January 29, 2015
Greetings!
News from the home front: after a prolonged period of inactivity I feel inspired to undertake another long(ish) walk, namely the length of the River Loire, which runs in a north-westerly direction from the Massif Central to the Atlantic Coast of France. I am intending to begin at St Nazaire on the coast at the beginning of April and walk upriver for 6 weeks, returning at the beginning of September to complete the journey, which should take another 5-6 weeks.
This is a walk in memory of Angela: towards the end of our walk to Rome after traversing the hills of Tuscany we started to talk about other journeys we could make, and the idea of following a river's peregrination to the sea arose. Having stopped at the source of the Danube in the Black Forest of Germany (is it really almost 3 years ago?) we considered that option - some 2888 km. to the Black Sea - but were somewhat put off by travellers' tales of brigands on the loose in Romania picking on walkers and cyclists. The alternative was a more leisurely stroll along the Loire, which is something of a climatic boundary between north and south Europe and is littered with historic sites and geological curiosities.
It also seems a critical moment to spend some time in France, gauging the mood after the tragedy of Charlie Hebdo. It would be interesting to gather a random collection of quotes and snippets found on the way along with all the other flotsam which coalesces into what is known as 'public opinion' or 'the state of the nation'.
It will be an opportunity, too, to create some more wealth for Medecins Sans Frontieres, who have been doing such sterling work on our behalf in the Ebola crisis. This is not just a one-off: they seem to be the first ones to arrive at every disaster and spend a minimal amount of money on admin so our donations do make a difference. This time I am expecting to write up an account of the journey for sale with the profits going to the charity, but if anyone wishes to donate to MSF beforehand as a sponsorship they are of course welcome.
Thanks to anyone reading this, and an invitation: if you would like to join me on this walk at any stage for however long or short, get in touch on here (nick_warlow@hotmail.com). I would be happy to have companions along the way.and hope to have beds every night rather than a ditch. There may be the odd French meal or glass of wine involved on an evening, too!
