Leigh Thompson - Empowered Leadership

Figure 8 Pools walk yesterday. What a sublime way to spend the day.

Great North Walk
Had the chance to do the first four sections of GNW on 29th December with Sydney & Beyond Outdoor Venturers walking group, starting right from the obelisk in Macquarie Place Park, CBD and finishing in Macquarie Park (approx 28km). Humid, mid 20’s and a cracking pace through some gorgeous suburbs before entering bush land and doing a little rock scrambling through Lane Cove National Park. Could have taken many more photos!
Any one up for Macquarie Park to Thornleigh section soonish? DM me 😊

Great North Walk
I think more than ever after the Camino, what I missed was not having a new goal or challenge; something to anchor me to the future and propel me forward. Progress is everything heh?
Well as I frequently do this time of year, I’ve been considering my strategy and what I’ll focus on in 2024. For me that is usually cutting down on options rather than adding. Too many great choices and interests! Hiking, as you know, is one of my passions so there has to be something in that category.
I’ve decided 2024 is the year to tackle the Great North Walk (or at least as of it as weekend escapades allow) and to do one of the interstate Bloody Long Walks.
And amazing to see what we already know - when a path is decided, it unfolds before your eyes. Less than 12 hours later a friend had suggested a walk, so we did section 6 Thornleigh to Hornsby. 32 degrees, but well shaded. Beautiful. Only another 29 sections to go, so my Sydney based hiking friends- don’t be bored on weekends, reach out, let’s enjoys chunks of the trail to Newcastle.

Up bright and early today for the Sydney East Bloody Long Walk. Malabar to Sydney Harbour- 35km of glorious coastline.

And also when to walk on by respectfully in silence because ultimately many waves calm all by themselves.
Empowered for life…..

Feeling blessed to be able to enjoy this beautiful city of ours - from a month ago - a gorgeous 10km loop walk from La Perouse to Cape Banks near Botany Bay.

Day 33 of the Camino: O Pedrouzo to Santiago, 19km. Final Day!!!!
Everyone walking today, and with the lower kilometres we decided to leave a bit later. An easy walk in. More undulating hills, shaded trails and quaint villages before hitting the pavement parade into a wet Santiago. For something different, the sky blackened, the heavens opened and for the first time we walked in a solid downpour of rain. Plenty of time for a breakfast at the 12km to go mark, followed by photos at the 10km mark and a couple of refreshment stops.
Before we knew it, early afternoon we were entering the old square, welcomed by a bagpipe player and joining other wet, excited and relieved pilgrims in front of the Cathedral, taking photos to celebrate their achievement.
Three of our group of eight walked every step of the way from St Jean Pied de Pont in France to Santiago in Spain - Narelle, Chris and I. Wahoo! 👣😊
Then off to check into our hotel for the night. Yes! Real sheets, towels and only one colleague to twin share with!! Simple luxuries! Then by 3.30 we reassembled for the last time as a group to get our pilgrim certificates (in Latin), have a final dinner together and attend the pilgrim mass.
What an adventure! 💕

Day 31 of the Camino: Gonzar to Melide, 32km. Starting a push on the kilometres so we can minimise the last day. 84km to cover in the next 2 1/2 days. And it is hot! Lots of undulating hills and valleys followed by quite a bit of pavement walking in the afternoon heat. A couple decided to share a taxi to this evening’s Albergue, and those of us walking took the opportunity of lightening some of our pack packs where possible and send the extra with them. That, and starting super early, made the extra kilometres in the heat manageable. Otherwise it was a fairly easy undulating walk. Scenic through farms and villages. Seeing a lot of old Orrios- structures for storing wheat and farm produce that allow airflow, and keep it off the ground and rodent free.
As always, I’m loving the stone work - which is everywhere - buildings and farm walls, often crumbling but with its artisan workmanship still evident. And loving the gardens, which are vibrant in colour with roses, liliums, hydrangeas, forgetmenots, foxgloves, fuchsias, magnolias and wisterias.

Day 32 of the Camino: Melide to O Pedrouzo, 33km. Another push on the kilometres so we can shorten the last day; those of us who were walking lightened the load of our pack packs where possible, and set off just after 6am into a misty morning. Country trails undulated, and were often shady making the walk both beautiful and pleasant, before the heat kicked in again early afternoon. Arrived in just after 3pm, feet screaming they’d had enough, but knowing we’re close enough now that Santiago is a done deal. Last night as a group in an Albergue!
Was strange to see fallen gum leaves on the trail today and breathe in the familiar scent of eucalyptus reminding myself I’m in Spain, not home! Apparently a lot of our native trees were planted after a major bushfire in this area some years ago.