There’s times when feelings go into overdrive. It’s the basics: Food? Which Route? Weather? Next lodging? The Next Human Contact?

Believe it or not, In this land of Michelin restaurants, I’ve only had three or four noteworthy meals so far. If there is breakfast, I pretty much devour anything in sight. For lunch, a protein bar or apple. At dinner, I’ve microwaved two lasagnas (think single dish serving at Publix or Kroger). To my utter surprise, I have not made my heavy pack heavier by buying the ten-pack chocolate croissants at the local supermarche. What I read about small French small villages is correct, no stores, no people, and sometimes even the dogs don’t bother to get up and bark at me as I walk by them. Occasionally, there are vending machines to purchase a 10 pound bag of potatoes or a bag of chips. Not exactly what I need!

Which Route? The routes have generally been quite passable. Generally the sign postings are decent (yes, I still have taken unplanned detours…translation is I strayed away from the marked path accidentally). Some beautiful paths through tunnels of overarching trees. Three lessons so far. Avoid muddy forest trails after or during a rain unless I’m wearing a swimming suit; be watchful for short cuts; and walking on French county roads or their shoulder is really fine. Their wide, and often French drivers will move over to the other side and signal that they see you with their turn signal lights. Imagine that ! Drivers actually using their turn signals!

I’m usually anxious about the weather. One morning on the way to Dover, the wind chill was 39! The first several days in France, I kept layering up. Usually wearing my poncho for most of my walking hours because of the cold drizzle. The last few days have included glorious hours of sunshine. Amazing, as we all know, what sunshine and blue skies can do for us.

Where will I spend the night? Although I prebooked most of my accommodations with Booking, AirBnB, or email to private bites, even then, it is a crap shoot what I find. Quite a variety. Many rooms have been fine, unless you want heat. To combat the cold, I usually find that a thick comforter does the job. Those late night trips or early morning trips to the bathroom across cold floors aren’t fun though. I usually complete the trip in record time. The one night that I didn’t have lodging, and Jean and Colette who are real pros trying to help me, I had to skip two stages before I found lodging. Eventually, I stayed at the Anne Frank Residence in Arras with about 20 youth in their early 20’s who needed an inexpensive place to stay as they tried to find-employment. Only 20 euros which included dinner, lodging, and breakfast. Nice!

Who will I meet? Unfailingly, my anxieties over meeting strangers have been groundless. More about some of those very brief, but wonderful interactions, later.

My emotions have generally forced my mind to be concerned with the basics. Although I’ve heard those words “Do not be anxious. Look at the lilies of the field…” However, I’m a tad bit more complicated as I face life. I do have a ”trick” for moving beyond those anxieties. More about that later also.

I guess that I’m racking up promises for future posts. With my memory, I might remember to write a few words. Or not.