Author Archives: Edward and Paula

We staggered, stumbled and slumped into Ornans after a ridiculously long trek through and across the Jura, including a long and harrowing descent into a deep gorge where the river Loue, now dry, would normally flow. Paula walked 49,000 steps, a personal best.   We’ve been introduced to joints and muscles we never heard from whoseContinue reading “Besancon to Ornans – 34 km”

Site of the formidable Citadel, a 17th century fortress overlooking the entrance to the old city from on high at the mouth of the horseshoe river loop, equipped with 3 km of impenetrable ramparts, watch towers and ravelins.  More timeless, is the city’s obsession with clocks.  It boasts an astronomical clock that predicts lunar andContinue reading “Besancon”

Cussey sur L’Ognon to Besancon – 18.5 km Up and down through wooded areas for the first half and then mostly suburbs and modern industrial parks until we reached city center.  What a surprise! A stunningly beautiful old city of medieval and 17th -18th century buildings framed in a loop of the Doubs River withContinue reading “Cussey-sur-L’Ognon to Besancon – 18.5km”

We are moving into the Jura mountains, with regular 300 m climbs and descents, walking along forest tracks in the shade of tall evergreens.  While it is hot, the shade and cool breezes make for a pleasant stroll.  We ran into Lois, our fellow traveler from Germany, who spent the night under the infinite stars,Continue reading “Gy to Cussey sur L’Ognon – 23 km”

3 days of solid walking through fields of now brown wheat and rape seed but the sunflowers are just coming out and should be in full bloom as we head further south. Every town, regardless of how small, has its church, town hall and memorial to the fallen.  The churches are mostly closed with noticesContinue reading “Culmont to Champlitte – 28km Champlitte to Dampierre-sur-Salon – 17.5 km Dampierre-sur-Salon to Gy – 28km”

We feel fortified entering week 6 following a lovely two night stay in Langres. When checking in to the hotel Edward asked if a room upgrade would be possible,  adding “you know a room you would give to the Pope.” It worked, the room was wonderful, complete with Kleenex, writing paper, no Wi-Fi and aContinue reading “Sequin to Sackcloth Tour Enters Week 6 – 533 miles from Canterbury”

A wonderful walk along the Canal Entre Champagne and Bourgogne and around Lac de la Liez where we had lunch, a baguette and an orange under a weeping willow, but when the path took a turn into the wooded area along the banks of the river Saolon it became very muddy and covered with nettlesContinue reading “Langres to Culmont – 28 km”

We have been without internet for 3 days, so this is a catch up. First, Langres for 2 days.  What a great little town! A Roman/Medieval hilltop town defended by imposing ramparts.  It is now a foodie haven, packed with people from the Netherlands and Belgium. We had some excellent meals.  Langres is the birthplaceContinue reading “Langres”

Another day in the rain.  We walk to the sound of rain hitting our rain hoods, hopping between mud puddles and scraping mud from our overweight, muddy shoes.  The slippery slopes took us the bottom of  Langres’ ramparts that appeared through the mist, like a medieval vision,  1500 feet above. We are looking forward toContinue reading “Faverolles to Langres – 24 km”

Raining all day.  We walk through the woods on slippery, muddy trails dotted with these orange snails that must love this weather because they are all out for their mid-day walk. We arrive at the hotel looking like we just showered with all our clothes on but with muddy boots.  The church on the mainContinue reading “Chateauvilain to Arc en Arbois – 17.5 km”