In 990, the Archbishop of Canterbury traveled to Rome to meet the Pope. In his papers, he kept a list of the 79 places he stopped along the way. His stops have become the basis for the modern pilgrimage route known as the “Via Francigena.”
Starting Monday (September 8), I’ll be tackling 500 miles of that route.
Section 1: Switzerland
For the first two weeks, I’ll be joined my college roommate, Scott. We’ll walk over the Alps at the Great Saint Bernard Pass and then down into the Aosta Valley in Italy.
Section 2: Apennine Mountains
After Scott leaves, I’ll take a train to skip the plains of northwestern Italy. I’ll restart at the foot of the Apennines which I’ll hike through and over for about a week.
Section 3: Cinque Terre and Tuscany
Once I clear the Apennines, I’ll be near the Mediterranean coast. Here I’ll be joined by 7 friends and family members. They’ll be with me for 8 of the most beautiful stages of the hike.
Section 4: Lazio
After my friends/family leave, I’ll exit Tuscany and enter Lazio. I’ll finish my Pilgrimage at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on October 16. I hope to share some pasta and vino with Pope Leo.
Health Update
It’s been 5 months since my last treatment and I’m feeling great. My hair is even mostly back. I’m ready to go!
Bill on the Camino 
Bill, you are a true inspiration! I have such deep admiration for all of your journeys, but this one on the heels of your treatments is truly a cause for great celebration!!🎉
I look forward to walking with you vicariously through your daily reports. I hope Shirley will be among the family members who get to join you!
Here’s to a fantastic trip!!
Your kind words are appreciated. My only regret about this walk… I miss autumn in Michigan. It’s such a lovely time. Enjoy it for me!
I am so excited to see this!! You’ve been on my mind a lot! Enjoy the Alps!
Thank you! I hope we meet over a glass of wine sometime. I’m not sure we’re ever in the same city any more, though! Have a great autumn!
It is great to see your about to embark ono a new Camino. But it is even greater to see and hear about your health. Sono emozionato per te, e che Dio ti accompagni sempre!
Grazie! (Italiano not espanol on this pilgrimage!) I hope you have a walk planned soon. Did you use Google translate, or do you really know Italian?
I speak enough Italian to get in trouble (lol). No walks this year (other than the walk so assist my mom with her hip replacement surgery down in Mexico in October. Next year I hope to go back to Spain to work for 15 to 21 days as an Hospitalero.
I have a friend (10 years older than me) who is almost to Rome (next year). He has been doing the whole route in 2 week chunks each summer. And has blogged. I’d be happy to put you two in touch!
== Kitty (Sent from iPhone)
I walked the 5 towns of the Cinque Terre, not as a part of the pilgrimage. I will be praying for wonderful travels as you embark on this trek!
Bill you look terrific! Good Luck
I am so excited for you! Have some rosti when you are in Switzerland 😉
I’m having a wee spot of trouble with me comments. Argh.
Here’s a bit of Italian for you:
Vorrei un altro bicchiere di vino per favore 😉 xo
I know that one!!
I learned the important stuff!!
Of course you did!
Gotta figure out how to change my screen name now. LOL
Love your “I’m prepared” photo! It’s going to be an amazing journey.
Janet & I loved the Cinque Terre when we were there in 1984!
Reading this just made my day, Bill! So glad you’ve mended and are continuing your adventures. I wish you a safe journey, my friend!
Thanks!!! Debbie G is walking Camino right now. Check out her Instagram.
LOVE this! You will enjoy Italy… everything is beautiful. Have a fantastic walk!
Come join me! It’s like sailing but with no boat.
Buen Camino 😉
Hi BillI met you along texti
hi bill – I had lost track of your trips for awhile but this popped up. I’m so glad to hear you’re healthy and back in the Camino(s). This trip sounds incredible. I’ll be vicariously traveling along. Enjoy!
Hi Bill,
Great news! So glad that you are feeling well! I’ve already been following your trip from my armchair. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us. Hi to Shirley and Abbey… cool that she’s doing some miles with you.
I’m recovering from a foot joint fusion surgery going on 3 months now. Progress is being made, but it’s slower than I’d like. Tagged along with Sophia to the Y to get in the pool for some laps again last week. Felt good. Still no permanent job for Sophia, but she’s keeping busy with learning new skills, networking and teaching kids to swim. Jim is hiking and cycling, so that he can keep up with me once I’m mended. He’s also working too much… it’s time to retire.
Best wishes for safe and sound traveling, Trish
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Great to hear from you! Sorry to hear about surgery but hope it will provide long term relief.
I feel like every year we age, our recovery times slow down. It’s aggravating. Be patient. Many great days ahead.
You are an inspiration, Bill. I’m so glad to see that you are doing well and continuing your hikes. Can’t wait to read all about the pasta and vino with the pope! 😀