A few weeks ago I purchased a 'fitbit' wristband. It is linked to a 'fitbit' app on my smart phone. It enables me to track real-time stats such as steps taken, distance travelled, calories burned, floors climbed, active minutes, etc. It is brilliant! The main aim is to complete at least 10,000 steps a day which is the American Heart Association recommended minimum daily exercise. I am finding it a real motivation tool for walking at least 5 miles every day. It was Lynne's birthday on Thursday. Guess what she got for her birthday? Yes a 'fitbit' wristband! As well as feeling fitter we are enjoying the fresh air and beautiful countryside around Harrogate.
The 10,000 steps a day is helping us prepare for our trip to Tibet in April/May. Yesterday we went to 'Go Outdoors' to buy some clothes for the trip. I bought a new down jacket. There will be a big temperature range due to the high altitude of the Tibetan plateau. Overnight temperatures could drop to -10C but during the day it is possible to get up to 10C or even 20C! So layers of clothing is the recommended approach.
This morning I have uploaded a new poem to my website. 'Jokhang' is a poem inspired by our visit to the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa on our last trip to Tibet in 1985. It was an amazing travel experience to walk amongst Tibetans at their holiest place of pilgrimage. We know that there will probably be many changes since our last visit 31 years ago! However this time we will be travelling overland around Tibet which in 1985 was not possible. I am really excited!!!