nichepoetryandprose

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

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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.

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map showing distance travelled (map from Google Earth)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 …

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a path to the beach (image from Street View)

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

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a shrub with pink flowers (image from Street View)

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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 …

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

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Best View:  the salt marshes of Ile de Ré …

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

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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!!!!

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Copyright  Jane Tims  2013