About Hiking the Hexa: Up, Down & (Almost) Over the Hill on France’s newest long-distance walk
In May 2022, at the age of 55, Kiwi journalist Claire McCall and her partner set off to attempt four stages of the Hexatrek, a newly minted long-distance trail in France.
This is not a guidebook on how to hike the Hexa (although you will pick up some useful tips and info), but rather a frank and funny account of the physical and mental journey: a tale of two almost over-the-hill people trying to get over a fair few more. It’s a story of highs and lows, miles and milestones, of once-in-a-lifetimes and never-agains.
Progressing south from the starting point in Alsace on the border of Germany, through the Vosges and the Alps, this is a travelogue of the body and mind. Walking through scenic villages and immense scenery in the footsteps of history and along the precipitous ridges of time, it is also an examination of the human condition – the need to challenge ourselves (especially in midlife) and the nature of success and failure. It’s about acknowledging that life sometimes pushes you close to the edge and learning that laughing and battling stubbornly upwards is sometimes easier than coasting down.
The author writes with a wry humour and a refreshing honesty about this great Gallic adventure. It’s an awesome (in the true sense of the word) tale of climbing peaks, appreciating the valleys, finding fondues, making friends, navigating cranky cows and ultimately going the distance in one way or another.
Note: This book contains a French translation
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Author Bio:
Kia ora from here at the (almost) bottom of the world. Good of you to drop by.
I am a freelance journalist who is lucky enough to live in Aotearoa/New Zealand where we might grumble about the cost of housing but, really, for the most part, we have it good!
Usually my work days are spent visiting contemporary homes (although I have a real soft spot for mid-century modernism) and interviewing architects and designers to write about design for various magazines both here and in Australia.
Erratic cashflow aside, being self employed, to me, means freedom. So in 2022, after the pandemic lockdown, at the age of 55, I set off with my partner James on an epic adventure in France. Hiking the Hexa is my most personal book, about that long-distance walk in the MOUNTAINS (I write that in caps because they were HUGE).
There were ups, downs, tears and panic induced tantrums! I felt like the Bridget Jones of hiking. But the rewards – oh my gosh – culture, people and friendships – and cheese, glorious cheese!
The book is a travelogue of mind and body. I hope it will make readers laugh and that it will inspires anyone (particularly those in midlife) who are looking for a challenge to make their own.