Most people about to enter their ninth decade might be forgiven for putting their feet up and taking life much more leisurely. But that is not Esther Paddon's way! In her new book, Exciting Eighties: A Time of High Expectations, she describes her exploits on the Santiago de Compostela trek in Spain and her walking adventures. Although she prefers to travel alone, she knows that there is always someone there beside her, and that fact is accentuated when she pays a visit to the Keukenhof Gardens in Amsterdam. There is no doubt in her mind: the beauty and splendour around her are the work of a very special Creator.

Author Biography

I am an "oldie," about to embark on a new decade of living. Fifty years ago, we moved north from the southernmost part of New Zealand to Geraldine, a small village of English ancestry. I was enthralled by bluebells, primroses and wild strawberries that grew in the park. Nowadays, my husband prefers to keep his feet on terra-firma but is happy for me to travel and explore on my own. However, when it comes to priorities, my family take top place over any travel, no matter how exciting it may be.