The Kindness Along the Way

Daily Miles: 31.47 | Total Miles: 15,931.00

My alarm rang at 5:00 a.m. I hit the snooze button for ten minutes and then opened my eyes to quite a sight. About ten slugs of all sizes were hanging from the inside of my tent fly, apparently having enjoyed the warmth of the tent as much as I had. I packed up, climbed out of the tent, and found the grass slightly damp from the night. I hung the fly over a fence to dry and gently evicted all my tent mates before getting organized, brushing my teeth, and preparing for the day ahead.

I wasn't entirely sure where I would end up tonight, but I knew I wanted to stay on the bicycle path. When I reached Morestel, I decided it would be wise to stock up on food and hydration. Once you're out on the path, opportunities become limited. The town was beautifully French, with flowers decorating the streets, charming cobblestone alleys, and cafés spilling out onto the sidewalks. Of course, I had to stop for a coffee and a croissant and simply sit for a while, watching the world go by.

As I navigated out of town, I realized after a roundabout that I was heading in the wrong direction. I turned around, and at that exact moment, Fousi and Mohamed invited me to join them at their table. Even before I sat down, I could feel their warmth radiating toward me. Fousi ordered a coffee, Mohamed handed me a chocolate croissant, and within minutes we were talking as if we had known each other forever.

Many people stopped by to greet Fousi. I jokingly asked him whether he was the godfather of the town. He smiled and told me he had lived there for sixty years. We talked about family, work, sport, and life. We exchanged stories and photos, and when it was time to leave, I could feel their sincere good wishes following me down the road. Encounters like that make me incredibly happy. Shared humanity at its very best. So brief, yet so meaningful.

Eventually I found my way back onto the path. Along the way I met Pascal, and when I told him that I was running around the world, he stopped immediately. A fellow runner, curious and enthusiastic. I always enjoy meeting people who are genuinely excited about the journey. We wished each other well, and off I went again.

Sometime later I called a campground that seemed to be my only realistic option for the night. They had space available, and suddenly the uncertainty of the day disappeared. I now had a destination.

Not long after, the two cyclists from England whom I had seen the previous days passed me again. They told me they had now overtaken me for three consecutive days. I wasn't even aware of it. Unlike me, they occasionally change their clothes. We all laughed about that. I don't know what it is, but people from England always seem particularly excited when they hear about my run, and I enjoy their enthusiasm every single time.

Later, John and Peter rode by on their bicycles. John stopped and asked about my run. He told me I was crazy. Actually, he told me several times. I laughed and said, "Certainly. And I think everyone is crazy in their own way. The ones who say they aren't are probably lying." We laughed together, talked for a while, and crossed paths again later in the day.

I still had about five miles to go when the sky began to darken. Thunder rolled in the distance, and soon the rain arrived. At first it was gentle, but within minutes it turned into a downpour. I was completely soaked. The temperature dropped rapidly, and the wind made it feel even colder.

And yet, I felt alive.

I felt wonderful walking through that pouring rain, looking out across the landscape, watching the horses standing calmly in the fields. They seemed to enjoy the rain too. There was something beautiful about surrendering to it completely. No shelter. No rushing. Just accepting the weather exactly as it was.

I knew the campground couldn't be far away.

When I finally arrived, I noticed there were small cabins on the property and immediately wondered if they might have one available. Once again, luck was on my side. Stéphanie offered me a discount and gave me Bungalow 20. Perfect.

Soon after arriving, I met my neighbor, Celina, who was staying in Bungalow 19. She's cycling around France on an electric bicycle and had passed me earlier in the pouring rain. Now she was also trying to dry out all her gear. We had a lovely chat, and I was happy to have such a friendly neighbor for the evening.

Stéphanie even gave me a towel free of charge. I took a hot shower, changed into dry clothes, and am now sitting here with beans and rice, a cup of tea, and the comforting sound of rain outside.

Some days are remembered for the miles. Others are remembered for the people.

Today was definitely about the people.

Thanks for checking in. Andrea