First stop Paris

As a visual aid, I've decided to add a map of the route I'll be walking so those reading this blog can follow along:

Or here's another version:

This will be primarily in the region called the Massif Central, an elevated region in south central France.  The northern part, where I will be walking, is dominated by volcanic rock as the area contains a large number of now extinct volcanoes.

For those more topographically inclined, here's a side-view which will give you an idea of the elevation all the way to the Spanish border.  I will be doing the most mountainous portion, from Le Puy en-Velay as far as Conques.  As you can see, it drops off pretty much after that until you reach the Pyrenees. (This is read from right to left).

I am very glad the Air France strike is over for the time being, tough.  It has been pretty touch-and-go for the past two weeks waiting to see what the end result would be!  Finally the day before I was scheduled to leave for France, flights are returning to "normal".    

I am leaving from Chicago's O'Hare Airport, close to where my parents and family live, and have been equally torn because my younger sister by three years, Karin, has been in the hospital with a serious case of double pneumonia, bronchitis, and otherwise compromised lungs.  It has been emotionally stressful, and a difficult time to be leaving for Paris, but there is not too much that I can physically do while she is lying sedated and unconscious in a hospital bed.  She will definitely be on my mind and in my prayers while I am traveling.  Fortunately I have other family members, including a sister who is a nurse, that will keep a watchful eye and keep me informed.  I have added money to my French SIM card so I will be able to communicate with family that way as well, if necessary.  But it is so very frustrating not being able to do anything...

Meanwhile, I have emailed all of the gites along the Via Podiensis where I plan to stay to make sure they will be open when I arrive.  Many of the places start to close down starting in October and, after a long walk, I would prefer not to have any unpleasant surprises that could otherwise be avoided.  I haven't heard from all, but I have heard from the first four, and I do have alternates for most of the others should my first choices not be available.

One concern I have in Paris is that the "box" that controls my Internet, phone, and television may not be working.  Apparently a recent tenant spilled a glass of wine on it and it may need to be replaced so I may be relying of free wi-fi from local restaurants and public parks.  Another is that it has been reported that there is something wrong with one of the "legs" of my "clic-clac" (futon) which I hope is repairable.  I will only have two days to do so which is why I am concerned...

Clic-clac in my Paris apartment but picture is somehow flipped...