(Note: I'm not sponsored by Chaco, nor does this post contain any affiliate links, just free advice!) Flat feet are a curse to the hiker. They cause numerous problems, besides sore feet. They contribute to problems with knees and hips and even the lower back. I've been plagued by all these problems for over five … Continue reading Why I’m still trekking in sandals and how Chaco sandals have saved my flat feet
Pilgrim Paths to Assisi goes on tour (Part 2)
(Click here to see part one of this tour!) My "book tour" with Pilgrim Paths fit organically--and even surprisingly--with the actual walking I did with the group, starting from the first day. While my primary purpose in Italy was to host a group of 12 older adults as they walked the Way of St. Francis, … Continue reading Pilgrim Paths to Assisi goes on tour (Part 2)
Pilgrim Paths to Assisi goes on Tour (part 1)
Where the journey beings--Florence and its iconic Duomo. Big name authors, or at least those with the money and power of a publishing house behind them, get to go on book tours. Everything is arranged for them, from publicity to book-signings and talks. Self-published authors, like me, have to do it all themselves. At home … Continue reading Pilgrim Paths to Assisi goes on Tour (part 1)
Santa Croce in Florence–a “must-see”
[This is the first of many blogs about walking the Way of St. Francis, from Florence to Assisi. Florence is filled with many famous, and old churches, of which the Duomo is best-known, but perhaps equally famous is Santa Croce, the largest Franciscan Church in the world, which is maybe a contradiction in terms. If … Continue reading Santa Croce in Florence–a “must-see”
Why Saint Francis Matters Today
In my recent book about walking the Way of St. Francis, I share everything from facts to legends about this most-beloved saint's life. I have found that many who walk on this route know little about him at all and that knowing a bit of his story makes this pilgrimage all the more meaningful. In … Continue reading Why Saint Francis Matters Today
How to find lodging on the Way of St. Francis
The Way of St Francis has many levels of accommodations for pilgrims, from hostels to hotels and everything in between, including rifugios (mountain hostels) agriturismo, convents (monasteries) guest apartments and bed & breakfasts, just to name a few. San Pietro in Vignetto. One of the few pilgrim-only hostels, also a Donativo. Run by the Association … Continue reading How to find lodging on the Way of St. Francis
Why we trek in Sandals
It's been three years now since I completed my first 150 kilometer trek in Chaco sandals and I am more than convinced that they are the way to go for me. This past year my wife and I completed walking the Way of St. Francis in Italy--500 kilometers--completely in Chacos. This included some tough, "technical" … Continue reading Why we trek in Sandals
Using GPX Tracks
Walking the Way of St. Francis is a challenging and deeply rewarding pilgrimage. Florence to Rome, it covers 350 miles (over 550 kilometers) of beautiful vistas, charming villages and hilltop towns as well as rugged forests and mountains. However, navigating it can be tricky; the route is actually a consortium of up to eight different … Continue reading Using GPX Tracks
12 tips for eating and drinking on the Way of St. Francis (Via di Francesco)
When you are walking, you need to keep eating. As long-distance walkers quip, "this is one vacation where you can eat all you want and still come back weighing less. In Italy walkers along the Via di Francesco (Florence to Rome) have a variety of places to eat. When hilltop towns and cities are on … Continue reading 12 tips for eating and drinking on the Way of St. Francis (Via di Francesco)
Where to stay on the Way of St. Francis
The Way of St. Francis offers a range of lodging options and during our pilgrimage to Assisi in April of this year (2022) we took the opportunity to experience that entire range. Rifugio Asqua, in the Casentino National Forest, about 5k before Camaldoli. We booked ahead always, typically a day ahead, but in a couple … Continue reading Where to stay on the Way of St. Francis
Russ Eanes 
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