Walking Across Italy

For the last few weeks, I’ve been preparing for this year’s adventure in torture …I mean hiking. Packing, unpacking, gathering materials, and buying some new stuff. Everything must fit in a carry-on size bag and weigh less than 26 lbs.

Since this is my 5th year, I started a few months ago walking about 3-4 miles a day on the streets of Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky. The last 2 weeks, however, I’ve upped my game to 6-7 miles a day and began hiking on the hilly golf course near my house. I’ve even walked in the rain. All of this training has made me realize that my legs and pace are not as quick as they were 5 years ago. Hopefully, they will hold out.

The good news is that my companions on this trip may be feeling the same. Stephen, our hiking leader, complained the other day that he just hiked 7 miles and he was “knackered” (that’s posh Brit speak for “exhausted”). While I was sorry for him, I have to say that his complaint gave me a moment of hope that I won’t be slowing the group down.

My other companion this year is the ever-effervescent Juan Pablo Cavelier (JP for short). Unlike Stephen and I, JP is training by running a marathon in Copenhagen this week. (Damn show off!) As the youngest of our little troop of intrepid travelers, he usually races ahead and scouts out great places to eat.

Unfortunately, this year we will not have the pleasure of our usual 4th Musketeer -Joe. He had other duties, so his wry humor and unbridled optimism will sadly be missed.

Our route this year begins where the last hike ended – the medieval town of Figeac in Southwestern France. From there, we will make our way on this ancient trail some 180 miles to Eauze, France. The journey is supposed to take us 12 days (I hope). And while the weather looks clear, it also looks hot!

Tonight, I’m on my way to Paris to spend a few days with my wife and friends. sir Squire and I travel to Figeac on the 23d and we begin the hike on September 24th. Wish me luck or leave a comment during the next 3 weeks. I love reading your insights about my trip.

Au bientot, Pierre (I’m French now)