A Million Steps for Scleroderma

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Since Pope Francis has designated 2025 a Jubilee Year and a Pilgrimage of Hope. I will try to add text regarding Hope as an important part of our lives. Hope is one thing that can help us through the darkest of times. We made it to the starting point, Grand Saint Bernard Pass after a bus drive from Prescott to Phoenix AZ, plane to Washington DC, Zurich, Geneva, train to Orsieres, and bus drive. Hurray! ~20 hours later. Arriving at the Pass we were awaken by the beautiful lake surround by the mountain. Dory and I posing. The Saint Bernard digs. Attitude 8114 ft. We concluded the day with a communal delicious meal with 30 pilgrims talking of the wonders of their via Francigena journey. Starting point tomorrow Dory and I will cross over Switzerland to Italy making the steep descent from the Summitt tracing the route taken by pilgrims and popes, common hikers, and leaders of countries even Napoleon’s army.  

A statue of Saint Bernado and a panoramic view captures us outside of the hospice and as I wander down the mule path along the small Saint Bernado Lake. We looked back at the hospice, a cross peeking out of the lake and the Saint Bernard statue. The Alps captures your breath and a small mountain goat playing in the rocks below. One could feel the impact of the descent on my thighs and knees. I pass through several small villages; Saint Remy - who hold via Francigena festivals and a stronghold for those who cross the pass; Saint Leonard; Saint Oyen and into the town of Etroubles. Etroubles embodies the enchanting environment. Via Francigena history is captured in the signage there reflecting on the importance to these villages.  We then proceeded to path following the Ru Neuf, an irrigation canal, until Echevennoz, a small village with parochial ostello - albergue/ hostel and a corner bed. Just Wondering is Hope just at the end of the rainbow or the next mountaintop?

Great day but feel the effects. Ultrea from Dory and  

 We had a good meal the night before with pilgrims from France and one from Australia. Well-rested although snoring continued. The pilgrims were asked to stay for breakfast; something I normally do not do since I like to start early. But we had a cup of coffee with bread and jam. The hike started out beautiful. Walking high in the Alps along the Ru Nuef, the irrigation channel. We looked down on the villages below. Uniquely we ran across a memorial of the Virgin Mary.  Eventually we made it to the town of Aosta, noted for Roman Ruins of a city started in 1 B.C. Dory and I landed in an Ostello ran by Cistern Nuns and fortunately we got a lovely single room looking up the mountains and, also, seeing a glimpse of a Romain arc. Later we were able to see the city main square and Romain arc and city being uncovered.   Unfortunately, we went to reserve a bed in the next stop but found out eight places to stay were booked. Surprise!! With the help of a couple of nuns over the course of a few hours we were able to book places to stay. Not ideal but a plan. Learn from yesterday, live for the day, and hope for a better tomorrow. Modified Einstein. Ultreia. Dory and Jim.               

We started late since we were working late on schedule and bookings. We started out walking in the opposite direction to reach a way to get over the highway crossing the city square. There were Romain ruins and some murals reflection the 1 A.D Roman. We immediately started hiking up the mountain. This time on the opposite side. We got up over 1000 ft before walking a horizontal path looking down below. The path was nice with an irrigation channel on its side. Vineyards were nestled along the path as well. Always seems inviting with clear cold water running to stick one’s feet in. We even passed a rundown castle. Looking down at Nus, one can see into the valley below as the mountains seem to be getting lower. Nice and steep. Dory mentioned to me that although she not just optimistic but hopeful. Krista Tipplet, the writer, said “For me …optimism sounds like wishful thinking. Hope as a force and as a resource is realty based. It sees the darkness and takes it seriously. It sees the possibly of good and redemption and takes that serious and it’s a choice. An action that one needs to put into practice.”

Ultreia. Dory and Jim.           

Because of hostel availability, we had to make an adjustment to our schedule to find accommodations. We find a place to stay in Hône. We took a bus from Nus to Verres and got back onto the Via Francigena. Although the mountains were smaller, they were still impressive walking in the valley.  A beautiful hike along the river and amongst a few small towns. Several signs were posted along the trail, walks to inspire the world! A nice old church whose front door was open to see inside but protection by glass doors so as not to allow access. We experienced seeing a unique preserved Romain bridge, walked through the pastures before arriving at the village of Hône. But before Hone we could see in the distance a specular castle. As we got closer, we approached a church. Although many churches have been closed, to our surprise this one was open. It was the Parish of Saint Giorgio. The church was at least the third erected on the site. There were glass panel allowing us to see the remnants of two previous churches. Earlier reports say it may have been as old as 1413 with modifications in 1711 and latest 1897. On the altar was a detailed statute of Saint George fighting the dragon. Beautiful ceiling painting as well as one of the Madonna of Mercy. Dory also lit candle for family, friends, sacred Heart Parish and of course, the Scleroderma Foundation of California. If you can, support the foundation and Hope for a Cure. Aristotle said: “Hope is a waking dream.” 

Ultreia. Dory and Jim         

Slept in until 8 AM, packed and headed to a church up the hill at the next town. Thanks to the Catholic Map app I identified where the church and mass was. A lovely small 15 century church located next to a fancy hotel. The attendance was sparse, about 20 people. Hopefully it does not shut down. After mass, we came right to the trail. The trail started out next to a man- made irrigation canal with many stone canals coming down from the mountains. The trail mainly followed the river until we reach Mont-Saint-Martin. The trail mainly followed the river but deviated through several towns passing by some old churches but unfortunately were not open even of Sunday. As we came around a corner to my surprise was a small Arch way with a lava like stone walkway. Interesting. Next we made it to Mont-Saint-Martin where we came across a beautiful Romain bridge. This time amazing. The next miles were uneventful until reaching Ivrea. Although stopped at a picnic area to have a snack by the river. We found our Ostello next to the river. Named “Ostello del Canoe”. (Because, there was a competitive kayaking circuit, where people were testing their skills.) Performed my daily routine of a shower, washing clothes and doing some stretching before relaxing getting a soda and watching the river and a duck diving for fish. Across the ways was a big cathedral. 

Ultreia. Dory and Jim.