Author Archives: terryzitnak

Challenge for day. No insults between Scott and Ken 10 minutes later. Ken:   It seems kind of boring and placid without insults. Terry:   You mean peaceful? Scott:    Is this what a normal family is like? Terry:   Heavy sigh. The plan for the day was to visit the Grottes d’Arcy, then walk about 10 km toContinue reading “October 2. Arcy-sur-Cure to Sermizelles. 14.73 km. 6 barkers.”

Another short day dictated by location of accommodations – we either do ~10 km or have to do 23+ km, the latter of which is no fun, with nothing in between.  There also doesn’t appear to be much for food on the way so we walked a few extra kilometers to an open supermarket today,Continue reading “October 1. Sery to Arcy-sur-Cure. 11.4 km. 3 barkers.”

Our house for last night was huge! The decor was grapes and wine themed but what can you expect from a place called Vitis Vinifera (scientific/Latin name for “grape Vine”)? Love how they’ve modernized the insides of these old homes but kept the ancient character – exposed beams, huge fireplace and, if course, the dreadedContinue reading “September 30. Cravant to Sery. Still along the canal. A lively short 11.09 km.”

We headed out in the morning and get about 100 meters when Ken finds a cafe for his morning coffee.  None of us complain about this morning ritual because a caffeinated Ken is a happier Ken☕️ Ken is checking out the cannabis vending machine. Pretty sure he didn’t get any. I don’t think. Misty walkContinue reading “September 29. Auxerre to Cravant. 22.76 km. Ouchy feet.”

The name calling between Scott and Ken hit a creative peak this morning…but the names are not repeatable here. Heavy although somewhat amused sigh. Nice to see their relationship grows stronger by the day. Well, something grows stronger. Ken usually remembers to remember that without Scott (and me) he wouldn’t know where he is going! Continue reading “September 28. Auxerre.”

Our intent was to walk the Via Campaniensis from Reims to Vezelay. Having already missed a stage due to lack of accommodations, we spent some time in the tourist office hoping they could help us find places for the final week to Vezelay.  But no luck. So here we taxi again, to Auxerre, which isContinue reading “September 27. Troyes to Auxerre.”

This has to be one of my favourite cities – ever, with something to explore around every corner. We lucked out and found a cheap three bedroom apartment, on the main floor (bonus of no stairs), and right in the middle of the most interesting walkable town I’ve ever been in. There is pilgrim accommodationContinue reading “September 25 and 26. Two tourist days in Troyes.”

Decision made.  There are “purists” who walk these Caminos who feel they must walk every step of the official route. Some of them look down upon pilgrims who skip a stage. Our view is that we need to do what is best for everyone in our group and we need to consider we still have 2Continue reading “September 24. Sezanne to Savierres to Troyes. 18. Km”

We decided to stay a second night here in Sezanne. I’m starting to worry about reasonable accommodations that don’t involve 25 or 30 km of walking in a day.  Even though we were managing (but not liking) 26 to 28 km a day on our pilgrimage to Rome, we seem to be tapping out aroundContinue reading “September 23. Strategizing day in Sezanne as accommodations are getting scarce ahead.”

This B&B tops the list of our favourite places to stay. Our hosts were ex-pat New Zealanders who have owned this place for 20 years. It was like staying with old friends. Perhaps it was the Commonwealth connection that led to sympatico conversations on a wide breadth of subjects. Plus it was just a gorgeousContinue reading “September 22. Oyes to Sezanne. Many reminders of war today. 11 dogs. 20.21 km today.”