Our last two days on the route were hot but stunningly beautiful. Yesterday we passed through Saint-Rémy-de Provence. Even though no Van Gogh paintings remained in Provence, many were painted near Saint-Rémy and Arles. The route is now an Art pilgrimage passing many signs that indicate which paintings were created at a particular location. I still am so moved by Van Gogh’s art snd his tragic struggle with his mental health. I revisited the grounds of the hospital where he spent his last days. The pine and olive trees still growing with the Rocky Alpilles in the distance.
We then climbed up and over the ridge to Les Baux de Province. We stayed here 13 years ago and it is still such an impressive hill town clinging to its limestone formations.
After spending the night in Fontvielle, we woke up early and went for a walk to see the windmills before setting off on our final short day into Arles. We stopped half way at the Abbaye de Montmajour. We were still following the footsteps of Van Gogh as we explored this amazing 10th century monastery. A contested painting of the Abbaye was finally verified as an authentic Van Gogh a few years ago.
Five kilometres after the Abbaye we walked / cycled into Arles, our destination for this year. We have covered 2086 kms from Budapest. We wrestled Grandma Friday into her suitcase and wandered down to the Cathedral of St. Trophime for our final stamp. We told the suitably impressed church official that we would be back next Spring for the first stamp on the second half of our pilgrimage. He said he would be waiting.
Lots of deep respect Ruth and Gord. What an amazing journey. We followed you and were looking forward for your next blog. Of course we specifically liked your Italian ways. Have a safe journey home, looking back with lots of memories. ‘See you’/ read you next spring! Waiting for you ?. Lots of love. Thom&Elly
Thanks Ella and Thom! We were so delighted that you followed along. We must return to Italy it really captured our heart this trip. It would be lovely to connect in person somewhere in the world. You would be so welcome in Canada. Lots of love, Ruth and Gord.
Congratulations, you made it (again!) IT was so beautiful to follow your trip here, I enjoyed it a lot. Thank you for sharing your adventures, I am very impressed.
Have a safe journey home.
We just made it to Montreal, not to far from you but off to Vancouver soon.
You two are my role models. I am so impressed by your ways – by your travelling, by your sensitivity, by your writing and your painting. By your life. And my respect to you, my hat is touching my feet!
And it was as much a privilege as sheer pleasure to be able to walk with you for a bit, to share the Way. Hope to see you sooner than later. Have a safe journey back home.
Dear Eva, Thank you for your beautiful words we were both touched by them. I definitely vote for sooner not later. Perhaps in Madeira? Canada? Poland or a Camino somewhere.
We think Ewa did such an eloquent tribute to you two that we wanted to cut and paste it as our own. What she said!!!!!!
Love you guys and looking forward to your return. See you soon.
Prepare yourselves for a big hug when we come home!!
Amen.
Thank you so much for allowing us to share your journey that you’ve described, painted, and photographed so beautifully! ?
Thank you Judy.
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Fé’icitations❣️❣️❣️
Really enjoyed following you on this great walk; thanks for sharing your talents in beautiful pictures, wonderful paintings and enlightening writing.
A bientôt j’espère??
Thank you France!
What an epic journey you two! And to think that you’re only halfway to Santiago. The final approach next year will be one for the ages. Thanks for sharing your travels, with such grace and humility and humour.
Your trip is redefining epic adventures! We are following along with you!