CARMA
Survivor Blog
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Ode to Bob
Written by: Michele Straube | Date Posted: Jul 19, 2011
As a final post for this year's adventure, I want to honor Bob, the most wonderful husband and hiking companion. Since I am not in the least poetic, I will list some (but most definitely not all) of his most wonderful qualities that helped make the first year of this adventure successful. Patience. Bob never lost his temper once, despite the fact that I move slowly slowly, get mad at the trail easily, don't follow instructions well, cry and get paralyzed out of fear, etc. He was always kind and encouraging, never criticizing. Creativity. Bob can fix any equipment failure (next year, we'll bring duct tape and it will be even easier) and solve all logistical complications. With a smile. Medical Talent. He is a master surgeon of foot disorders.
Via Alpina 2011 Has Ended... Just a Little Early, July 19, 2011
Written by: Michele Straube | Date Posted: Jul 19, 2011
The rain forecast for today was quite correct -- it rained non-stop from about 10 am through 3 pm, the exact hours we would be on the trail. We made the decision to stay in Vallouise for another day, rather than have our last day of hiking this year be miserable. Good decision for several reasons. As we started exploring our various options for hiking more while also getting back to Geneva for our Saturday early am plane, we learned that the Tour de France has occupied ALL available rooms in any kind of establishment within a 50-mile-or-so radius. Meaning that whatever route we explored (Via Alpina trail or not), there is no lodging to be had for the next two nights. None. So, we have reluctantly decided that yesterday was the last day of Via Alpina hiking for 2011. Tomorrow (which is forecast to be sunny, phew) we will backtrack some and hike to L'Argentiere-la-Bessee, take the mid-afternoon train to Lyon (no need for lodging near the Tour de France with this plan), spend Thursday exploring Lyon, get to Geneva on Friday, and leave for home first thing Saturday morning.
Now THIS is My Kind of Trail, July 18, 2011
Written by: Michele Straube | Date Posted: Jul 18, 2011
Stage 18, R129 (Freissinieres à Vallouise) 13.02 miles, 4,057¿ up, 4,116¿ down For the most part, today's trail was my favorite kind of walking -- soft stable footing (and the good smells, like pine needles, that go along with that); not too steep up or down (distance matters less than whether I can get into a rhythm, too much clambering over rocks or taking care not to slip is harder on the heart and legs); plenty of shade, but also some sun; lots of meadows and flowers, but also beautiful long-distance views; and, when we are walking among buildings, it's on grassy lanes between chalets and cottages, where you can gawk at the architecture and luscious gardens.
"The Agony of De Feet," July 17, 2011
Written by: Michele Straube | Date Posted: Jul 17, 2011
Stage 17, R130 (Mont-Dauphin/Guillestre à Freissinieres) 13.70 miles, 3,624¿ up, 3,205¿ down (although we lost the trail, so add some mileage and maybe some up) * Quote from Brandon Wilson (Over the Top & Back Again: Hiking X the Alps, book about the Via Alpina). Pun intended. Usually, I try to focus on the positive, but today please indulge my little rant. It rained all day today, with the rain getting stronger and stronger as the day progressed. With all the time to think while hiking (we were on the trail for 8+ hours today, with few breaks), I had plenty of time to whine in my mind.
A Little History Lesson, July 16, 2011
Written by: Michele Straube | Date Posted: Jul 16, 2011
Stage 16, R131 (Refuge de Furfand à Mont-Dauphin/Guillestre) 10.85 miles, 1,194¿ up, 5,297¿ down It took a while to figure out why the Via Alpina route (not so much "trail" today) took us way far down from the mountains into a relatively urbanized area, with a lot of paved road walking (my feet are NOT thankful). But, once we got to Mont Dauphin, we realized the logic.
