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
Tips For Finding Grape Picking Jobs During France’s Wine Harvest Season
This October I got the opportunity to work for almost two weeks in a grape picking job in the stunning Loire Valley in Central France. It's an experience I can recommend to anyone (fit enough to do a few dozen
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 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
Walking Home, week 15: Groundhog day
I had expected that by now the harsh July heat would make walking difficult. Instead, I go through rain shower after rain shower, rainy day after rainy day. At least I am lucky and several times wonderful families welcome me
Walking Home, week 14: Where are you going?
Day 92 - to Besançon I'm at breakfast at half past seven, because I'm afraid that one eats early in the monastery and that there will be no more food for me if I come too late. But my fear is
Walking Home, week 13: Gods’ plans
Although looking at history - old and new - I absolutely cannot believe in organized religion, I believe - after this journey more than ever - that a higher power - I call it ¨fate¨, ¨karma¨ or simply ¨the