Long distance hiking for beginners, pt. 2
When I set out to do “Walking Home” I had done exactly one multi-day hike that was far from the long distance hiking I was about to attempt: When climbing Mount Cameroon in 2012 I had chosen the two and a
Château de Minière, a complete wine experience – Grape picking in France
I spent most of October in the Loire Valley. This region in central France is known above all for two things: its magnificent castles and its wines. Though I did find some time to explore the former, I had come
Walking Home, Week 23 and a Day: Getting there
Day 155 - Bordeaux At the moment sightseeing in Bordeaux is the least of my concerns. The city is only a train ride from Biarritz. I may come back for a few days when it's done. At the moment I have
Walking Home, week 22: Wisdom
Day 148 - to La Rochelle With a heavy heart I say goodbye to Sophie and Oléron. La Rochelle, or more specifically, Biarritz and the end of my march are awaiting me. We use the morning to explore the citadel and
Walking Home, week 21: Because, la mer
Day 141 - to Aubeterre-sur-Dronne Another night in which I have hardly slept. The damp cold has spread throughout my body. From up the river drums and bass could be heard all night. A metal club I presume. Paul, who shares a
Walking Home, week 20: One lucky couchsurfer
Day 134 - Rocamadour Thanks to the busy road next door the night was noisy. There is no way I will stay here another night. I pack and say goodbye to Alix. The Belgian couple in the camper next door agrees
Walking Home, week 19: I’m a pilgrim, godamnit!
See, what I did there in the title? This week my spirits hit an all time low when I hit the Way of Saint James and expect bliss. Day 127 - to Clergoux In the morning I pack up my stuff, eat
Walking Home, week 18: Right time, right place
Day 120 - to Ferrieres-sur-Sichon Natasha, the pizza baker and campsite manager has cooked my six eggs and treats me to a free breakfast. In peace I enjoy my cereal bowl of milk with coffee and bread with cherry jam while
Walking Home, week 17: Give me a break
Day 113 - to Lyon (or Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or) In the morning it rains even heavier than the night before. I'm trying to get the tent dry under a canopy and in the washroom and fail. At least Anne from Lyon has replied to
Walking Home, week 16: Full circle
Day 106 - to Villaines-en-Duesmois At breakfast we talk about my route from Vougrey. I mention that on the way to Lyon I will pass very close to the Abbaye Fontanay, but do not yet know whether I want to afford