Category: Hikes

Le Puy Camino – via Podiensis: Tallode to Saint-Privat d’Allier

April 1, 2023 Our second day on the walk and we woke feeling refreshed and ready to go. We had reservations for an accommodation in Montbonnet but, since our 12km walk yesterday went well, we decided that it was too close and opted to… Continue Reading “Le Puy Camino – via Podiensis: Tallode to Saint-Privat d’Allier”

Le Puy Camino – via Podiensis: On The Way

March 31, 2023 Finally, our departure day arrived! We are walking the Camino de Santiago – Via Podiensis, which is the route along the GR65 from Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the Pyrenees. It’s a walking distance of 748.9 kilometers. The GR65 is one… Continue Reading “Le Puy Camino – via Podiensis: On The Way”

Le Puy Camino – via Podiensis: Final Days in Le Puy-en-Velay, Part One

March 27 – 28 Over the next 4 days, I spent time continuing our preparations for the chemin interspersed with sightseeing, shopping, eating (delicious French food!) and getting some hiking time in on the GR 65. On Monday, we visited the pilgrim office to… Continue Reading “Le Puy Camino – via Podiensis: Final Days in Le Puy-en-Velay, Part One”

Big Bend Hikes: Long Chisos Basin Loop

My last hike before ending my season at Big Bend had to be one more walk in the Chisos Basin. Since I’m in training for a long walk in France, I chose to do the long loop around the top of the basin –… Continue Reading “Big Bend Hikes: Long Chisos Basin Loop”

Big Bend Hikes – Blue Creek Trail

If you’re looking for something a little different and less travelled, the Blue Creek Trail has a lot to offer. The trail starts in the Blue Creek wash near the Homer Wilson Ranch ruins and climbs up into the Chisos Mountains – from desert… Continue Reading “Big Bend Hikes – Blue Creek Trail”

Big Bend Flowers

Towards the end of January, we drove to a small parking area along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to hike down the wash that leads to Horseshoe Canyon. I was so surprised to find some plants in bloom!! The above rock nettle was cascading… Continue Reading “Big Bend Flowers”

Big Bend Hikes: Balanced Rock

It’s been a long time since I posted. My cell data speed took a beating last month when I was trying to watch some FIFA soccer matches! So, had to wait until it reset with the monthly turnover! 🙂 One of my favorite short… Continue Reading “Big Bend Hikes: Balanced Rock”

Big Bend Hikes: Pine Canyon Trail

Thanksgiving Day in Big Bend National Park started off crisp and clear, eventually warming up in time for a nice mid-day hike into Pine Canyon. The Pine Canyon Trail starts at the end of Pine Canyon Road and is reached via 6 miles of… Continue Reading “Big Bend Hikes: Pine Canyon Trail”

Big Bend Flora 11.9.22

Another beautiful red-flowered perennial blooming in the Chisos Mountains is the Ipomopsis aggregata. I found this little gem along the Lost Mine Trail – a popular 5-mile out and back trail near the Chisos Basin. It’s one of my favorite hikes in the park… Continue Reading “Big Bend Flora 11.9.22”

Big Bend Flora 11.2.2022

Hiking the upper part of the Lost Mine Trail in the Chisos Mountains last week, I came upon the showy, bright red, tubular flowers of Salvia regla or Mountain Sage. Often blooming in the spring and, again in the fall, the flowers are attractive… Continue Reading “Big Bend Flora 11.2.2022”