The Stairway
Via Francigena #11 of 20. Today we start the long anticipated trek up to the Great St-Bernard Pass. This is why you start 5 days before in Lausanne. Why you get your walking legs under you, condition your feet, and work out your jet lag. It’s so when you come here, to this singular place, you are completely unencumbered, on every level.
Is Bi-Pedal Best?
Via Francigena #10 of 20. Physics demands that when going up a steep hill you lean forward, especially if you have a pack on and don’t want to fall backwards, which I did. At one point the path became almost a 60 degree angle, somewhere between stairs and a ladder. I had leaned so far forward that with my knuckles grazing the ground it seemed best not to fight it and go full quadruped, gloves or no gloves.
We’re Hiking Now
Via Francigena #9 of 20. You’ve heard of a three dog night? Well it’s a four OJ morning. Which means it’s also a two cappuccino breakfast.
The Fine Art of Blisters
Via Francigena #8 of 20. It’s a fine morning. After the previous day of peanut M&M’s and Swiss Chicken McNuggets slathered in mayo, I’m good to go.
St-Maurice: All You Can Eat and Beer Day # 1
Via Francigena #7 of 20. We spent most of the day eating peanut M&M’s and sleeping. So much for the beer.
The Three Sufferings of Pilgrimage
Via Francigena #6 of 20. I woke up this morning to the Three Sufferings of Pilgrimage: constipation, hunger and blisters. Forget muscle fatigue. It doesn’t even rate here.
Mono Human
Via Francigena #5 of 20. I need to become bi-armal as a result of yesterday’s fall. I have to use my right arm predominately to heave-ho my backpack up over my shoulder until the injury heals on the left side.
Splat Goes the Pilgrim
Via Francigena #4 of 20. I hear an odd guttural sound come out of my mouth about the same time I feel my feet go into the water. Somehow the expensive camera is still In my hand but I hear it hit the cement. Only later does it dawn on me how lucky I was not to have my 20 pound back pack on.
Paris to Lausanne: Post # 2 of 2
Via Francigena #3 of 20. The thundering hooves of bullshit are stampeding my way, and there is nothing I can do to stop it.