Plan-les-Ouates

August 21, Wednesday
One is NOT the loneliest number
Day 1 from Genthod to Charly, 23 km.

Robert walked me to the rail station to take the train to Lancy-Bancet where I started my walk. This saved seven km from starting from the St. Peters Cathedral which we visited yesterday and walked to Carouge. The gears felt heavier than 7 kg. With food and water, it must be more than that. Oh well, let's try it and see.

The trail I follow in Switzerland is number 4. Once in France, it is called GR65. The GR65 is one of the most emblematic and historic pilgrimage routes in Europe. This path, which stretches from Geneva in Switzerland to Roncesvalles in Spain (I will pass Roncesvalles and end in Pamplona) is divided into two main sections: the Via Gebennensis and the Via Podiensis. The Via Gebennensis runs from Geneva to Le Puy-en-Velay for about 360 kilometres. The Via Podiensis takes over in Le Puy-en-Velay, a town famous for its cathedral and historical monuments. This section of the GR65 is one of the most frequented by pilgrims. It crosses varied regions, from the volcanic plateaus of Auvergne to the vineyards of Lot, passing through the hills of Gers and the mountains of the Pyrenees. The Via Podiensis extends for approximately 820 kilometres to Roncesvalles, on the Spanish border. If I complete what I plan for, I would walk about 1,400 km.

The first day is always a test --- to test all the gears, to adjust them to the walk, to feel the weight and the path. The sky was partly cloudy, rising from 18 C in the morning to 25 C in the afternoon. The path climbed up 400 meters over its length. There were only a few steep inclines but were manageable. The trail passed through many agricultural areas and several shaded forests. However, there were quite a few stretches stony, making the walk less comfortable. I have found that the signs were sometimes different from my downloaded GPS. Many times, I had to check ensuring I was on track.

I did NOT see any pilgrim today!

On the ascending slope out of Neyden, four lady volunteers were holding a rest stop for the pilgrims at a small chapel. They do this every Wednesday and Saturday. Today is my lucky day. Two ladies could speak some English and they offered me coffee, tea, soft drinks, bread, cookies, chips, chocolates, and fun conversation. They all have walked the Via Gebennensis and the Via Podiensis. WhenI Ester told me her carrying weight was 5.5 kg including water, I almost fell out from the bench. The most they carry is 7 kg. What did I do wrong? She did not carry first aid as you can buy from the pharmacy along the way. She did not carry more than one litter of water as you can fill it up at the cemetery or restaurant when you find one. And less in other areas too. I think I am still carrying fear.

I was so thirsty when I checked into the auberge that I ordered an Origina and a Coca-Cola. A hot shower and a delicious dinner. Beside tiredness, I feel good. Tomorrow, I will have breakfast at 7 am and try to leave by 8 am. A 24 km walk to Frangy under a sunny forecast.

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