Reims to Courmelois

Like being on holiday

Out promptly to get breakfast in Reims before setting off. Stopped at Waida et fils which was recommended by the hotel. Very touristy but we are now in the habit of grabbing a decent meal whenever we can.

Dropped off a package at UPS, took another coffee and set out. We shipped home some things we didn't need and a rucksack that we have replaced with a bigger one. It was fine in theory to use a smaller rucksack, but the precision packing to make it all fit slowed us down.

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Weather: sunny earlier then cloudy and breezy

Steps: 32,760

Distance: 21.2 km

Climbing: 50 m (guess - Garmin is down)

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Our route today follows the canal out of the city. There were more joggers and cyclists than yesterday but no rowers. The water in the canal has a blue-green tint. I think it is from the chalky soil.

There are few places to stay for the next 50km so we will try to do 3 stages in 2 days by sticking to the canal. Unfortunately today's campsite is only about 20k from Reims so the days aren't balanced.

Walking by the canal is easy, though it can be very hot. Luckily there was the occasional water fountain. The via is still runnning through WW1 battlefields.

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We stocked up at Sillery and ate by the river. There were people fishing and gliders being towed into the air and released.

From the canal you could see up to the deep green vineyards and champagne villages.

On the road into Courmelois there is a fun-fair full of bouncy castles. It also has a wheatfield maze. Not sure if you can see in the photo, but the people in the maze are at least 400m from the way out.

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Camping Val-de-Vesle

We arrived at Courmelois at about 5 which made for a relaxed evening. It is a pretty site next to a river. It is quite breezy tonight so maybe the mozzies will stay home. We spread ourselves out as normal.

A nice shower then a supper of noodles and an apple. Long walk tomorrow so an early start planned.

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