Crossing the dramatic alpine border into the fourth country of my trek brought so many changes. First, after several days of climbing up from Lake Geneva, I faced a quick downhill drop amid runoff from the melting snowpack. Furthermore, the language, food, wine, and ambiance confirmed that I really was in a new place. Italy is special! I took two days to cover the trail described in this post, over a distance that many pilgrims cover in a single day, then gave myself a rest day in the city that gives the Val d’Aosta its name. Knowing that I won’t make it all the way to Rome before my Schengen Area visa expires, I’ve decided to take my time and pause more often to enjoy the views and conversations with locals, pilgrims, and other visitors.
Continue reading “Via Francigena 2024/2025 Days 53-54: Col du Grand-Saint-Bernard to Aosta”Tag: Alps
Via Francigena 2024/2025 Days 50-52: Martigny to Col du Grand-Saint-Bernard
There’s no doubt about it now: I’m in the high mountains! The views are a dead giveaway, as well as my slower-than-normal pace and my need to catch my breath more often on the trails. The weather reduces the quality of the images, but I think you’ll still get a good idea of what it’s like out here.
Continue reading “Via Francigena 2024/2025 Days 50-52: Martigny to Col du Grand-Saint-Bernard”