Where screeming feet and willpower meet – Day four in France

After a full day of rest the day before

I decided the fourth day would have walking in store.

We had taken the car up to a pretty spot

And I had promised myself: I will give all I’ve got

To get up there myself

So I took my shoes off the shelf 
 

The walk up

Not mine... but on the way

My spirit during the walk!

Enjoy? Yes, yes I will!

 
Every step I took my left foot screamed

But it didn’t feel so bad, or so it seemed

It went from worse to better to really bad

And then also my right foot went sad.

Vallouise

Valouise

Not what you want to read when thursty!

 

But, just as in life, sometimes things hurt,

But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth

you “manning up” and biting through the pain,

That’s just part of life and yes; life’s insane.

Not only the destination was the prettiest sight

The way up there was beauty in all it’s might.

Thank you feet and power of will

I am enjoying the walk, even now still!

Almost there!

 

Walking in the sun

Walking towards the sun

Took the "elevator" up in the evening for some tea + pie = reward!

Snow and sky - plane and feet

 

Watching people come down

Put to the test - Day three in France

My third day in France

was a difficult act of balance...

between ignoring my pains, going full force

and showing me and my foot some remorse. 

My company looked at my swollen, red ancle and me

with concerned faces that showed fear and sympathy.

I follwed their advice and took a day of rest,

but this really put my stubborn ego to the test.

 

"Tevreden zijn en lang te leven, is wat 't pijpke u kan geven" - in the chalet.

  

Cranky and disappointed I tried to make the best of the day

and looking back at it, it was more then Okay!

I went sledging of a hill and watched skiers come down,

and tried to spot the cutest skier in town.

Man, that was fun!

My company's ski-pass

 

Turns out that not only men with guitars and/or backpacks are hot to me...

skiers and snowboarders also awaken some sort of fantasy.

Going down!!

Gorgeous tracks.

I really had to cool down, so rolled around in the snow in my “summer gear”,

 

Not really flattering, but so you get the idea...

after a fantastic yoga session in the most amazing atmosphere.

... with a view.

Yoga...

In the evening I made "The Plan":

Fuck my foot, Oh yes I can!

I will walk and be free!!! - this pic made me think of you Ro...

How feet can scream - Day two in France

On day two in France,

I finally saw my chance:

to walk in these new shoes of mine,

I was feeling excited, ready for it and on cloud number nine!

The path... ready for me!

Sun, snow and shadow

Bright blue sky

 

Sure, that's about what I looked like ;)

Getting lost was part of it

and made the hike even a bigger hit.

With the (blistering) sun, (ice-cold) snow, unbelievable sights and ultrafresh air

I was nowhere else but… just there!

Wall deco on Valouise

Valouise

Valouise

After lunch by a church at the top,

it soon became clear, I needed to stop…

The cute adventure-shoe sales guy was right:

these shoes don’t just fit you overnight.

Walking them in (for 6 weeks!!!) is kind of the way to go.

No time for that, so after a 3 hour hike, my left foot was screaming "NO!"

Lunch spot with a view - and (chick)peas

I saw this church from far and knew: I will hike up there! And I did!

I got a ride back down and turned to a pack of ice...

Next read: how I made a walking trip with painful feet still super nice.

 

Saint Vincent - And this is where my trip stopped as well...