Congratulations Congratulations to the Donkey
You have done extremely well in the face of all the adversities and you can now be proud to "to have something to show for in life " as you modestly and incorrectly stated.
What an adventure ! It sounds like despite the odds you had a lot of fun also
Have enjoyed reading your great and very amusing description (Blog) of your Journey
Again John, congratulations to have been able to " knock that bastard off "
Kind regards Freddie and Rosie Linterman
Well done Donkey I have followed your journey and loved your story, felt your pain and laughed ....hopefully in the right places! It would be great to see some pictures of your adventure and I hope that you (and possibly showpony) take to the road again in the future. Well Done Donkey
Congratulations from the turkeys who are now in Turkey AWESOME!!!! Truly incredible stuff John. Last night I woke in the middle of the night, our first here in Turkey, and thought about you and worked out that you might be heading to the finish line at that moment. Which you were! We feel privileged to be a part of your wider support group, and have really enjoyed and admired your stories. John is ready to give you a good PIT session when we get back home , but that isn't 'til early May, so meantime, relax and enjoy the pasture. :)
Congrats Wow John, by the time you will get this you will have finished. Super congrats. What an awesome inspiring and gutsy effort. Haha, I can't believe how you got into it more and more and your determined and competitive side came out the longer the trip went on. That really is an amazing effort. I hope you enjoyed it, well at least parts of it. I definitely enjoyed following it daily very much and I will miss your blog a lot. Maybe you should consider the Race across America to keep us entertained :) Just kidding. Enjoy your well earned rest and get all your niggles right. Again, congrats. All the very best from us, Britta, Rob and Jordy
thanks Hi Britta and Rob, thanks for your support and in particular for the wonderful treatment spot recieved at richmond village cycles, they were wonderful, and thanks for what looks like a significant discount I received on the supplies, regards, johnh
Out of retirement again. Great reading your blog, just wish you hadn’t called yourself the donkey as I can see the Inca Trails coming up next. Have a great trip and keep up the writing. Cheers Gail
home trip Try not to loose any more weight John or you will be able to "post" yourself home. You need one of those fat bike seats the ladies have. Enjoying your story so much, well done.
Reflection from afar I can understand your confusion because donkeys do some things very well but Mindfulness apparently isn’t one of them although donkeys have been known to resort to subterfuge in order to disguise their cunningness. You can reflect on the past and ponder the future and still be present as long
as you don’t act out either. That way you stay detached from either and stay connected to the present. Having had donkeys I know they are very good at staying present especially when eating, going to the toilet or seeing patients.
Not moved?! I got all worried when on the map it said you hadn't moved for 24 hours, from a spot on the road close to Kumara. Thank goodness for the blog, so we know you weren't road kill!! Which makes us wonder if the car ride back to Greymouth did something fatal to the "prison bracelet" on Spot? Sure hoe not because a) that would be REALLY mean, and b) we love to see where you are. Hope it shows back up again soon!
It really was super to catch up with you in Reefton, and it feels great to think we have done our tiny bit to help you along your way on this incredible journey. xox
Warning Alert of potential further Sand Fly attacks The threat of further potential Sand Fly attacks has been risen to Level 4. We have intercepted communications on Flypost which unlike NZ Post has deliveries still daily. The messages intercepted originated from a small angry Sand Fly community in remote Lake Rotorua who had recently been going about their business when they were suddenly attacked with a spray by what they believe to be a Donkey wearing cycle gear riding a bike called Spot! They are receiving medical care and it is believed that the unknown substance brings on hallucinations. A small fraction of this community have issued messages to their West Coast relatives to retaliate against this Donkey with all bites that they can muster without mercy! All Donkeys in the area are warned to take the necessary precautions and proceed through the area with due haste.
No wonder you are confused!! On closer inspection that Donkey appears to be female and in fact most probably pregnant. You may yet have one or two little baby donkeys accompanying you on this trek. Find a manger real quick!
Yay! Yay yay yay! You have made it to the South Island! Our obsession with your whereabouts continues. We might even be able to catch up with you en route mid-week...before these Turkeys head off to Turkey.
the final was Jerusalem Mother donkey obviously dis not read the bible to the little ones? Baby Jesus died in Jerusalem, his manger (I looked up the word) stood in Bethlehem...
je bent toch wel een bikkel, Jan, om zo door te pushen. Fijn dat je een betere dag had. En een prima blog. Ik zat te peinzen hoe het zou zijn als je in de ik-vorm zou schrijven, omdat de donkey-vorm soms wat afstandelijk overkomt. Maar deze vorm geeft wel grappige mogelijkheden, en de ervaringen en overpeinzingen zijn leuk. Fijn dat John weer beter genoeg is om een keer mee te fietsen. Die gordelroos is geen feest, ben benieuwd welke pillen dat zijn, die blijkbaar wel helpen. Mooie dagen gewenst.
Well done, Donkey - we're impressed! What a tough time you've been through! We are still addicted, watching your progress on the map lots of times during the day, and seeking out the blogs at night. Glad you have had some support lately - John was wishing he could ride with you a bit while I was dreaming of turning up with a big batch of your favourite Donkey-biscuits! So, even when you are alone, know that you are being thought of frequently and often. Those pills must be darn good - Shingles for goodness sake! Wishing you well!
No John, keep going. I would really miss my daily read. I promise to cook a massive meal for you when you come through Nelson. I hope you are feeling a lot better. I bet it can be very lonely, but once you leave the business of the north Island you will love it. Sending you energy from down here, Britta
Freddie and Rosie Linterman
non-member comment
Congratulations
Congratulations to the Donkey You have done extremely well in the face of all the adversities and you can now be proud to "to have something to show for in life " as you modestly and incorrectly stated. What an adventure ! It sounds like despite the odds you had a lot of fun also Have enjoyed reading your great and very amusing description (Blog) of your Journey Again John, congratulations to have been able to " knock that bastard off " Kind regards Freddie and Rosie Linterman