Before the Journey

Sonja and I will be heading out Saturday, September 23rd to walk from Florence to Assisi. We are armed with Sandy Brown's book which gives detailed descriptions of the path. I have yet to finish packing my backpack but my broken toe is on the mend and I have been able to squeeze my foot into  my new waterproof hiking shoes (rain forecast first 5 days of walking).

I am incredibly lucky to be able to accompany Sonja on this journey, a bit of a last minute decision for me but one that was easy to make. We are most grateful for Susan, who will be joining us each evening and making sure we are on making it each night to our destination. This photo was sent by a friend. I'm excited about my first trip to Europe and can't wait to witness sights such as this.

We will be walking for 12 days to reach Assisi. My first adventure will be getting myself from the airport in Florence to the Basilica where I'll need to get my first stamp on my passport. I've been practicing my Italian but am in no way feeling confident about being able to communicate effectively. We will be walking through the Apennine Mountain Range.

The Way of St. Francis: Walking 550 Kilometers Along One of the World's Greatest Pilgrimages

"Saint Francis of Assisi, whose feast day will be celebrated on October 4, is considered by many to be the first “ecologist” in history. His famous Canticle of the Sun is an ode to life, nature and the interconnectedness of all living creatures and elemental forces."