LJpfzDRcE5zntt0XYg8vKgoC-YxPIiv3fXkJvcYmU3lNSBqSQQ/w640-h480/IMG_1341.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Street art entering Sahagún</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NXJIqiiUq96SMNx8GYuJJorW0SCO9agxyFdMS5VfZ36-TJ5h5HHNDeGEbVJSi_B9FevTd2Jfz04bo2fidPtWs8gSRrSO-0GF0OV4-fi_aBJj4AXmDYzA0C2VRnGWhgTRweP9p_NNUtMemXQCeEA-i6aBmPn4n10H5TyVR6QJrra7TzqliaBxAz7LDw/s953/SHAGUN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="679" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NXJIqiiUq96SMNx8GYuJJorW0SCO9agxyFdMS5VfZ36-TJ5h5HHNDeGEbVJSi_B9FevTd2Jfz04bo2fidPtWs8gSRrSO-0GF0OV4-fi_aBJj4AXmDYzA0C2VRnGWhgTRweP9p_NNUtMemXQCeEA-i6aBmPn4n10H5TyVR6QJrra7TzqliaBxAz7LDw/w456-h640/SHAGUN.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><br /><div>Sahagún was in fiesta. There were many road barriers around the town as I entered then I saw the posters. The event was over 4 days and I had arrived on day two. I stayed at the Municipal Albergue built into the upper floor of the 'Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad' or Church of the Holy Trinity, which also housed the tourist office on the ground floor</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDhUweFjfZxpOhpV1SCP6CpFJRC_fzToJ_UB1d_j9P0WPn7YLM4AmhyfD5DFBC2RC4CHIo6MayiiWRp2yethuIL-wkYyn6b4XtYDxX5rN6XnmOauxPmDtBQ0ch5KNX0I6p-_cdO1Ev2BCZdBEjxQi8Yj6O2MK0MkZFMrwEqFfV5DyeDxHwA3FK536QA/s4032/IMG_1348.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDhUweFjfZxpOhpV1SCP6CpFJRC_fzToJ_UB1d_j9P0WPn7YLM4AmhyfD5DFBC2RC4CHIo6MayiiWRp2yethuIL-wkYyn6b4XtYDxX5rN6XnmOauxPmDtBQ0ch5KNX0I6p-_cdO1Ev2BCZdBEjxQi8Yj6O2MK0MkZFMrwEqFfV5DyeDxHwA3FK536QA/w480-h640/IMG_1348.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A sculptured pilgrim welcomes at the door of the Albergue </i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>As the evening progressed we had front seat views as a procession of local brass bands accompanied by their entourages, promenaded through the town. Tomorrow night was to be bulls running through the town.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwRdYEhpuWPF98dskZn4ThjfOTa5Pzlk4jrFfb1M8iZgPDW-ZBpEnia4HXJAtRC3cLzUTij6tJY5VFdVyCFIg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>* <a href="https://www.funkywheelchair.com/2022/06/camino-de-santiago-14-sahagun-to-leon.html">NEXT</a><br /> </div>David Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-22800222278949616202022-06-10T15:17:00.005+01:002022-07-24T22:27:55.759+01:00Camino de Santiago 11 - Castrojeriz to Carrión de los Condes (Electric wheelchair style)<p>With beautiful morning light the path ascends back to the high Meseta plateaux</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrAfjR0VvBZTOOkCPAVId-tSlX8vEj_U4BWwjWG83FgmITQcuE4eAFVrfervbD0-eCvJt5kES3xpWyK28A46YynEt8Vp3iv9EFDNZdqFvijW9nqp2uYx7Gik0oFFJSeh1Qn0hetD-xLfukQSA9MTG8QlQHDfhdhOvePlGkCRtrSE7TkM3-2ig9mjz2Xg/s4896/DSC00057.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrAfjR0VvBZTOOkCPAVId-tSlX8vEj_U4BWwjWG83FgmITQcuE4eAFVrfervbD0-eCvJt5kES3xpWyK28A46YynEt8Vp3iv9EFDNZdqFvijW9nqp2uYx7Gik0oFFJSeh1Qn0hetD-xLfukQSA9MTG8QlQHDfhdhOvePlGkCRtrSE7TkM3-2ig9mjz2Xg/w640-h480/DSC00057.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>With caution to save on battery I got off and pushed my wheels on the steeper parts of this climb. I don't think this was strictly necessary as I'm sure I would have managed without, but the possibility of running out of charge is always present when you travel by battery. With an electric bike you can always pedal on or even push it with relative ease. With a 2 wheeled, self-balancing wheelchair, without battery power you are dead in the water. <div><br /></div><div>There is also an issue with the time it takes to recharge my ultra high capacity batteries. With standard 5.6 Ah lithium batteries the charge time of the Segway that powers my Genny wheelchair is about 8 hours. The ultra high capacity batteries I have fitted are reported to to take 16 hours for a full recharge from empty. As I was planning covering 2 stages to Carrión de los Condes (44km) I thought it wise to preserve capacity where I could</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDSlhmyVjEnxFP52B54aMAForb2IZWcyA-Hrot9mGKfzYkzEeWcFNeUf2pzHPl5dk7mJX9eR5enPm3qOAUrlIX2R2xCxqQ1m0iyoaKaybj73FSoDKalsz0GK1GV8AARKBsHPhOEw6yruLT51spmXU1O9FMTB_QlquMtky4yYny71Tk08-UHeTWWy0EQ/s4896/DSC00059.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDSlhmyVjEnxFP52B54aMAForb2IZWcyA-Hrot9mGKfzYkzEeWcFNeUf2pzHPl5dk7mJX9eR5enPm3qOAUrlIX2R2xCxqQ1m0iyoaKaybj73FSoDKalsz0GK1GV8AARKBsHPhOEw6yruLT51spmXU1O9FMTB_QlquMtky4yYny71Tk08-UHeTWWy0EQ/w640-h480/DSC00059.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>The view back to Castrojeriz was stunning and life felt good to be on the Meseta stages.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ee26tLBOcQurAJ-d8yjqe2sFeVQHUPDVMIRx9wQN3FE4vhBXNvaM3IjJviNQWBn4B7wjgxCIg0ui79tF3c20KJqNF1d8S2MJU4klz98tbIEeJ_oHu-5-fM61bMIaYhbrToscnFArIm0RprvsT4FVQeJ2ctEcRpI0eVQ5MU4rZsFe8RMks_t7P1_s7A/s4896/DSC00065.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ee26tLBOcQurAJ-d8yjqe2sFeVQHUPDVMIRx9wQN3FE4vhBXNvaM3IjJviNQWBn4B7wjgxCIg0ui79tF3c20KJqNF1d8S2MJU4klz98tbIEeJ_oHu-5-fM61bMIaYhbrToscnFArIm0RprvsT4FVQeJ2ctEcRpI0eVQ5MU4rZsFe8RMks_t7P1_s7A/w640-h480/DSC00065.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Up on the Meseta the landscape was the same with high cereal agriculture, mountains to the north and lovely wildflowers along the path. <br /><p>The Way took me to the villages of Itero de la Vega, Boardilla del Camino, Frómista and several smaller villages. The water in the river valleys looked inviting and was always spanned by bridges that are probably Roman in origin</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8IGWy2gYKeF1KFqLpXDo1tkOaaye9366N7rrqphdUGBLazI4OMtBnzgU7b-BOS_VWHFSMxnxvbZvMUBLOturh61t9adJmH77qDtO59eeg1yUd8k-USaagchwSMI1kt_37ct2_ZI2gMJYx2L-vjeJRPBUDu6zOWwcf51bTpt6i0kbRFWzNsEg04lRUQ/s4896/DSC00066.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8IGWy2gYKeF1KFqLpXDo1tkOaaye9366N7rrqphdUGBLazI4OMtBnzgU7b-BOS_VWHFSMxnxvbZvMUBLOturh61t9adJmH77qDtO59eeg1yUd8k-USaagchwSMI1kt_37ct2_ZI2gMJYx2L-vjeJRPBUDu6zOWwcf51bTpt6i0kbRFWzNsEg04lRUQ/w640-h480/DSC00066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Crossing the rio Pisuerga </i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwc-xWw-Mitjp5iEIQDcvgqSiYKUP5D2DfjIsk5euyt7VoSc0jgJGmojAF2M4Vt2hxny3JbVC6Ae6zg2ZR2SGF-maFnbyLIbBg532pZXskgF9YkoOF6HuEFr3cnaXcclZyZ8dUK03eR2lZ3x0VoTod6CAkUQtLyAxJNNffyRQMli6vPnY1PZQKt_J-GA/s4032/IMG_1310.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwc-xWw-Mitjp5iEIQDcvgqSiYKUP5D2DfjIsk5euyt7VoSc0jgJGmojAF2M4Vt2hxny3JbVC6Ae6zg2ZR2SGF-maFnbyLIbBg532pZXskgF9YkoOF6HuEFr3cnaXcclZyZ8dUK03eR2lZ3x0VoTod6CAkUQtLyAxJNNffyRQMli6vPnY1PZQKt_J-GA/w640-h480/IMG_1310.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Part of the canal system at Fró<span style="text-align: left;">mista</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0pRmEiAg-1pA2bmM3PoqYov2IkVDAdkEC4oDnRpUaIoYRMdq6sbTjDsQLTXaQuiJii-sOiUAkFOmIAF1YgEQD9bbVnTg2AmurGFUWE4otXdwlr71MlXo6hRBI952wLDUwDO0iWqYnGbi8_Gbv661O2WHWaZIme_tgbfJeIlyanMHQlj0vJHqWpxkNQ/s4896/DSC00069.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0pRmEiAg-1pA2bmM3PoqYov2IkVDAdkEC4oDnRpUaIoYRMdq6sbTjDsQLTXaQuiJii-sOiUAkFOmIAF1YgEQD9bbVnTg2AmurGFUWE4otXdwlr71MlXo6hRBI952wLDUwDO0iWqYnGbi8_Gbv661O2WHWaZIme_tgbfJeIlyanMHQlj0vJHqWpxkNQ/w640-h480/DSC00069.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Storks nest on convenient high perches, in this case the top of a grain silo system </i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPD7ndc2DfgAQ8TNCz82MMmgrzK2jrgdCTvl8M4N7uA_82ZjdE9sQYA6Sjm8cmvFpp8MROJqfSgir8Sc_B9IHHZDPH_QVze2oglm0boqXXhYpVpOz-fw2O1IOZ63K450pakaPw81yiCLM-JxgRU6vjVOj3xrIbFdpMLfZQgZWNiS6nE4u5GIWLPKHUA/s4896/DSC00073.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPD7ndc2DfgAQ8TNCz82MMmgrzK2jrgdCTvl8M4N7uA_82ZjdE9sQYA6Sjm8cmvFpp8MROJqfSgir8Sc_B9IHHZDPH_QVze2oglm0boqXXhYpVpOz-fw2O1IOZ63K450pakaPw81yiCLM-JxgRU6vjVOj3xrIbFdpMLfZQgZWNiS6nE4u5GIWLPKHUA/w640-h480/DSC00073.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The latter part of this section runs adjacent to a small road. Lots of pilgrims dislike these sections preferring a more remote path. I'm ok with them, soaking up the warmth and just enjoying the afternoon<div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj382LBbsNilEmyIxeP0f-1AGrtGtTjoQ4R2Fy5F4EtVtcySWQ8H1aebbh80XV1ECE6lGQf6rnr7xLsNWKJttonT9ooBTycYXUgL_JRdwoxFIQkQN56LZ-fYRb7sWRRXGg6t478YbXIN0KqCEYdhjBrHdgA9zVQAukEtMNNtTqFIm4FLYn2pGh3qex5Zg/s4032/IMG_1317.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj382LBbsNilEmyIxeP0f-1AGrtGtTjoQ4R2Fy5F4EtVtcySWQ8H1aebbh80XV1ECE6lGQf6rnr7xLsNWKJttonT9ooBTycYXUgL_JRdwoxFIQkQN56LZ-fYRb7sWRRXGg6t478YbXIN0KqCEYdhjBrHdgA9zVQAukEtMNNtTqFIm4FLYn2pGh3qex5Zg/w640-h480/IMG_1317.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>In Carrión de los Condes I stayed at the Hostel of the Filipense Sisters. The accommodation was €22 with lovely beds, proper sheets and hot showers. Unfortunately it was deserted with no pilgrim merriment. I amused myself eating avocado, cheese, ham and crisps with my feet in the river </p><p>* <a href="https://www.funkywheelchair.com/2022/07/camino-de-santiago-13-carrion-de-los.html">NEXT</a></p></div></div></div>David Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-26295737082506417592022-06-09T11:26:00.005+01:002022-07-24T22:27:32.535+01:00Camino de Santiago 10 - Burgos to Castrojeriz (Electric wheelchair style)<p>A beautiful day on the Camino in gently rolling fields of wheat and barley.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukK_7N7PzTVSQHCipnusHnFcp2wkj39RitF_ih9Joh7fs3EHKPariwWojNymQzUuTIHTXPG3xwP9NeAbsP3cN2g7B0OZYqhw9SioVeub4K-YVXtFdSJ0ITl7yKCaChVi66pnbs9gGAKxDkm80rLNPEk3OsM6yckSwaxBRr2XoJFbH3NuaPsjIBapOTw/s4032/IMG_1244.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukK_7N7PzTVSQHCipnusHnFcp2wkj39RitF_ih9Joh7fs3EHKPariwWojNymQzUuTIHTXPG3xwP9NeAbsP3cN2g7B0OZYqhw9SioVeub4K-YVXtFdSJ0ITl7yKCaChVi66pnbs9gGAKxDkm80rLNPEk3OsM6yckSwaxBRr2XoJFbH3NuaPsjIBapOTw/w640-h480/IMG_1244.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p> After the small villages of Villalbilla, Tardajos and Rabé de las Calzadas the path ascends. This is the official start of the Meseta, a high flat plateau dipping into occasional valleys with isolated villages often with houses of adobe construction (bricks made of earth straw and other organic materials)</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-T9F8NQT1pkxq4bPQvj8D8N2SEyMjUVuD3FbBQhUWKU9ALFFsNiyPBFOiYnsivXv1AR9lXkGfhVlPg_eBMn8zdpDKURj_xkJQmjZM1mEgeViF9H8e3TTHG0jBDnC3dF1dwzm8WdMtz02MmxmX8pERVPW4RpWykLTo6X_gaMy_NXSYGnfIT8i5chh-A/s4032/IMG_1255.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-T9F8NQT1pkxq4bPQvj8D8N2SEyMjUVuD3FbBQhUWKU9ALFFsNiyPBFOiYnsivXv1AR9lXkGfhVlPg_eBMn8zdpDKURj_xkJQmjZM1mEgeViF9H8e3TTHG0jBDnC3dF1dwzm8WdMtz02MmxmX8pERVPW4RpWykLTo6X_gaMy_NXSYGnfIT8i5chh-A/w640-h480/IMG_1255.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The ancient and deserted village of Hornillos del Camino </i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>After Hornillos the path ascends again into beautiful postcard fields awash with poppies<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmyiB_NGIZe41auerwsUfqGm3i3lHaYZ2f95QbJcLZ-cLGgzxHhwHZfkbnMrgtjJL_cVMzL8i41FtVdG_Z04FzzYg02WqzmGX_07SNt0rKBfmxEnnXsfcaxsHq7xiArvMpfpuedi8Ss6-A2tDGgIAfHGbj0TOBAsh1Wu_sgbB0bH--8_5eQOMZiCGWA/s4896/DSC00044.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmyiB_NGIZe41auerwsUfqGm3i3lHaYZ2f95QbJcLZ-cLGgzxHhwHZfkbnMrgtjJL_cVMzL8i41FtVdG_Z04FzzYg02WqzmGX_07SNt0rKBfmxEnnXsfcaxsHq7xiArvMpfpuedi8Ss6-A2tDGgIAfHGbj0TOBAsh1Wu_sgbB0bH--8_5eQOMZiCGWA/w640-h480/DSC00044.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Poppies are an emblematic species and dear to me. A plant with an ancient association to humans, poppies are the source of opium that has been used since prehistoric times for medicine and pleasure. The connection with the first world war where it's seed's capacity to germinate and flower in disturbed soils saw it colonising in landscapes torn apart by war. If those battlefields had looked anything like the riot of colour and beauty of the Camino poppies you can imagine hope entering the world again </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJB7F7tECeE9WQrXqDczXlugrufcZg7yoookw0CrvikUXTeAjeW5Clagd-AnLCOnKUQOzp1NAR7NTpc0R7yU7LdN33gTN4YpKKL5bEUQ5LYv-fJgDrlTTdqucJX1RHBfPk9IioA6Dzrq4h8SmZ113wfqwokVVx16D36lMiW3IEo0_qzutrCqyueGmdqQ/s4896/DSC00049Corrected.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJB7F7tECeE9WQrXqDczXlugrufcZg7yoookw0CrvikUXTeAjeW5Clagd-AnLCOnKUQOzp1NAR7NTpc0R7yU7LdN33gTN4YpKKL5bEUQ5LYv-fJgDrlTTdqucJX1RHBfPk9IioA6Dzrq4h8SmZ113wfqwokVVx16D36lMiW3IEo0_qzutrCqyueGmdqQ/w640-h480/DSC00049Corrected.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzMgtFuI441RX8ZRfLFjqaXjUih0hbvrADB12DBpmAKW8b9Qb2rtgMQ2J3pO9DczW4NYCRudoV1l35sNdOqpmUNRIkwF6nwmQinupwQ6H_jSyGqlZ4iWhCpqnV-xzxxOvwXNvaU2ruTfGJx57NT_qjrwzOxr83mRUcYrg1QLxXsSGRv0iUwAQCRGfUg/s4032/IMG_1266.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzMgtFuI441RX8ZRfLFjqaXjUih0hbvrADB12DBpmAKW8b9Qb2rtgMQ2J3pO9DczW4NYCRudoV1l35sNdOqpmUNRIkwF6nwmQinupwQ6H_jSyGqlZ4iWhCpqnV-xzxxOvwXNvaU2ruTfGJx57NT_qjrwzOxr83mRUcYrg1QLxXsSGRv0iUwAQCRGfUg/w640-h480/IMG_1266.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i>Hontanas</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJZOxff92QVYkze3ARAoRmaQMxMjc2hdliUoQWKv9KowJahIYFgQ_tPTwGoTVLmGD9b-B9jq4WSNvOWFoUNrpIPebzsrHOx-M0C2hgrNA6zd_taXnK1gwiZkGg6XoufxgSe03q92t2RSoewOWYncK5NpNTVww__iWj99J82OVj7vCo2zGUBy4xJQAdg/s4032/IMG_1271.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJZOxff92QVYkze3ARAoRmaQMxMjc2hdliUoQWKv9KowJahIYFgQ_tPTwGoTVLmGD9b-B9jq4WSNvOWFoUNrpIPebzsrHOx-M0C2hgrNA6zd_taXnK1gwiZkGg6XoufxgSe03q92t2RSoewOWYncK5NpNTVww__iWj99J82OVj7vCo2zGUBy4xJQAdg/w640-h480/IMG_1271.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>This was to be be along day where I covered 40.4km. I continued beyond San Anton where a small road cuts right through an archway of the now ruined monastery. There was an option to stay in a tiny albergue built into these ruins but didn't provide electricity which I'm dependant on to charge my wheels for the next days travel </div><div> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBIueXrNy5Eh5RPxZOePT3I5ls14BTpRZ9s02WTpJZ8zbY5fuax3bCmmRrROYz1ITnpONB5p_zm_QicM46MAYzBV1UFdyKgMyIF7AkH4IpT2zEj-6XXDJgSPdCBQAcpGczwnGEEZ91z_EXwoGwuNM_tNYhp5B6K83WWatz3m0eUeE0oqj2fjir-P6lA/s4032/IMG_1278.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBIueXrNy5Eh5RPxZOePT3I5ls14BTpRZ9s02WTpJZ8zbY5fuax3bCmmRrROYz1ITnpONB5p_zm_QicM46MAYzBV1UFdyKgMyIF7AkH4IpT2zEj-6XXDJgSPdCBQAcpGczwnGEEZ91z_EXwoGwuNM_tNYhp5B6K83WWatz3m0eUeE0oqj2fjir-P6lA/w640-h480/IMG_1278.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i>Ruins of an ancient monastery - San Anton houses a basic Albergue built into the site</i><br /></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>My destination for the night was the small town of Castrojeriz built into the hillside beneath a ruined castle. I stayed in the Rosalia Pilgrim Hostal that had good reviews and deserved them. The Rosalia turned out to be a 16th century hostel built over several floors with a covered courtyard where I ate the Pilgrims menu.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8Cr7EgVDE6-arGld3K932_y4dYl8KSImZgeTboHjVV6ovC97_mHB6jjaDiv5MRdvxH2k2INc9cifhVaU6pt812rkgibaQ4X1a5NQOYf8DycgCUg6tVzzeb30QJgfB_7FoVNomve-92euvydT52nmAmE0A01P7F0nYDmCQiQExoXh8YmriwIt8Qyd9Q/s1440/DSC00053.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8Cr7EgVDE6-arGld3K932_y4dYl8KSImZgeTboHjVV6ovC97_mHB6jjaDiv5MRdvxH2k2INc9cifhVaU6pt812rkgibaQ4X1a5NQOYf8DycgCUg6tVzzeb30QJgfB_7FoVNomve-92euvydT52nmAmE0A01P7F0nYDmCQiQExoXh8YmriwIt8Qyd9Q/w640-h480/DSC00053.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Others staying at the hostel made the the stiff walk up to the castle ruins. I washed and dried my cloths and researched the next days route</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYtMx1Bmcx2J8fQa0fHSP_JqdGQxUofs9NK9T-nyyRfjvO8P3QMSsUYfL9D8Tx79vz3Ba93YRLLPfkXNPZYRhLvHVDFiLRXGDkTx1mHu9AkaShiCK5dNP_KJIefOg8dVI6vc9yBZZDh11hcqjBhhuZn0VfZ5lAg9WIq27Huqvkk_KjTZ-_1CN8MM2Hw/s1600/b0d1ec0e-2d0b-46c6-8be4-9f17098c1c14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYtMx1Bmcx2J8fQa0fHSP_JqdGQxUofs9NK9T-nyyRfjvO8P3QMSsUYfL9D8Tx79vz3Ba93YRLLPfkXNPZYRhLvHVDFiLRXGDkTx1mHu9AkaShiCK5dNP_KJIefOg8dVI6vc9yBZZDh11hcqjBhhuZn0VfZ5lAg9WIq27Huqvkk_KjTZ-_1CN8MM2Hw/w640-h480/b0d1ec0e-2d0b-46c6-8be4-9f17098c1c14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Entry to this Albergue was via a series of steps at the back door which I was helped through by the proprietor. Minor obstacles like this were ever present on the Camino. I do not know how a pilgrim completely dependant on their wheelchair would manage unsupported but for me there were always people to help </div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGssMXlVpwtSjc4tEw8w4XDgDb0CaDgbu1udyW1jP2_sQkCYkkDLjag1xhc9bPoy5WDF5OT3oHPO_VzCaaOl0Z5cj2ylxlSwYnL46QaOT5qTlDbQrW9Z9qI2zosAFtfLQCP5b9ACEN7l9cXnKiwUkgdT3dAn9yrP8VVanl2-HTiKS8MetBPqUDfU-piQ/s4032/IMG_1297.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGssMXlVpwtSjc4tEw8w4XDgDb0CaDgbu1udyW1jP2_sQkCYkkDLjag1xhc9bPoy5WDF5OT3oHPO_VzCaaOl0Z5cj2ylxlSwYnL46QaOT5qTlDbQrW9Z9qI2zosAFtfLQCP5b9ACEN7l9cXnKiwUkgdT3dAn9yrP8VVanl2-HTiKS8MetBPqUDfU-piQ/w640-h480/IMG_1297.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">* <a href="https://www.funkywheelchair.com/2022/06/camino-de-santiago-12-castrojeriz-to.html">NEXT</a></div>David Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-87705193233327563222022-06-08T10:59:00.005+01:002022-07-24T22:27:06.108+01:00Camino de Santiago 9 - Villambistia to Burgos (Electric wheelchair style)<p>The route today left the big open agricultural landscapes and climbed into the wooded hills to a height of 1120m. The terrain was a mix of planted conifers and local indigenous oak woodland mainly on clay or stoney soils. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlJ95VtYRM49zwshacJ3S25pjfDHWzwtin7T5QpMqd7jskYPidEErlEc_5rEyydWQC8MykMNRwnUyVvfQXYChob5Q62O_ufEJVpsLCKZw_0AhVPl4bbNYSexcO0F_y75N3BojJ6Ok8tYmQqfGRswVVOFa_A1NUNwtUvKmXssvbzShpsO9rveV-b6avA/s4032/IMG_1159.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlJ95VtYRM49zwshacJ3S25pjfDHWzwtin7T5QpMqd7jskYPidEErlEc_5rEyydWQC8MykMNRwnUyVvfQXYChob5Q62O_ufEJVpsLCKZw_0AhVPl4bbNYSexcO0F_y75N3BojJ6Ok8tYmQqfGRswVVOFa_A1NUNwtUvKmXssvbzShpsO9rveV-b6avA/w640-h480/IMG_1159.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A constant climb into woodlands</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTy6TwnnLAtOtzGQW1tf6QqC--pGAc2Imi7ixb_nzXyi5EZScM3aQwaT1M2sIzrbYB2eIiP9wLmdvS2AWRvyAPxxpy3yV_3kbAD44zVUpi-p5wDDNNHtrqx6UjFuK4Be-Rvl4-qkmR_Jo57iubyovqvBvB09p9uVY5ZfqVcFwF4VCPxd6wOk51Z1nxgQ/s4032/IMG_1156.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTy6TwnnLAtOtzGQW1tf6QqC--pGAc2Imi7ixb_nzXyi5EZScM3aQwaT1M2sIzrbYB2eIiP9wLmdvS2AWRvyAPxxpy3yV_3kbAD44zVUpi-p5wDDNNHtrqx6UjFuK4Be-Rvl4-qkmR_Jo57iubyovqvBvB09p9uVY5ZfqVcFwF4VCPxd6wOk51Z1nxgQ/w640-h480/IMG_1156.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Conifer plantation</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">The straight lines of a conifer plantation make for an alien environment where the heavy shade stops everything but hardy grasses and bracken from growing. I was to discover that within 2 weeks of crossing this section, the path had been closed due to raging wild fires in the area</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dZCIp5U12q_mmaQoaTsEAghbi17CTSo1sjSy99zQVh2vvwueXwU4s0nYfZrI_KWDD3AGw2arn0oHIwBickDnI0v0ZrbZkfcChcIf71DFeDS03RyMlIZ0vyshNQL2Hugnot08B56gALDF9HzqUFrg4EAullCm-c7ODmJtD8Y63_dGQWzRfFV262Nzhg/s4032/IMG_1154.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dZCIp5U12q_mmaQoaTsEAghbi17CTSo1sjSy99zQVh2vvwueXwU4s0nYfZrI_KWDD3AGw2arn0oHIwBickDnI0v0ZrbZkfcChcIf71DFeDS03RyMlIZ0vyshNQL2Hugnot08B56gALDF9HzqUFrg4EAullCm-c7ODmJtD8Y63_dGQWzRfFV262Nzhg/w640-h480/IMG_1154.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At higher altitudes remnants of the natural upland heath remained in glades. Heather and rock roses bloomed along with the odd orchid. There is a simple monument marking the site of a shallow grave from Spain's the civil war. Its easy to forget that until relatively recently Spain as a large and diverse nation had a very difficult past</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8u0NXjTYUwLJQ-3m7nDWLzO4EbXGQg6geTTbD4mn7kCHe4sZ78T9C9Wfj29p7Hb1hOYuoyasEx9bIYKBrD1BR97Xo6y6GpowtjmYvAeWLyueonhlvBea287neJOJFj90RFbPCGXVlDVdoZEWtJjf6aDlTlMMH7U4wthS9eKd4Buk5i1rELXXj82ESAA/s4032/IMG_1165.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8u0NXjTYUwLJQ-3m7nDWLzO4EbXGQg6geTTbD4mn7kCHe4sZ78T9C9Wfj29p7Hb1hOYuoyasEx9bIYKBrD1BR97Xo6y6GpowtjmYvAeWLyueonhlvBea287neJOJFj90RFbPCGXVlDVdoZEWtJjf6aDlTlMMH7U4wthS9eKd4Buk5i1rELXXj82ESAA/w640-h480/IMG_1165.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i>San Juan de Ortega</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">The path drops down to San Juan de Ortega where there is an Albergue and small café that was doing good business. I stopped for a homely lunch with a small coincidental meeting of English pilgrims.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaFYU8YtElNuXstnA-9my16CO9UXbGxSEFDV7EHJCiBbG9M_KaVN2p69-H7lEGy1hw35Dc8Vfjp0b0azzzPLYwfimv9H8tlilbKVjwQi0EbDePHb859FkL_shysBOol5rZJ94ahkAMpd0jMOrQ0B1LW2B77C1U-eqLdxLjJu8jOLmk15Sxt0oV-TbWA/s4032/IMG_1170.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaFYU8YtElNuXstnA-9my16CO9UXbGxSEFDV7EHJCiBbG9M_KaVN2p69-H7lEGy1hw35Dc8Vfjp0b0azzzPLYwfimv9H8tlilbKVjwQi0EbDePHb859FkL_shysBOol5rZJ94ahkAMpd0jMOrQ0B1LW2B77C1U-eqLdxLjJu8jOLmk15Sxt0oV-TbWA/w640-h480/IMG_1170.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After another short stretch of woodland the path descends into the small villages of Ages and Atapuerca before rising again into a section of path with extremely difficult rocky terrain. Genny can handle most moderately rocky paths but very steep slopes, deep eroded gullies and places where rocks will snag the underside are not easily passable. I have developed a technique of putting Genny into slow mode, depressing the seat whilst guiding from the rear operates with full power as though there is a passenger riding it. This requires lots of practice and good control but this mode can sometimes get you over obstacles that are otherwise impassable</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhz6MR-Fi8AyZRByUQtT9Yf0XpvIsLCbbaEMfSSlVH4uRHlTgf3fyccGz1VBuTMgjGxCx5D5ziToav_V-vwqYuYigjx4_aGOO_TbRD9cG5h2oWXTxxNeL1Y6GbvTaAhjDE2426d0iSsLy8KU6T7oZnfMXwCV8xgvY8irccysUOTH5qu1vrvaFD56Ylw/s4032/IMG_1185.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhz6MR-Fi8AyZRByUQtT9Yf0XpvIsLCbbaEMfSSlVH4uRHlTgf3fyccGz1VBuTMgjGxCx5D5ziToav_V-vwqYuYigjx4_aGOO_TbRD9cG5h2oWXTxxNeL1Y6GbvTaAhjDE2426d0iSsLy8KU6T7oZnfMXwCV8xgvY8irccysUOTH5qu1vrvaFD56Ylw/w640-h480/IMG_1185.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Most of this terrain was negotiable threading between the stones however I was assisted in a few places by helpful cyclists who had resorted to pushing their mountain bikes to the summit. The Cruz de Matagrande sits at altitude 1050m. The following photograph from my sister taken on a bleaker day shows the cross at the summit and the difficult rocky path </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIby6BqyAVKEB6WfjC5sM5ygGkqvoNEJokQTy8aPF73urX3OXz7wCFZVehIayavfUbvFdzJcaLZo26--hEW8uCtZzm7-FjKT2IExBjJp8OrKZS5d-9LcR5OMqV4Ltnb3ZFDu1G0OHnoYYlmtsDV5uvM57DKaTJDcmZblZccOmiMDzUO-dnYz9lGgQsg/s2048/1B2285EE-C540-4892-82C9-9A6F8E266623.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIby6BqyAVKEB6WfjC5sM5ygGkqvoNEJokQTy8aPF73urX3OXz7wCFZVehIayavfUbvFdzJcaLZo26--hEW8uCtZzm7-FjKT2IExBjJp8OrKZS5d-9LcR5OMqV4Ltnb3ZFDu1G0OHnoYYlmtsDV5uvM57DKaTJDcmZblZccOmiMDzUO-dnYz9lGgQsg/w480-h640/1B2285EE-C540-4892-82C9-9A6F8E266623.png" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A long ride down the other side leads through woods and fields eventually reaching the suburbs to Burgos.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Burgos is a delightful city. A blend of the ancient alongside wide treelined streets. The city is built on the river 'Rio Arlanzón' and Burgos is a UNESCO world heritage site named as a 'City of Gastronomy'. Ironically it was difficult finding somewhere to eat at a time that suited pilgrims. I risk generalising when I say that the Spanish seem to do most things late. Mornings seem to not happen till 9 ish lunch is 14:00 or 15:00 and people seem to not eat their evening meal at about 22:00 I guess being on the western end of the continent, the sun rises and sets later than the rest of Europe. The smaller villages servicing the Camino are open for coffee if nothing else so maybe its the Camino running in a different time zone altogether..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDnm64PHSBtmrLrfVRaPpmvTJi1wrwaoUI1Jq2CdfiWj1dV6HYlkS5vQl0tRo_9iQ6ypjT-K2ZufIWgMzFu3pB4_HQj7Oi9K_5XeBL3x9rwUW5TQsMs_eTDUQoeilps2QQhI4InWKRJjxBhKh7NV5XttS5naMK8IS5D__1f-W42taRJLd0T7yQj73vg/s1440/DSC00007.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDnm64PHSBtmrLrfVRaPpmvTJi1wrwaoUI1Jq2CdfiWj1dV6HYlkS5vQl0tRo_9iQ6ypjT-K2ZufIWgMzFu3pB4_HQj7Oi9K_5XeBL3x9rwUW5TQsMs_eTDUQoeilps2QQhI4InWKRJjxBhKh7NV5XttS5naMK8IS5D__1f-W42taRJLd0T7yQj73vg/w640-h480/DSC00007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>In Burgos I stayed in the Municipal Albergue de peregrinos Casa del Cubo, a big hostel sleeping 150 over several floors. This had excellent disabled facilities including single story beds as opposed to the more frequent bunks. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyq9OajShSPwSZvkKiHDiUx-2EdJ2B8rtKeOGJtsfpgf-NB0OAQTVtXiDPnZphFhnTLpYiXzjPoQsyqrzLtmC-Va4klbDaqNZRt0FfQwi4Q9pDTjDBF1JpeTu8mUTWc8r3Kq93xxbtoWdOf8hitmZUixBBrhcPmjAseMCUhS1Rki72HMYbfYqTCQHDqw/s1440/DSC00011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyq9OajShSPwSZvkKiHDiUx-2EdJ2B8rtKeOGJtsfpgf-NB0OAQTVtXiDPnZphFhnTLpYiXzjPoQsyqrzLtmC-Va4klbDaqNZRt0FfQwi4Q9pDTjDBF1JpeTu8mUTWc8r3Kq93xxbtoWdOf8hitmZUixBBrhcPmjAseMCUhS1Rki72HMYbfYqTCQHDqw/w640-h480/DSC00011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gothic Cathedral of Saint Mary of Burgos</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakb7uZP8hPLpjw6Am-OvNLHVvav2KEraoWLOswohCFCFEPTGMlTJoGMYWTWzDoGoh1KQU-fMwUh1B44fliaDHLoxzdDAMQsd-c8iuAB1c23v-Bblq9VConUWdzPN060YjtMs7BE7Lp6wgQVBitTeL4sYoSwsMmsSr-sWJw2aCGj8dtrmPl9_Ss2xmsQ/s1440/DSC00016.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakb7uZP8hPLpjw6Am-OvNLHVvav2KEraoWLOswohCFCFEPTGMlTJoGMYWTWzDoGoh1KQU-fMwUh1B44fliaDHLoxzdDAMQsd-c8iuAB1c23v-Bblq9VConUWdzPN060YjtMs7BE7Lp6wgQVBitTeL4sYoSwsMmsSr-sWJw2aCGj8dtrmPl9_Ss2xmsQ/w480-h640/DSC00016.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>14th-century city gate, Arco de Santa María</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*<a href="https://www.funkywheelchair.com/2022/06/camino-de-santiago-11-burgos-to.html">NEXT</a></div>David Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-89838214482148506562022-06-07T10:26:00.008+01:002022-07-24T22:26:20.737+01:00Camino de Santiago 8 - Azofra to Villambistia (Electric wheelchair style)<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1gShHydeyJLuGe5FMOJFPXN0ZG-PVEpQ0lvpvAghOu1Xl8Ca5Q06k34YBJU7RzQl9GkZN-U0x-KOaSnCMP57bLh5CIhd2tSRpIlaty0-I2L9oR6ixA6ImGKZQjTXdLjZz9dW8Xeu8K5PGawxogpNq8q3rm13CcLeUm1FvNnxhbJdgEIjp-n1AFIcFg/s4032/IMG_1139.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1gShHydeyJLuGe5FMOJFPXN0ZG-PVEpQ0lvpvAghOu1Xl8Ca5Q06k34YBJU7RzQl9GkZN-U0x-KOaSnCMP57bLh5CIhd2tSRpIlaty0-I2L9oR6ixA6ImGKZQjTXdLjZz9dW8Xeu8K5PGawxogpNq8q3rm13CcLeUm1FvNnxhbJdgEIjp-n1AFIcFg/w640-h480/IMG_1139.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><div>Today was an easy day of good paths through open fields of mainly mixed cereals. These crops were accompanied by the cheery red poppies that dominated the verges along with the spiky teasels and odd pyramidal orchids</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuu-9PbPag_zNHwv9bXYjHosFk9ZvzGqiQ_KTp9hVCCx7DT0mfzmbm9RsVSCVtKiSH7ATxPKEt-1hGMxgLluW6_aXVZ1UskyRzJCJ-PnB0pKu1DaIcPFD79oQ-bjJsvFC4fIGn5ACWqzUWUAntRupPaMQEPyDgm9C5_cIsYUlxgfEV1toBUnhI29TnBg/s4032/IMG_1147.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuu-9PbPag_zNHwv9bXYjHosFk9ZvzGqiQ_KTp9hVCCx7DT0mfzmbm9RsVSCVtKiSH7ATxPKEt-1hGMxgLluW6_aXVZ1UskyRzJCJ-PnB0pKu1DaIcPFD79oQ-bjJsvFC4fIGn5ACWqzUWUAntRupPaMQEPyDgm9C5_cIsYUlxgfEV1toBUnhI29TnBg/w640-h480/IMG_1147.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My wheels were proving more than capable for this journey. With the forward and backward movement of the Genny controlled by the your bodies position, distributing the weight and carrying essentials and supplies in a rucksack hooked on the back affects your centre of balance. My load is probably only about 7kg in a 26ltr rucksack with a sleeping bag hanging off the bottom, however I need to adjust the settings my move my seating position forward to counter the weight at the back</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxSGoMPF6nraunNNuHielDGTrt4jktiMRW9FK3IxIuPt_q95eunwrkm9N6cAtBH32T304fFkwjCLlihvjfrxYhi-NlpYvCZfRTaZVKXYI9B-02GHw65bj89udHJvwXRu2kQdXt2c0F91ZWbvK8HeYokKAEru6CUt9Omy2vW2GV97Pqf82yT-HTVlo-Q/s4032/IMG_1140.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxSGoMPF6nraunNNuHielDGTrt4jktiMRW9FK3IxIuPt_q95eunwrkm9N6cAtBH32T304fFkwjCLlihvjfrxYhi-NlpYvCZfRTaZVKXYI9B-02GHw65bj89udHJvwXRu2kQdXt2c0F91ZWbvK8HeYokKAEru6CUt9Omy2vW2GV97Pqf82yT-HTVlo-Q/w640-h480/IMG_1140.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i>Beautiful cool Cathedral at Santo Domingo de la Calzada</i><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div>The small towns of Ciruena, Santo Domingo de La Calzada, Granon, Viloria de la Rioja, Vilamayor del Rio and Belorado each have their own charm</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZWvnWUyG_JryWuEUS6JrJnMIqfaCstEaXbsBmSxrda94Y8SsIhuV691h3C0MlNXCsMxBp3AfQy6IjK9L4S9NdFdZLI7Lrqh7kTD2-EgA8YIYRLNr8G52EAMgxZeislLa6b4oDaTbThRZ731iseyDT7fSKgod04Nn8-twA1hzVRWBkTVF6sTuTJm9dQ/s4896/DSC00039.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZWvnWUyG_JryWuEUS6JrJnMIqfaCstEaXbsBmSxrda94Y8SsIhuV691h3C0MlNXCsMxBp3AfQy6IjK9L4S9NdFdZLI7Lrqh7kTD2-EgA8YIYRLNr8G52EAMgxZeislLa6b4oDaTbThRZ731iseyDT7fSKgod04Nn8-twA1hzVRWBkTVF6sTuTJm9dQ/w640-h480/DSC00039.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I was travelling faster then most pilgrims on my wheels. These long easy sections make cruising comfortable and fast. I had started to cover about 40km a day which is a stretch for those on foot who would more commonly cover 20 - 30km a day. I did however meet several young men who claimed to had walked up to 75km in a day </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbWPMuEcmF1oRzwmG7v5UzeyFsaQUxtTyTGcvGZd9-PJrbbrnnZGBZgzmHm0SapYLtIbYcErbRVLwM8R4MUax0QdlUtXs0Ti3qgaJ1gv5bt1eXo5uvsnT-URcFgqTwDqHoEXqFf_rMDLDtGf_6IZfbCdHfmLdbVLlEJlKWIZuSvGzC850JaqxXw8rpg/s4896/DSC00041.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbWPMuEcmF1oRzwmG7v5UzeyFsaQUxtTyTGcvGZd9-PJrbbrnnZGBZgzmHm0SapYLtIbYcErbRVLwM8R4MUax0QdlUtXs0Ti3qgaJ1gv5bt1eXo5uvsnT-URcFgqTwDqHoEXqFf_rMDLDtGf_6IZfbCdHfmLdbVLlEJlKWIZuSvGzC850JaqxXw8rpg/w640-h480/DSC00041.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Many of the taller buildings have nesting cranes on their roofs</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWuIKkVW2yjwne3ZN6TiTn3ZaH5VTqIhC5bQQoHBpmvqCDkTE7VW17M7l2QbIxFS3qPmEWm0hjPRGSuY7dBow2lCijci59eDXPItPnXXBQ3kFzqwAOwT7ZaRI_ZyYvD57KSsdCFuOiyMtARzfAINMi45JUNFjtOYl0TQ_lNwzk6ewOQvCA3GkP14oiw/s4896/DSC00042.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWuIKkVW2yjwne3ZN6TiTn3ZaH5VTqIhC5bQQoHBpmvqCDkTE7VW17M7l2QbIxFS3qPmEWm0hjPRGSuY7dBow2lCijci59eDXPItPnXXBQ3kFzqwAOwT7ZaRI_ZyYvD57KSsdCFuOiyMtARzfAINMi45JUNFjtOYl0TQ_lNwzk6ewOQvCA3GkP14oiw/w640-h480/DSC00042.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I stayed the night in a the tiny municipal Albergue San Roque in Villambistia. This was a lovely stop with friendly staff however I discovered in the morning that my wheelchair had been unplugged at some point in the night leaving me with less than full charge for the day ahead. The general etiquette on the Camino is lights out by 22:00 and vacate the place by 8:00 in the morning. Plugging my wheels back in and hanging about didn't go down to well. I wasn't actually thrown out but I only managed to stay till 8:30 before feeling less than welcome and left hoping I wouldn't run out of steam on the day ahead</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">* <a href="https://www.funkywheelchair.com/2022/06/camino-de-santiago-10-villambistia-to.html">NEXT</a></div>David Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-82341098354945821972022-06-06T10:18:00.007+01:002022-07-24T22:25:39.556+01:00Camino de Santiago 7 - Logroño to Azofra (Electric wheelchair style)<p>Four days before leaving for the second week on the Camino, the retractable support legs on my Genny Mobility wheelchair stopped working and stuck down. I would normally attempt this sort of repair myself but with so little time and requiring parts I had no option but to make a trip to the Genny Mobility factory in Switzerland. Getting this sorted meant a 1800 mile drive from St Malo in Brittany, France to Switzerland, before driving onwards to Logroño, Spain in my VW van to commence where I left off last October</p><p>Overall my wheels have been fantastically reliable with over 8000 miles on the clock in 6 years of operation. Apart from a few relatively minor issues, most of which were down to the Segway core power unit, Genny has been just great for a wheelchair that I ask so much of</p><p>Genny Mobility headquarters are based in Sant'Antonino in the southern, Italian speaking part of Switzerland. It is just up the road from the beautiful Lake Maggiore, where clear warm water is surrounded by tall mountains. Its about 40km west of Lake Como in Italy. After a long drive Genny Mobility were able to make the repairs which were down to the linear actuator which is a device a bit like a hydraulic ram you could see on a digger arm, however powered by 12 volts through a gear drive. Taking it all to pieces myself later I was able to see it was not down to faulty gears but a crack in part of the plastic moulded frame. This was not feasibly repairable without parts. I took the opportunity to have a full service whilst in the workshop </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9xzwW6d7ZHaCdSKz0mf7toY6jJNe55OGCWrYTk4ZU9uexRfmBMBJM5XuirvcOi66U-KU60SK1M8oAJMxDVCPLDpMpRbW6CXVZxJMpFU67FCHpP1JAOim9n4Zb51fPDQrGcsWBBA3DIJHZWalPwdjhLLgLQIDAy9NlK_nBD7c4k7bSfgcojDelHeA5w/s4032/IMG_0335.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9xzwW6d7ZHaCdSKz0mf7toY6jJNe55OGCWrYTk4ZU9uexRfmBMBJM5XuirvcOi66U-KU60SK1M8oAJMxDVCPLDpMpRbW6CXVZxJMpFU67FCHpP1JAOim9n4Zb51fPDQrGcsWBBA3DIJHZWalPwdjhLLgLQIDAy9NlK_nBD7c4k7bSfgcojDelHeA5w/w640-h480/IMG_0335.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i>Lake Maggiore borders both Switzerland and Italy</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Logroño:</p><p>After a mad onward drive from Switzerland into Italy, the Mediterranean coast of France and into northern Spain I arrived in Logroño early evening giving me opportunity to visit the city, capital of La Rioja region. As with many cities and larger towns, Logroño has a beautiful historic centre complete with the Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGNP2koKP8PEdmZirjE5UHtlHGsMbBbIeir95RGet50vBUqhNNkFN7U_ci2xodkQoZ4QFcFLkJdoNkJzOEW7E6Fg4fcDd8-4Nv9oKYzYgyxWl9K40v3_CdhAEhHXzgoJE6gvA_s6XPxGrfkM0MTgaLZ2u9t9jVf1TX4mNNVO3bDitkeOGLwNs-Ojwkg/s4896/DSC00025.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGNP2koKP8PEdmZirjE5UHtlHGsMbBbIeir95RGet50vBUqhNNkFN7U_ci2xodkQoZ4QFcFLkJdoNkJzOEW7E6Fg4fcDd8-4Nv9oKYzYgyxWl9K40v3_CdhAEhHXzgoJE6gvA_s6XPxGrfkM0MTgaLZ2u9t9jVf1TX4mNNVO3bDitkeOGLwNs-Ojwkg/w480-h640/DSC00025.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Unfortunately most Spanish Cathedrals seem to be accessed by flights of steps<br /> with generally poor disabled access </i></td></tr></tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglg2av9rESiBtHP1JGV2L2nNOZ7C3GG5cweGLD7dvCH8rrFQsX2fMFjNJ26nUXfr_y49_OwTF_PRY2rnKzaaqsv4nJowhYydN1cBEIMEZIASn4Kvqhmzcqi8plWCfXzwox4mvVCbtrOLw0exLAPhf2X5R2MnB8QZlkoCffDb1kOxRnZc1H6_uvN1e-XQ/s4896/DSC00020.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglg2av9rESiBtHP1JGV2L2nNOZ7C3GG5cweGLD7dvCH8rrFQsX2fMFjNJ26nUXfr_y49_OwTF_PRY2rnKzaaqsv4nJowhYydN1cBEIMEZIASn4Kvqhmzcqi8plWCfXzwox4mvVCbtrOLw0exLAPhf2X5R2MnB8QZlkoCffDb1kOxRnZc1H6_uvN1e-XQ/w640-h480/DSC00020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fantastic street art at a roundabout in Logroño </i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>With my van securely garaged, I commenced my second week on the Camino with a late 10 o'clock morning start in good weather. Anxious but excited I set off on my wheels with my small rucksack and sleeping bag hanging off the back. Because of the late start I had booked accommodation in Azofra 34km away</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6EIl5jvJIVaTWfiFNXdsIp_1DiPf3kM27G8ZeISwm0iBTd9P-dbD3FTbGQ_Ieiia-1zj6go58wgoAwZW0FlRAl31p9G1C12AO83ZYuDRL7IU8F25Y-JCc56KdMjgeAWHo4plUjhNCr52G5bihUCW9VsCnwWHR2Slpekn9FZONF3Fi6Fy6B8gpO4udw/s4032/IMG_1119.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6EIl5jvJIVaTWfiFNXdsIp_1DiPf3kM27G8ZeISwm0iBTd9P-dbD3FTbGQ_Ieiia-1zj6go58wgoAwZW0FlRAl31p9G1C12AO83ZYuDRL7IU8F25Y-JCc56KdMjgeAWHo4plUjhNCr52G5bihUCW9VsCnwWHR2Slpekn9FZONF3Fi6Fy6B8gpO4udw/w640-h480/IMG_1119.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pilgrims decorate the path adjacent to the road with home made crosses</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The urban parts of of the Camino are generally less memorable excepting the historic town centres. Exiting Logroño however was through a series of lovely shaded green parks, before crossing a busy road and past a reservoir. the early route was part following the road and part in mixed agricultural land of cereals and vines</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Following the yellow arrows of the Camino I passed the small town of Navarrete built on a hill and Nájera</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1n0oGxLf4NqBKK9kaPQohPmgHAW-r208l9v0ZlxKWYcmIrgKwavMJVegFxL-UU6V8kVwf86MGRMGYVLOb6v5E88NOLm8HJFL98TmZ6ogPXngPrx772mBHqNM4CZJ2IiC6Wg1blmxG_ZxmC4LgxwHbcdkDVDSfNFnvzjNynyGRJRpu-C_HUendI3LLjQ/s4032/IMG_1124.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1n0oGxLf4NqBKK9kaPQohPmgHAW-r208l9v0ZlxKWYcmIrgKwavMJVegFxL-UU6V8kVwf86MGRMGYVLOb6v5E88NOLm8HJFL98TmZ6ogPXngPrx772mBHqNM4CZJ2IiC6Wg1blmxG_ZxmC4LgxwHbcdkDVDSfNFnvzjNynyGRJRpu-C_HUendI3LLjQ/w640-h480/IMG_1124.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Where a footbridge with steps crossed a stream leaving Nájera I was forced to find an alternative route and found a shallow section where I could wade my wheels without issue<div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rhfKA5GIo7ci_t6e6NLT8JP9j8W_KALEFQw5B0259XJ8HaR-sQvsHR6iJzH_-XnAHel2VQndW-Swxp4LVURoXhvMyLkzSbG_ynaT5nDgP2V14blBToqjWhnb6PhwQfx4QYmkYBuedkd5ce6YCJQZE6c-s_lrhylRIqhh4BGUu28sOVsU3QT4cHmf4w/s4032/IMG_1131.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rhfKA5GIo7ci_t6e6NLT8JP9j8W_KALEFQw5B0259XJ8HaR-sQvsHR6iJzH_-XnAHel2VQndW-Swxp4LVURoXhvMyLkzSbG_ynaT5nDgP2V14blBToqjWhnb6PhwQfx4QYmkYBuedkd5ce6YCJQZE6c-s_lrhylRIqhh4BGUu28sOVsU3QT4cHmf4w/w640-h480/IMG_1131.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Stream crossings need to be carefully negotiated with 22Ah of lithium batteries to consider</i><br /> </td></tr></tbody></table><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQr2M-70MbO9AZqW5xfUZ4StBEs5YgyGyJorBRLABowuvCXB4l8ZNsj4AAU2q-eMiHuydpnJC1EJaW17q3GMmpOpgQE2Cp-C9VmlzhBTSxyHHai0UHPHfuzsV1YCilJuxguJgzss9N3PVMAc9KlpNHY1V3CjJhaX0nxnjfayRQlhe7gZE2XLCeDp45w/s4032/IMG_1128.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQr2M-70MbO9AZqW5xfUZ4StBEs5YgyGyJorBRLABowuvCXB4l8ZNsj4AAU2q-eMiHuydpnJC1EJaW17q3GMmpOpgQE2Cp-C9VmlzhBTSxyHHai0UHPHfuzsV1YCilJuxguJgzss9N3PVMAc9KlpNHY1V3CjJhaX0nxnjfayRQlhe7gZE2XLCeDp45w/w640-h480/IMG_1128.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i>Many path edges and smaller fields in June were awash with poppies and other wild flowers</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOll4f4HMH-ZHHdl8V13_rVwLPRR7_LIHeWuvZpALY7qvQQyrQBIg-mRx6jyf0MT-UB5aprkd5e20eJ72zW-jnk9I5WVjczKtRm34EBpiSzMfJZ8RASkCz-svaekvdwJw3olRiiru33UEaRCqRump4ns-wn5uxtVYMaOa0LS7tv7IvTobihslncLHeVA/s4032/IMG_1130.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOll4f4HMH-ZHHdl8V13_rVwLPRR7_LIHeWuvZpALY7qvQQyrQBIg-mRx6jyf0MT-UB5aprkd5e20eJ72zW-jnk9I5WVjczKtRm34EBpiSzMfJZ8RASkCz-svaekvdwJw3olRiiru33UEaRCqRump4ns-wn5uxtVYMaOa0LS7tv7IvTobihslncLHeVA/w640-h480/IMG_1130.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lots of the building stone seemed to be pebbles shaped by water despite there being little<br />obvious water in the surrounding areas</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>I had made the decision on this section to stay in the smaller towns and villages where possible. I find the villages easier to navigate, they are simpler to shop and eat with a wheelchair but I was also considered the impact Covid over the last couple of years. With increasing urbanisation in the world these villages are probably only here because of the Camino. In Azofra I stayed in the Municipal Albergue which was a small and friendly hostel with a small courtyard water feature. With feet in the cool water I engaged with Camino life meeting Italians and Americans I would encounter again over the next days. How lovely to be back</p><p>* <a href="https://www.funkywheelchair.com/2022/06/camino-de-santiago-9-azofra-to.html">NEXT</a></p></div></div>David Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-16350123087104197312021-10-31T21:51:00.008+00:002022-07-16T01:11:43.394+01:00Camino de Santiago Week 1 summary - Saint-Jean-Pier-de-Port to Logroño (Electric wheelchair style)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Week 1 of the Camino de Santiago was an awesome experience. I travelled about 170km from Saint-Jean-Pier-de-Port in the French Pyrenees to Logroño in northern Spain alone on my 2 wheeled electric wheelchair. It took me 7 days including a mad trip back into France to collect my VW van from a French campground. Starting in beautiful high mountain meadows I watched the scenery change to woodland, mixed arable and vineyards. I met loads of lovely people who were interesting, kind and open and discovered a beautiful historic Spain full of incredible architecture and culture that I didn't know existed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CCnbbZVHvW0/YX7w2p0EOjI/AAAAAAAACVc/EpL6XZdq1343jcxmmBgiB7Dy9vXxChY5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1302/Screenshot%2B2021-10-31%2B100233.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="1302" height="388" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CCnbbZVHvW0/YX7w2p0EOjI/AAAAAAAACVc/EpL6XZdq1343jcxmmBgiB7Dy9vXxChY5ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h388/Screenshot%2B2021-10-31%2B100233.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>When I started I didn't know that I would be able to go the distance with my wheels, both literally with the battery capacity but also the capability of negotiating this route. It starts by going uphill for about 18km to an altitude of 1430m. This route is closed by law on the Spanish side throughout the winter months as conditions can be treacherous. Although it was a mild autumn day when I was there I encountered terrain I couldn't pass and was helped by some Spanish pilgrims who literally picked up my wheelchair and moved it past the steep rocky bit</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8d3SARdz5E/YX8L4OUa6sI/AAAAAAAACV8/jCZgh-zCE14oe2c4GOo_fUGr4wb2Zy5uQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Shells.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8d3SARdz5E/YX8L4OUa6sI/AAAAAAAACV8/jCZgh-zCE14oe2c4GOo_fUGr4wb2Zy5uQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/Shells.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Route markers used in many towns</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>In distance travelled I have probably done about 1/5th of the Camino but in terms of the challenge I am well on the way. My Genny wheelchair coped with difficult terrain and I can't imagine there will be unpassable terrain ahead although I'm sure there will be difficulties. There were bits where I took an alternative route when the going looked extremely difficult or I was advised by fellow pilgrims but in all I feel like I did my stuff<div><br /></div><div>I feel like I have been on this path for many years having only just begun a few weeks back. I will continue to the end and maybe beyond...</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">- Buen Camino -</span></h2><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><i>* To view all these posts in chronological order please scroll down or click <a href="https://www.funkywheelchair.com/2021/10/camino-de-santiago-wheelchair-style.html">HERE</a></i></div>David Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-86022930475798810692021-10-08T22:42:00.006+01:002022-07-24T22:23:41.003+01:00Camino de Santiago 6 - Los Arcos to Logroño (Electric wheelchair style)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1a9NnL0KNXI/YX2t_x7sRfI/AAAAAAAACT8/3bDxdSSttWUHzxHUuqfrv1iEkrx4qjDcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1a9NnL0KNXI/YX2t_x7sRfI/AAAAAAAACT8/3bDxdSSttWUHzxHUuqfrv1iEkrx4qjDcgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />This was to be my last day on the Camino so I left at dawn for a head start to the day. The countryside was similar to yesterday, arable fields, scrubby woodland and small villages connected by good footpaths<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tIYvU-fFR8o/YX2uWeJfrkI/AAAAAAAACUE/LTRMwCLzP4gEQDum3md1WCGDwmQgrpJfACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tIYvU-fFR8o/YX2uWeJfrkI/AAAAAAAACUE/LTRMwCLzP4gEQDum3md1WCGDwmQgrpJfACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/3.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I breakfasted in in a Torres del Rio and came across this unusual 12 century church with 8 sides<div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-94FqoF4FgUQ/YX2wS3b0p-I/AAAAAAAACUM/_ZVnYQCZBEw2N92Wiirf8fxiuM_7Gp5kgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0663.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-94FqoF4FgUQ/YX2wS3b0p-I/AAAAAAAACUM/_ZVnYQCZBEw2N92Wiirf8fxiuM_7Gp5kgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0663.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>12th century octagonal church</i></div></i><p>Today marked the end of Navarra and into the famous wine growing region of La Rioja</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phbwoalFS1w/YX2yyvGebZI/AAAAAAAACUU/cPJtn11yS1gQMr8B8_hYdWXm5qRjsXbYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phbwoalFS1w/YX2yyvGebZI/AAAAAAAACUU/cPJtn11yS1gQMr8B8_hYdWXm5qRjsXbYgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>The route was mainly on footpaths rather than agricultural tracks which was mostly ok with some exceptions. Having previously worked as a countryside ranger I have been responsible for constructing and the maintenance of many paths. Successful builds are about the management of water as erosion so easily destroys paths</p><p>Over the last few days I have discovered a method for negotiating obstacles that are either too steep, too rocky or just too narrow for my wheels. Genny wheelchairs have a riderless balance mode that is integral to the Segway core. This provides some assistance whilst not sitting on Genny and I frequently use this whilst loading my wheels up ramps into my van. It offers some drive capability but has low power when negotiating difficult terrain. Putting my wheels into slow mode (4mph, 6.5kmh), activating the seat switch so it behaves as though I'm sitting on it, and pushing from behind whilst steering gives me great power as well as control. I have become adept at this method and providing I have the energy to keep it all together, I'm overcoming all sorts of difficult terrain. If it all goes wrong I just release the seat down switch </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mfP8-9R9xmc/YX2zCF2ZRwI/AAAAAAAACUc/wkQKmO4l2bQ4LDuaJbrBU08RhZJ9AIVfACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mfP8-9R9xmc/YX2zCF2ZRwI/AAAAAAAACUc/wkQKmO4l2bQ4LDuaJbrBU08RhZJ9AIVfACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Pq1u2qqxmw/YX2zSXzA_tI/AAAAAAAACUk/qToa2Rxsm3YW-_A72OBBzbxfScQIrT1owCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Pq1u2qqxmw/YX2zSXzA_tI/AAAAAAAACUk/qToa2Rxsm3YW-_A72OBBzbxfScQIrT1owCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/5.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-El34R4di1cU/YX2zI3DfkkI/AAAAAAAACUg/cN5OgJJvfrQ1SW0LSZfWZX4lbyx58XqJACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-El34R4di1cU/YX2zI3DfkkI/AAAAAAAACUg/cN5OgJJvfrQ1SW0LSZfWZX4lbyx58XqJACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQ1d3aN0V9M/YX2zYbPvh1I/AAAAAAAACUs/xi64d5OPTeUhIIRABovjUE5GcsKz2SMdACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/7.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQ1d3aN0V9M/YX2zYbPvh1I/AAAAAAAACUs/xi64d5OPTeUhIIRABovjUE5GcsKz2SMdACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>This magnificently built bridge offers pilgrims safety across the road, unless of course you are on a wheelchair. The addition of some planks was obviously an afterthought for cyclists. A short detour and a mad dash across the road was the final obstacle before reaching the small city of Logroño</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KizAG2CrxRM/YX2zeKZxS3I/AAAAAAAACUw/M0FbDOSZavUk1roJbD1BH_n5-Y-rV2H0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/9.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KizAG2CrxRM/YX2zeKZxS3I/AAAAAAAACUw/M0FbDOSZavUk1roJbD1BH_n5-Y-rV2H0gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Crossing the bridge to the city of Logroño</i></div><p>This was to be the end of my Camino adventure for 2021. After getting my credentials stamped at the tourist office I headed for the bus station looking for a ride back to Puente la Reina where my VW was parked</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDt6DPFWFfU/YX7-gr6LGgI/AAAAAAAACVk/YX8xTMIDaXEU53jLqPXFZVW2oE7tCl3SgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDt6DPFWFfU/YX7-gr6LGgI/AAAAAAAACVk/YX8xTMIDaXEU53jLqPXFZVW2oE7tCl3SgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Camino credentials</i></div><p>Your credentials work like a Camino passport and you get them stamped along the route to demonstrate and record your progress. I understand they are inspected at Santiago before you receive your Compostela or certificate of completion. There is something uniquely satisfying about this document and I will treasure it, keeping it safe till I'm back in 2022</p><p>* <a href="https://www.funkywheelchair.com/2022/06/camino-de-santiago-8-logrono-to-azofra.html">NEXT</a></p></div>David Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-48629031376478982342021-10-07T23:44:00.180+01:002022-07-10T22:44:32.931+01:00Camino de Santiago 5 - Estella to Los Arcos (Electric wheelchair style)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-niR84HCJBQE/YXsnaezDH_I/AAAAAAAACSM/KeV7XYSJqXotwwTSM5ZWaK9EompjW2kXACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0631.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-niR84HCJBQE/YXsnaezDH_I/AAAAAAAACSM/KeV7XYSJqXotwwTSM5ZWaK9EompjW2kXACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0631.JPG" title="Genny wheelchair on the Camino de Santiago" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Leaving Estella you come across the Irache Monastery and the famous Bodegas of Irache wine fountain<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDeqHVEbRUs/YXsnoIbwFPI/AAAAAAAACSQ/ghkLtpejZF8AXQiEUDx7L34R7CF_7zebQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0639a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1636" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDeqHVEbRUs/YXsnoIbwFPI/AAAAAAAACSQ/ghkLtpejZF8AXQiEUDx7L34R7CF_7zebQCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h640/IMG_0639a.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The sign on the right translates as "forbidden to drink wine to minors under 18 years"</i></div></i><p>Historically the monks received pilgrims with a glass of wine used as a restorative. In the 1990's this evolved into the wine fountain of Bodegas Irache. The fountain has taps for both water and wine and apparently the fountain is filled daily with 100 liters of young red wine to quench the pilgrim's thirst. You smell the fruity young wine as you approach. I understand the etiquette is to drink from your Camino scallop shell but I opted for a small bottle. There is a live webcam showing the fountain that can be reached from the link below the picture</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.irache.com/es/enoturismo/fuente-del-vino.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXWTe8pcNbM/YX0KN4M4Q9I/AAAAAAAACTM/QIM8zIdiamM0ijbBhGH20cUvl-Y-kFs8ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/Wine.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.irache.com/es/enoturismo/fuente-del-vino.html" target="_blank"><i>24 hour webcam of the wine fountain</i></a></div><p>Todays walk was a delight. After commencing in woodland, the landscape opens to tracks across gently rolling countryside with stunning views in the distance</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-azgRFfe5Dyw/YX0PdDUdqwI/AAAAAAAACTU/1gaYxbUwNCk9B2cNTB5rDLu1psNTGcxlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0644.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-azgRFfe5Dyw/YX0PdDUdqwI/AAAAAAAACTU/1gaYxbUwNCk9B2cNTB5rDLu1psNTGcxlwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0644.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Just before entering the village of Azqueta you pass this 13th centaury fountain built by the Moors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zpUMKsPv2C8/YXx3KI8u_II/AAAAAAAACSo/ReBHRBqecKwX6-4IKgj9wfy02HFmkpD3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0647.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zpUMKsPv2C8/YXx3KI8u_II/AAAAAAAACSo/ReBHRBqecKwX6-4IKgj9wfy02HFmkpD3ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0647.JPG" title="Genny wheelchair on the Camino de Santiago" width="640" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Fuente de Los Moros - Medieval fountain </i></div></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YG8HOCYXBXk/YXx3ayitcNI/AAAAAAAACS8/OsaMT2EmaQwwSBoDIlGcjwDIWNf-rIxmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0643.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YG8HOCYXBXk/YXx3ayitcNI/AAAAAAAACS8/OsaMT2EmaQwwSBoDIlGcjwDIWNf-rIxmQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0643.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FzvSjtcNk1c/YXx3P2Zh0-I/AAAAAAAACTA/24qhPsFAC3s44TUSQwkpuBFqfw8r2C_bQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0645.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FzvSjtcNk1c/YXx3P2Zh0-I/AAAAAAAACTA/24qhPsFAC3s44TUSQwkpuBFqfw8r2C_bQCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/IMG_0645.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0JCbzeGK9g/YX2ndaLRkjI/AAAAAAAACT0/zUjAX3u58CM8-bRu-gjH8jdoJn2gjcVqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1142/Camino.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="1142" height="510" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0JCbzeGK9g/YX2ndaLRkjI/AAAAAAAACT0/zUjAX3u58CM8-bRu-gjH8jdoJn2gjcVqgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h510/Camino.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A stunning days walking finishing in Los Arcos</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">* <a href="https://www.funkywheelchair.com/2021/10/camino-de-santiago-5-los-arcos-to.html">NEXT</a></div>David Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-82113831924547595122021-10-06T23:49:00.037+01:002022-07-10T22:42:30.681+01:00Camino de Santiago 4 - Puente la Reina to Estella (Electric wheelchair style)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wpPws_dRRmI/YXsUpCKw7RI/AAAAAAAACRY/S_fgEYQ3DlsMgeEPhdyAKVYmeoj3oIk6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wpPws_dRRmI/YXsUpCKw7RI/AAAAAAAACRY/S_fgEYQ3DlsMgeEPhdyAKVYmeoj3oIk6ACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>Many of the small Camino villages like Puente la Reina, have hung on to their formal historic departure gates and are grander than the towns where your exit is through developing urban sprawl. <p></p><p>Through the gate and over the bridge starts a day of woodland into mixed agricultural landscapes and then vineyards as we approach Rioja. I enjoyed these gently sweeping hills and valleys with small villages like Cirauqui sitting on hilltops </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3e9hW50oadw/YXsZOggzS0I/AAAAAAAACRg/bfofT2SwV-QHkn7Nu9t7NnW6_Qc7yiC_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3e9hW50oadw/YXsZOggzS0I/AAAAAAAACRg/bfofT2SwV-QHkn7Nu9t7NnW6_Qc7yiC_wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><i>Hilltop village of Cirauqui</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-I8UL9B3ng/YXsZn3xXxrI/AAAAAAAACRo/gdRSTwlXvTM9rck8_ZpRc1g6eL1vcjUSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-I8UL9B3ng/YXsZn3xXxrI/AAAAAAAACRo/gdRSTwlXvTM9rck8_ZpRc1g6eL1vcjUSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">When travelling with a wheelchair there are many small obstacles in your way, even with the capability of my Genny wheelchair. This is an issue in most countries but generally its worse away from the more resourced urban centers in the west. It is easy to rail against the environment planners and builders for their lack of consideration. In the end it is down to the local building by-laws, government standards and the implementation of these mechanisms that make life accessible to those on wheels. With some diversions, my ability to get off and push and the assistance of others, the Camino de Santiago is a viable route for my 2 wheeled Genny Mobility wheelchair. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There are probably a good proportion of the population right now who are stuck in their homes, unable to wage battle with the physical, practical and often economic difficulties that life with a disability can present. It isn't fair and its a tragic waste of humanity and we all suffer because of it. Our world is designed to work for the able bodied. The chances are that access or other sorts of issues will impact on us all sooner or later. I am very lucky in that my MS has not taken away my capacity and I can still maintain a good life, through work, relationships and activities and I have the means, motivation and ability to take on challenges like the Camino de Santiago </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bwpijCjjP4/YXsivJZOC-I/AAAAAAAACR8/3m6aVoc0D8ggitaGChcYRZbLuUGGTiGnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/52156540-5861-410C-9DDE-BECF4409154E.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bwpijCjjP4/YXsivJZOC-I/AAAAAAAACR8/3m6aVoc0D8ggitaGChcYRZbLuUGGTiGnQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/52156540-5861-410C-9DDE-BECF4409154E.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i>As we enter the Estella the vineyards increase</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GtSWrL8aF-I/YXsgdFdRigI/AAAAAAAACR0/PTpfCiZk2YAqZTHanbKzhn5Gsike06NQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/4a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1519" data-original-width="2048" height="474" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GtSWrL8aF-I/YXsgdFdRigI/AAAAAAAACR0/PTpfCiZk2YAqZTHanbKzhn5Gsike06NQwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h474/4a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Much of the architecture on the Camino is 12th centaury or even earlier. There are many instances of roman roads that still form part of the Camino route<div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BuuU4EAoSXU/YXsjOjItMWI/AAAAAAAACSE/KFvytlCi0qEOSXMS7NKNCGSimoQlRrOZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BuuU4EAoSXU/YXsjOjItMWI/AAAAAAAACSE/KFvytlCi0qEOSXMS7NKNCGSimoQlRrOZwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Tourist Information office in Estella</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">* <a href="https://www.funkywheelchair.com/2021/10/camino-de-santiago-5-estella-to-los.html">NEXT</a></div><p></p></div>David Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-41829217240374376642021-10-05T21:45:00.004+01:002022-07-10T22:39:23.872+01:00Camino de Santiago 3 - Pamploma to Puente la Reina (Electric wheelchair style)<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dVnvgaYmkAw/YXSGA7ZhZnI/AAAAAAAACQY/xI9ISRlxv5EvfDh_KhOI60KNwYZBawdeACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0580.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dVnvgaYmkAw/YXSGA7ZhZnI/AAAAAAAACQY/xI9ISRlxv5EvfDh_KhOI60KNwYZBawdeACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0580.JPG" title="Genny wheelchair on the Camino de Santiago" width="640" /></a>"<i style="text-align: center;">Where the path of wind crosses with the stars"</i></p>After my night back in France I drove my van to Puente la Reina. I wanted to backtrack as far as I could so I took a taxi with my wheelchair to Alto de Perdón which is a prominent ridge about halfway between Pamploma and Puente la Reina. This iconic landmark sculpture by Vincent Galbete, depicts a group of 10 pilgrims in steel on their way to Compostela. the inscription "Donde se cruza el camino del viento con el de las estrellas" translates to "Where the path of wind crosses with the stars"<div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cw0VlM02ygE/YXW-TpnbS-I/AAAAAAAACQg/RkHqycxmFMQ3m-syxjlMg5IZGfkSBJqdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0575.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cw0VlM02ygE/YXW-TpnbS-I/AAAAAAAACQg/RkHqycxmFMQ3m-syxjlMg5IZGfkSBJqdgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0575.JPG" title="Genny wheelchair with friends on the Camino de Santiago" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Photo moment with Francois and Andy</i></div><div><br /></div><div>This windy ridge commands spectacular views and is the site of many wind turbines. Its a photo opportunity and everyone lingers here. The descent westwards however was described as steep and rocky so I detoured by road to Uterga, joining the route again and on to Puente la Reina</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G0c3WlaYmWI/YXXENXuUlMI/AAAAAAAACQo/FxWBqDOfkLczJD6mti6XyJ7NdX2hypkiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/30.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G0c3WlaYmWI/YXXENXuUlMI/AAAAAAAACQo/FxWBqDOfkLczJD6mti6XyJ7NdX2hypkiQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/30.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><i>The church opposite the Alberge showed nest remains from storks</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">I loved this little town and reconnected with the people I had traveled with from the start. I stayed in the Albergue Padres Reparadores where the host was willing to keep an eye on my van that was to remain parked opposite for a few nights.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I shared food that night with a team that included a Canadian pastor, A bright young Italian whose mother I spoke to, an elderly American with stock market tips and a Frenchman</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6BqrXjz9TQ/YXXFCAHuEPI/AAAAAAAACQ0/KkRqnnJEE0cNRs4ggMl19qQyihpwaz8bwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/50.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S6BqrXjz9TQ/YXXFCAHuEPI/AAAAAAAACQ0/KkRqnnJEE0cNRs4ggMl19qQyihpwaz8bwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/50.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>There always seems to be an ancient bridge leading to the next destination</i></div></i><br /> * <a href="https://www.funkywheelchair.com/2021/10/camino-de-santiago-4-puente-la-reina-to.html">NEXT</a></div>David Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-76632981026619778312021-10-03T21:06:00.016+01:002022-07-10T22:37:25.278+01:00Camino de Santiago 2 - Roncesvalles to Pamplona (Electric wheelchair style)<p>Roncesvalles to Pamplona is normally tackled over 2 day after the demanding first day crossing the mountains. These 2 stages are gentler as they are mostly downhill leaving the southern foothills of the Pyrenees. For me I was conscious of making it back to France to collect my WV van which was sitting in a campsite in Saint-Jean-Pier-de-Port </p><p>I was getting used to the flow of the Camino. Its a bit like a river in that is has its own momentum. People dip in and out in different stages and at different speeds but the course is always forward. This is when you get to meet your fellow pilgrims. Some start early and walk slow others set a faster pace. For me it's a negotiation of obstacles and forward planning</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MhDYOSohzVI/YXRrja5LKmI/AAAAAAAACPA/RBm0tUSb88sQi-w5YTxUpm8koFokTwptwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0513.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MhDYOSohzVI/YXRrja5LKmI/AAAAAAAACPA/RBm0tUSb88sQi-w5YTxUpm8koFokTwptwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0513.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Steps are difficult for me and my wheels. Smaller ones I can descend with a thump, others I need to be off Genny. Sometimes I need another route altogether</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TrDyU2V8BwQ/YXRrjY7UmLI/AAAAAAAACPI/tt0t2DZLPbYkItiLMNnlP_I11ihPKwoLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0521.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TrDyU2V8BwQ/YXRrjY7UmLI/AAAAAAAACPI/tt0t2DZLPbYkItiLMNnlP_I11ihPKwoLQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0521.JPG" width="480" /></a></div></div><p>It was lovely to be in the calm tranquility of the woodlands as the path meandered forward following the yellow arrows and scallop shell icon of the Camino</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4qnQnmxFNn0/YXRrk7Ye9qI/AAAAAAAACP8/9W0rCr2YN1c4CsyK9vzWkP429dG931DCQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0549.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4qnQnmxFNn0/YXRrk7Ye9qI/AAAAAAAACP8/9W0rCr2YN1c4CsyK9vzWkP429dG931DCQCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/IMG_0549.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Occasionally there are obstacles that need a bit more thought with a wheelchair that weighs 89kg plus luggage. This fallen tree was passed with the assistance of a cyclist. I would have got over it in the end but I was saying yes to help when it was needed </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eSwiNF-YSHs/YXRrkgbppaI/AAAAAAAACQA/Kg_CVIm0xkgougl1IZqAVvsR-8uIMTQ4gCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0548.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eSwiNF-YSHs/YXRrkgbppaI/AAAAAAAACQA/Kg_CVIm0xkgougl1IZqAVvsR-8uIMTQ4gCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/IMG_0548.JPG" title="Genny wheelchair on the Camino de Santiago" width="640" /></a></div><p>Most of the path was quiet and easy on my wheels and a pleasure. Living on the small Island of Jersey I don't get to experience large woodlands. I would mostly travel in the company of others but on occasion on my own </p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JkJCt297VAE/YXRrkTddgkI/AAAAAAAACP0/2Nph-g42-ugtNAC00D45cw8p8lkHaRcpwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0547.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JkJCt297VAE/YXRrkTddgkI/AAAAAAAACP0/2Nph-g42-ugtNAC00D45cw8p8lkHaRcpwCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/IMG_0547.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p></p>Most pilgrims were stopping in Zubiri, I continued as the weather forecast for the next day was rain and I somehow needed to get back to collect my van. I finally stopped having clocked just shy of 50km on Genny and found an Albergue in the outskirts of Pamploma in a place called Villava where I ate the pilgrims menu that always seemed to include chicken and chips <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0AaIE-m0Dc/YX5p3Ll737I/AAAAAAAACVQ/jexLWv9lC2g94sG8S2M85Wrg1U8oWOaqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1121/Screenshot%2B2021-10-31%2B100233.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1121" height="458" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0AaIE-m0Dc/YX5p3Ll737I/AAAAAAAACVQ/jexLWv9lC2g94sG8S2M85Wrg1U8oWOaqQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h458/Screenshot%2B2021-10-31%2B100233.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">True to the forecast the next day it rained. It was a short damp hop into Pamploma through urban streets looking for a way to get back to Saint-Jean-Pier-de-Port. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pamploma is meant to be a fine city with loads to do and see. On a damp Sunday in October it was not so inviting. The historic old town would have been great had it not been so wet. I checked out the train station but found the 14:30 direct bus was my best option however they wouldn't guarantee to carry my wheels until the actual driver gave the ok. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gJz72aCaTHs/YXRrlG-0wxI/AAAAAAAACP8/3rUjm-wYjrwd-pGI1GrF9IB-CLP3SdHwQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0553.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gJz72aCaTHs/YXRrlG-0wxI/AAAAAAAACP8/3rUjm-wYjrwd-pGI1GrF9IB-CLP3SdHwQCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/IMG_0553.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The bus arrived and the driver was delighted to take my wheels in the luggage compartment. It was a 2 hour drive through twisting mountain roads back to France where I spent a night in a damp campsite feeling dejected. I had only been on the Camino for 3 days but I missed it and decided that I would drive to Puente la Reina the next morning leapfrogging to the next stage and track back to align with the cohort I had been journeying with</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*<a href="https://www.funkywheelchair.com/2021/10/camino-de-santiago-3-pamploma-to-puente_5.html">NEXT</a></div>David Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-71471988693703972752021-10-01T10:40:00.027+01:002022-07-10T22:35:53.306+01:00Camino de Santiago 1 - Saint-Jean-Pier-de-Port to Roncesvalles (Electric wheelchair style)<p>Back in October 2019 I made a blog post about a little mountain town in the French Pyrenees called <a href="https://www.funkywheelchair.com/2019/10/saint-jean-pied-de-port.html" target="_blank">Saint-Jean-Pier-de-Port</a> just north of the Spanish border. What I was actually doing was checking out the possibility of starting the Camino de Santiago on my wheels. This has been a goal that has sat with me for many years, since long before I used my wheels</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8W-al7UEw4/XZZr2gwOzlI/AAAAAAAABpA/Ae-jMdRnN68BVX8IXdrOJtMXLrp4_PoQACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0396.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8W-al7UEw4/XZZr2gwOzlI/AAAAAAAABpA/Ae-jMdRnN68BVX8IXdrOJtMXLrp4_PoQACPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/IMG_0396.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Through the Porte d’Espagne, across the bridge to the Rue d’Espagne</i></div></i><p>The Camino is an ancient pilgrim path across the North of the Iberian Peninsula, starting in the lovely little town of Saint-Jean-Pier-de-Port and finishing 790km away in the holy city of Santiago de Compostela </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WnLnUgUL0Ao/XZeOV9NxqoI/AAAAAAAABpg/xodMcbEgW6UwX7mXmaW2W028jskxIOD0wCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/Ways_of_St._James_in_Europe.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1442" data-original-width="2048" height="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WnLnUgUL0Ao/XZeOV9NxqoI/AAAAAAAABpg/xodMcbEgW6UwX7mXmaW2W028jskxIOD0wCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h450/Ways_of_St._James_in_Europe.png" width="640" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The route is the red line at the top of Spain</i></div></i><p>The start of this pilgrimage crosses the picturesque bridge (photo) before ascending 1430m to the pass and down 650m into Roncesvalles 25 km away and across the Spanish border. This route commences with a constant climb which is a big challenge for walkers. For me on my wheels it was relatively easy apart from some sections of the ridge at the very top. My challenge was trusting the capability of Genny and myself to take this committing leap</p><p>Attempting this crossing is no mean feat for a 2 wheeled battery powered wheelchair carrying everything you need for your journey. In October 2019 with a standard set of Segway batteries I didn't have the confidence to start this adventure. The Guardians at the pilgrim information office told me there was no possible way I should attempt this even by the easier tarmacked road alternative. People had died on this route and I doubt it has ever been attempted solo on an electric 2 wheeled wheelchair. I carried this doubt</p><p><i>Note: Since writing this I have discovered that Roberto Moretti has t</i><i>raveled 350 km of the Camino de Santiago aboard his Genny Mobility wheelchair as detailed <a href="https://www.travelfashiontips.com/il-cammino-di-santiago-in-sedia-a-rotelle-quando-la-disabilita-non-e-un-limite/" target="_blank">HERE</a> and <a href="https://www.gennymobility.com/int/genny-people/roberto-moretti.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> - how cool is that?</i></p><p>I need to say that although I use an electric wheelchair I am still able to walk to some extent and that I can get off and push when required. I am not trying to compare this to anyone else's journey, nor am I trying to promote my undertaking or the wheels I use. My posts have always been about what I am able to do with my wheels that I just wouldn't attempt without them</p><p>I left my VW van in a small campsite in Saint-Jean-Pier-de-Port having paid for 2 additional nights. I set off carrying everything I needed for myself and my wheels including some refreshments, sleeping bag, towel, tools, Genny charge cable, passport etc. and what felt like a lot of courage but could have been bravado. I guess this is the spirit of a pilgrimage. With any goal, making the decision is actually a big part of the process and having that made, you're already on the way</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S2F5Zkc2sB0/YXHOSmJqNhI/AAAAAAAACNw/gYdVGCOJkXI86rMIhejo_QxZ_E6RTIH2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S2F5Zkc2sB0/YXHOSmJqNhI/AAAAAAAACNw/gYdVGCOJkXI86rMIhejo_QxZ_E6RTIH2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Rising views of the French side</i></div><p>Setting off was a great relief and the initial 16 km constant climb was ok for me and I passed a stream of other pilgrims on the route. The views increased in aspect as I climbed. I deviated from the usual walked route in one section where I chose a longer hairpin on tarmac rather than a steeper but rougher off-road section. This was a strategy I would use in several places over the next seven days of my journey</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fco5bF4YBak/YXHO-7nEbyI/AAAAAAAACN8/4XmQpxeuWT4ylKa5eQut9umttALWquwjQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fco5bF4YBak/YXHO-7nEbyI/AAAAAAAACN8/4XmQpxeuWT4ylKa5eQut9umttALWquwjQCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Approaching the pass into Spain the road turns to tracks and eventually a single rough footpath which was more challenging on 2 wheels. The hardest part was at the very top of this French side where the steepness and terrain was too hard to ride mounted and even too difficult to guide Genny in rider less mode<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-MCfvMV0sY/YXHRPaNQHvI/AAAAAAAACOA/57v3mH7wndUeGG0eUo8PKy6lvMMgVOwpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-MCfvMV0sY/YXHRPaNQHvI/AAAAAAAACOA/57v3mH7wndUeGG0eUo8PKy6lvMMgVOwpwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/3.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Rough terrain approaching the top of the French side </i></div><p>It is possible after dismounting to put Genny into the Segway rider less balance mode which is designed to be used as a bit of assistance going up ramps etc.. It kind of self drives and you can direct it with a push. I will learn to perfect this technique over the next period but even clearing the worst of the rocks from the path by hand was not enough for me to pass on my own. I was overtaken by many walkers I had previously passed who all offered help. I eventually said yes to a lively pair of Spanish pilgrims who weren't hearing no and picked Genny up, setting it down at the top </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RME3ZU73Fsk/YXHT0Et6MdI/AAAAAAAACOI/3DD8CSzx3OANHCJ6KUT8eUez-RvJFbuXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wheelchair camino - Genny summiting with Spain ahead. Camino de Santiage" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RME3ZU73Fsk/YXHT0Et6MdI/AAAAAAAACOI/3DD8CSzx3OANHCJ6KUT8eUez-RvJFbuXgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/4.JPG" title="Genny summiting with Spain ahead. Camino de Santiage" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Genny fully loaded with rucksack and sleeping bag and Spain ahead</i></div><p>This spirit of kindness was ever present on the Camino and a joy to encounter. Although I was able to manage in most instances there were a number of places I just couldn't negotiate without help. I am fiercely independent however the acceptance of help was humbling and a gift</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CtVGEtWT-fE/YXHWtxCvWOI/AAAAAAAACOQ/_hZItk9bU0gME5Y9ji7Q53OUXrK3WYWKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CtVGEtWT-fE/YXHWtxCvWOI/AAAAAAAACOQ/_hZItk9bU0gME5Y9ji7Q53OUXrK3WYWKgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/5.JPG" title="Genny wheelchair on the Camino de Santiago" width="640" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This wasn't the best way down</i></div></i>Entering Spain the route changes into high mountain woodland and you eventually reach the summit of Lepoeder at 1,430 meters which is the highest point for the day. My batteries were still showing just under half capacity at this point, well beyond the capacity of standard Segway batteries <br /><br />From here there are two ways down, an incredibly steep rough footpath descending 650m over 4km or a long winding track that does it in about 8km. I took the easy track via a difficult path but soon it was a cruise to the bottom<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--y5GIqlRZOQ/YXHb86qSFbI/AAAAAAAACOY/VW1kJHJ8Bp8wg8X3LM36XMx8mPAbPzfAACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--y5GIqlRZOQ/YXHb86qSFbI/AAAAAAAACOY/VW1kJHJ8Bp8wg8X3LM36XMx8mPAbPzfAACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />This long winding track goes on to Roncesvalles at the bottom of the valley where you reach the pilgrim hostel. Unfortunately I dropped my phone and had to retrace my route 2km up hill to the point where thankfully, I found it by the side of the track<br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jOtQnm4IBrU/YXHe47LcT_I/AAAAAAAACOg/roAKK52YpEcLTJyyfsa-STmPGE7Ncz02ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0506.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jOtQnm4IBrU/YXHe47LcT_I/AAAAAAAACOg/roAKK52YpEcLTJyyfsa-STmPGE7Ncz02ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0506.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Albergue Colegiata in Roncesvalles</i></div><p>The beautiful Albergue Colegiata in Roncesvalles is a big and impressive old complex and sleeps 200 people. It was here that I met the fellow pilgrims I had been encountering all day and had the chance to sit, eat, talk and share a glass with</p><p>* <a href="https://www.funkywheelchair.com/2021/10/camino-de-santiago-1-roncesvalles-to.html">NEXT</a></p></div></div>David Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-18101186336264156702021-09-29T21:31:00.005+01:002021-10-31T09:49:22.579+00:00Arles<div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-Jc9GMIkYo/YW3RwTlcpyI/AAAAAAAACM4/qwoibVSRd6wzDLZ1Ah36N9Ptnqo75AQ5wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0414.JPG" width="640" /></div></div><div class="separator">Arles is a beautiful old French city on the banks of the river Rhône in the former province of Provence. Once again in my visits to old French cities, Arles is a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Heritage_Site" target="_blank">UNESCO World Heritage Site</a>. It is also an alternative start for the Camino de Santiago</div><p>I spent a day in Arles mainly searching for my van that I had parked in an obscure car park. Prior to that I was admiring the fantastic Amphitheatre built in 60AD. According to Wikipedia it was built to hole 20,000 spectators and was the site for chariot racing and bloody hand-to-hand battles. I understand it currently hosts bull fights and concerts</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M6WXAvwXD2U/YW3RwdJxdlI/AAAAAAAACM0/fMECXqR2zIY9gj5IYR_lgxj-qoo6GYu1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0419.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M6WXAvwXD2U/YW3RwdJxdlI/AAAAAAAACM0/fMECXqR2zIY9gj5IYR_lgxj-qoo6GYu1gCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0419.JPG" width="480" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-csBJIG4rN2M/YW3RwYipBFI/AAAAAAAACNI/YWBrzCIlx6ojYncvhlupr0gLneVbLzqAQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0417.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-csBJIG4rN2M/YW3RwYipBFI/AAAAAAAACNI/YWBrzCIlx6ojYncvhlupr0gLneVbLzqAQCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/IMG_0417.JPG" title="Genny wheelchair in Arles" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cw6M0CMqmx4/YW3T_jrRQkI/AAAAAAAACNQ/eWj-sUsv6dsj9zrnM84BGh1fAfDGnYZmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Old.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Arles in 1944 - photo by J. George" border="0" data-original-height="1209" data-original-width="2048" height="378" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cw6M0CMqmx4/YW3T_jrRQkI/AAAAAAAACNQ/eWj-sUsv6dsj9zrnM84BGh1fAfDGnYZmQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h378/Old.png" title="Arles in 1944 - photo by J. George" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Arles in 1944 - Image by J. George</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_D0flhB5Ew/YW3UzkBkYtI/AAAAAAAACNY/JIiQZ0r0pwkhkBhwlHz9bbdWXuDNedH2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0431.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_D0flhB5Ew/YW3UzkBkYtI/AAAAAAAACNY/JIiQZ0r0pwkhkBhwlHz9bbdWXuDNedH2ACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0431.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">St Trophime Monastery, start of the Arles route of the Camino de Santiago</div></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>David Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-75093149705950231152021-09-28T20:11:00.076+01:002021-11-03T19:57:41.157+00:00Genny Mobility Factory<div class="separator"><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Genny is based in Sant'Antonino in southern Switzerland just north of the Italian border. I took the opportunity to visit and to meet the team and whilst there, to have my wheels professionally serviced for the first time ever. I have obviously done an amount of upkeep on my wheels but my joy is in riding Genny, not maintaining it.</div></div><div class="separator"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hmoynmG6PH0/YYLmetk6NcI/AAAAAAAACWo/WIgfu2w6y9MW68rmYFPwkQNT4cb4EJhwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/H38A9458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hmoynmG6PH0/YYLmetk6NcI/AAAAAAAACWo/WIgfu2w6y9MW68rmYFPwkQNT4cb4EJhwwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/H38A9458.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Genny Mobility showroom</i></div></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I understand that Genny is currently very busy as the other self-balanced wheelchair producers can no longer get the Segway powerbases. Genny is the one self-balanced wheelchair producer with an agreement with Segway for the production of medical devices for the next period. Genny also has an independent R&D department working on future Genny Mobility products. I'm really interested to see the future outcomes and wish Genny a bright and profitable future</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Based over 2 floors Genny HQ is a clean and modern building. There is a central display area showcasing Genny in production colors, a development facility, the office and a workshop. Downstairs is storage and production </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ukI7OhTKqA/YWxKAyd3IsI/AAAAAAAACMM/YASmuL2LotsysfjDlbOC0g8-q6J6zn0yQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0348.JPG" width="640" /></div><div><br /></div><div>This is my wheels undergoing service and update with a modification to the Segway actuation sensors that detect when a rider is present. I was very aware that my wheels have had significant use, often in wet salty conditions but was delighted to see it so well maintained</div><div><br /></div><div>Whilst there I was introduced to both the electronic and mechanical designers working on future Genny Mobility products and took the opportunity to highlight some of my ideas particularly about being able to isolate power for air transport along with other issues like making Genny compatible with UK legal requirements</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4-mK3jmW2Q/YYLWIqF-ybI/AAAAAAAACWg/rs2cXGYutggS-nta3NjMM0eHpm_UY13TgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/H38A9507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4-mK3jmW2Q/YYLWIqF-ybI/AAAAAAAACWg/rs2cXGYutggS-nta3NjMM0eHpm_UY13TgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/H38A9507.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>One of the first prototypes made 10 years ago. You can see the fundamental design is all there and I love the shape of the bold side handles</div><div><br /></div><div><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-asXms-cfTHc/YWxKBqXkCMI/AAAAAAAACMQ/OIZSdUGw-GoBWhE2rdQ6owjqYDmVSoj1wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0351.JPG" width="640" /></div><div><p>This visit was great - the team is young and keen and there is obviously vision and creativity for the future. </p><p>I was also delighted the headquarters are adjacent to another beautiful lake that proved to be clear, warm water and a great place to stay and to swim</p></div>David Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-41008060910471407142021-09-28T20:07:00.009+01:002021-10-23T11:36:53.067+01:00BriançonAccording to Wikipedia the small town of Briançon is a commune in the Hautes-Alpes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. At an altitude of 1,326 metres (4,350 feet) it is the highest city in France, based on the French definition as a community containing more than 2,000 inhabitants. Briançon is built on a plateau centre on the confluence of the Durance and the Guisane rivers.<p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vfzfED7kbGw/YVNg73f8c6I/AAAAAAAACJI/NRpxIXpF7f8z8O6TrOrsc4Sm3jY6Cw1pACPcBGAYYCw/s640/IMG_0404.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vfzfED7kbGw/YVNg73f8c6I/AAAAAAAACJI/NRpxIXpF7f8z8O6TrOrsc4Sm3jY6Cw1pACPcBGAYYCw/s16000/IMG_0404.JPG" /></a></span></span></div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="background-color: white;">From the surrounding countryside it looks like a citadel perched prominently in the river valley surrounded by mountains. </span></span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3JrwXXZqqE/YVNnypyICdI/AAAAAAAACJc/EaNb9R2gH8gTAHEexyrkkSZA-P0XV9_WgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/iMarkup_20210928_200533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="2048" height="402" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3JrwXXZqqE/YVNnypyICdI/AAAAAAAACJc/EaNb9R2gH8gTAHEexyrkkSZA-P0XV9_WgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h402/iMarkup_20210928_200533.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-abnOu8C0ACM/YVNg6eQenTI/AAAAAAAACJE/kO_gSNLb-OAHIvodtrOLSSnFYSJoqiD7wCPcBGAYYCw/s640/IMG_0392.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-abnOu8C0ACM/YVNg6eQenTI/AAAAAAAACJE/kO_gSNLb-OAHIvodtrOLSSnFYSJoqiD7wCPcBGAYYCw/w480-h640/IMG_0392.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">Inside it is a treasure trove of tiny steep cobbled streets and mysterious doorways that look like they hide thieves and vagabonds although the good people of </span><span style="color: #202122;">Briançon would probably deny that</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aMWiVLzBBp4/YVNg6aIMpLI/AAAAAAAACJE/dEfjC71e19gK5q4uv86_pVymfw8uvGD6QCPcBGAYYCw/s640/IMG_0391.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aMWiVLzBBp4/YVNg6aIMpLI/AAAAAAAACJE/dEfjC71e19gK5q4uv86_pVymfw8uvGD6QCPcBGAYYCw/w480-h640/IMG_0391.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><br /></span><p></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmiJHzKUnYk/YVNg7FkmXnI/AAAAAAAACJA/UZbdgOEyqRIBwsIP_MoKGONpqmrCaklsgCPcBGAYYCw/s640/IMG_0397.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmiJHzKUnYk/YVNg7FkmXnI/AAAAAAAACJA/UZbdgOEyqRIBwsIP_MoKGONpqmrCaklsgCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/IMG_0397.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BVAnvb0MXlI/YVNkyir5FgI/AAAAAAAACJM/nN5bFk5ZeXon30NVIDnpxhKEv2DMbnwswCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_0400.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BVAnvb0MXlI/YVNkyir5FgI/AAAAAAAACJM/nN5bFk5ZeXon30NVIDnpxhKEv2DMbnwswCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_0400.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><br /></span></div>David Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-29872336906387802492021-09-25T16:48:00.007+01:002021-10-31T09:50:07.793+00:00Zürich<p>I h<span style="font-family: inherit;">ave been across the border into Switzerland on previous occasions but never stayed. After collecting my new batteries and on route to my next destination, I took the </span>opportunity<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to </span>visit<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Zürich and some of the beautiful lakes on my journey south</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gD-9T3YByuI/YWxCDDQjz_I/AAAAAAAACLY/JcMqQgOfSdw0j9hNvS-3aM7N1FkRF9BFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/3970339C-54D0-4438-86C5-D00338735A47.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gD-9T3YByuI/YWxCDDQjz_I/AAAAAAAACLY/JcMqQgOfSdw0j9hNvS-3aM7N1FkRF9BFwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/3970339C-54D0-4438-86C5-D00338735A47.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0aZAFlAFbdQ/YWxCDz7JmqI/AAAAAAAACLg/qgWiDJTG_9cBC6Doa0vodpAtmizxDvebQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0305.JPG" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0aZAFlAFbdQ/YWxCDz7JmqI/AAAAAAAACLg/qgWiDJTG_9cBC6Doa0vodpAtmizxDvebQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0305.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0RDZ-17NOy4/YWxCDOpGl-I/AAAAAAAACLU/tHlBAd-tVH8fgXljuIJEnbRe7Z4PNMFdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0298.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0RDZ-17NOy4/YWxCDOpGl-I/AAAAAAAACLU/tHlBAd-tVH8fgXljuIJEnbRe7Z4PNMFdQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0298.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WLoFgD_Aq4U/YWxCDBey-yI/AAAAAAAACLc/vrY_KE7bNoUsg34vo2Ed3rfqjvQ2UDGQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0299.JPG" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WLoFgD_Aq4U/YWxCDBey-yI/AAAAAAAACLc/vrY_KE7bNoUsg34vo2Ed3rfqjvQ2UDGQwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0299.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All these images are of Zürich taken on a Saturday afternoon in late September. It is situated at the northwestern tip of lake Zürich and is a stunning and beautiful city full of culture, architecture, museums and galleries. It was exceptionally easy to negotiate on my wheels. Would love to return</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x4PSwX_431E/YWxCEKlhyEI/AAAAAAAACLk/sJ-E9FtHrvM-q37zpWrmzsUqEqejlPcxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0313.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x4PSwX_431E/YWxCEKlhyEI/AAAAAAAACLk/sJ-E9FtHrvM-q37zpWrmzsUqEqejlPcxQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0313.JPG" title="Genny wheelchair in Zurich" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A prototype Segway possibly?</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Along with beautiful scenery Switzerland has many lakes which are clean, warm and great to swim in backed by high mountains everywhere you look</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AwAmLAM1hrM/YWxCEIPTEtI/AAAAAAAACLo/viC0j6lXEUYMyOItv4bhednGPWEl9k1IgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0327.JPG" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AwAmLAM1hrM/YWxCEIPTEtI/AAAAAAAACLo/viC0j6lXEUYMyOItv4bhednGPWEl9k1IgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0327.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCbyrp4LZvY/YWxCEbgQoBI/AAAAAAAACLs/5jo9CFf_o48nhN2u4AttLTg4wOg0Sk0WACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0340.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCbyrp4LZvY/YWxCEbgQoBI/AAAAAAAACLs/5jo9CFf_o48nhN2u4AttLTg4wOg0Sk0WACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0340.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>David Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-60208449227348749352021-09-24T21:40:00.002+01:002021-10-24T04:45:41.924+01:00New batteries<p>Approaching 8,000 miles on my wheels I am conscious my batteries are nearing the end of their life. Genny's power unit is a Segway, complete with a pair of 72v 5.2Ah Lithium-ion batteries. Getting new batteries is complicated as they are consider dangerous goods. The movement of lithium batteries is subject to regulation by the International Air Transport Association. Segway going bust has added further complications to replacing my tired old batteries </p><p>After loads of research I have purchased a pair of ultra high capacity (UHC) batteries from a clever man who makes them in northern Switzerland. These are new batteries made with the same technology but a more modern build with higher capacity cells. To get these batteries I needed to drive across Europe and collect them in person</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img alt="Map showing my route from St Malo to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the SW French Pyrenees via Switzerland and Italy" border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1133" height="482" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIblL-Yf0ag/YWH_H-XPbVI/AAAAAAAACKY/4ql77kmOEtACPUPt4KY720mOqMdo2Dv_gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h482/Europe.png" title="Route around Europe" width="640" /></div><p>As I'm up for a road trip and COVID is starting to settle, and having been doubly vaccinated the world is opening again for me. Packing my VW van with mattress, cooker and of course my wheels, I set off for a grand tour and to collect my new batteries</p><p>These batteries are built into refurbished cases and there is a trade-in on the old batteries. They are made with a bespoke battery monitoring system that works in a slightly different way but still relies on the standard Segway charging interface. The usual charge indication shown on the Segway infokey reports it's level based on the use of the battery and measured by a built in shunt. The following image shows Genny having used 1/4 of its capacity </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tEykUCnHaF0/WUGtcId0GXI/AAAAAAAAArU/xbt72h8aXOoc1uV9z8F4i9-3nbY08FCqQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0855.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tEykUCnHaF0/WUGtcId0GXI/AAAAAAAAArU/xbt72h8aXOoc1uV9z8F4i9-3nbY08FCqQCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/IMG_0855.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Old picture showing 1/4 battery used and 1000 miles on the clock</i></div></i><p>The new batteries don't have that same shunt monitoring system and are more variable in how they report their level of charge however they have considerably more capacity. This is of course dependent on many variables like terrain and weight of load. I understand these batteries have powered a Segway i2 for over 92km which is easily more than twice the usual capacity of the standard battery. What I can say is that in my experience, I have been able ride for much greater distance than my old batteries would have taken me. There will be more on this in subsequent posts where I try these batteries on the Comino de Santiago</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zOhJ6Y8rKZk/YW28z-SVmPI/AAAAAAAACMs/tlPuoP5uZdUircahwSS1zMzOb1RNijNhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Battery%2Bgraph.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Graph showing battery capacity" border="0" data-original-height="1354" data-original-width="2048" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zOhJ6Y8rKZk/YW28z-SVmPI/AAAAAAAACMs/tlPuoP5uZdUircahwSS1zMzOb1RNijNhwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h424/Battery%2Bgraph.png" title="Battery capacity" width="640" /></a></div><p>This graph compares the normal 5.2Ah (yellow), a newer releassed 5.6Ah battery (orange) and the new Swiss UHC batteries (blue) and indicates an increase in capacity of well over 200%</p><p>Delighted as I am with my new batteries I will probably revert back to my old ones till they finally die on me</p>David Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-76545659394246414462021-06-07T19:48:00.009+01:002021-10-31T09:50:50.509+00:007000 on the clock<p>Today I made 7000 on the clock with my Genny. It's actually probably more like 8000 as I had a long time with another Segway base unit installed but using the same batteries whilst my gearboxes were being restored.</p><p>I'm definitely getting less miles per battery charge but that is to be expected. Its not a lot less but I have a target that I would always meet on a familiar route where the first bar on the battery indicator would go. Nowadays that indicator bar falls about 400m short</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdZ_g_lgagk/YL6IjaRQ6xI/AAAAAAAACFI/bpicWCjcyhcpFmvEFuZNGW7zg-auM1M2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1632/Untitled.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1632" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdZ_g_lgagk/YL6IjaRQ6xI/AAAAAAAACFI/bpicWCjcyhcpFmvEFuZNGW7zg-auM1M2wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/Untitled.jpg" title="Genny Mobility wheelchair" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Genny at 7000 miles</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Having purchased a backup Segway I have a spare set of batteries, however they are older and less capable of holding a charge despite having minimal mileage. My plan is to get a new set of non- standard custom batteries when Europe is open for business again after Covid.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvJthFvjxfU/YL6EofjmO4I/AAAAAAAACFA/NRE67HeMDpIFZnfvXyyjHky26JinPYn4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/7000.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YvJthFvjxfU/YL6EofjmO4I/AAAAAAAACFA/NRE67HeMDpIFZnfvXyyjHky26JinPYn4wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/7000.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>David Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-51553151559486040262020-09-03T18:39:00.017+01:002021-10-31T09:51:58.115+00:00Flying with your Genny<div>Genny is a great travel companion. It will get you places you may not have the energy to access without it and with such a great range on a battery charge it can replace a hire car to some extent. And what style, it will raise eyebrows and get you into many interesting situations and discussions </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-klt_TDzQ5VI/WJYRBAw_ZQI/AAAAAAAAAlM/ARamxjuzo9wcLMcUY2iQkjpC-hDbfS59gCPcBGAYYCw/s1070/IMG_0662%2Bcut.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1070" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-klt_TDzQ5VI/WJYRBAw_ZQI/AAAAAAAAAlM/ARamxjuzo9wcLMcUY2iQkjpC-hDbfS59gCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h480/IMG_0662%2Bcut.jpg" title="Genny Mobility wheelchair arriving from a flight" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We know however that going anywhere with a wheelchair may have additional considerations
and getting your wheels into the air can be quite an ordeal. With a motorised
chair the issue is more than likely to be about the batteries
<div><br /></div>
<div>
Genny comes with 3 batteries. The first is a small 12 volt old school lead-gel
battery like you would get in a small motorcycle. The other batteries drive
the Segway and are a pair of 5.2 Ah, 73,6 volt Lithium-Ion batteries
made with 92 cells each. Lithium batteries have proved unstable under certain
conditions and there have been fires on planes because of them.
As far as I am aware Segway batteries have proven safe
<div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
The movement of lithium by airplane is governed by the International Air
Transport Association (IATA) regulations. If your wheelchair is powered by
lithium batteries the details are covered in their "<a href="https://www.iata.org/contentassets/6fea26dd84d24b26a7a1fd5788561d6e/mobility-aid-guidance-document.pdf" target="_blank">Battery Powered Wheelchair and Mobility Aid Guidance Document (updated 2021)</a>" This document is definitely your friend. Print it out and always
carry it with you when flying. I also keep a link on my phone just in
case. Many times I have needed to resort to this document in discussions
with ground operations representatives at the departure gate. I have also
spoken to several pilots who have always supported my transportation when
referencing the IATA regulations
</div>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
The issue is that everybody and his mate has an understanding of what the
regulations state. From the staff at check-in, the disability advisors on
the phone, to the captain, all have their own interpretation and most
of it is negative. The word Lithium is a red flag in aviation so have the IATA guidelines printed out and at hand
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
Once you get past the lithium issue there is another specific design floor
with Genny that will also cause havoc. I have several "Acceptance for Travel
Guidance" documents that are available on my <a href="http://www.funkywheelchair.com/p/resources_14.html" target="_blank">RESOURCES</a> page that give Genny flying instructions. The problem bit is with the small
control panel that puts your legs down. After activation the lights on
this unit stay on for up to 8 minutes. This is 8 minutes with the ground
operations team twiddling their thumbs and waiting till the lights go off. It is also 8 minutes with
you in your aircraft seat watching out the window as they all have a play
trying to make the lights go out. Every time someone touches these switches, the 8 minute counter is reset and starts again</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YkhIMoPl-Is/X1EVs8W8X_I/AAAAAAAAB8E/c2PyICoFoZ8EnKKIAU8BJXcj8xaxX3rxQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0570.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="469" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YkhIMoPl-Is/X1EVs8W8X_I/AAAAAAAAB8E/c2PyICoFoZ8EnKKIAU8BJXcj8xaxX3rxQCPcBGAYYCw/w625-h469/IMG_0570.JPG" width="625" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Legs down switch control panel<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
I have 2 solutions for this issue. The first is a small plastic food
container that has been adapted to fit the control panel. The switches are
then protected and beyond reach of impatient baggage handlers
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wB8BJpN8iRw/WJYh2C8wWUI/AAAAAAAAAls/b-eqa8aaMEghOeCMSlWre4TqwhdzumEoQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0663.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="469" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wB8BJpN8iRw/WJYh2C8wWUI/AAAAAAAAAls/b-eqa8aaMEghOeCMSlWre4TqwhdzumEoQCPcBGAYYCw/w625-h469/IMG_0663.JPG" width="625" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Switch protection using a modified food container<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">The second and much better option, is to fit an additional switch into
the 12 volt battery lead that completely isolates the Genny power source.
This is a fantastic modification that instantly puts Genny to sleep to the
delight of the ground operations crew. This is obviously not an official
Genny modification but will greatly assist in airport situations. I have
this hidden under the seat and directly above the battery as shown below.
Anyone with a simple understanding of electricity would be able to install
something like this and it sure beats trying to convince people to wait
the 8 mins till the lights go out by themselves. It also helps with
children who just can't resist pushing buttons. If you want more details of this solution please leave me a message in the comments space below </div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1iPgX-nEyOo/XVgd_AhEfqI/AAAAAAAABY4/IVuxHfMH0loJZbmZR-qQN72c8AixR8DSACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_0073.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="625" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1iPgX-nEyOo/XVgd_AhEfqI/AAAAAAAABY4/IVuxHfMH0loJZbmZR-qQN72c8AixR8DSACPcBGAYYCw/w469-h625/IMG_0073.JPG" width="469" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Battery isolation switch (home made)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Another very useful addition is some small wooden inserts I have
fabricated. These fit into the side handles that you lower if using a
sliding board or to put the legs down in emergencies. These are visible in
the following photo and are held in place by 3 cable-ties. I use these
just in case a loader accidentally operates these handles. With the legs
down Genny is very difficult to move and every time it is lifted, the legs
come out more, making it even harder to move. If you want the pattern for
these please leave me a message in the comments space below. This would be a good item to get 3D printed </div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qw2HOJRynhI/X1Ej2ZXb1dI/AAAAAAAAB8c/jZ5k_-BwuIUoEvWBv1EUq5Tqhd1KbtfYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1632/Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1632" height="469" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qw2HOJRynhI/X1Ej2ZXb1dI/AAAAAAAAB8c/jZ5k_-BwuIUoEvWBv1EUq5Tqhd1KbtfYgCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h469/Crop.jpg" width="625" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inserts that stop the handle operating accidentally</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9NRn6LcnhCI/WD2J697Ov9I/AAAAAAAAAYI/7UF0fxestlkewmC8HBkdYdbXqWKZropHQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/IMG_0385-710803.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="469" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9NRn6LcnhCI/WD2J697Ov9I/AAAAAAAAAYI/7UF0fxestlkewmC8HBkdYdbXqWKZropHQCPcBGAYYCw/w625-h469/IMG_0385-710803.JPG" title="Genny Mobility wheelchair up the loading ramp" width="625" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bon Voyage<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
David Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-6663950610780370532020-08-24T18:38:00.005+01:002021-10-23T11:39:09.873+01:00Wanted / For Sale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.funkywheelchair.com/p/wanted-for-sale.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="751" height="188" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQSfT9qzRUM/X0P1NA4RTAI/AAAAAAAAB64/4nXCRBmsdgwi5OGe9FWci9XT50iUcUemgCPcBGAYYCw/w328-h188/For-Sale.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><p>Are you wanting to sell or buy a second hand Genny Mobility wheelchair? Check out my new page: <a href="http://www.funkywheelchair.com/p/wanted-for-sale.html">HERE</a></p>David Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-33125276581508541542020-06-26T18:20:00.002+01:002020-12-22T11:31:12.947+00:00Segway FoldsSo finally Segway is ending production on 15th July 2020<br />
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What a sad end to this unique concept vehicle. First on the market in 2001 this vehicle has had such a mixed reception over the years for what is an amazing product. Apparently the total amount of sales since 2001 are a mere 140,000 units<br />
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How can such a cool device not be successful? Apparently Steve Jobs was quoted as saying it was "as big a deal as the PC" when it was introduced. In 2006 Segway discontinued all the earlier models and introduced the i2 and X2 models that used the leanstear as opposed to to a turning handlebar for steering. They upped the top speed to 12.5 mph and introduced regenerative braking<br />
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In 2015 the company was bought by Ninebot, a Chinese robotics company who were already producing a variety of personal transport systems including electric scooters. In 2014 they released a third generation of the Segway the i2 SE and X2 SE. These were principally the same as the i2 but with minor changes like lighting and a redesign of the frame and leansteer system<br />
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Apparently Segway sales only contributed 1.5% of the company profits and the high production cost, low sales and some bad publicity over the years are responsible for putting the iconic Segway to rest<br />
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Will this be the death of the various Segway powered wheelchairs like the <a href="https://omeotechnology.com/" target="_blank">Omeo</a>, the <a href="http://addmovement.com/" target="_blank">add Seat</a>, the <a href="http://suigenerisseat.com/" target="_blank">Sui Gereris</a> or the <a href="http://www.handytech-italia.com/en" target="_blank">Going</a>? I so hope not<br />
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Ninebot produce another 2 wheeled, self-balancing powerbase that is used as the core of other wheelchair systems, notable the Nino. This looks like a great chair and is well priced but doesn't have the charisma or style of the Genny<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Nino</td></tr>
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<br /><br />Built on the Ninebot power base, will this become the standard for the 2 wheeled wheelchairs of the future? - we can't even ask Steve Jobs any moreDavid Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229488734465034256.post-53893610337332240772020-05-17T18:35:00.004+01:002021-10-31T09:52:24.049+00:00GearboxesTraveling across the beach on wet and salty sand inevitable leads to corrosion of metal parts. The most vulnerable bits on a Segway are the gearbox drive shafts. The shafts emerge from the aluminium gearbox case through rubber seals. Corrosion on the shafts make for leaking seals so with a replacement core Segway fitted to my Genny (<a href="http://www.funkywheelchair.com/2020/05/parts.html" target="_blank">see previous post</a>) I have sent my old leaking gearboxes off for repair<br />
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I have found a company who specialise in all things Segway. The company is called <a href="https://www.ptpro.de/" target="_blank">PT Pro</a> and they are based in Amburg Germany. They have been great at supplying various parts over the last year and I am starting to build a relationship with one of the engineers. Isn't it amazing that many Europeans speak fantastic English - puts us all to shame<br />
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PT Pro have a great website where they have many resources and are able to offer services that aren't available in the UK. Things cost a lot and postage from Germany seems to be expensive but they are quick to process your orders and parts arrive when they are due. There are many simple repairs and modifications that can be made by someone with very limited knowledge and simple tools. I have highlighted some modifications in my <a href="http://www.funkywheelchair.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">Genny Mods</a> page<br />
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A small and easy modification I wish I had made 5000 miles back was to change the type of oil and add magnetic drain plugs to the gearboxes. These easy to change items have a small magnet that collects the tiny metal particles that get suspended in the Segway gearbox oil bath. These items are available through PT Pro and are likely to extend the life of your gearbox. The parts required are: <a href="https://www.ptpro.de/oelablassschraube-magnetisch-fuer-segway-pt-getriebe" target="_blank">magnetic drain plug</a> and <a href="https://www.ptpro.de/oelgemisch-mit-additive-fuer-getriebe-segway-pt" target="_blank">gearbox oil</a>. You will need one magnetic drain plug and 70 - 80ml of oil for each gearbox of which there are two on your Genny<br />
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PT Pro have have great information about the care and repair of Segways particularly in relation to <a href="https://www.ptpro.de/Getriebe-Gearbox-Segway-PT" target="_blank">GEARBOXES</a> and <a href="https://www.ptpro.de/Akku-Reparatur-Segway-PT" target="_blank">BATTERIES</a>, They can also sell new wheels and tyres as well as being able to repair those delicate buttons on you <a href="https://www.ptpro.de/Infokey-Zubehoer" target="_blank">Infokey</a><br />
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Here is a picture of the corrosion on my Segway driveshaft after being sandblasted to remove the rust. The pitting will stop any effective seal leading to a loss of oil which is not a good outcome for a metal gearbox.<br />
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<br />David Tippinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636518140004877214noreply@blogger.com0