a patio overlooking the ocean 6-14

poetry and prose about place

a patio overlooking the ocean 6-14

Well, I have reached the end of Phase 6 of my virtual tour through central France!!!

This last day on Ile de Ré marked the end of a sort of odyssey for me. When I began, on January 30, 2013, I had little hope that my exercise plan would last very long. And here I am, 196.8 kilometers and 1975 minutes of stationary cycling later.

map showing distance travelled (map from Google Earth)

I have learned a lot about central France, I have practiced my French, I have drawn and painted a lot of my impressions, and I have had fun telling you all about it in my Blog posts.

I also have several health benefits to report. My blood pressure is consistently down to normal, my blood cholesterol is improved, and I feel more energetic. As a result of this last, my house is (slightly) more organised. I have not lost one ounce of weight, but I have probably gained some muscle and lost some fat. My knees are no better but they are also no worse.

I think, most important, I have learned two things about exercise …

1. about 2-3 months of regular exercise is needed to see a benefit, and

2. after about one month, exercise starts to be a habit, so it does not take so large an effort to continue as to begin.

The vistas on this last day were not so different from other days on the island. I saw many paths to the beach, but rarely saw the ocean …

a path to the beach (image from Street View)

I saw an interesting ‘pink-flowered’ shrub growing along the ponds of the salt marsh …

a shrub with pink flowers (image from Street View)

And I ended my sixth phase of my virtual bike trip virtually enjoying a virtual lemonade at a charming patio in La Patache, overlooking the sea …

a patio overlooking the ocean at La Patache (image from Street View)

Best View: the salt marshes of Ile de Ré …

June 26, 2013 ‘salt marsh on Ile de Re #2’ Jane Tims

So, am I going to continue this exercise plan? You bet! Next, I am going for a 4 day tour of the city of Mermaid Waters in Australia. A very good friend of mine lived there once and biked every day to university along the path I will take. Then, I will choose a place in Britain to continue my virtual bike tour. I hope you will join me!!!!

Written by jane tims

July 12, 2013 at 7:06 am

Posted in my exercise plan, virtual cycling in central France

Tagged with art, biking, blood pressure, cholesterol, exercise, goal, stationary cycling, virtual travel, watercolor

10 Responses

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#2 is an important lesson, one I need to remind myself of on a daily basis. I think having a virtual lemonade (no calories!) on a charming patio overlooking the sea is a great way to end your bicycle tour in France. 🙂

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Robin

July 21, 2013 at 2:35 pm

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- Hi Robin. I should have a virtual picnic, lemonade, etc. on these trips more often! Jane
  
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  jane tims
  
  July 22, 2013 at 3:57 pm
  
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Jane, I’m so happy to hear that your health has benefited so much from your cycling adventure! You’re an inspiration and now I’m looking forward to following you through Australia… Love your painting of the salt marsh.

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Barbara Rodgers

July 15, 2013 at 3:45 pm

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- Hi Barbara. Thanks! I won’t do Australia for a while but will spend the next ten days biking along the Cornwall coast. I’m glad you like the salt marsh painting. It’s the one I’ve framed to remember my ‘trip’. Jane
  
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  jane tims
  
  July 15, 2013 at 9:17 pm
  
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Congratulations on all of your accomplishments. Feel proud of what you have done physically and what you have done as an artist.

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Carol Steel

July 13, 2013 at 12:04 am

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- Hi Carol. Thanks! 5 months of exercise! Now, to keep on the program!!!! Jane
  
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  jane tims
  
  July 13, 2013 at 4:07 pm
  
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Lovely ending to this trip, Jane. The views are quite envy inducing! Salt marshes are a favourite subject for me to paint too and yours is one of your best I think! Look forward to more virtual journeys – where will you choose in Britain i wonder?

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dianajhale

July 12, 2013 at 7:41 am

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- Hi Diana. Thanks for the comment. I like the salt marsh too. I am trying to work with thinner paints. So hard after years of acrylics. Jane
  
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  jane tims
  
  July 12, 2013 at 11:05 pm
  
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  - I like using acrylics with water – the effect of watercolour but easier to control I find and stronger colour.
    
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    dianajhale
    
    July 13, 2013 at 4:36 am
  - Hi Diana. I think I’ll try this. I do find the watercolor very pale if I keep it watered down. However, I kind of like the lack of control, when it achieves a pleasing effect. Jane
    
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    jane tims
    
    July 13, 2013 at 4:09 pm