Stage 19b/20 Saturday 11 Oct: Neuville sur Ailette to Berry au Bac (22km/13.7m)
Another perfect walking weather day today. Unfortunately Lynn was unwell today so stayed home but Hans was back on deck and the three of us headed to Neuville to start today’s hike. With only one driver (in hindsight I could probably have driven as well), Hans walked to Corbeny (about 10km/6.25mi) then turned around and walked back to the car, then drove to Berry-au-Bac to collect us from the end. What a guy… my long time hero.
Our open fire last night…Route direction ➡️; our direction ➡️Lovely boardwalk over muddy lakeside areasRuins of Vauclair Abbey
Nestled in the heart of the forest, this Cistercian abbey, founded in 1134 by Bernard of Clairvaux, appears like a mirage. Its majestic ruins bear witness to a troubled past. From the Hundred Years’ War through the French Revolution and the Great War, the abbey suffered significant destruction. In the 1960s, the site was overgrown with brambles and fell into oblivion. It was reborn thanks to the “Sources” archaeological excavation group led by Father Courtois.
Passed by kids riding bikes… the same the world over!Lots of loggingAutumnal colours
Today’s fungi…
Russula paludosaAccording to Google… either edible honey mushrooms or their extremely poisonous lookalike, the deadly galerina. Erin Patterson eat your heart out!As we entered Corbeny, our first formal vineyardWith cellar door (note the large faux champagne bottle on the left).Very pretty post officeSt Mark’s Gary made a new mate at the Tabac (cafe/bar)Airfield in the middle of a paddock nearing JuvincourtFirst glimpses of Reims on the horizon?White and purple flowers… no idea, but prettyA very busy free-range poultry farm in JuvincourtThese water bladders are everywhere… in case of fire Four very vocal dogs… one tripod A huge slide in a domestic back yard as we left Juvincourt The “vastest” paddocks we’ve seen … they stretch as far as the eye can see in every direction Unpleasant underfoot for a few kilometres late in the walkTwo crops Lunch on a cornerSt Hilaire Church, Berry-au-BacA beautifully maintained Simca outside the Mairie
Morocco Food Tour 