Adventures in Happiness - Where am I now and where have I been?

A Journey About Home: Edinburgh to Croydon on foot
Adventures in Happiness - Where am I now and where have I been?
A Journey About Home

Legend

Cycling
Bus
Boat
Hitchhiking
Train
Driving
Plane

Paro, Bhutan ‐ Mar 19, 2019

100 km

And finally to Paro - a mean day, lots of happiness as I flowed around these fine mountains. And this was the final day cycling - watch out tomorrow International Day of Happiness when I'll be in the Tiger's Nest monastery.
26.920297, 89.525993 ‐ Mar 18, 2019

45 km

I am in Bhutan! 2000metre climb over 45km
26.840811, 89.387039, India ‐ Mar 17, 2019

100.3 km

Average day 100km - shouldn't be a problem - it wasn't a problem and I arrived at the border of Bhutan.
26.519257, 88.716568 ‐ Mar 16, 2019

50 km

Away at 3pm - I had it all to do to reach the border on time!!! Nothing like a last minute panic!
Siliguri ‐ Mar 14, 2019

Back in Siliguri - fingers crossed for a mechanical solution
27.023044, 88.43304

41.8 km

Continued down the hill - all good until one of my pedals began playing up - ensuing tragedy -pedal falls off - bicycle unrideable - bus to Siliguri to maybe fix or get a new bike?!?!
Gangtok ‐ Mar 13, 2019

20.9 km

I then came back upon myself to begin the final route direct to Bhutan
Gangtok ‐ Mar 11, 2019

70.3 km

Onto Gangtok - slogged it up the hill
Gangtok

70.3 km

Onto Gangtok - slogged it up the hill
Gangtok

70.3 km

Onto Gangtok - slogged it up the hill
27.044381, 88.33977 ‐ Mar 10, 2019

18.2 km

After getting back to Darjeeling I decided to do continue on and get as far as possible to Gangtok - I then camped up for the evening
27.037585, 88.263069

The ride back to Darjeeling
27.127029, 88.273204

23 km

After a couple of days in Darjeeling generally hanging out and watching the world go by i headed on to Sikkim - I went all the way down the hill only to find out I needed a permit - I just took a ride back up the hill
27.036563, 88.26319 ‐ Mar 8, 2019

29.1 km

After a nice tearful evening camping in the hills I continued on to Darjeeling to hang out there for a couple of days
26.851639, 88.260715 ‐ Mar 7, 2019

30.1 km

So to make use of the spare time before #WorldHappinessDay I thought I'd head to Darjeeling - serious hills coming up - note that just before I left I fitted some new pedals - didn't quite tighten them enough
Siliguri ‐ Mar 6, 2019

65.3 km

I am in Siliguri, just 50kms away from Bhutan. That's 150 kms of road. After 16 months I am that close. Unbelievable. Though I've got a 2 week window until #WorldHappinessDay so I will relax & have a holiday https://t.co/y1eb2dz1sY
26.255237, 88.192641 ‐ Mar 4, 2019

61.7 km

I was tired and being so close with plenty of time I stopped of here for a couple of days. Again not much happening - just local life - which I love to watch whilst supping on Chai.
25.876554, 87.840381 ‐ Mar 2, 2019

48.6 km

In what has become part of my routine I decided to hang out drinking chai after a slap up meal but ended up chatting to a local guy who invited me into his home. I spent a couple of nights with him and his family and he showed me about town. Fabulous experience - one of the finest displays of hospitality.
Raiganj ‐ Feb 28, 2019

87.7 km

OK sleep but drizzly day and headed to this town - lots of chai along the way - 7 cups in all in three sitting - I love chai - now less than 200km away from Bhutan. I also have plenty of time. There was not much here, except friendly people, and so I just hung out and drank Chai and ate lovely food. Which makes for great happiness.
Malda ‐ Feb 27, 2019

10.1 km

I spent the day resting in the hotel and then left to do my first wild camp in India - went well and saw some Gaur ruins
Malda ‐ Feb 26, 2019

136.2 km

I began to lose it at the end of the long day - constant noise and busyness - so I checked into a fairly nice hotel
23.967142, 88.040505 ‐ Feb 25, 2019

96.1 km

After three nights I left the Hare Krishnas - could have stayed there longer I think
Mayapur ‐ Feb 23, 2019

98.7 km

I found myself at Mayapur - the home of Krishna consciousness - stayed here a few days - lots of struggle from my own judgement but also joy
Chandannagar ‐ Feb 22, 2019

44.7 km

Let the final showdown begin - https://adventuresinhappinessblog.wordpress.com/2019/02/20/the-final-showdown/
Kolkata ‐ Feb 20, 2019

Flying into Kolkata to avoid the genocidal Myanmar.
Bangkok, Thailand ‐ Feb 2, 2019

124 km

Early start to take on what I figured would be a fairly boring but frightfully hot ride into Bangkok - I was right! Bangkok here I am.
14.232031, 101.382552

45.7 km

I saw elephants - about 10 or so of them (not all at the same time) and one of them was real enormous. Easy day and a nice time in the park.
14.499764, 101.383803 ‐ Feb 1, 2019

113.7 km

Onward - busy road but fast! I camped up by the toll booth the national park
Nakhon Ratchasima ‐ Jan 30, 2019

54.2 km

And on to a city for comforts, showers etc, and a rest for a day or two.
15.172184, 102.401351 ‐ Jan 29, 2019

77.6 km

I nice stop at Phimai to see Thailands biggest Banyan Tree and also remenants of the khmer empire. Stayed again with some monks.
15.446959, 102.965456 ‐ Jan 28, 2019

98.8 km

A fairly long days ride but I ended up asking some Buddhist monks if I could camp near the monastery/temple and they said I could. Very lovely sweet people.
16.179382, 103.296121 ‐ Jan 26, 2019

108.7 km

To a town and a hotel for a days rest, washing some clothes, and a warm shower.
16.801292, 103.870689 ‐ Jan 25, 2019

99.3 km

Some lovely back roads - wind on my tail - and a wrong turn took me up over some unexpected hills into a national park where there were monkeys and I found a peaceful spot to camp.
17.275679, 104.506488 ‐ Jan 24, 2019

64.3 km

Over to Thailand. Wild camped among the trees on some back roads.
Thakhek, Laos ‐ Jan 22, 2019

127 km

What a great day on the bike - I started early again packed in the distance and was into Thakhek for lunch time. I pushed my limit here, especially in the heat but I lost my sun cream and to just cover up my body which actually I now realise is a much better strategy for avoiding difficulty in the heat. After 15 months on the road there are still things to learn.
18.278332, 104.151666 ‐ Jan 21, 2019

124.5 km

Full moon so I started my riding at 4.30 in the morning and had a cool and peaceful start to the day. Then I took a road that should have had a bridge across a river but didn't and so I had to come back and it was a hot day. Put in a fair amount of miles though and found a camp spot in the trees.
18.745433, 103.691266 ‐ Jan 20, 2019

68.2 km

This ride was nice through a valley to begin with but then I had to go up and other some hills in the heat of the day and that got a bit rough. I took a hotel room and relaxed and wrote.
19.036233, 103.534841 ‐ Jan 19, 2019

114.8 km

Big day on the bike - still some hills but flats soon. Wild camped again and had a few locals interested in me and my tent. I didn't know I'd be in a busy spot when I set up camp.
19.534347, 103.032367 ‐ Jan 18, 2019

16.4 km

A little riding off the bus and then wild camped for the night. Big days ahead.
19.541316, 102.90347

Bussed back to this spot to pick up my route.
Luang Prabang ‐ Jan 15, 2019

I went to see this very beautiful town - heavy in tourism but you could still see some of the beauty it was that strong - but I bused it there as it was taking me off route and intended to bus back and pick up my route.
Phonsavan ‐ Jan 13, 2019

64.9 km

Onwards I rolled to Phonsovan - site of the Plain of Jars - some tourist attraction that I struggled to get to as i had a meltdown the day after I arrived here and could barely leave the hotel room.
19.724266, 103.593937 ‐ Jan 12, 2019

57.2 km

Big long hill to begin the day 1000 metres - many beautiful people living in villages stopping to say hello. Settled in a wild camp spot I found.
20.02296, 103.714925 ‐ Jan 11, 2019

60.5 km

Ups and downs - remind me of Peru although not quite as hardcore. Equally as beautiful though. I found a nice little wild camp spot with a fairly nice view of hills.
20.259191, 104.041539 ‐ Jan 10, 2019

50.6 km

Rough roads out of Viengxay but then the roads got better but hillier. I had a nice coffee stop and had some of my first Laos coffee. Wild camped and got leached.
20.408846, 104.233608 ‐ Jan 8, 2019

37.2 km

Into Viengxay, base of Pathet Lao during what is referred to as the Vietnam war despite Laos being involved too and crucial to defeat of the Americains, and a damn good body rest.
20.318297, 104.508257 ‐ Jan 7, 2019

58.8 km

Across the border and into Laos. I didn't change my money not buy food before I cross which left me a little stuck that evening as it was just tiny villages, but kept pressing on and camped by the side of the road when I'd had enough.
20.249239, 104.93762, Vietnam ‐ Jan 6, 2019

80.8 km

A little better in the body but not full health - hills and everything had me struggling a bit and coughing up a lot of shit. The body could handle it.
20.20965, 105.477604 ‐ Jan 5, 2019

69.8 km

Body not good but need to get out of Vietnam by the 7th so I press on.
20.278029, 105.858182 ‐ Jan 4, 2019

26.1 km

After a day off looking after my body I decide to trek on as need to be out of Vietnam by the 7th. Not ideal. But good to take the day off.
20.266899, 105.918411 ‐ Jan 2, 2019

74 km

Yeah too much cold today - body suffering begins
20.641513, 105.925933 ‐ Jan 1, 2019

50.9 km

After 3 hours sleep following a New Years Eve celebration I attempted to take the train to Ninh Binh but my bicycle was not allowed on the train. Thus I precariously rode in the direction of Ninh Binh and found a hotel after not too much riding. But as it turned out probably too much riding as I started to come down with something a couple of days later.
21.044626, 105.849985 ‐ Dec 28, 2018

69.4 km

Miserable day on the bike - pissing with rain and a fair bit of wind. And when I go to Hanoi I ran the gauntlet through made traffic - which was at times exhilarating! Intended to spend New Years here.
Chí Linh ‐ Dec 27, 2018

67.1 km

Quiet roads and then BUSY roads. Easy day.
21.069904, 106.967475 ‐ Dec 26, 2018

83.8 km

Decent ride - ups and downs, which was a sort of welcome change - and came to rest by a river for the night. A lot of hellos - check out the blog post on that - https://adventuresinhappinessblog.wordpress.com/2018/12/27/a-land-of-one-thousand-hellos/

River camp
21.329037, 107.39458 ‐ Dec 25, 2018

80.8 km

Christmas day riding - Christmas not celebrated in Vietnam but the Vietnamese like to say hello, which was nice. Found a hotel and rang family.
Mong Cai ‐ Dec 24, 2018

51.9 km

And into Vietnam. Fairly straight forward border crossing although quite manic - so noisy. I then stopped for a smoothie to get my bearings and then tried to get some money from the bank. I then had a serendipitous encounter with a bank clerk and ended up staying with him and his family, and hanging out with his break dancing crew in the evening. A very memorable Christmas Eve.
21.522175, 108.231337, China ‐ Dec 23, 2018

113 km

After getting my bike repaired after some difficulty I set off again in the direction of Vietnam.
Qinzhou ‐ Dec 20, 2018

A very bizarre hitch-hiking experience. Very difficult to communicate but manage to with a phone App. A few things didn't add up, and then at one point they did not appear to be taking me to where I thought I was going. They kept reassuring me they were - but my GPS said otherwise, they took some wrong directions, it all went a bit weird and I panicked a little. Eventually the dropped me right in the centre of the city I was trying to get to.
21.830959, 109.750222

39.6 km

Noticed I'd lost two spokes. Out on bumpy roads so needed to take it easy. None of the small local bicycle repairmen could help me as they didn't have the tools. Made it to the main road where I was hoping to get a bus to the next city- instead I hitched a ride!
21.903921, 109.918189 ‐ Dec 19, 2018

75.8 km
21.955117, 110.513035 ‐ Dec 18, 2018

97.7 km

Women gave me a free lunch and I got a flat tyre. Then I got invited for dinner and camped up for the night.
Maoming ‐ Dec 16, 2018

22.9 km

Short ride to Maoming where I rested for 2 nights and nearly 2 full days in a hotel. In flow, in happiness, and loving life.
21.740792, 111.093943 ‐ Dec 15, 2018

61.6 km

Again a slow easy day - I am really enjoying China. Even stopped to write and post a blog about my lack of social media access and how that has added to my happiness.
阳西县 ‐ Dec 14, 2018

57 km

Really enjoying slow cycling - reactions from people are often wonderful and I want to really make the most of being present. Camped up under some trees that I was led to my a couple of helpful women.
Yangjiang ‐ Dec 13, 2018

57.8 km

Felt really tired because I couldn't sleep the night before - too much tea, too much hospitality? So headed to this city and took a hotel.
21.724456, 112.35332 ‐ Dec 12, 2018

21.5 km

Short day - left the hotel late and pedalled along nice and easy taking a detour around this little jut of land. Ended up stopping in a little village and connecting in with some locals who invited me to drink tea and have dinner. I then found a prime spot on the beach for camping.
21.875039, 112.402169 ‐ Dec 11, 2018
21.877394, 112.420088

93.4 km
22.17739, 113.004526 ‐ Dec 10, 2018

28.6 km
22.224118, 113.080004
22.227861, 113.087254

85.1 km
Zhuhai ‐ Dec 8, 2018
Zhuhai
Kowloon ‐ Dec 3, 2018

I spent a good month agonising over whether to continue on to Asia, and keep the possibility of reaching Bhutan alive, or begin journeying home. I thought I was going home but fed upwith my own indecisiveness I a seemingly spontaneous decision to head to Asia - I flew taking a direct flight.
Toronto, Canada ‐ Nov 27, 2018

The most wonderful train journey - feet up, five days, space for me.
Vancouver ‐ Nov 20, 2018

72.7 km

Back to Vancouver as rain was coming and there was a train to catch to Toronto
Squamish ‐ Nov 16, 2018

65.1 km

Out of Vancouver and up the Squamish to check out Canada's outdoor recreational capital! I stayed here 4 nights in my tent - it was frigging cold!
Vancouver ‐ Nov 12, 2018
Delta
Nanaimo

69.5 km
Area F (Cowichan Lake South / Skutz Falls) ‐ Nov 11, 2018

59.8 km
Juan de Fuca Electoral Area ‐ Nov 10, 2018

87.3 km
Juan de Fuca Electoral Area ‐ Nov 9, 2018

26.3 km
Victoria ‐ Nov 1, 2018
Forks, United States ‐ Oct 31, 2018

42.7 km
47.722825, -124.143429 ‐ Oct 30, 2018

70 km
Neilton ‐ Oct 29, 2018

56.4 km
Aberdeen ‐ Oct 27, 2018

94.4 km

Wet and cold I pushed on - not feeling happy but nice to know that I had a warmshowers host in Aberdeen to keep me going.
46.378259, -123.809338 ‐ Oct 26, 2018

30.3 km

I felt tired and exhausted today so I stopped and hung out in a local library and then wild camped down the road.
Astoria
46.078097, -123.85039 ‐ Oct 25, 2018

104.3 km

It rained all day bit fortunately I stayed with a Warmshower host
45.361311, -123.966596 ‐ Oct 24, 2018

98.6 km

Journey continues
Newport ‐ Oct 22, 2018

94.3 km

Foggy, windy and cold - fancied a hot shower so headed for a campground. Also woke up with an itch in my throat and my knee was sore so rested a day.
43.776161, -124.143324 ‐ Oct 21, 2018

91.1 km

Left the community - could have stayed there for ever - and continued northwards. Wild camped on a little side road.
43.103956, -124.247028 ‐ Oct 13, 2018

58.3 km

I arrived at a community where I worked for a week - blog post - https://adventuresinhappinessblog.wordpress.com/2018/10/24/love-is-why-we-are-here/
42.830551, -124.534054 ‐ Oct 12, 2018

51.2 km

Cape Blanco - I was told this was a nice campground - it was OK.
42.450608, -124.426944 ‐ Oct 11, 2018

48.4 km

Another short one and ended up wild camping on the beach - bit windy but otherwise beautiful night with stars but no moon.
Brookings ‐ Oct 10, 2018

40.7 km

To Harris beach and into Orgeon.
41.797423, -124.084014 ‐ Oct 8, 2018

107.2 km

Left Trinidad - nice old growth forest - I ran into two French guys for the third time. To crescent city and Jed Smith state park.
Trinidad ‐ Oct 6, 2018

114.4 km

A long day so that I could make it to a warmshowers host and take a day off after 7 days in a row cycling. Rejuvenated.
Weott ‐ Oct 5, 2018

47.7 km

Avenue of the Giants - Redwood that rose high into the sky and I ended the day by stealthily sleeping under them. Pure magic!
Garberville ‐ Oct 4, 2018

88.6 km

The big Leggett hill which many cyclists coming the other way had warned me of. Not so bad.
Fort Bragg ‐ Oct 3, 2018

67.1 km
Manchester ‐ Oct 2, 2018

110.9 km

Passing cyclists told me of a campsite with a hot tub - I felt it was worth the long ride to experience that at the end of the day. It WAS worth it.
Bodega Bay ‐ Oct 1, 2018

83.5 km

To the coast and on.
Mill Valley ‐ Sep 30, 2018

33.6 km

After a week in San Francisco Bay area we're off again. First over the Golden Gate bridge and to a campsite in the hills.
San Francisco

Over to San Francisco on BART
El Cerrito ‐ Sep 21, 2018

101.4 km

A ride through suburbia and constant concrete - interesting to view from the window of my bicycle.
Los Gatos ‐ Sep 20, 2018

68.2 km

A nice beautiful ride - up and then down - to Los Gatos to reconnect with someone I met 8 years ago and had not seen since! He now has a family! Beautiful.
Watsonville ‐ Sep 19, 2018

98 km

Onward
Big Sur ‐ Sep 17, 2018

110.9 km

Big Sur - what can I say? Stunning coastal ride - less cars than the past few days and winding up and down roads. Very cool. I ended up at a camp site and there were about 12 other touring cyclists, not to mention the other 8 I saw cycling in the opposite direction, all on different journeys - some long down to where I've come from others a week or two. Sadly no folk going my way as it is silly to go against the wind! Damn. Love it though and now I've just had a rest day and have updated my map [...]
- yay!
Cambria ‐ Sep 16, 2018

86.2 km

Made it to a proper campsite and met some other cyclists in the hike and bike. I have been seeing so many cyclists up the coast.
Oceano ‐ Sep 15, 2018

15.7 km

Sort of a rest day but not really as I spent most of it trying to find a reasonable place to stay and food.
Nipomo ‐ Sep 14, 2018

89 km

A shit day on the bike - two flat tyres one a complete blow out and I manage to patch up enough to make to a bike shop. Nice wild cam spot in a beautiful forest.
Lompoc ‐ Sep 13, 2018

86.5 km

Decent day on the bike - and found myself a classic ditch by the side of the road camp spot. Slept good though as not at all visible as it was a deep ditch.
Ventura ‐ Sep 12, 2018

42 km

After the long ride in a car I felt I needed to reconnect with myself and had a slow day on the bike - seeing and feeling the sea.
Oxnard ‐ Sep 11, 2018

DREAM hitch ride takes me to the west coast and out the personal hell of Vegas.
35.604676, -115.393527

69.8 km

After too long a time in Vegas waiting for my bike to be repaired I managed to escape Vegas - I dreamed of getting to the West Coast as soon as possible and tried to hitch - I was at the side of the road for four hours at various different points on the road and then came the DREAM ride - took me all the way to the coast and a place to stay that night - blessings to those fine good people Blog post on Vegas here: https://adventuresinhappinessblog.wordpress.com/2018/09/18/vegas-and-the-desperate- [...]
hunt-for-an-improbable-happiness/
Las Vegas ‐ Sep 5, 2018

100.9 km

The final push to Vegas, which crossed over the Hoover Dam, features in my top five worst rides of this trip - serious dehydration, chaotic traffic, and a serious bike malfunction, left me wondering what kind of omen this was for my time in the city! Yup a hellish one - blog post here: https://adventuresinhappinessblog.wordpress.com/2018/09/18/vegas-and-the-desperate-hunt-for-an-improbable-happiness/
White Hills ‐ Sep 4, 2018

114.7 km

Closer to Vegas but a wild camp spot which gave me a beautiful morning sky!
Hackberry ‐ Sep 3, 2018

122.5 km

Along Route 66 to another wild camp spot - not a ditch by the side of the road but instead a rather delicious one.

Route 66 and wild camp
Ash Fork ‐ Sep 2, 2018

117.7 km

But the route taking me to Vegas takes me onto part of the "Historic Route 66" - first stop a wild camp in a ditch by the side of the road - classic!
Williams ‐ Sep 1, 2018

22 km

Left Grand Canyon and beginnings of my journey to Vegas - the stuff of dreams or the stuff of nightmares?
Grand Canyon Village ‐ Aug 31, 2018

10.5 km

Grand Canyon - completely in awe! Blog post -https://adventuresinhappinessblog.wordpress.com/2018/09/01/in-awe/
Grand Canyon Village ‐ Aug 30, 2018

112 km

Grand Canyon here I come. I left Flagstaff after a very cool stay with a local man. Here is the blog - https://adventuresinhappinessblog.wordpress.com/2018/09/03/taking-him-back-taking-me-forward/
Flagstaff ‐ Aug 27, 2018

128.6 km

And then a mammoth ride to Flagstaff - a tough tough one but someone I met in Lake Mormon kept me going.
Pine ‐ Aug 26, 2018

35 km

After a rest in Payson I worked my way up a bit of the hilly ride to Flagstaff.
Payson

Hitched up the hill. It was hot and I wasn't having fun so I didn;t think the hill would work.
Payson

46.5 km

To the highway...and then I hitched
Tonto Basin ‐ Aug 25, 2018

92.6 km

This ride was too beautiful for words. And then there was the wild camp spot and the full moon rising. I'll get some pictures up on it.
Peridot ‐ Aug 24, 2018

13.4 km

Back to the back roads to find a place to camp.
Peridot

An Apache hitch hike...
Bylas

71.6 km

Set out toward the Apahce Reservation. Ended up on a back road and some Apaches decided to give me a ride as they thought I was lost - I sort of was. It was hot and I welcomed the ride.
Safford ‐ Aug 22, 2018

65.2 km

I left the garden of one warmshowers host only to ride to the home of another good soul. I rested there for a couple of nights and enjoyed the company of Harold and his friends.
Duncan ‐ Aug 21, 2018

118.3 km

Camped in the garden of a warmshowers host - nice company, nourishing sleep.
Deming ‐ Aug 20, 2018

105.4 km

Finally in the USA. A long and lonely desert ride but first I got to Hachita where I restocked my provisions before finding a place to camp.
San Luis, Mexico ‐ Aug 19, 2018

Hitched a ride - well it was offered to me - and it saved my legs some and took me all the way to the border.
30.616611, -107.99981

25.6 km

I was happy cycling along and a family stopped and asked if I wanted a lift. A lesson I've learnt is not to turn down the possibility to connect - one never knows where it will lead.
Nuevo Casas Grandes ‐ Aug 17, 2018

81.2 km

6th day of riding - rest definitely deserved here.
Centro ‐ Aug 16, 2018

63.6 km

This was my 5th day on the bike averaging around 100km and so I was tired and went easy. When I arrived in Buenaventura I met a cyclist who invited me to his home. What a gift! Again!
Cruces ‐ Aug 15, 2018

Ruben gave me a ride to his home 30kms away - very happy to have given my legs a rest.
Namiquipa

102 km

Flat road with not too much traffic and enough bends to keep it interesting - very peaceful. And then I met Ruben in Namiquipa - I just stopped to ask a question as he was finishing up work. He came to meet me in the plaza later and invited me to his home in the next village. what a gift.
Colonia Obregón ‐ Aug 14, 2018

87.8 km

Oh my legs felt quite heavy to begin with and then a reasonable climb. All very nice until the last straight boring busy road.
Guadalupe ‐ Aug 13, 2018

100.7 km

A few to many long straight roads with limited space for other traffic to overtake - seem to really drag these roads.
Rancho Tres Hermanos ‐ Aug 12, 2018

122 km

A couple of nights resting and I'm off again. Lots of ups and downs but quite a lot of cloud so didn't feel exhausted from the heat. At the end of the ride is was down hill and it felt easy so pushed on to 120kms. Camped up on an embankment - just out of sight from the main road.
Hidalgo del Parral ‐ Aug 10, 2018

Bus to the nearest city as mechanical issues. In Parral I stayed in a 1970s style hotel which was very nice. I went to a bike shop and they sorted out my mechanical issues at no cost - kind souls. Ready to ride - but after a couple of days resting.
Los Sauces ‐ Aug 9, 2018

18.4 km

Cycled a bit on with the intention to camp and get myself together and look into my bike issues. Bike issues were bad so I thought a bus/hitch to the next big city as in order.
Los Sauces

A man by the name of Samuel I'd had a brief conversation with in the previous village passed by and I flagged him down for a lift to the main road.
26.241338, -104.946528

4.7 km

Began cycling out to find a place to camp but mechanical issues were seemingly a bit serious. I was wondering what to do...
Villa Hidalgo

79.9 km

Not a fun day on the bike - I had little water and there weren't any villages for a long while, the road was rough, and I had some mechanical issues. I got through it by digging deep and with the expectation that I would be hosted by a cyclist in Villa Hidalgo - interestingly the cyclist and I had mis-communicated on the exact location by about 1,000km so no needed human connection nor warm shower.
Buen Día ‐ Aug 8, 2018

92.9 km

Long straight thin roads that were a bit busy to fully relax on but nevertheless took me onwards. My first spot I stopped to wild camp at some crazy couple got out and started arguing not far from. They went on and on and I was like do I set up camp or will they be at it all night. After about an hour I wheeled my bike out of the bushes - which was perhaps a surprise to them - and I pedalled on to another spot. Normally in the desert it is peace and quiet.

Waking up in the desert
25.989137, -103.662894 ‐ Aug 7, 2018

136.8 km

Quite a mixed day. Began early and felt sad to leave the people I'd stayed with the past days. I put in some good kilometres in the morning and then encountered some journalists which resulted in a very nice news piece about my journey (https://www.facebook.com/lasnoticiaslaguna/videos/1887397594900964/UzpfSTUwNTEyNjIwODoxMDE1NjczMzM2MjgyNjIwOQ/). I then did some more kilometres in the sun before I arrived in Bermejillo to rest when it was hot. I then pedalled on a bit and wild camped. It then r [...]
ained a bit and the mosquitoes got to me.
Viesca ‐ Aug 4, 2018

71 km

I was quite tired and was thinking I could do with a few days rest. When I arrived in Viesca, where I hadn't planned to stay when I set of, I met some very loving, accepting, magical people and stayed with them for a few days. Didn't want to leave. Felt like home to me.

+2
Parras de la Fuente ‐ Aug 3, 2018

55.7 km

I met a couple of cyclists on the road and one said I would be welcome to stay with him in Parras. I had intended to go further but I could not turn down such hospitality. I laundered all my clothes and felt nourished. Blessing to you Fernando.

Supportive cyclsits
General Cepeda ‐ Aug 2, 2018

89.8 km

After a couple of days camped up in the garden of Paval, Anna, and baby Emma, who were once random strangers asking if they could help me I headed out along there recommended route. Wild camped with the stars and a half moon.

+7

Desert cycling
Saltillo ‐ Jul 31, 2018

55.5 km

Magic happened. I got to town earlier and wrote something for my blog then I tried to find a place to stay for free or minimal cost. I tried warmshowers and the bomberos and a local hospedaje. It was about 7pm and I was about to head out of the city to find a place in the desert but not looking forward to that and then a care pulled up beside me and a couple asked if I needed help. Next thing I know I'm camping in their garden for a couple of nights. People really are beautiful, and in Mexico I [...]
have met many.
Gómez Farías ‐ Jul 30, 2018

75.5 km

Onward - at this point I was loving Mexico so much that I'd decided to head west after Saltillo rather than go East to Monterrey and get to the USA.
Le Ventura ‐ Jul 29, 2018

99.1 km

Onward I went - long, really long, flat roads. Had lunch with a family that I met in a plaza in San Slavador and they invited me to their home. Left to wild camp in the desert. Life is good.
Estación Catorce ‐ Jul 28, 2018

18.8 km

Short ride to Catorce - stayed in a room and rested.
23.52954, -100.991144 ‐ Jul 27, 2018

87.5 km

After a nice lunch stop in a plaza in Charcas, where I received a lot of attention, I cycled a bit more and got of the main road and life started to get really good. Long flat roads...wild camped again in the desert watching the moon again and sending love to people.
22.824966, -101.079378 ‐ Jul 26, 2018

99.4 km

Back on the bike - getting into desert territory - dry arid desolated land. Sparsely populated. Wild camped in the desert a little way from the road - watch the full moon come up, and then saw it go down in the morning.
San Luis Potosí ‐ Jul 23, 2018

More big bussing - arrived at about 2am and after unsuccessfully trying to get a bed for the night I decided to wait in the bus terminal and write
Ciudad de México

And here comes the big bussing
17.45756, -97.230496

28.7 km

Up early - got a puncture and then joined a bike ride with local cyclists on a pilgrimage - not so alone afterall
17.314073, -97.089076, Mexico ‐ Jul 22, 2018

79.1 km

Back on my bike but alone again - lots to process so the ride was good for me although I knew I would be taking buses at some point - eyes are on Canada before winter and cycling the whole way is not possible
Oaxaca ‐ Jul 20, 2018

Bus up the hills to Oaxaca. Questions as to whether our cycling partnership can continue. I may go on alone from here.
Salina Cruz

After a very serious body check-in (me struggling in the heat, and my cycling companion having difficulties with a past injury) we decided to get to the hills as quickly as possible. We hitched back to Salina Cruz to then take a bus to Oaxaca.
16.008544, -95.400844 ‐ Jul 19, 2018

42.8 km

Wow what a beautiful stretch of road along the coast and we ended up camping on the beach. So hot at night though that there was no sleep to be had.
Salina Cruz ‐ Jul 18, 2018

45.6 km

Straight flat roads - great landscapes
Juchitán de Zaragoza ‐ Jul 17, 2018

107.7 km

We arrived at our destination - it was about 36 degrees and a hotel was taken to cool down and replenish ourselves - strong riding
San Pedro Tapanatepec ‐ Jul 15, 2018

78.5 km

Nice riding - a few ups and downs but a lot of flat and a nice stop at the lake for a long lunch
Cintalapa de Figueroa ‐ Jul 14, 2018

33 km

"We" sensed a short day and restful day would serve "us" - been writing, reflecting, and catching up...
16.756757, -93.526616 ‐ Jul 13, 2018

50.9 km

Camped up near a gorgeous gorge and waterfall.
Tuxtla Gutiérrez ‐ Jul 12, 2018

44.1 km

Mostly rolling down a hill - a woman pulls up in her care - she's a cyclists - and invites us to lunch at a restaurant with her friends and then invites us to stay the night.

+7

From Oaxaca
16.720442, -92.83674 ‐ Jul 11, 2018

33.8 km

After watching Croatia beat England in the World Cup it was onward "we" (I have a travel companion) flow...easy and short to ease into a now shared journey.
San Cristóbal de las Casas ‐ Jul 4, 2018

23.8 km

On to San Cristobal - stayed here for a week in the end and also found myself a travel companion.
16.587364, -92.515311 ‐ Jul 3, 2018

88.2 km

Nice ride - watched England vs Columbia in a restaurant just outside Teopisca. Ended up camping in a family's garden. I felt a lot of joy and gratitude.

In a garden
16.173012, -92.098816 ‐ Jul 2, 2018

82.8 km

Beautiful - never expected Mexico to be this way. Watched the Mexico Brazil world cup game and met two cyclists coming the other way. Wild camped in a beautiful spot - scary ol' Mexico.
Ciudad Cuauhtémoc ‐ Jun 30, 2018

66.3 km

And on to Mexico - with two stops along the way to watch the world cup.
15.382935, -91.608758, Guatemala ‐ Jun 29, 2018

88.1 km

Ankle struggled a bit today as a lot of hills so much pressure. I had the most delightful experience when I was looking for a place to camp and ran into 10 children who took me to the local pastor. He said I could stay in his house - and then I played with the children for the evening - very beautiful experience.

+2

In a happy little village
Cuatro Caminos ‐ Jun 28, 2018

39.8 km

And then on it was to wherever was right for me to stop...
14.78997, -91.293131

Hitched a ride up the rest of the hill. Enrique in a lorry stopped for me and I put my bike in the back and sat with him to chat.
Santa Maria Visitacion

11.2 km

After a few days rest it is back on the bike to test the ankle again (actually it felt worse) and to head to Mexico. It was a very difficult time and put more strain on my body that I would have like so I listened and hitched a ride from here up to the pan-americana.
San Marcos La Laguna ‐ Jun 25, 2018

Boat over to San Marcos.

Lago Atitlan
Panajachel

32.2 km

Down and then up - difficult climb to begin the day but wow what a sight when I saw Lake Atitlan. And then down towards it. Ankle felt OK.
14.699145, -91.029883 ‐ Jun 24, 2018

48.9 km

Back on the bike to test the ankle. Seemed fine - although a difficult ride in places as lots of hills magills. Wild camped in a beautiful little spot among the trees.
Antigua Guatemala ‐ Jun 21, 2018

Another bus - foot getting better but let's see what happens after a few days resting it with an old friend.
San Salvador, El Salvador ‐ Jun 20, 2018

Foot still dodge magrodge so another bus onward.
San Miguel ‐ Jun 17, 2018

And then to San Miguel - I had hopped to make San Sebastian but I was exhausted and I needed some rest. The great thing about San Miguel is that there are no tourists and so I have just floated about watching the world go by - seeing the day to day lives of local people. A cultural experience.
13.592208, -87.76787

Out of the taxi, through the border, and onto a bus to the next border...
Guasaule, Honduras

A taxi all the way to the border because of a) a bad foot and b) civil unrest. I went with a taxi driver who knew the short cuts but it was a long journey. It was a really nice route and I am sad I didn't get to cycle it. Also it seemed quite safe and it would have been nice to have connected with locals over the situation.
San Jorge, Nicaragua ‐ Jun 18, 2018

Ferry to mainland.
Moyogalpa ‐ Jun 16, 2018

Taxi to the boat - foot busted and unable to cycle.
Santa Cruz ‐ Jun 1, 2018

20.5 km

To Inanitah - a spiritual community Originally I only intended to stay for a week at but my stay turned into two - deep nourishment...seeds planted that will grow for the rest of my life-time...
San Marcos ‐ May 31, 2018

9.2 km

Ended up in a nice wild camp spot overlooking the lake. Hyper-nourishing.
Moyogalpa

Ferry across to Ometepe
San Jorge

55.4 km

And into Nicaragua with little knowledge of what has been happening there politically...seemed quiet at the border and quiet on the roads...
11.122247, -85.595282, Costa Rica ‐ May 30, 2018

59.1 km

Very nice camp site I repaired and cleaned my tent and generally relxed before crossing the border.

+6

Costa Rica
10.673456, -85.486831 ‐ May 29, 2018

7.6 km

I hung out at the hostel I stayed in the night before all day and I left at about 4pm to find a spot to camp. A nice way to save a bit og money on accommodation.
Liberia ‐ May 28, 2018

69.9 km

I was quite tired - I broke my 50km rule two days in a row - but didn't cycle beyond 11am so I told myself that that was OK. Ended up in a simple hostel. Soon to Nicaragua...
Nambí de Nicoya ‐ May 26, 2018

80.9 km

Early start and it turned into a longer than expected ride. When I arrived in Nicoya I tried to see if the bomberos or red cross would let me sleep there but they both said no. I decided to head out further after a local suggested a nice spot to camp. I camped by a river which happened to be someone's land. They came out and recommended I move away from the river as it often flooded. They suggested I come further onto their land. Indeed the river did flood and the place where I had been was unde [...]
rwater the next morning. The guy and his partner found the idea of me floating away on the river very amusing. And so did I.
9.940749, -84.970721

Boat over to the Nicoya peninsula and then I sat in a restaurant writing and watching football. Then I camped on a peacful beach. Such an easy relaxing day.
Puntarenas

13.6 km

Saturday morning jaunt to the ferry
El Roble ‐ May 25, 2018

62.9 km

I saw crocodiles...
Jacó ‐ May 24, 2018

44.1 km

I was tempted for another beach stop further along but figured some people to talk to would be nice and so I took a hostel in Jaco.
9.505672, -84.385074 ‐ May 23, 2018

61.6 km

Onward - cycling no great distances and stopping before it gets too hot. Works well for me and here I landed on another beach.
Savegre ‐ May 22, 2018

49.5 km

I left the farm. I left one heaven and flowed down to another - on the coast.
9.261607, -83.685428 ‐ May 12, 2018

63.1 km

Nice downhill flow. I was heading to do some volunteering on a farm. Tough track roads to get there but worth it. Been here about a week now.
9.569843, -83.753246 ‐ May 11, 2018

47.8 km

Not sure where I made it exactly but it was definitely around the top. Tough start to the day as it was a track road but one I got onto the pan-america highway it was nice. Possibly the nicest stretch on the pan-american I've been on so far. Cool weather - good sleep.
9.707131, -84.021471 ‐ May 10, 2018

40.9 km

Tough day on the bike. I bought a new smart phone and the mapping app took me on some quite difficult track roads. No way I could have made this route with my traditional paper map and it was pretty beautiful in places.
San José ‐ May 7, 2018

26.5 km

After a days rest it was time to head to San Jose. Not a long ride but not a straightforward one and I still don't have a decent way of navigating in Costa Rica (looking to change that in Costa Rica). A friendly cyclist led me in the right direction. Apparently I rode through a really dangerous part of Costa Rica as a man in a car sternly warned me not to stop for anything.
Cartago ‐ May 5, 2018

15.5 km

Easy ride with stunning views down to Cartago where I stayed with a Costa Rican family I found on warmshowers. Great hosts.
Pacayas ‐ May 4, 2018

40.3 km

I wasn't supposed to go this route but it was not the main road so probably worked out for the better. Nice sunny climb. Day ended camping in the garden of one beautifully friendly family.
9.943007, -83.633187 ‐ May 3, 2018

49.7 km

A tremendous day on the bike - full of flow and amazing happenings. Very tough hill work though - had to be at least 20% in places. Fortunately I'm no longer super ambitious and rested whenever I needed to take in the nature and breath.
10.093687, -83.485229 ‐ May 2, 2018

56.4 km

6am start and done way before 11am with plenty of rests in between. I'm absolutely loving this new strategy of taking it easy. I ended up in a nice little hostel run by a very sweet family. A little girl even gave me a picture she drew as a gift. I even wrote a blog post from scratch too (https://tinyurl.com/y87rlvne)
Limón ‐ May 1, 2018

59.5 km

This was a beautiful ride - jungle beaches. Wow. Stopped a few times to take it all in. No photos as the phone has died. Less ambitious rides give much more space and are way more relaxing. These days trying not to do much more than 50kms each day and not cycle after 11am. I arrived still full of energy.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca ‐ Apr 30, 2018

12.3 km

Not much sleep in Manzanillo - bitten by mosquitoes, no fan, and noises. I had to move on. Also I tried to go to a permaculture farm called Punta Mona - I began early but unclear directions and lots of rain turned me back. Decided to leave this space and jaunt Puerto Viejo.
Manzanillo ‐ Apr 29, 2018

44.5 km

Back on the bike and into Costa Rica. New rules are to cyce no more than 50km and not after 11am. Due to the border crossing and the earlier boat ride I cycled after 11am but took a lot of rest.
Changuinola, Panama

Bus because I'm done pedalling in severe heat and near collapsing by the side of the road.
Almirante

And back to Panama mainland a new person.
Bocas del Toro ‐ Apr 25, 2018

Boat over to Bocas town to hang out for a few days and not think about the bike.
Almirante

A few days rejuvenating and re-imagining my journey I left on a bus. There will be a lot more buses from now on.
Hornito ‐ Apr 22, 2018

93.8 km

After the last days I had been contemplating some rules to protect myself. In these conditions no more than 50kms and not to cycle after 11am. So I started at 5am and caught a beautiful sunrise and being away from the Pan-American highway for the first time was peaceful. I thought I could handle the 1,000m climb but I couldn't plus the distance was further than my map showed me. I found myself suffering again and many times I got off my bike to sob by the side of the road.
David ‐ Apr 21, 2018

I was suffering from the day before and didn't think cycling along a flat hot road would be something I would enjoy. i took a bus.
Natá ‐ Apr 20, 2018

85.1 km

A day of severe struggle. Panama does not have an abundance of hotels and so I got caught in the heat again. When I finally got to the hotel I was on the verge of passing out. Never again - take more care I told myself.
8.460237, -79.984243 ‐ Apr 19, 2018

96.3 km

After some very nourishing days in Panama it was time to move on. I tried to start early to avoid the later heat only to find that the road into Panama is one way from 4am to 8am. I waited and I caught the heat and didn't make my destination. I ended up in my tent under a bridge over a small river that I bathed in. Sounds nice but traffic was loud and too hot to sleep.
Panamá ‐ Apr 15, 2018

I was hoping for an easy day on a bike and wanted to find a hotel around here. Nothing. it was getting hot. It wasn't pretty so I took a bus to Panama City.
Sabanitas

68.3 km
Puerto Lindo

After some days at sea I arrived in Panama (https://tinyurl.com/ycngocwc)
Cartagena, Colombia ‐ Apr 6, 2018

Sometimes I don't feel like cycling. I've learned to listen to that and so I descended down from the Andes and took a bus along a stretch that would have been flat but mightily hot. And then I was in Cartagena - the end of Colombia, the end of South America.
7.159712, -75.432329 ‐ Apr 5, 2018

81.5 km

After beginning the day with a drink of freshly pumped milk from my hosts I headed first up and then down of the Andes. Felt very tired though.
6.672934, -75.464464 ‐ Apr 4, 2018

79.7 km

Wow - what a day. Traffic jams coming out of Medellin due to overturned vehicle - I sneaked through the jam and police let me by and then I had a free road for some miles until a big hill climb up into the Andes one final time. Sun was scorching. As I was looking for a wild-camp spot it began to rain quite heavily - I couldn't find anywhere as lots of houses so I asked someone. Ended up camping in their fields with their cows and got invited in initially for hot chocolate. As I headed out to my [...]
tent they then invited me to have dinner with them. So I ate with them. A unique beautiful experience. Three hard-working young brothers (23, 20, 18) one with a 15 month child - such warm hospitality despite there 14 hour day, which begin at 4am to milk the cows. Astounding.

+5

Traffic jams, last of the Andes, and hospitality
Medellín ‐ Apr 2, 2018

90.2 km

After the downhill of the day before I had to go back up but I was feeling strong and so this was an enjoyable day all in all.

To Medellin
5.668073, -75.574309 ‐ Apr 1, 2018

96.7 km

Downhill and then flat. What a joy to have these kind of days sometimes. Makes the difficult days worth it.

Life on a bike seems to revolve around food
Chinchiná ‐ Mar 30, 2018

102.3 km

Other than very frustrating circumnavigation around Pereira (from following the road signs) this was a really beautiful ride. There were some friendly cyclists out and cycled some of the way with another couple of cyclists and that was hugely supportive. I rained quite heavily though and arrived to Chinchina wet and took a hotel.
4.44616, -75.717644 ‐ Mar 29, 2018

15.8 km

I set-off at abut 4pm and did a short ride as wanted to camp rather than stay in a hostel and get on my way to Meddelin.
Buenavista ‐ Mar 27, 2018

35.5 km

Only a short ride to this small but cute little village. In the coffee region and here there were minimal tourists. Went for a cffee tour the next day. Great little hostel called Panorama hostel which had an amazing view. This is the blog post that I wrote whilst there - "Making a happy little home for the night" https://tinyurl.com/yaztyusf

+2

My office in Buenavista
4.269389, -75.921087 ‐ Mar 26, 2018

83.9 km

Ouch for the long hill climb at the end of the day. Free-camped.
Guadalajara de Buga ‐ Mar 25, 2018

67.7 km

After a week in Cali it was cycling time again. Bit of a hot day and I started late. Flat ride though. I wrote two blog posts while here: "Is Peru a happy place" - https://tinyurl.com/ydxy3egk "What does International Day of Happiness mean to you?" https://tinyurl.com/ycjgjf8a
Cali ‐ Mar 18, 2018

55.5 km

Woke up very tired this morning and didn't really want to ride. It was a very welcome flat ride though.
Santander de Quilichao ‐ Mar 17, 2018

82.5 km

Back on the bike.
Popayán ‐ Mar 15, 2018

Bus

+7

Colombia
1.881176, -77.198258

63.3 km

I thought this would be flat and easy, but it wasn't. I was absolutely exhausted and my body was calling for rest. I listened and since there were no hotels close by I took a bus to the next city - Popyan.
1.537674, -77.348519 ‐ Mar 14, 2018

60.5 km

Up and then down, and then up again. Hot day. Someone threw a glass bottle at me from their car. Things like that bring fear to me but I didn't let that stop me from camping wild.
Pasto ‐ Mar 13, 2018

77.5 km
0.823951, -77.56985 ‐ Mar 12, 2018

20.9 km
Tulcán, Ecuador ‐ Mar 10, 2018

24.5 km

Few hills then a fast downhill. I overtook a truck. I wrote and published "Still cycling to Bhutan" (https://tinyurl.com/ycqtdbau) to reaffirm my intentions about my trip.
Julio Andrade ‐ Mar 9, 2018

64.3 km

This was a tough ride. I had really wanted to camp but couldn't find a place secluded enough. I was ready to turn in to a hotel. One was $15 and the cheaper one was full. But a guy just by gave me the location of his mum's house just further along in the country side by a wood I headed to where I thought he meant. There were people around so I enquired as to whether it was the right spot. It wasn't but they said I could camp there. If felt like a magical day. I slept great too.
0.46209, -78.012544 ‐ Mar 8, 2018

92.9 km

After staying with the Bomeros I headed off. Stopped off for about 4 hours to write this blog post (https://adventuresinhappinessblog.wordpress.com/2018/03/08/cyclists-supporting-cyclistsand-another-way-of-being/). This wasn't the exact route I took. I got of the panamerican highway and took some back routes that took me through some beautiful spots.
0.04143, -78.144434 ‐ Mar 7, 2018

63.6 km

After 3 nourishing days at the casa de ciclistas I head out. Columbia here I come! First experience of the pan-american highway - not fun. My time in the casa inspired this blog post on "cyclists supporting other cyclists...and other ways of being" https://tinyurl.com/ybqg8opl and I also managed to write this long overdue post on my equipment for happiness (https://tinyurl.com/ybyw7nru)
Quito, Ecuador ‐ Mar 4, 2018

38.8 km

Cold morning - only 5km of climbing but got we warmed up before rolling down the hill to stay at a casa de ciclistas.

+6

Ecuador
-0.355149, -78.204292 ‐ Mar 3, 2018

50.5 km

Lots of rain - thought I was in Scotland a lot of the time. Misty camp spot and didn't realise I was only 5km away from the 4,000m peak altitude.

Could this be Scotland?
Baeza ‐ Mar 1, 2018

65.3 km

Forgot how demanding these rides can be. Bike feels very heavy - I've lost a lot of fitness but not dtermination.
-0.68824, -77.7353 ‐ Feb 28, 2018

70.5 km

I didn't make the next town as this was a difficult ride - hot, sometimes very wet, and lots of ups and downs. However, I got back in my tent for the first time in some 5 weeks and that felt good.
-0.68721, -77.311083 ‐ Feb 27, 2018

55 km

Back on the bike - quite hot and humid as still jungle territory but once I get up into the hills.
Francisco de Orellana ‐ Feb 26, 2018

This is me boated out. There is finally a road I can take. I'm feeling ultra excited to be back on the bike. Exactly how I wanted to feel when I did return to the bike... Here's the accompanying blog post on the boating adventures - https://tinyurl.com/y8xurtzj

+5

On the boats
-0.937385, -75.364604 ‐ Feb 25, 2018

A boat
-0.977348, -75.169907, Peru ‐ Feb 24, 2018

Another boat - 14 hours this time.
Santa Clotilde ‐ Feb 23, 2018

On a boat all day. Another boat the next day beginning at 4 in the morning.
Mazán ‐ Feb 21, 2018

3.4 km

Longest bike ride in 3 weeks.
Mazán

Beginning of a series of a long boat journey out of this area
Iquitos ‐ Feb 4, 2018

3 days floating down the river on a boat whilst swinging on a hammock. I'll have some of that.
Pucallpa ‐ Feb 1, 2018

No interest in cycling beyond 8am and so took a collectivo. Also tired of cycling in the jungle (pure exhausting) and took a ride all the way to Pucallpa so I could catch a slow boat down the river.
-9.306812, -75.010519

64.9 km

3am start to avoid heat - beautiful riding at this time as there was a full moon too but a little scary - what was beyond the road. Fantastic jungle noises. Probably the worst thing as it turned out was the dogs - they tested me after the recent dog bite experience. I had wanted to get all the way to the next road but by 8am it was pretty hot so I took a collectivo.
Ciudad Constitución ‐ Jan 31, 2018

54.7 km

Locals told me this road would be mostly tarmac. It mostly wasn't - but by the looks of things it one day will be. I found it tough going.
-10.295877, -74.935942 ‐ Jan 30, 2018

Locals told me that this road was mostly track and so i decided to take a collectivo bus.
Villa Rica ‐ Jan 29, 2018

64.4 km

Tough ride - officially in jungle territory and it was like cycling in a suana. Plus the last 15km was a fairly sizeable hill climb. Tough and that evening my legs felt more tired than they've ever felt on this journey. Not sure if I'm out of practice or just the different conditions.
San Ramón ‐ Jan 28, 2018

62.6 km

Hello jungle - all I had to do here was roll down a mountain. Thought there would be some climbing, nevertheless I actually felt some joy on this ride. I wanted to make it to La Merced but I saw a campsite and thought it would be good to get back in the tent in a safe environment. The campsite had a pool so I sat by it watching, writing, and reading.
Tarma ‐ Jan 29, 2018

61.4 km

The last stop was OK but I wanted to keep riding. Slightly more ambitious than the day before with a fairly sizeable hill climb. I managed OK. Tarma was quite nice so I stayed there a couple of nights to check in with my-self.
Jauja ‐ Jan 25, 2018

46.7 km

I struggled to leave Huancayo but I was incubating a lot of fear there (https://tinyurl.com/ydadtgrb) so I dug deep and left. A very easy ~50km with very little climbing to see how the leg fared. It was a tense ride as I was carrying a lot of fear but physically I seemed OK..
Huancayo ‐ Jan 20, 2018

The dog bite necessitated I take a ride to the next city. All sorts of emotions arose. The day was spent sorting my-self out. Looks like I'll be staying here for a while to heal. I wrote a couple of blog posts related to my experience - one on anger (https://tinyurl.com/y6vsx6q6) and another on fear (https://tinyurl.com/ydadtgrb).
-12.531943, -74.927616

11.5 km

The day of the dog bite - dogs chase bikes but a kid in the street deliberately tried to slow me down - I suppose to connect - and then I didn't notice the dog on my left side which took a big old chomp at my leg - fairly surreal. Don't think it was rabid but you never know. i couldn't ride anyway so got a ride to the next city from here.
-12.509571, -74.853973 ‐ Jan 19, 2018

84 km

A delicious days riding with another delicious camp spot at the end.
-12.798745, -74.474773 ‐ Jan 18, 2018

89.4 km

I wasn't feeling too motivated at the start of the day. just didn't want to be on the bloody bike. But I encountered a french couple on bicycles coming in the other direction some 20kms into the ride and that lifted my spirits. There was also a lot of going downhill. WooYeah...nice peaceful little camp spot alongside a river.
Ayacucho ‐ Jan 16, 2018

47.8 km

And down we go for some rest and recuperation in the city - a contrast to the mountains were I am happy but there are "comforts/luxuries" there that I'm happy without, such as pillows, hot water, etc that I appreciate immensely when they are present. (My time in the mountains from Cusco to Ayacucho - https://tinyurl.com/y9g6fv4m)
-13.356221, -74.116858 ‐ Jan 14, 2018

58.2 km

The top, the top, I camped up exhausted - not as cold as I thought it would be. (What is up and what is down anyway? My time in the mountains from Cusco to Ayacucho in pictures and words - https://tinyurl.com/y9g6fv4m)
-13.422351, -73.894042 ‐ Jan 13, 2018

49.8 km

This is the big climb. Made it about half way up and took it nice and slow. Lots of conversations and lots of happiness shared and created. (My time in the mountains from Cusco to Ayacucho - https://tinyurl.com/y9g6fv4m)
Chincheros ‐ Jan 12, 2018

79.9 km

An easier climb than the previous days - still tough though. I would have liked to have gone further but it started pouring with rain so i took rest in a hosepdaje. (My time in the mountains from Cusco to Ayacucho - https://tinyurl.com/y9g6fv4m)
Andahuaylas ‐ Jan 10, 2018

55 km

This was meant to be an easy day but there was more climbing to do than I thought. Expectations thwart my happiness. I got down and I am resting as I update.

We keep climbing
-13.681183, -73.133926 ‐ Jan 9, 2018

70.2 km

Again I climbed all day and still didn't make the top. There was a lot of mist and rain but sun too. I enjoyed myself nevertheless. I pitched my tent in what would have been a great spot were it not misty. No joy the next morning. At night though it was clear and I enjoyed watching the cars make there way round the mountain.

+3

Another days climbing
-13.677597, -72.925701 ‐ Jan 8, 2018

66.5 km

I made the 4,000m pass - fairly uneventful and not that far. I had an easy day and rested a while in Abancay for the afternoon and the ended out of town to set up camp (another great spot) ready for big climbing the next day.
-13.537199, -72.770347 ‐ Jan 7, 2018

92.4 km

I climbed all day and still didn't make the pass. What a beautiful ride and I ended up in a prize camp spot.
-13.446517, -72.36866 ‐ Jan 6, 2018

52.4 km

I had a bit of accident here but luckily landed on my feet and traffic behind took care. Damage to bike which I rectified in the next town which was close by. I found a super camp spot. See picture.

Leaving Cusco and back into nature

Climbing all day and still not making the top
Cusco ‐ Dec 24, 2017

This is where I wanted to be by this time. And breathe. I rest easy, reflect, and integrate (A blog post here - https://tinyurl.com/ybhwyuzq). I stayed here a while in the end. I needed the rest.

+2
Puno

46.2 km

Over to Puno, where I then took a bus to Cusco where there was support from a good friend.
-15.904629, -69.735289 ‐ Dec 23, 2017

121.2 km

Back on the bike to cycle along Lake Titcaca. A part of my journey I had really wanted to do by bike. I found a camp spot by the side of the lake.

Lago Titicaca
Copacabana, Bolivia ‐ Dec 25, 2017

Another bus
La Paz ‐ Dec 19, 2017
Challapata ‐ Dec 18, 2017
Santuario de Quillacas

95.5 km
-19.652934, -67.670288 ‐ Dec 17, 2017

39.8 km

Salar de Uyuni
-19.901699, -67.664795

42.5 km
-20.282809, -67.640076

74.3 km

Salar de Uyuni
Colchani ‐ Dec 16, 2017

125.3 km
Atocha ‐ Dec 14, 2017

117.5 km

Tough day - best to read the blog post on this one (https://tinyurl.com/yaef9rq2)
-21.336231, -65.805959 ‐ Dec 13, 2017

107.9 km

Tough day - best to read the blog post on this one (https://tinyurl.com/yaef9rq2)

On the way to Atocha - tough day
La Quiaca, Argentina ‐ Dec 12, 2017

88 km

My well-being levels for the day: Positive emotions: 6 out of 10. Negative emotions: 1 out of 10. Day meaning and purpose: 7 out of 10. Satisfaction with day: 7 out of 10. Now that I am up in the mountains today was more or less flat. An easy ride. Frustrating thing was time - it took longer than anticipated and it meant shops were all closed when I arrived at the border and I needed things. I waited around and checked into a hotel to shower and prepare for Bolivia.
-22.862256, -65.676269 ‐ Dec 11, 2017

111.1 km

My well-being levels for the day: Positive emotions: 8 out of 10. Negative emotions: 3 out of 10. Day meaning and purpose: 9 out of 10. Satisfaction with day: 8 out of 10. The road was good to me today as I climbed up to 3,600 metres. I felt nourished and was fairly accepting of the wind that sometimes blew hard in my face. I pedalled more or less with serenity. A bit of physical difficulty with my eyes (to much solar, too much altitude?) and finding a spot to camp. When I did settle down in my [...]
tent the the sky got a bit moody and so did I.

Up to 3,600 metres
Tilcara ‐ Dec 10, 2017

91.1 km

As I headed out of Jujuy I laughed as I looked at the mountains ahead of me. I had a feeling it was going to be a tough day but slow and steady would get me through. Although a difficult one in places I really took my time and had the wind behind me. I also met two touring cyclists coming the over way - one a Brit who was, I suppose, about 60 and the other an Argentinian of 80 years old. It is amazing and inspiring to meet such people. Stories shared and best wishes given. I ended up in a nice c [...]
ampsite for the night preparing to reach 3,600 metres the next day. My Castellano is improving - people are taking the time to help me and I'm very grateful.

+2

Heading into mountains
San Salvador de Jujuy ‐ Dec 9, 2017

93.6 km

After a days rest I headed to Jujuy along the route 9. I had expectations of it being an unpleasant busy road but it turned out to be on the nicest yet. Very quiet and tranquil - I was gliding long beautiful roads with absolute joy and wonder. I also met a touring cyclist coming the other way. It i exciting to see other cyclists out here doing there thing. We stopped and shared stories for quite a time - I could have chatted for longer but there are miles to cover and so we pressed on with our r [...]
espective paths.

Gliding through the mountians
Salta ‐ Dec 7, 2017

123.7 km

At a hostel and time for serious rest after the mountains of the last few days. I'll hopefully get some writing done although tired.
-25.671236, -65.67627 ‐ Dec 6, 2017

113.4 km

I was pretty desperate here - strong head winds all day. Even though I was going downhill mostly I was really having to work. Not the easy day I'd expected. I ended up asking some locals if there were any campsites close by in the hope they'd let me pitch up on their property. They did but there was a financial cost. It was a nice spot though.

Some photos
-26.413957, -65.987749 ‐ Dec 5, 2017

76.7 km

After a tough day on the bike, which had me climbing up to 3,042m I came to rest in this little wee spot - technically known as the middle of nowhere. I'd hoped to get further and treat myself to a shower but there was a real tough head wind. Other than the aromas coming from an abundance of cow and horse shit this was a real gem of spot.

Photos

Tafi de Valle to the middle of nowhere
Tafí del Valle ‐ Dec 4, 2017

107.5 km

I started late because it was raining and he heat wasn't going to be so strong. Quite exhausting climb up to about 2,000m and I stayed in a municipal camping ground for the night. It was cheap but disappointed with my-self as 15km earlier I had seen some nice spots and thought more would follow once I'd done enough kms. At least I got a shower and re-connected with some folk I'd met in the hostel in San Miguel de Tucuman..

On the way to Tafi
San Miguel de Tucumán ‐ Dec 1, 2017

133.1 km

Arrived in San Migulel de Tucuman after a tough ride. I tried to avoid a busy road, which if I'd took would have been a 90km day, by taking a road that should have led to a 110km day. But the roads turned out to be un-rideable for the most part and had to take a detour of my detour and led to some 140km. Sun was pretty hot too. Feasted on all you can eat vegetarian food though and I ended up staying here for a few days and resting up - breathing deep and eating sumptuously.

At a hostel in San Miguel de Tucuman
Termas de Río Hondo ‐ Nov 30, 2017

68.9 km

Fairly easy day riding (although along a busy road frequented by buses that drive far too close for comfort) and arrived at a nice little spa town - I got me a fairly good deal on a hotel and sat in the warm swimming pool massaging my legs. Posted a blog post - https://adventuresinhappinessblog.wordpress.com/2017/11/30/finding-presence-and-contentment-with-the-bicycle/
Santiago del Estero ‐ Nov 29, 2017

126.2 km

I arrived it was hot and I had a tough time on some of these busy days so I took a hotel with air con and ate a lot.
Matara ‐ Nov 28, 2017

53.4 km

Random happy connection. A woman and her son in a pick up truck were worried about me in the heat. It was about 11am and already 35 degrees plus. They asked me if I wanted to come and enjoy an "asado" (frequently occurring BBQs in Aregntina) with them and her family. I said yes. We put my bike in the back and they drove me 8kms up the road - shhh!

photos 2
Añatuya ‐ Nov 27, 2017

141.2 km

What a day. A surprisingly easy 144km to arrive in a place called Añatuya. A super friendly town and I got offered a place to stay by two different people. I've been drinking coffee with folk, chatted to parents and teachers at a school, and have been interviewed about my journey by the local press (hopefully share these tomorrow if they come out). Now out for dinner with a guy who is hosting me. How do these things happen. This is happiness!!!
Tostado ‐ Nov 25, 2017

109.1 km

Stayed here a couple of nights to rest. Barely left my room. Did a revision for a paper...that was fun!
-29.969212, -61.24054 ‐ Nov 24, 2017

122.2 km

Wild camping on a Lugana - see photo link if it works. I got recommended this spot by someone I met in San Cristobal. Also met some other friendly folk in San Cristobal who were more than happy to help - there was a bed there for me if I'd wanted it. Also had a great stop in Eliza earlier the day and connected with folk. The gifts were abundant.

Los Malvinas

Gem of a camp spot
-30.969956, -60.919189 ‐ Nov 23, 2017

97.1 km

This was a horrible day on the bike. A strong head wind all day. I managed to get a shower at a petrol station though and found an OK wild camp spot so rested well to get ready for an early rise which at this point was becoming abundantly clear to be necessary.
Santo Tome ‐ Nov 21, 2017

125.8 km

All my dreams came true at the end of this long a brutal day. I was hosted by a family through www.warmshowers.org who were simply amazing. I stayed a couple of nights and left feeling abundantly nourished. Managed to publish a blog post - my first in Spanish (with a translation into English) https://adventuresinhappinessblog.wordpress.com/2017/11/22/aventuras-en-felicidad-mi-viaje-hasta-el-momento/
-31.841253, -59.636536 ‐ Nov 20, 2017

162.8 km

After cycling 165km (my first 100 miler of this trip) what I would have liked was a nice warm shower and to get into some clean clothes before slumbering down for the night. Instead I found my-self camping in a ditch by the side of the road with less than 500ml of water to wash myself. There was nevertheless a lot of acceptance, love, and happiness, as I watched my miserable self. I also rained that night and didn't make for an easy start to the day.
-32.177543, -58.177115 ‐ Nov 19, 2017

19.8 km

After what was meant to be a rest day I arrived at this very nice campsite. With hindsight I wished I'd got here earlier and hang out here rather than in Paysandu. But then I'd never have actually got here as something else would have happened that would have changed everything.
Paysandú, Uruguay ‐ Nov 18, 2017

101.9 km

I headed to the municipal campsite but no one around and all showers closed - not sure what was going on here but ended up speaking to some locals who said I should camp there anyway and let me take a shower at theirs.

At Paysandu
-33.131801, -58.100853 ‐ Nov 17, 2017

106.3 km

I'm getting into the wild camping groove - sometimes it is good to just head out to a place where you know you won't find a campsite - ensures one stays out of the comfort zone and perhaps into possible happiness. Although I could have done with a spot near water to wash.
-33.914446, -58.41598 ‐ Nov 16, 2017

89.2 km

First wild camp spot in South America - looking out to the Rio Uruguay I wonder what I had done to deserve this. One of my favourite and all the locals were approving so it gave me confidence.
San Pedro ‐ Nov 15, 2017

16.7 km

Here I go - the trip begins. My first night in the tent. I took a campsite. a storm and hail stones bigger than golf balls - I shit you not. I was worried they'd rip my tent.
Colonia Del Sacramento

Off the boat from Buenos Aires - I had intended to take the bus to Montevideo but I just wanted to begin cycling and if I'd have gone to Montevideo then I'd have stayed a night in a hostel etc etc. Good decision I think. I equipped my stomach with a coffee and a brownie and off I went.
Buenos Aires, Argentina ‐ Nov 10, 2017

Arrived safe and sound. Spent the next days hanging out with my friend Flavia - who I'd met previously by hosting her in Edinburgh using couchsurfing. Also generally just getting ready. I also managed to finish writing a blog post on "Happiness in Spain" https://adventuresinhappinessblog.wordpress.com/2017/11/13/happiness-in-spain-felicidad-en-espana/

+2

In Buenos Aires
Begues, Spain ‐ Nov 8, 2017

84 km

Arrived at a friends near Barcelona to get ready for the flight to Buenos Aires.
Montblanc ‐ Nov 7, 2017

63.7 km

Finally I plucked up enough courage to wild camp in Spain.
Lleida

117 km

Stayed with someone I found from www.warmshowers.org. It was great to have company as the previous days had been a bit lonely
Alcubierre ‐ Nov 5, 2017

81.4 km
Ejea de los Caballeros ‐ Nov 4, 2017

52.7 km

After the train onward by bike to Ejea.
Tudela

A train was necessary here otherwise I'd have missed my flight.
Haro ‐ Nov 3, 2017

94.6 km

Onward through to the heart of the famous wine region. Of course I didn't sample anything because I don't drink - see why in this blog post I wrote some years ago (https://tinyurl.com/ya3pc579)
Barcenillas del Ribero ‐ Nov 2, 2017

98.3 km

This was an immensely tough day cycling. Something like a 900 metre hill to climb. At least I was finally away.
Santander ‐ Nov 1, 2017
Portsmouth, United Kingdom ‐ Oct 31, 2017

Train to Portsmouth to catch my boat.
Branksome ‐ Oct 28, 2017

A farewell to my grandparents down in Bournemouth (as it turned out it was the last time I ever saw my grandfather)
Bromley

19.1 km

Family visit (sister, mum, dad, brother) for a few hours to say goodbye
Henniker Gardens ‐ Oct 27, 2017

22.2 km

Another dear friend, another goodbye
Neale Close ‐ Oct 26, 2017

8.8 km

I stayed with long time cycling friends who have a fantastic shop selling dutch bikes called "The Flying Dutchman".
Kings Cross

First to London to say some farewells. But a reminder to connect along the way comes from a beautiful family I met along the train (https://tinyurl.com/y8hczp6h)
Edinburgh, United Kingdom ‐ Oct 26, 2017

A long journey to Bhutan begins. Here's why (https://tinyurl.com/ya4mloca) and here's hopefully how (https://tinyurl.com/y7ycct73).