Day 12: Corbeny To Saint-Thierry

The next day was another mix of main road, minor road, farm track and canal.  Crops were a little more varied — this was the first field of sunflowers we saw. There was even the odd field of onions and carrots. Then, suddenly, vineyards, wine producers and and wine cellars were everywhere, as we approached Champagne country.

We'd crossed the river Somme, we were now crossing the Aisne, and were soon to cross the Marne — all names indelibly associated with World War One.

We followed the Canal Latéral à l'Aisne for a while, taking a parallel track along the edge of a field when the vegetation became too dense. We were soon to pick up this canal again in Reims. Beautiful banded demoiselle damselflies danced and shimmered by the waterside, and tiny blue butterflies congregated over muddy pools. 

The rather elegant church in Gernicourt — the squat, grey spire is typical of the region.

 It was another hot day, so this woodland shade was very welcome.

A contemplative moment before walking the last few kilometers to the nuns-only Benedictine monastery at Saint-Thierry, where we spent the night. Vespers, a simple meal with a Father from Burkina Faso, then sweet sleep . . .