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
Into Assisi
After 16 days, 150 miles (250k) and more elevation gain that I kept track of, we reached Assisi on Wednesday this week. It was the great end to our pilgrimage. Roman Theater in Gubbio. We had entered Assisi over two years ago on our first pilgrimage here and it was a wonderful feeling. This time … Continue reading Into Assisi
Florence to Assisi—one week in
Tuesday April 12 we left Florence, on our way to Assisi, a two week pilgrimage along the Via di Francesco, or Way of St. Francis. We walked first through city streets, then suburbs, then to the open countryside, to Pontassieve, which is about 20k upstream from Florence on the Arno River. It’s been seven days … Continue reading Florence to Assisi—one week in
Pilgrimage Prologue
Duomo in Florence We finally to got Florence, our first overseas trip in over two years. Our first flight was Washington Dulles to Munich and it was full. The airport felt very much like it used to—quite packed actually. Other than having to wear a mask continually for over 18 hours, it felt quite normal. … Continue reading Pilgrimage Prologue
Pittsburgh to Washington Wrap-up #2: Gear
A few people who are contemplating riding either the GAP or C&O (or both) have asked about what kind of gear they need. Here is a brief rundown on what I had and recommendations. The Bike: four years ago I ventured into the world of "gravel" bikes with the purchase of a Specialized Sequoia. Sometimes … Continue reading Pittsburgh to Washington Wrap-up #2: Gear
MORE Camino Magic
Albergue Ave Fenix, the site of more magic This story is adapted from my book The Walk of a Lifetime: 500 Miles on the Camino de Santiago. The best experiences on the Camino aren’t orchestrated. They are the unexpected encounters with friends in cafés, the sandwiches, cookies and apples shared at a picnic bench, the cups … Continue reading MORE Camino Magic
¡Solidaridad! (Solidarity)
I took my youngest grandson Greg, 22 months-old, on a walk through town yesterday. I normally babysit him every other Tuesday while my daughter-in-law teaches English to immigrants. She was home because her school was closed, but I came over anyway and gave her a break while he and I went out. I don’t like … Continue reading ¡Solidaridad! (Solidarity)
Russ Eanes 
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