VF Day 37-38: The Routine, Rest Days, & Tourists
The routine is natural to us, it’s both easy and uncomplicated. We wake up between 5:30-6 a.m. and are walking just as soon as we get out the door. Ideally there’s a bar/caffé between 5-8 km into the walk for a breakfast stop. If I have to wait until 10km, I’m cranky and if there’s […]
VF Day 34-36: Change, Pilgrims, & Energy
It is amazing what a change will do for the soul. We experience changes all the time from a new week, beautiful sunset, shift in the weather, a refurbished home, a new pet, or even new neighbors. Whatever the change, it’s all around us, happening even when we don’t notice it. Change is good for […]
VF Day 31-33: A Pilgrimage of Exceptions
Besides the incessant heat, our greatest struggle is decided if we should rest on a rest day or seeing what’s all around us in whatever city/village we are in. We have to decide, is it important to have a rest day in a small village with nothing to see or stay in a medium village […]
It’s All About Gear: What We Take on Pilgrimage
Gear – Gear – Gear! Let’s talk gear. It’s not my favorite subject to write about but I love to read what others carry in their backpacks, so alas, I need to talk about it too! Haha! Skip to the end for the list of items and links! Watch the video on YouTube to see […]
VF 27-30: Dolce Far Niente
I am a water girl with a fire sign (Leo). I’m feisty like fire but love to be cooled off by the water. I love being by the water, despite how bored I get after one day of doing nothing at the beach. I’ll take water in any form. On this pilgrimage every shower consists […]
VF Day 25-26: Two Bees, a Swarm of Flies, and Relentless Gnats
I’m always excited for new scenery, entering the Apennine Mountains was no exception after the long, flat days of the Po Valley. I’m like a kid who is excited but forgets every time how much work the mountains can be to hike. I can’t talk more about a balanced life yet (see last blog post). […]
VF Day 21-24: What is Living a Balanced Life?
Since you heard from me last we have walked 47.6 km, took a train for 31.5 km, and enjoyed a bit of rejuvenation. See our stats at the end of the blog. Can you feel the zen of a balanced life? Brian and I have lived by the school calendar our entire lives. We don’t […]
VF Day 19-20: Need Camino Magic?
As we continue to meander through the Po Valley, I am constantly surprised by what the famous Camino magic brings our way. Camino magic is a term we learned on our first pilgrimage. I don’t remember where specifically but probably on Dan Mullins Camino podcast. If you’ve never heard of it, you are missing out! […]
VF Day 16-18: Finding Joy in the Long, Flat Road & Teaching
This long flat road from Santhia to Pavia reminds me first of the Meseta on the Camino Frances only longer. My photos are all same, I am tired of the views, and my inspiration isn’t coming like it was just a few days ago. It also reminds me of how a 15 week semester can […]
The VF Day 14 & 15: Toilet Paper, Food, & A Soft Bed
Ramblings from the Via Francigena… I don’t ask for much when we’re on pilgrimage. Having our most basic needs met is really all we desire which means availability of decent toilet paper, food, and a soft bed. 😆 Unfortunately, that is asking too much at times. 😏 The biggest difference between the pilgrimage we are […]