Way of St. Francis – Russ Eanes

June 6, 2023 Russ Eanes Trekking, Writing and Publishing, Way of St. Francis

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

January 6, 2023June 6, 2023 Russ Eanes Camino, Trekking, Way of St. Francis

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

November 23, 2022December 20, 2022 Trekking, 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

September 2, 2022January 18, 2023 Russ Eanes Backpacks, Camino, Trekking, Way of St. Francis

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

June 16, 2022June 16, 2022 Russ Eanes Trekking, Way of St. Francis

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)

May 27, 2022January 4, 2023 Russ Eanes Trekking, Way of St. Francis

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

May 27, 2022May 30, 2022 Russ Eanes Trekking, Way of St. Francis

How the Way of St. Francis compares to the Camino Frances in Spain

Many people who are interested in walking the Way of St. Francis (Via di Francesco) in Italy have already walked a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, very likely the Camino Frances (French Way) in Spain. (And the names of these two routes are similar enough to create confusion for anyone not familiar enough with either.) … Continue reading How the Way of St. Francis compares to the Camino Frances in Spain

April 30, 2022April 10, 2023 Russ Eanes Trekking, Way of St. Francis

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

April 9, 2022May 27, 2022 Russ Eanes Trekking, Way of St. Francis

Keep on Trekkin’

After a two-year wait, my wife and I are finally getting the chance to return to Italy and resume our walk on the Way of St. Francis, a newer pilgrim trail that goes about 350 miles from Florence to Rome, through Assisi, the home of St. Francis. The Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi In … Continue reading Keep on Trekkin’