Green forests, brown lands

Few meters, we enter the forest and all these months that passed by since our return have just disappeared. Even, the black mare emits a particular serenity, a calm strength, here, walking by my side. The red mule follows quietly, doing her usual gourmet picking. With Alix, we discuss. It appears quite stupid now, the doubt that tormented me still a few hours ago.

We are a real herd on the march, swallowing the kilometers. Each one has her own role, every one moves freely. At the end of August, apple trees are heavy with fruits and brambles abound in blackberries. The harvest is almost done and we can cut across stumbles. The Sun is up here and a light breeze cools it. Everything is appalingly easy. Almost boring.


This easiness, however, is nothing surprising. All these days of walk from last year forged a team and a way of leading it. The mares learnt their job and I learnt mine: find the grass, find the water, find the path. Nevertheless, this first part of the raid, that will bring us to Veulettes-sur-mer, near Deauville, is helped by the hospitality of the members of the Equi'tey association. Thank you Caroline, Murielle and Marc for your warm welcome !

The route to the sea will take us through old abbeys and old villages, harvested fields and forests, which, unfortunately, are sometimes private and locked up. Along the Seine river, roads are many and it is hard to find one's path between highways and nationals. Yet, amidst these brown lands and asphalt interlacings, people will open their door and share their daily life. And, in the hollow of forest, Alix and I will burst in laughter at the mule's antics and mare's battle plans.

After a good week of walk, we reached the Brotonne bridge. After its crossing, we meet Stringa's former owner, who will take us by truck to his home. Soon the sea !