I am feeling very emotional as I consider our walk into St Peter’s Square tomorrow concluding this wonderful adventure.
When we began our walk there was no thesis or hypothesis; no demons to slay or angels to recruit, just an ambitious walk with Edward. As simple as that: 1,375 miles, 16 weeks, 4 countries, 3 major mountain ranges.
The three most frequently asked questions have been –
- did we fight – no
- did we lose weight – yes
- what will you do next – for now I will let this beauty of an accomplishment stand alone. Let it enjoy the special status of longest and most romantic vacation of our 41 years together. To turn it into a hobby or name a successor would trivialize the experience.
Way back in France a lovely farm host asked us how is it possible to have enough money for such a long journey? She marveled at our ability to embark on such an adventure. Then, and now, I am humbled by our good fortune. Grateful for all the gifts given and lessons learned. Gifts like the ladies in the church who gave us water, smiles and waves along the way; your enthusiasm, love and support. Then the other day Olivia said “I am so proud of what you and Dad are doing.” Say no more.
And there are the lessons learned: shouting NO to gravity does not work, so if you are sliding down a hill of mud, enjoy the ride. We did not always know where we were but we knew we were where we wanted to be. Stuff newspapers into wet boots, look for water in cemataries, in Italy a church bell tower means an a cafe/bar is nearby…
That is enough about us. For now I will continue to follow my beautiful Wildebeest and trot off with my calendar of 17 summers tucked under my Zebra arm.
Walking the Via Francigena 
Just wow!
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Bravi!! You guys are rockstars. Hope the Pope gives you a warm welcome tomorrow. xx
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Extraordinary! A thousand felicitations for a HUGE accomplishment! We can’t wait to celebrate it and you when you get home. xoxox Scott and MS
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You go, girl!!
Go on you both and congratulations.
Roy & Helen
Vintage ’59 Imports Washington, DC office: 202.966.9218 direct: 202.545.6873 http://www.vintage59.com
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Wonderful and insightful commentary without the need to have slayed dragons or experienced spiritual or religious catharsis. Just the human recognition of enduring love for one another as you near the end of this remarkable trip. Much love. Lyndsey and Ian
Sent from Outlook for iOShttps://aka.ms/o0ukef ________________________________
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What a grand achievement. Glad you did it together and have a lifetime of memories in those 1375 miles. Congratulations.
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It’s great that, at the walk’s conclusion, you feel so good about it. The real problem you face is “how are we going to top this adventure?” We’ll be searching for suggestions re this, and will advise when we see you next. Frank and Dale
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Dear Paula and Edward From amazement through admiration to total awe. You are indeed utterly awe-inspiring. I have been quite glued to your daily and weekly bulletins and we would love to be there to greet you in St Peter’s Square but sadly will be in London. Enjoy the moment, what a ginormous achievement! Looking forward to catching up and hearing more stories soon. Much love Lynda
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What a beautiful experience – you’ve really earned it! Will be thinking of you both as you walk into St. Peter’s Square tomorrow!
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Thank you for letting us take this extraordinary trip with you! Wishing you a glorious walk to St.Peter’s Square and of course a glorious meal afterwards! Holly
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You guys are amazing! Forever in awe of the trails you have blazed, in all ways. Love, Alex
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Congrats on a real achievement; not many folks could do it, much less do it as well as you have. Enjoy the memories for many years to come. Cheers – Janice & Robert.
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We are proud of you also! and amazed and inspired and in awe. THANK YOU for sharing this once a lifetime journey with those of us whose longest walk on most days is to the car! Congratulations ❤️
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I am so grateful to have experienced an extremely tiny part of this journey but it left a permanent mark. Respect and ❤️ to you both!
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You got us off on a good foot!!
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We remain totally amazed. Such great spirits you both have, open minds to this experience, a shared sense of adventure and of going with the flow whether up or down or over water, and all in all a fabulous partnership. What an accomplishment!! I already have chills thinking of you on your arrival at the Vatican. Will there be a red carpet? Tanti auguri!!
Baci!! — Barbara and Eric
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Congratulations on the conclusion of an amazing journey. Much love to you both crossing the finish line!
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Congratulations!! This is so moving to read — and Olivia said it all! You’ve inspired us (not to mention entertained us) and I’m going to miss the regular updates. What’ll the next adventure be? Love and hugs as you cross the finish line!
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You guys are amazing! I’m proud of you two! I’m happy that I get to brag about you to my friends!
Congratulations on the completion tomorrow. See you when you get back! Angela
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Big feather in your caps, for a fantatastic achievement
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❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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What a beautiful summary to an amazing adventure. Congratulations to you both. See you soon
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Such a beautiful post and so poignant. You two have (literally) been on the road and I’ve chosen to be off the grid for a couple of days to reload so I missed a post or two. Congratulations on an incredible accomplishment and L and I hope your days will continue to be filled with joy and laughter. Not sure I buy into the gravity advice – I recommend screening – and now that you mention it, he does resemble a Wildebeest. But a cute one. Travel safe, J,L
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