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
Writings
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
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
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
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’
Pittsburgh to Washington wrap-up #3: recommendations
Pittsburgh from Washington Heights Several People have asked me about specific recommendations along the GAP and C&O towpath. I traveled at an unusual time of year, Labor Day weekend during a pandemic. This means that a lot of historical sites which I normally would recommend visiting, as well as restaurants, were either closed or had … Continue reading Pittsburgh to Washington wrap-up #3: recommendations
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
Russ Eanes 
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