Shikoku day 5 – return to Tokushima

Temple 14 to 17, 17.1 km Temple 15. Built in the 18th century after the original one was destroyed in one of the many regional wars I missed posting last night as we had a cultural experience - going to a performance of traditional dance for the region. There was audience participation at the end, … Continue reading Shikoku day 5 – return to Tokushima →

Shikoku day 4

Temple 12 to Temple 13, 19.5km In the misty mountains Actually that photo was after the rain had stopped. For the first 30 minutes- almost exactly the time it took to clamber the 273 vertical metres over the first 2km -it was quite damp. Deploying the pack poncho made little difference as the effort required … Continue reading Shikoku day 4 →

Shikoku day 3

Temple 11 to Temple 12: 16.3km The temple starting and finishing locations are approximate as the villages where we actually stay may not show on Google maps. Just like Lake Ontario doesn't show anymore, soon to be followed by Trump Strait (formerly Hormuz) and the Republic of Trump (formerly Venezuela). Today was a beautiful walk, … Continue reading Shikoku day 3 →

Shikoku day 2

Temple 8 to Temple 11, 20km Max ringing the bell at T10 The host at last night's accommodation, Minshuku Okudaya was charming and helpful. He drove 7s to the Onsen via a convenience store so that we could provision for breakfast, then explained the protocols at the onsen and the attached restaurant. Wonderful hospitality! Tonight … Continue reading Shikoku day 2 →

Shikoku day 1

Temples 1 to 7, 22km All smiles.... before the walking started! It's been quite the experience on day one. After many many kilometers of pilgrimage in Europe where one can bumble along even with minimal grasp of the languages due primarily to them using the latin alphabet, here in Japan you are pitched headfirst into … Continue reading Shikoku day 1 →

Paris mini camino

Susan and I met in Paris in 1989. This was our return visit. Using the very good self guided walking itineraries on the Paris tourism website, we walked more than 60 km over the four days covering the usual spots, but also numerous neighbourhoods less visited by tourists. Here are a few holiday snaps: Pont … Continue reading Paris mini camino →

Via Aurelia rest phase

I met Susan at Marseilles airport, and we bussed, trained, then bussed again to the town of Cassis on the coast. It's a very nice town, and on the weekends busy with day trippers and weekenders from the big city. Part of the attraction is that the town is adjacent to the Calenques national park … Continue reading Via Aurelia rest phase →

Via Aurelia day 9: interim finish!

Le Muy to Fréjus, 28.3 km The shiny bits in the middle distance are the autoroute. My route went to the right! The valley ahead is congested with the A8 autoroute - the main road connection between Marseilles, Nice etc and through to Genoa and the coast of Italy - as well as the TGV … Continue reading Via Aurelia day 9: interim finish! →

Via Aurelia day 8: glorious food!

Lorgues to Le Muy. 19.9 km Sheep farming, Provence style A short but pleasant walk.... until the last 3 km! Pleasant farmland, numerous wineries covering the spectrum of hobby winemakers to full-on, grandiose domaines or chateau with giant signs and manicured grounds. The countryside was again dotted with retirement homes or summer retreats, and in … Continue reading Via Aurelia day 8: glorious food! →

Via Aurelia day 7: transit free

Carcès to Lorgues, 20.6km Not sure what the locals call it, but it's a Kiwi batch or a B.C. cabin. No patio? Just put the table and chairs over the road! Fortunately a day of modest distance, made even more modest by some tactical road passages. There's not much gas in the tank, so less … Continue reading Via Aurelia day 7: transit free →