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| The abbreviated Phase 1 trek |
What a interesting and challenging excursion. The first 120 km of the Via Francigena offered a unique cultural, physical and spiritual experience. The weather proved to be a formidable obstacle, but who would have expected the prevailing atmosphere in early March to be so hostile? Lesson learned, but sometimes you just have to do it and not wait for the perfect day, because the perfect day may never arrive. Although I had ambitiously planned to walk in France until April, I have instead decided to visit Crete where the weather in early Spring is a bit more tolerable. This has been a looooong winter and I am dying for some sun and warmth.
Several events I found particularly fascinating. Dining with Benedictine monks at the Abbaye St. Paul, visiting Dover Castle, exploring Canterbury Cathedral, walking around St. Omer, and of course marching through a blizzard in rural France.
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| Notre Dame, St. Omer |
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| Arras Belfry |
More photos
here.
