The MMB Chronicles

The Mini Me Bear Chronicles2022.

Originally in this edition of The MMB Chronicles I was going to write about my adventures with the little bear. However, as I write this article MMB is on an overseas adventure with a mission to raise donations to the ‘Shake it Up Foundation’ and I think it more opportune to impart his current story as you may also wish to contribute.

After sharing my home with MMB during covid it was time to let the little guy move onto the next adventure. The decision of who to pass the MMB baton to was not a hard one. Maryanne and Hank Tigges, both of Central Highlands Branch were in training to undertake the Spanish Camino de Santiago pilgrimage Way of St James. This journey by the trio is a personal one both to share the experience of the Camino and to raise important funds for Parkinson’s Disease research.

A little about “the Camino” to put the epic journey into perspective. Its history has an ancient beginning in medieval times as a pilgrimage of faith, to now a contemporary journey that is not limited as a journey of religion but popular with hikers as the number one bucket list item, and those searching for peace and clarity. There are various routes leading to the central destination of the Shrine of the Saint James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia and can cover 800 km, usually taking 30 days of walking to complete. During this time the pilgrim carries only meagre essentials, relying on low-budget hospitality in auberges, living, eating, and walking with people on their own personal quests. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its history of bringing people from all over the world together in harmony. Their preparation had its hiccups, especially when Hank was training on their bush block slipped and broke his leg in two places. Maryanne continued with her training, and as Hank’s carer, she ensured he did not do anything silly while he was rehabilitating. One method in the early days was to confiscate his crutches. There was no way they were going to miss out on this pilgrimage. Once a date was set for them to head off, we arranged for the handover of MMB at the Victorian Breakfast Club meeting at Euroa in February. I was amazed at how it felt, like I was setting free a loved

How Much Can A Koala Bear?

one out into the big world once more. He is a little guy that gets into your heart. A few changes to MMB attire were made for this journey. The TT hi-vis vest was ditched and now stored with his other memorabilia with yours truly. He now dons an Australian flag bandanna and Maryanne knitted him some winter woollies for the journey. The first stop on their tripwas Paris, after such a long trip, in which he may or may not have consumed a little bit too much vino, he snoozed a lot in Maryanne’s backpack but ventured out at Notre Dame only to be frightened by the soldiers with guns. Maybe he was worried about being in trouble for sliding down the rails outside the Basilique de Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre.

Before undertaking “The Camino” Hank wanted to visit his heritage trail, so MMB and company moved on to Belgium

where he made friends with the City Cow. Travelling, often by train, through Holland, Rotterdam, Belgium, Delft, and Volendam to mention a few. As the weather turned into rain and snow, MMB was feeling the cold and forced to snuggle into a Melbourne Football Club scarf and hat. I’m not sure he was impressed with the choice of the team but hey, he was getting a free ride. With the promise of gum leaves, MMB was enthusiastic about the Camino. Yes, Australian eucalypts are found in Spain. Day one had the trio passing through Orrison. MMB was enjoying the sights after a misty start. Happy to hang out from Maryanne’s pack, wearing the Bombers hat as the sunshine was a pleasant change, pleased to not have to walk the steep climb through the Pyrenees region. Later during their journey, as the weather turned against them again, the trio had to hike through rain and mist. This makes it slippery on the already steep, rocky, and now muddy tracks. MMB was forced to take cover in the backpack for a few days. MMB is experiencing life on the road staying in auberges, monasteries, and motels. Many nights were spent communal dining with people from all walks of life from around the world. What most impressed MMB was the siesta lifestyle in Spain with the shops closing between 1 pm and 3 pm. Despite being a globe-travelling little adventurer, he is still a Koala appreciating the odd nanna nap time.

Sadly, after approx. 14 days on the pilgrimage the trio had to go home due to an injury that was going to take too long to heal with plans to return soon. Where credit is due, they achieved approximately 90 days of constant travel, including 14 days of serious full-time hiking. All this with the aim of raising awareness and money for the

‘Shake It Up Foundation’ Australia. Please feel free to donate via http://shakeitup.org.au/make-a-donation and be sure to mention Maryanne Tigges to put it on her tally. PS I’d love to hear of any MMB previous adventures via mmbstories@gmail.com

Holly Fields #54062

“Before undertaking “The Camino” Hank wanted to visit his heritage trail, so MMB and company moved on to Belgium where he made friends with the City Cow.”