PinnedClaire McCallHow I decided to hike — up, down and (almost) over the hill — on France’s newest long-distance walkNot many people can afford a midlife crisis these days. Even fewer admit to having one. The very term, coined by Canadian psychoanalyst…Dec 10, 2023Dec 10, 2023
Claire McCallFinding the finish line: Hiking through a heatwave to the seaFranck is a natural host and well-suited to this remote environment where military huts, which have stood here since the late 1800s, have…Jul 15, 20223Jul 15, 20223
Claire McCallCe n’est pas une path! And other ramblings on a long-distance hikeCe n’est pas une path! For fuck’s sake, it’s a goat track. Worse. How do they get off calling this a path? Is it even in the guide? Focus…Jul 4, 20221Jul 4, 20221
Claire McCallFriends in high places as the mountains get tallerBeatrice and Isabelle are friends who grew up together in a tiny Swiss village and didn’t move very far away. Now in their 60s, they’re on…Jun 26, 20222Jun 26, 20222
Claire McCallSix things I have learned after six weeks on the trailYou will become more resourceful, more resilient - and sometimes resort to petty pilferingJun 16, 20221Jun 16, 20221
Claire McCallStatistics, Logistics and Damn Fine RoadsEven the persistent rain couldn’t dampen our spirits when, late morning, we reached the ferry terminal. A graceful old paddle steamer from…Jun 10, 20221Jun 10, 20221
Claire McCallEvery day in every way, it’s getting better and better. Well maybe.The route doesn’t feel quite as upsy-downsy now that we have reached the Jura. For the most part, this involves following a rocky track…Jun 3, 20222Jun 3, 20222
Claire McCallCow moments, wow moments and being in the now momentsOne minute I was taking a photograph of (and mooing over) a cute doe-y eyed calf at rest in an alpine paddock, the next those deep brown…May 27, 20221May 27, 20221
Claire McCallMind games: the hike that takes place in the headJust outside of Struthof, the only concentration camp on French soil, we meet a man dressed in orange who has made a special pilgrimage to…May 23, 20223May 23, 20223
Claire McCallA personal best, friends in the forest, and a personal worstI am happy to report that French forestry workers are keeping the faith. By which I mean, come midi, they abandon tools and heavy machinery…May 16, 20223May 16, 20223
