Note of caution...if you are looking to read something deep and meaningful...like other posts ☺️ it may be best to simply move on to other more important things...
Canadian Masters Track Championships
I ventured out this past weekend to see Greg run in a couple of events...was fun...confirmed that on the Coast to Coast walk this Fall in England if confronted with a dangerous animal situation I will have to rely on something other than my blazing speed otherwise I am toast and Greg will be the one to notify next of kin. He is waaayyyyy faster than me...
800M - Was a fun race to watch...Greg was up against the current Canadian record holder in the M60 - 64 category. Greg M61...the other guy M62. Their personal best times are only 1.2 seconds apart. Greg got off to a jackrabbit start and was leading the way for 80% or so of the race...at one point had a pretty significant lead. However his competitor was a wily character and watching the last 3/4 lap (of 4 laps) as the gap was closing...was trying to send good vibes to Greg to kick it up a notch but alas M62 passed by Greg and finished about 3 seconds ahead. No Canadian records here...Greg is #2 in the M60 -64 category in Canada.
400M - M62 for some reason pulled out of the race (not sure if injured or simply afraid of Greg...hope the latter). Greg simply outran the other fellow in the M60 - 64 category and finished in a personal best time of 1:01.17 so Greg is #1 in the M60 - 64 category in Canada.
4X800M relay - I did not see this race however Greg competed in the M55+ category with 3 other guys and they simply obliterated the existing Canadian M55+ Indoor record with a 9:50.22 time previous record was 12:22.78! Even better they bettered the Canadian M55+ Outdoor record which stands at 9:54.27. Not too shabby a result!
Now here is the tough part of what I have to report on...essentially outlining the “teamwork” challenges that Greg and I face heading into the Fall Coast to Coast walk. I will have to dig deep not overthink and react to the terrible treatment received from my “friend” ๐ค. Here is an exchange that took place between Greg and I over a couple of days. Note that throughout I maintained the highest decorum...displayed a willingness to assist...essentially the team player that I strive to be...but you be the judge.
"Greg - First Insult
I may also try to put in a 4x400 team as there are a couple of reachable records in the M55+ category. Unfortunately there are only a couple of relatively fast M60+ runners, so we have to move down a category.
Me - Expressing my feelings
Also a little hurt ๐ maybe miffed about your “trying to put a 4 x 400 m team” but there are few M60+ quality runners. AHEM from a speedster here M66…not even considered for your team. HMMM ๐ค possible fodder for a future story there…
Greg - Evasive Answer
I would have asked you, but I didn’t think you were a CMA member. You have to be a member for any records to count.
Me - Hopeful and Trying to be Helpful
Just got this email from the Canadian Masters Association…maybe I am a CMA member? I will take a few practice runs this week to see what my 400m time might be…and we can go from there ๐๐คฃ.
Also not up on running gear and all that…wouldn’t want to show up looking like a hillbilly!
Greg - Cutthroat Response
Lol! Just because you signed up for the newsletter doesn’t mean you are a member! You have to pay money to athletics Ontario!!
Anyway you have until Saturday to become a member. We have to name the team Saturday afternoon by around 2:00. So you have until then to prove your worthiness. (Autocorrect wanted to say worthless…lol!!!)
Greg - Final Insult
Since you backed out, we do not have enough for a 4x400 team. But we should be fine for the 4x800 tomorrow (no you do not need to step up for that).”
Now tell me WHEN did I back out? ๐
Island Walk - Mid May 2023
Really minor preparation stuff here...of all my long walks this one seems like the planning process is the least involved. What can possibly go wrong in Canada? ☺️
Laminated Accommodations & Transportation - ๐
Sheet 1 of 6…sheets will be discarded one by one as I walk
Footwear - ๐
Have been fussing about whether to go with HOKA Bondi V8 vs HOKA Speedgoat V5. The Bondi’s have been my goto walking shoe for 3 years or so walking in the city...everywhere. The Speedgoat’s were great in the Camino Primitivo and Camino San Salvador walks where the Vibram soles really helped with typical trial conditions...rocky...at times scree like, wet, roots (wet roots absolute worst).
The Island path is basically flat...with good amount of road walking...was definitely leaning towards the Bondi’s...similar to walking in the city. I consulted with the creator of the Island Walk who suggested Goretex shoes as walking on the side of the road...early morning...grass can be wet.
Well like many I have tried Goretex shoes and am no longer interested...feet get hot in them...don’t think the rain protection is worth it. Shoes will get wet...do the best you can with non goretex shoes and dry them out overnight.
As so often happens the answer came at exactly the right time...local store’s Family Day 20% off sale was ending Feb 26th and they had the HOKA Bondi V8 in my size in a new snazzy colour. Done!
Another potential shoe which has caught my eye...๐คฃ...and one that I would consider wearing walking with my Brazilian friend Paulo...just to look better than him...it is a track shoe though ☺️
Socks - ๐
This one was a little tougher to solve as I ventured on the Camino Primitivo and Camino San Salvador with high quality Smartwool brand socks...so only 445 kms on 3 pairs of socks. Sooo...I thought why not see what Camino Forum members have to say about when they choose to replace socks. Note I had no idea what to expect with the post ๐คฃ๐ so I tried to head off the obvious replies...
My Camino Forum Post
When to replace socks ๐ณ
Ok I know very well that many plausible responses such as…when there are gaping holes…when people leave the room due to the smell…when the socks stand up on their own in a corner…when the dog refuses to touch them etc etc are possible AND all deserved for asking ๐
But this is a serious question! For shoes ie light trail shoes such as HOKA’s I can feel it when they start to go and the 1,000 km maximum has served me well.
Socks…well I screwed up badly on my 2018 Portuguese Camino when I started with the same 3 pairs of quality socks that had seen 2,600 kms total and that did not work out well ๐ฅฒ at all!
In Oct 2022 walked ~ 440 kms on the Camino Primitivo and Camino San Salvador using 3 new pairs of SmartWool PHD Outdoor brand socks. Recommended by none other than @davebugg …they were top notch!
During this walk my walking friend and I “may” have cut a few corners in laundromats..using dryers etc. Considering the clothes washing/drying training received not my brightest move ๐ณ. The socks look ok but they have had a bit of a go…
Leaving mid May to walk 700 kms on the Island Walk in PEI Canada and I simply don’t know whether to buy new socks for the walk?
Ok I know this may well be seen as a crazy post however am wondering how you approach the “replacing socks question”
Holy moly this may well be my last post ever ๐ค๐คฃ.
Guy
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Reply Summary
New socks always - 8
Nothing about socks but Island Walk questions - 5
Absolute mishmash...most off topic - 7
So new socks it is...this was honestly always going to be the answer however again fortune smiles...well sort of. I have 3 pairs of Darn Tough socks which are incredibly long lasting socks that have countless kms on them...in the city...not on Caminos. They are starting to show some wear and well shedding in little tuffs on the floor here and there ๐คฃ...have been questions about “what are these pieces of lint etc...finding them all over the place”.
The answer is obvious...ditch the Darn Tough socks...replace them with the 3 pairs of Smartwool socks from the two 2022 Caminos and start the Island Walk with new socks...brilliant outcome!
I did get a few rather interesting replies to my posting...
"could you please post the photos taken from the different angles of your current set of socks, otherwise there is no sensible way to answer your question Thanks ๐
- on this reply I didn’t have an inspiring comeback so thought better to just let it go as I simply wasn’t sure if this was a joke or an honest suggestion
"It's a bit like the brakes and tyres on your car. As they wear down you get used to the difference. It's only when you get a new set of pads or new rubber that you notice how much the performance had deteriorated.
Get yourself a new pair. Put them on. If you can feel the difference use the new pair. If you can't? Put the new pair in a drawer and use them later. You've lost nothing. It's not as if the price of socks is going to plummet any time soon.”
- On this one I thanked the guy who replied...creative and helpful
Soooo....just going to putter away until mid May comes...the decisions one must make sometime when retired are just mind boggling ๐คฃ
Walk around the world - Alexander Campbell
Here is an incredible story that had just started unfolding...
"Hi, my name’s Alexander Campbell and on the 12th February 2023, I will embark on a 4 year journey to circumnavigate the world on foot.
My walk around the world will begin and end in my hometown of Sydney, Australia. Along the way, I’ll be raising money for the Fred Hollows Foundation to support their efforts to restore sight to those who are needlessly blind.
The expedition will be self-supported, so I'll be carrying everything in my backpack and resupply on food in towns along the way. My chosen route will see me walk roughly 40,000km, through 30 countries and across 4 continents."
His Instagram feed (essentially the only one I really follow ๐) is alexander_campbell...it’s fun to see how he is already progressing so quickly 16 days 552.20 kms walked or 34.5 kms per day...not to shabby! Might be the kind of adventure that is of interest to others...
On a tangent...again...I took a look at the Instagram folks who are blog subscribers and found the following...
- 18 Blog subscribers have Instagram accounts that I “follow” ๐ณ
- 8 of these have never posted...not once...in particular I am trying to encourage one person to post...”anything will do” but alas nothing
- Of the 10 accounts that have posted the average last Instagram posting is March 5, 2022 so a full year ago!
Sooo...I will keep following Alexander Campbell...and maybe the odd post from blog subscribers ๐
Japanese Documentary
The tension...anticipation...is rising with every day as March is just around the corner now. For me the feeling I have matches the weeks leading up to Xmas (same feeling when a young kid, in my teens, 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and now 60’s). Starts in October so usually a full 3 months of anticipation.
Ok the Japanese Documentary is now moving into its 6th month but this is an opportunity of a lifetime...this is how I categorized the potential outcome in an earlier post.
"There are 3 possible scenes where Paulo and/or I could be in the film
1) Tineo - Camera crew filming Patricia and Japanese Pilgrim (he was in all 3 2020 documentaries) walking down the street. Cameras turned to me sitting in an outside patio while “Buen Camino’ was shouted to me.
Chances of being included - Rate as Medium
2) Sit down interview with Paulo and me - Maybe half hour in length answering various questions individually.
Chances of being included (in part only) - Rate as High
3) Paulo cresting the hill coming into Campiello with Patricia and Japanese Pilgrim - Essentially 3 Amigos arm in arm.
Chances of being included - Rate as a Certainty...no question as this scene is priceless
So I must just calmly wait...I will let you in on what I secretly hope will happen.
Scene 1) not used, 2) used but only when Paulo speaks and 3) used in documentary. In other words I am 100% shut out! If this happens I will have one of the best laughs ever and an amazing story to tell!!! It would be priceless...”
When the link is received...after giving this much thought...I think the best way to first look at the Documentary is with my two grand-daughters Rose (8) and Elodie (5)...Rishi grandson will likely be 11 months and more interested in other things…like anything he can chew on!
To ensure their Japanese Documentary interest I must have chips, chocolate, ice cream etc. and stress for Rose the Japan angle as she was born in Tokyo. For Elodie I may have to stretch things a bit and suggest that I am hoping that both rainbows and unicorns are prominently featured in the Japanese Documentary. I can’t over promise though however if either show up this will be a major winner for Elodie!
Mspath is a very inspirational woman who has walked the Camino Frances 11 times from 2004 - 2015. She is now 83...so her first Camino would have been around age 64. Her blog indicates she has walked 9,000 kms over 500 days. At this point in her life she indicates that her walking days are in the past however she is an incredible resource for fellow pilgrim walkers on the Camino Forum. Her recall of detail is boggling to me...down to take this fork at that point...stop at this little shop for breakfast etc etc.
Mspath joined the Camino Forum in Nov 2009 and has posted 10,070 times...I joined Aug 2010 and have posted 264 times ๐คฃ. Always a positive influence she is known for including some inspiring quotes...a recent example...
"Le cลur a ses raisons que la raison ne connaรฎt pas/ the heart has its reasons, of which reason knows nothing." Pascal, Les Pensรฉes”
The Trans Bhutan Trail description took me back to 1996 when my Dad (74), brother Marc and I joined 6 other Canadians and trekked 200 kms in the Solo Khumbu Valley and beyond in Nepal. In so many ways the 403 km Bhutan trail promises to expand and eclipse what we experienced...
Whereas Mspath has incredible recall over her walking adventures in recounting specific details I do not have that ability. A few times someone has approached me and said “Guy you should write a guidebook on your walks”...๐คฃ. Well...how do you write a guidebook when one’s focus is almost entirely on people, incidents be they funny, terrifying, exciting, scenery or food. That’s basically what I remember of my various walks.
In Nepal...out of a 3 week adventure...what stands out most are a few things.
Nepalese people and children - beautiful, fun loving people. From our Western perspective they had “nothing” in terms of comfort etc. however they had “everything” in that they just always seemed happy. A few pictures...
Fun game along the trail - Marc playing with Sherpa
Nepalese little girl - favourite picture
Porters who carried all our gear + Canadian giant
Ken - Two Canadian groups trekked separately...Ken was in the other group. At some point he came to talk to Marc and me and lamented that his group wasn’t as much fun as ours ๐คฃ. He went on and on sooo...Marc and I looked at each other and went for it. We concocted a story about making a break-away dash to climb Everest (we were maybe 20 kms away at one point)...we managed on our own to get to 27,500 ft. (Everest a little over 29,000) before being forced to bivouac due to a storm and had to retreat. Ken had no idea what to make of our story for quite a while before he caught on...so funny!
Then in our windup party...see picture below as I felt no pain (only 2nd time in my life...no joke!) Ken was sitting beside Pa (Dad) and he started a sob story about how he had fallen in love with a fellow trekker in his group...only problem Ken had married someone else just one week before leaving for Nepal. What should he do etc... Now the thought of Pa being a relationship counsellor is incredible to anyone who knew him...we laughed so hard! Honestly glad Ken did not sit beside either Marc or me as we probably would not have done any better than Pa ๐
Kathmandu Windup - the tiny little cups of whatever added up!
L to T - Al (Liz’s husband), Pa, Sharon (Merv’s daughter), Archie (saint as he was Pa’s tent mate), Marc, Marie (Archie’s sister), me, Merv (trek leader), Liz
Sewing discussion - This likely happened on one of the first walking days as we were getting to know members of our group. Late in the day Liz and I walked together chatting about stuff…somehow about sewing ๐คฃ. A common interest in the sense Liz sewed a lot and Dawn sewed many clothing items of all kinds…dresses etc for our 3 girls. We even talked about sewing machines and I chimed in about Pfaff and serger machines of which I just knew we had them at home. So…walking along we heard some loud shouting behind us…turned and saw one of the Sherpa guides running pell mell towards us…turns out we had overshot the camp…tents and all by at least 500 meters or so. So we walked back laughing and took some good natured kidding about our “escapade”.
Kathmandu negotiation - In Nepal we were advised that one must negotiate everything when buying something. It’s the custom and it’s expected. So Marc and I set out on the final day to buy some souvenir items. We enter a local shop and Marc proceeds to buy (actual numbers may vary however the story remains true ๐) 3 Nepalese jackets...Let’s say he paid 3,000 Nepalese rupees.
Marc comes out of the shop quite proud of himself and his negotiating prowess....until I tell him that the shop owner was asking 900 Nepalese rupees per shirt...so 2,700. The look on Marc’s face was priceless as he turns to look back at the shop which no joke was closing...what a laugh we had!
Pa’s Diary - Pa was man of few words unless of course you screwed up ๐ณ...he believed strongly that you should not take pity on yourself...just get the job done...whatever. He did enjoy a good laugh though for sure! Most of us spent time at the end of the day writing down some thoughts...in paper form of course...a journal/diary. Near the end of the trek one of the women in our group asked Pa “Andre...I notice you are also keeping a journal/diary...what types of things are you writing?”
Pa sheepishly then showed her a page of his journal/diary (actual journal/diary long since lost however this replica perfectly shows what he was capturing as the highlight of a day)...every single page for 3 weeks was just like this!
The Trans Bhutan Trail is a 403km route, spanning from Haa in the West of Bhutan to Trashigang in the East. It is considered one of the world’s greatest walks and one of the best hiking routes in Asia.
We are the official organization behind the restoration and sustainability of the Trail and operate itineraries for international travellers where 100% of the profits go back into its development. We welcome all Bhutanese to follow in the footsteps of their ancestors and experience the trail. The Trail is a symbol of national unity and a way to connect Bhutan’s past, present and future.
History of the Trans Bhutan Trail
The Trans Bhutan Trail dates back at least to the 16th century when it connected fortresses called Dzongs and served as the pilgrimage route for Buddhists in the east travelling to the most sacred sites in western Bhutan and Tibet. Trail runners, or ‘Garps’, worked the Trail and were legendary, travelling with vital messages and mail between Dzongs at great speeds with little food or rest. The Trail came to play a major role in uniting the region’s many provinces, repelling foreign incursions, and fostering the birth of Bhutan as a nation in 1907.
By the 1960s the Trail had fallen into disuse with the construction of a national highway. Bridges, footpaths and stairways collapsed, gewogs (villages) and landholdings were separated, and this traditional pilgrimage route became neglected.
In 2018, with the wisdom and vision of His Majesty, The King, the restoration of the Trail was led by the Bhutan Canada Foundation with the support of the Tourism Council of Bhutan to restore the Trail to make it accessible again for locals, pilgrims, and travellers. During the COVID-19 crisis, with the assistance of the Royal Government of Bhutan more than 900 furloughed workers helped to restore the Trail to its former glory including the rebuilding of 18 bridges, hundreds of kilometres of footpaths and more than 10,000 steps. Today the 403 kilometre (250 mile) Trail, spanning the country from Haa in the west to Trashigang in the east, can be walked, run, or biked, in part or in whole.
Places visited on the Trans Bhutan Trail
The Trail visits 27 Gewogs, 4 Dzongs, 21 temples, 12 mountain passes, 5 suspension bridges, 10 cantilever bridges, 77 chortens and 30 stupas. It crosses a variety of terrain, from lush rice paddies, rhododendron forests, thick wilderness, remote villages and bustling towns. It also goes through some of Bhutan’s most major cities including Thimphu the capital and the royal city of Bumthang.
The Trans Bhutan Trail takes travellers to the East of Bhutan, a region which has seen little tourism compared to the West. The Trail will give you an insight into the communities that live here as well as uniting the neighbouring regions who share similar blood lines and cultures.
Short Videos of the Trans Bhutan Trail (both 2 minutes)
If not yet convinced about THE walk here is a sampling of a few daily walks
DAY 4 - PARO – DOPSHARI
After breakfast this morning, rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail heading east. The trail rises gently from Lamgong Village as it traverses the sprawling rice paddies of the Paro Valley, before carving around the northern ridge and descending into the traditional village of Dopshari.
At Dopshari, enjoy a cookery demonstration and a traditional Bhutanese lunch at a local farmhouse. After lunch, you will also have the opportunity to try your hand at Bhutan’s national sport, archery, and have a quick game of traditional ‘khuru’ (darts).
After lunch, head out onto the trail for one last time for the climb up to Upper Dopshari, where you will enjoy stunning views out over the Paro Valley.
DAY 21 - BUMTHANG – PHOMDRONG
After breakfast at your hotel, head east out of Bumthang, climbing towards the Lhodrak Karchu Monastery and enjoying spectacular views over Chamkhar town and the Babzur Valley as you go. Pay a visit to the monastery, which is one of the most important in Bhutan.
It is believed to have been founded in 1984 by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche, a descendent of a Tibetan lama whose spiritual lineage can be traced back to one of the close disciples of the great Buddhist Guru Padmasambhava. Originally, the two-story monastery was large enough to accommodate 70 monks, but has since grown considerably and is now home to over 400. The building houses a huge assembly hall with imposing statues of Guru Rinpoche and a beautiful terrace with breathtaking views of the Chhokhor Valley and Jakar Dzong.
DAY 23 - URA – GAYZAMCHU
After breakfast, head out for a visit to the Ura Lhakhang (temple). Built in 1982, its main statue is a two-story Guru. According to locals, another, human-size copper Guru housed in the temple was responsible for saving the Valley from the spread of chronic leprosy in the past.
After visiting the temple, continue your trek through the beautiful Ura Valley as you head up towards the Wangthang La Pass. At 3,775 metres (12,385 feet) above sea level, this is one of the highest points on the Trans Bhutan Trail. This challenging section climbs through the beautifully scenic Phrumsengla National Park, a vast nature reserve whose tree-clad mountains give sanctuary to red pandas, tigers, and rare birdlife.
Holy smokes this could make for an incredible Dangerous Animal blog ๐ however not to worry according to the Trail Safety wording below...it’s all good!!!
Natural landscapes and wildlife on the Trans Bhutan Trail
The southern foothills are home to swamp deers, clouded leopards, one-horned rhinos, water buffalos,
and golden langurs. Various species of wild orchids are also found here.
The central part, the inner Himalayas, is covered in deciduous forests and is inhabited by Himalayan black bears, wild boars, and sambar deers.
Snow leopards and blue sheep are the exotic creatures of the North, the Great Himalayas.
Many of our Trans Bhutan Trail itineraries make it possible for anyone to not only observe from afar, but also experience firsthand most of these exotic landscapes and wildlife.
Trail Safety
“To manage the safety of hikers and locals, the Bhutanese Forest Service actively tracks and monitors the location of tigers along the TBT. If there is a tiger in the area (as there was in Chendebji), they close that section down.”
Trans Bhutan Trail - How does it compare to Camino Walks?
Well I may just have taken a quick peek at this ☺️...the coles notes summary is be prepared for significant elevation gains/losses, short daily distances, culture shock and an experience totally unlike any Camino walk. A few stats...looking at 8 Camino routes, Kumano Kodo in Japan, upcoming Island Walk PEI and Wainwrights’ Coast to Coast walk in England...Top 3 in each category.
Days walked
Trans Bhutan Trail- 28 Via Podiensis - 27
Camino Frances - 27
Average kms walked per day
Camino Finisterre - 31.3
Island Walk - 30.0
Camino Frances - 29.6
Trans Bhutan Trail - 15.8 (lowest)
Total Elevation Gains Meters
Trans Bhutan Trail - 27,592 Via Podiensis - 16,559 Camino Frances - 13,679
Total Elevation Losses Meters
Trans Bhutan Trail - (29,344)
Via Podiensis - (16,989)
Camino Frances - (13,524)
Average Elevation Gain Meters per Day
Trans Bhutan Trail - 985
Kumano Kodo - 938
Camino Primitivo - 654
Average Elevation Losses Meters per Day
Trans Bhutan Trail - (1,048)
Kumano Kodo - (873)
Camino San Salvador (695)
Adjusted Walking Speed for Elevation G/L per kms per hour
Trans Bhutan Trail - 3.52
Kuman Kodo - 3.80
Coast to Coast England - 4.51
Wow... an incredible walk...unquestionably one of the world's greatest...what’s the problem?
The following says it all $$$ totally out of reach for almost everyone ๐ฅฒ. Also one cannot walk alone...must have a certified guide...note the costs are charged by a non profit organization. From the Trans Bhutan Trail website here is the cost breakdown:
Fees (CDN $) + Taxes ๐คฃ
"Our trip includes the Bhutanese Sustainable Development Fee and your Bhutanese visa fee. An example shown for 2 people in a twin or double room.
Bhutanese Visa Fee $54
Bhutanese Sustainable Development Fee
All visitors to Bhutan must pay the Sustainable Development Fee $9,439
Travel Services Fee $17,847
Total $27,340"
Included are all meals, guide, accommodation (most nights in a semi-permanent tent setup).
However one must never 100% give up...here was my post on the Camino Forum on the issue of cost:
"On the affordability question yikes ๐ณ! However one must live in hope. At this point I can think of 3 options…admittedly all very low probability ๐
1) inheritance from a long lost never known relative
2) lotto win - need to start buying tickets, or
3) an intriguing one! In fall 2022 while walking the Camino Primitivo with a Brazilian friend we came upon a Japanese Documentary team. They produced 3 high quality documentaries in 2020 of a pilgrim walking from Le Puy en Velay to Santiago de Compostela.
Well my friend and I were interviewed…sheer luck…and filmed by the documentary team. After the walk I followed up with the Director of the documentary and he has confirmed that in March 2023 when the documentary is released in Japan parts of our interview will be shown.
So how can I capitalize on this…well followup with the Japanese team to see if they would like to film a Canadian pilgrim walking the Trans Bhutan Trail and of course ahem support $$$ my walk. ☺️ Or I could contact the Trans Bhutan Trail association directly and see if they wish to invite the Japanese team and of course film me ๐
Either way my chances of walking the Trans Bhutan Trail increase from zero to well zero+++. Like I said one must live in hope and dream ๐ด”
Thinking about this further I am really warming up to the 3rd possibility...maybe this was the real reason for the Japanese Documentary experience. I will have to play this a little cool though...wait for the documentary and see how much airtime I have. Let’s say it’s between 5 seconds or 5 minutes...not to get too optimistic say 4:55 (minutes and seconds!) total.
Then I have to be really, really, really creative...at my life’s best... in my next communication with Shidara...my friend on the Japanese team. Somehow I need to convey in a light but convincing manner...that it’s a win/win/win/win situation for the Japanese Documentary team, Trans Bhutan Trail team , Japanese people and me that I walk the trail...at no cost to me ☺️. Ok so I don’t speak Japanese...so what? What do I have to lose by trying? You just never know where things may go in life...no kidding I will try ๐คฃ.
Ok fun break over...now I must go back to some serious study on Canadian Income Tax stuff...to do a little upcoming volunteering...geez and I don’t even like numbers. ☺️ Sixteen 1 hour Webinars and as many practice tax situations over the next 2 - 3 weeks before doing the first return. Hmmm...someone who may be reading this right now actually vouched for me as a reference...at this point I am thinking “why did he/she stretch the truth about me”...result of which I was accepted as a volunteer!
Thanks ๐
