GR 56

Sometimes it is a strange feeling when big current events touch one's own little world. When I began to plan the new route, across the Vercor and the Maritime Alps, place names that I have never heard before suddenly became part of my world: Peyrus, Breil sur Roya,  Seyne, Barcelonnette...

And suddenly the whole world knows where Barcelonnette is.

My path through the mountains the GR 56, (Chemin de Grande Randonnée / "Great Hiking Trail") leads along the site of the crash, which is only 3,5 kilometres away.

At this point, the Ravin de l'Elve, there might be one of the most difficult parts of the trail. I seriously hope that a donkey will be able to manage it. And me, too. After all, Gamin has already crossed the Pyrenees, and there are difficult trails. But I ... with only a little hiking in the Vosges hills as my preparation ...

Memories come back. Almost 20 years ago, I drew a comic about a German plane that had crashed in the Alps.

Well, maybe my path will indeed follow the GR 56, but one never knows. I have stopped to set my plans in stone. I have become flexible, and I will follow the wind that fills my sails.

After all, the only important thing is that I will somehow make it to Torrita Tiberina and Maglie.

A wonderful surprise

Yesterday we drove to Basle where I stayed overnight. Since we have Heidi, I don't like doing this any more. The neighbour feeds her hay accross the fence, but I never feel very comfortable with it.

This is why I returned today as early as possible. Heidi was well fed, but very thirsty. The neighbour admitted that he had not thought about water. She slurped down three buckets of water, and all was well again.

As it was to be expected, the house was freezing cold. When the heating is off for only one day, it becomes dramatically cool. I found a surprise in the mail. A parcel from KARAN! I opened it and found two gifts, one for me and one for Heidi! And a really kind postcard. What a surprise!

I opened Heidi's package and discovered this:

The "ultimate hoof pick". Okay, THIS means that we'll be able to manage even the hardest clump of ice and the nastiest piece of gravel! A really professional tool! A flop such as this one will therefore be a thing of the past.

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In addition to the mega hoof pick, the parcel contained a hoof brush. I must admit I've never had one before. I cleaned the hooves with a kitchen brush. This, too, is history now!

And now came my present. It contained an emergency foot warmer and a totally brilliant solar lantern that can be folded; it's feather-light, but bright! I have never seen such a thing before. The items will hardly add any weight, but it is so good to carry them.

Truly beautiful gifts, and a great surprise! I don't know what to say! Thank you, dear Karan!

Karan sings with the band Singvøgel.

Je suis Charlie