So it’s been a few days since my last update. Since this time I have travelled from Bari to Stornara - Approx another 120km, with my overall total just less than 300km.... (so a long way to go still)

It’s hard to reflect on what I am doing while undertaking this journey. Often pain, exhaustion, loneliness and the emotions of it all can get in the way of taking in what’s around me and the reasons I am doing it.

I’ve been trying hard to take my time on the road to look around to ensure I take it all in. I’ve chosen to take some more scenic detours at times, to try to get that slight moment of enjoyment.

“Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional”.

Emotionally I’m pretty strong at the moment. The last week has been easier than the first few days and I feel like I am in a bit of a rhythm and routine.

I’m starting to understand the culture more and how things run over here, mainly siesta on the south, where everything Is closed from about 2-5pm. It’s also been more alive in towns as I’ve ventured further north.

It’s hard doing something like this alone, with no one to share the enjoyment, pain and the emotional roller coaster with. Especially when the times I’m not walking, is the middle of the night back home so I don’t really have anyone to talk with at all after a challenging day..

Despite feeling alone at times, I also feel such enormous support from everyone, that it makes me feel like I’ve got so many people helping me take each step, and I know through every challenge I will have support along the way!

Also as each message or donation comes through it reminds me that all this pain is worthwhile

Physically my body is holding up better than I probably gave it credit for.. I’m in a fair bit of pain when I finish the day, and even starting the next morning. My feet certainly feel like concrete towards the end of the day, but I’m thankful I have not got any significant injuries yet. It does amaze me more each day just how amazing the body can be when you put it to the test.

Its been relatively drama free for the past few days too.

I’ve had to deal with a lot of rain, and then even more rain, sunshine, then more rain again. Just an added element to deal with.

I’ve been pretty careful not to make eye contact with a few stray dogs(and people) I have walked past, being chased by a few angry dogs down the road in the middle of no where is certainly a pretty scary moment.

The terrain is starting to get slightly more hilly, but with this has come some amazing views so I’m certainly not complaining yet.

One challenge has been my blood sugars. I’ve had not much consistency which has been hard to know how much insulin to have. Today I woke up with crazy high blood sugars, meaning increased fatigue and dehydration before I had even set off for the day. These blood sugars then remained high for most of the day, before deciding to crash low, resulting in regular stops needed to eat, treat, and recover..

Overall, I’m tired, sore, lonely, and excited on seeing how I progress over the coming days, weeks and months!

I thank everyone for their support so far as it honestly is helping me push further each day!

Let’s do it all again tomorrow.... ciao x