The Path I Walk Around Saint Zacharie

On the Path, shrine in Provence, corey amaro photography

 

 

 

A few years ago Chelsea took up running she asked me to join her. I told her running wasn't my thing but I would faithfully walk every day that I could.  At first, I did 5000 steps in one go, I am up to 10000 steps, I would like to do more but time is a big factor. Chelsea, on the other hand, is preparing to do a marathon this spring in Paris. I wonder if her wedding dress will still fit her?

 

 

 

 

On the Path, corey amaro photography, shrine in provence

 

 

 

 

French Countryside, photography corey amaro

 

 

An entire field of dried fennel blossoms cheers me. Their dried floral crowns remind me each season has its message.

Next season if I keep this up I should be stronger, and they will be dressed in green and white to sing to me. 

 

 

On the Path, living in France, shrines in provence, corey amaro photography

 

 

Along the single lane road I walk, at the foot of Saint Baume mountain, there are several stone pillar shrines. Each is honoring a different saint or the Virgin Mary, most of them are over 150 years old. A mile up from town the silence is deafening. Today I could hear the dewdrop from the mossed covered tree branches.

Pure gift.

 

 

 shrines in provence, corey amaro photography, On the Path

 

 

Of course the occasional car comes barreling down the lane causing me to curse in front of the shrines and breaking the spell of the dew drops.

But the quiet puts me back on track in more ways than one.

 

 

 

Saint Lazarus, shrines in provence, corey amaro photography

 

 

Do you have a path that you take to center yourself? 

 

French Countryside, photography corey amaro

 

 Homeland 

 



Comments

14 responses to “The Path I Walk Around Saint Zacharie”

  1. I have several different choices but not sure I would consider any of them my “centering” path since it is all suburban. I do focus on nature and that helps. Late fall into spring is a challenge with our weather and darkness during non-work hours so envy you the path you have that provides a bit of solitude throughout the year.
    Two challenges: Ignoring chores and/or end of day lack of energy to get out the door, and striking a balance between wanting to take pictures and actually covering some distance. 😉
    Good luck to Chelsea as she trains for the marathon!

  2. Susan May

    Your walk is so lovely. Except for drivers! I am blessed to have trails next to where we live in a small town outside of Zurich, where no cars are near. The best for me is the path past the cows, chickens, and farm that neighbor us – this walk goes all the way to a very nice bakery, 30 minutes away! Yikes!

  3. No I don’t have a nice path like that. Maybe someday.

  4. I love walking, but not a particular path. I love, love your walk. Keep on walking. It’s the best thing we can do for ourselves.

  5. Ann of Avondale

    I would love to join you for your daily walks. I work all day in an office but love to go out for lunch and spend time at this Catholic Church. The church is locked but they have a walled in garden area with three water fountains and a mural painted behind the fountains, statue of Mary (mother of God) and one area in the back is for prayer for the babies that have been aborted. I sit and pray/meditate for about 30 minutes and when I return to work I feel totally refreshed. I’m so glad (blessed) I found this place.

  6. Running the rugged coastal trails near the Golden Gate. The rain, fog, and cold keeps me centered 🙂

  7. Wow! That third to the end picture takes my breath away. I wish I could join you on that walk any day.

  8. I used to, but I live in town now and the walk is not so beautiful . I try to focus on the sky, which is always beautiful. Nature never disappoints . Your path is lovely. (sigh) 10,000 steps is great !

  9. Leonie Buchanan

    Walking gets the endorphins going especially if you go in the morning. The scenery on your walks is amazing. We have a beautiful river near our suburb & the council have excelled in making the surrounds beautiful. It is near where I grew up so it brings happy memories to my mind. Not quite France but it’s the best I can do. We are having extreme hot weather at the moment so morning walks are a must.

  10. Jacklynn Lantry

    First I laughed at the picture of you (in my mind) going from revery to cursing and back again:) Then I was struck by your use of the word “homeland.” You’ve called France home before but never homeland. That is more serious (to me.) You are lucky to have two homelands…

  11. Taste of France

    I have a similar route, from village to village, via vineyards, mountains to the north and mountains to the south. Gorgeous. But I keep an eye out for boar.

  12. It seems my walk is a too-worn path from the parking lot to my office and back again. Where we live does not have a walkable route in the winter and in the rest of the seasons, this extrovert does not enjoy a solo wander. Looking forward to strolls in St Zac this June with Sarah and JIm.
    p.s. LOVE the banner picture of Yann and you—the gray tones along with his red glasses and your red lips—spectacular!

  13. Corey, my path is one I only get two months per year when I come to Les Arcs sur Argens. Above the village there is an old road that goes over the hills to Trans. Fig trees hang over walls on the top side of the road and the lower edge flows down to vineyards. Further down the road are residences hidden by tall hedges or walls and most have a dog or two that announce my approach and return. The pure Provence air and gleaming blue sky is what makes the walk so restful….sometimes a spring drizzle gathers on my raincoat and hood and drips off the edges…sometimes the drizzle turns to torrents and I go running (as fast as this ole lady can run) back to the gates of the medieval village and down the cobblestones to my door. Reminder to self, on cloudy days take the little umbrella. www.livininprovence.com

  14. Every man has two countries; their own and France!

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