We were sorry to leave Laon, a village with a good sense of its identity. Not much on the way to Corbeny other than a long, straight, shaded path called Chemin des Dames, named that because Louis XV’s daughters walked it. In Corbeny we met another Francigena pilgrim, this time a German who lives in California and has done 7 “Caminos”. “Where are you going next?” I asked. “Dunno, I’ll see what I feel like tomorrow.” His weathered face tells me he could do 50 km without breaking a sweat. Thrice divorced “First 2 divorces were successful, last one was a disaster. A Valley Girl.” Interesting to measure marriages by how successful the divorces are. It must be a California thing. But he did share some Pilgrim wisdom: “If you are looking for water, find a cemetery, the faucets are always open.” Only on a Camino.
Walking the Via Francigena 
Dear Paula and Edward, your walks, and talks with historical insights and personal comments are a delight to read. You are very lucky to be able to do this
It’s a beautiful part of the world.
enjoy. I remember quite fondly long walks and pilgrimages with my parents through the fields of Europe
I hope your feet are holding up and that you have a good supply of sunscreen.
stay healthy Sandy
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Feet holding up well and lots of sunscreen in play
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I checked. The little cemetery in Canonica has indeed a faucet with running water!
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Good to know!
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You are making good progress and on time. You both must marvel – here we are in the middle of Hautes-de-France with cemetery water and we walkin’!
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looks like good weather.
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