Day 26 - Trepail to Chalons en Champagne

I was about 8 km off route when I started my day and the road took me through the small town of Ambonnay - there were signs of the champagne industry everywhere there. Luckily, I managed to rejoin the trail just after 9 am at Conde sur Marne. The rest of the walk was along the Canal Lateral a la Marne in what appeared to be a perfectly straight line. All is right with the world, I walked in sunshine all day. I saw two barges (one commercial and one leisure), swans, ducks, and the biggest thrill was walking behind a heron who wanted to have its photo taken. The only disappointment was I did not get to see a lock in action. The highlight of the day, however, was coming across two Dutch pilgrims who are walking the VF in reverse! They are a lovely couple: Riet and Guus. Like me, they have had trouble sourcing accommodation and will share their info with me via email. I may have just struck gold as the tourist office here has been less than helpful. Oh, and I've just finished the most delicious glass of champagne! Note: one of the photos shows where the Canal Saint Martin flows under the Canal Lateral a la Marne (at right angles)!Read more