We started the day with Ramen specifically for the day ahead and it was essential. We started the day in beautiful but cold temps. And were immediately trudging up a hill covered in frost.

As we walked through the forest blanketed by fallen leaves of every color our hiking poles became those sticks that pick up trash. We soon found ourselves on a nice paved road that we thought was our path for 10 kms. Nope! Nope, Nope, NOPE!!! Into the forest and mud again. At first it was frozen, then slush, then just YUCK!!

Something we noticed were all sorts of tracks. Makes me wish I was a Boy Scout or I had paid more attention in Girl Scouts. Noël asked if one was a boar? No not big enough I said with confidence , 😧. I mentioned to him that one looked like a bear claw (not the donut) Noël assured me they’d be hibernating to which I replied unless they think it’s already spring with these warm temps 😬, you mean out for a snack?….so many tracks. Sadly we didn’t take a single picture, too busy staying upright.

About halfway through I thought to myself well in a few hours we will have taken a nice hot shower and maybe found some food. Noël and I both commented that when we got out of this we were sticking to the paved roads the rest of today.

Well, we didn’t. We thought we were going to be on little roads but nope, back though fields and forest and mud. This time it was sticky, clay mud that keeps building up on your soles and heels so it makes you feel like you are wearing high heels slogging through the mud. 👠 I did mention that going through the fields would make us stronger!!

We finally made it back on the main road and I said that’s it. Noël mentioned a couple of shorter routes through fields. I kept walking. 😂😂😂

We made it to our accommodation but before that we walked by a champagne vigneron, someone who makes and sells champagne. We rang the bell because it said it was open, another woman walked up as well. But no answer. As we walked away he called from the second floor window. We walked back and two other customers walked up. When he opened the door the two that showed up last started in and the man said, “no they rang first, they will be served first!” (In French). He also said if we couldn’t get in to our accommodation that we could bring our bags and leave them with him and walk around. (Super nice but I was done walking!! 😂😂😂

Noël did clean our shoes again.

One of the things I notice about the hard days is that when you are finished you feel pooped and accomplished!! It’s a good feeling.

Hope you are well. Thank you for following!!

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