If your anything like me, the planning and anticipation of my next travel adventure is almost as fun as the trip itself.  Well… almost. 

 I’m turning 60 in a few months.  Two brilliant friends of mine are also celebrating their 60th revolution of the earth around the sun.  Instead of throwing ourselves a lovely celebration, we decided instead to embark on an adventure.  I love my friends, and after last year’s Scotland West Highland Way quest, they are obviously as crazy as I am.  Cuz here we go again. 

 The Via Francigena is an ancient 1,240 mile pilgrim route from Canterbury, England to Rome, Italy.  The route was first documented in a travel journal written in 990 by Sigeric, the Archbishop of Canterbury, as he traveled on foot to Rome to receive his pallium (woolen cloak of office) from Pope John XV.  The pallium is a symbol of the Pope’s authority and is a requirement for any archbishop in order to hold his office.    Together, we will attempt to walk his path, well 250 miles of it anyway.  However, upon completion of our journey, Pope Francis will not be giving us a pallium, but we will get a nifty certificate of completion from the Vatican!  and perhaps create a travel journal of my own making. Want to travel along with me?