Category trekking

A Year After the French Camino, the Trail Calls Us

Reg Spittle 5 Comments

A year ago, our steps connected these two historic pilgrimage places, nearly 500 miles apart on the French Camino, or Le Puy route.

We climbed on interior stairs to the top of the Statue of Notre Dame de France. The statue graces the highest point in Le Puy, France, and offers a spectacular view of the medieval city, home to the Camino that has hosted pilgrims for centuries. The 1860 statue was constructed using cast iron from 213 Crimean War cannons and delivered by Napoleon.

Le Puy marked the beginning of our journey.

Six weeks later, we stood on the iconic bridge in St. Jean Pied de Port, just five miles from Spain. It marked the beginning of the Camino Frances, the most traveled distance trail in the world and our first trek 10 years ago. On our way to St. Jean, we traveled over countless mountains and hills, along valleys, over rivers, and through French villages during an unusual fall heatwave that tested our resolve. Farms, ranches, forests, high plains and much more lined the trail. We stayed in small hotels, a few hostels, and were nearly stranded without accommodation and food more than once.

The memories make our seventh distance trek feel fresh. We are eager to tackle another trail, but where will it take us?

That’s for 2025 to unveil. The beginning of the year will also unveil Reg’s third trekking adventure book; more on that later.

Meanwhile, we will walk vicariously via YouTube and on trails around our Ashland, Oregon home.

Harmen Hoek: Prepare to be Dazzled

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Are you ready for a cinematic experience that rules YouTube in the adventurer genre?

In his latest super-achievement, Harmen Hoek takes viewers from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland on the most demanding route in the Alps under the best of conditions. But he does it when he must wear snowshoes most of the way over nine days. His journey involves a helicopter, along with astounding footage of his rescue.

The solo backpacker from The Netherlands has conquered difficult trails around the world and his adventures and photography are likely to lead you to join his 259,000 followers. He lets the film tell the story, foregoing narration, using composers like Thomas James White, who composed exclusive music to enhance The Alps.

If you are like me, Harmen Hoek’s 72 YouTube videos will become habit-forming. He is simply the best solo hiking filmmaker. Please let us all know what you think.