Page 31 - RidingOn Winter2022

one out into the big world once more. He is a little guy that getting a free ride.
gets into your heart.
With the promise of gum leaves, MMB was enthusiastic
A few changes to MMB attire were made for this journey. about the Camino. Yes, Australian eucalypts are found in
The TT hi-vis vest was ditched and now stored with his other Spain. Day one had the trio passing through Orrison. MMB
memorabilia with yours truly. He now dons an Australian flag was enjoying the sights after a misty start. Happy to hang
bandanna and Maryanne knitted him some winter woollies out from Maryanne’s pack, wearing the Bombers hat as the
for the journey. sunshine was a pleasant change, pleased to not have to walk
the steep climb through the Pyrenees region.
The first stop on their tripwas Paris, after such a long trip,
in which he may or may not have consumed a little bit too Later during their journey, as the weather turned against
much vino, he snoozed a lot in Maryanne’s backpack but them again, the trio had to hike through rain and mist.
ventured out at Notre Dame only to be frightened by the This makes it slippery on the already steep, rocky, and now
soldiers with guns. Maybe he was worried about being in muddy tracks. MMB was forced to take cover in the backpack
trouble for sliding down the rails outside the Basilique de for a few days.
Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre.
MMB is experiencing life on the road staying in auberges,
Before undertaking “The Camino” Hank wanted to visit his monasteries, and motels. Many nights were spent communal
heritage trail, so MMB and company moved on to Belgium dining with people from all walks of life from around the
world. What most impressed MMB was the siesta
lifestyle in Spain with the shops closing between 1
“Before undertaking “The Camino” pm and 3 pm. Despite being a globe-travelling little
adventurer, he is still a Koala appreciating the odd nanna
Hank wanted to visit his heritage nap time.
trail, so MMB and company moved Sadly, after approx. 14 days on the pilgrimage the trio
had to go home due to an injury that was going to take
on to Belgium where he made too long to heal with plans to return soon. Where credit
is due, they achieved approximately 90 days of constant
friends with the City Cow.” travel, including 14 days of serious full-time hiking. All
this with the aim of raising awareness and money for the
‘Shake It Up Foundation’ Australia. Please feel free to
where he made friends with the City Cow. Travelling, often donate via http://shakeitup.org.au/make-a-donation and be
by train, through Holland, Rotterdam, Belgium, Delft, and sure to mention Maryanne Tigges to put it on her tally.
Volendam to mention a few. As the weather turned into rain
and snow, MMB was feeling the cold and forced to snuggle PS I’d love to hear of any MMB previous adventures via
into a Melbourne Football Club scarf and hat. I’m not sure he mmbstories@gmail.com
was impressed with the choice of the team but hey, he was Holly Fields #54062

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