A Flat Tire and a Full Heart

Daily Miles: 31.6 | Total Miles: 13,946.79

I got up quietly and slipped out of the room with all my belongings so I wouldn’t wake Hannah. I dressed in the bathroom, had a cold coffee, and went downstairs to get the buggy ready. The moment I pulled it out, I felt something wasn’t right. A quick look confirmed it—a flat tire on the right side. Of course. I pushed the buggy into the hallway where Helmut was already sitting, took off the wheel, gathered my tools, and looked for a place with better light. My eyes aren’t what they used to be (yes, yes… the glasses—I know—but I certainly don’t wear them to change or fix a tube!), but I was determined to get it done.

I spotted a well-lit kitchen but wasn’t sure if I was allowed in, so I started working outside on the floor. Then the woman preparing breakfast came in, turned on the lights, and saw me squinting as I tried to find the puncture. Without hesitation, she told me to come into the kitchen where the light was better. I really appreciated that simple, kind help. I fixed the tire, put everything back together, and since I was already behind schedule, I decided to sit down and have breakfast with Helmut. I had planned to be long gone by then, but sometimes it’s good to adjust. Soon, Vito from Italy joined us, and we shared a relaxed, easy morning together. The wind from yesterday was still present—in our bodies and in our conversation.

When I left and hugged them both, I could genuinely feel their support, their kindness, their good spirit. It’s a beautiful feeling to step into a day carrying that with you. Five minutes into the run, I realized I still had the room key in my pocket. So close, Andrea. I turned around, returned it, and started again. New start, new luck.

I felt good once I got going. The wind was still there, but not nearly as strong as yesterday. I told myself to just go with the flow and enjoy the beauty around me. I crossed the Rhône River and followed it for a while, moving steadily forward. After about 10 miles, I stopped for a coffee and sat with a local, enjoying a quiet moment. Then I continued and found myself entering the Petite Camargue—flat land, vineyards not yet green, wide open space.

At some point, the path turned into gravel, slowing me down again after a good rhythm. But then I saw two beautiful white horses. In German, we call them Schimmel (is there a specific word in English?). I spoke to them as I approached, and they came closer, curious and calm. We shared a quiet moment before I moved on. Soon, I was back on asphalt and even a bicycle path—perfect conditions again. The wind picked up, now more of a headwind, and it became an effort to keep moving forward.

In the next town, I stopped for groceries and met Monsieur Michel outside the store. A short but warm exchange. Trying to reach the hotel, Google brought me close—but on the wrong side of a road fence. So I had to backtrack about a mile. Just part of the journey.

When I finally arrived in Lunel, I got a nice room. The Wi-Fi only works in the lobby, but by now I’m used to that rhythm. It was a good day—not perfect, not easy, but full.

Thanks for checking in, Andrea