Day 1 of hiking the Via Francigena was a success! It probably took me twice as long as it should have because I was dilly-dallying and lollygagging. I walked a whopping (almost) 10 miles (in 5 hours – ridiculous that it took that long), from Great St Bernard Pass, Switzerland to Echevennoz, Italy. Only 612 miles to go to Rome!
The scenery coming out of the mountains was gorgeous! I’m so grateful that I was able to wait an extra day for the fog to clear.
I took more videos than photos (on purpose) today, so I made a 15-minute and 58-second movie to show you what it’s like on the hike. If you’re interested, put on your stretchy pants, get comfortable, and you can watch it on my YouTube channel – just click this link.
I learned a few things about myself during the editing process. 1. I’m weird. 2. I have a lot of random thoughts. 3. I should not be making videos. 4. I have a face for writing. 5. I kept saying “we” as if you all were there with me.
If you have any questions about hiking the VF after watching the video, send me an email or leave a comment at the end of the post. I’m happy to answer.
Here are the details (including hiker stuff/stats for pilgrims at the end) from Day 1 on the VF…
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Breakfast: bread with butter and jam. Coffee out of a bowl – very European for this American.
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It took about a 5 minute walk to cross the border into Italy from the monastery. Should have used the selfie stick.
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Most of the hikers I’ve met so far are doing different trails but today, early into the hike, I finally met another pilgrim walking the VF. Sarah (with or without a “h,” I’m not sure) from New Zealand. She is walking for two weeks and started in Lausanne, Switzerland. Yep, she hiked up the mountain. We ended up at the same hostel in the afternoon.
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The selfie stick was a good purchase, I think. I was halfway down the mountain before I remembered I even had it. I used it a couple of times and probably should have used it more. I’ll try to remember to use it going forward.
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I met some donkeys! Only one of them wasn’t camera-shy. Definitely a highlight for, me and I spent way to much time gawking at them instead of walking. I want one for my dream farm.
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I only had one official stop along the way. I bought a macchiato but no chocolate croissant. Boo.
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I met a lovely local man who has been keeping track of VF pilgrims’ nationalities and where they started hiking on the trail. He was friendly and helpful. I loved the chart he had listing the stats. Not surprised at the numbers coming out of Italy, Switzerland, and France…but Germany, where are your people?
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Lunch/dinner: Pasta. What else would you eat after hiking on your first day in Italy? Franco the owner of both the hostel and the restaurant talked me into trying the Tiramisu. The Mrs. made it. It was outstanding. Bravo! It’s in the video along with the sleeping arrangements.
Since I’m in no rush, I’ve decided to break up these first few days in the guidebook. I’m only walking about half the distances so my body can adjust. So far, ZERO blisters. My knee is a little sore but overall, my body held up this first day. We shall see how I feel in the morning. I’ve done so many of these pilgrimages at a faster pace, I think I’m going to take it slow this time and try to enjoy the scenery a little more, and be more in the moment.
That’s a wrap for Day 1! Watch the video and you’ll get a better understanding of the day and what it’s like to walk the Via Francigena.
Hiker stuff:
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Great St Bernard Pass to Echevennoz: 9.25 miles/14.88km
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Difficulty: Medium. Mostly downhill
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Hostel: Dortoir Di Echevvenoz
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Best apps and websites for maps and accommodations: Official Via Francigena app and Gronze.com.
Much love & gratitude. Namaste 🙏
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No day is complete without a traffic mirror selfie.
Air out the shoesies.
More from the hike.
