For this final photo, we go back to the Via Francigena. It was first time that I was attempting such a pilgrimage on my own, so I had documented myself rather well: guide books, websites, signage. Among the many, one written by a Rover unit, entitled seguilaeffe (details below) … literally, follow the “F”
Although old in its tradition, the Via Francigena has only become popular again rather recently. In Italy, several initiatives have sprouted over these last years, at various levels (local government, associations, etc.) leading also to a multiplicity of signs, occasionally confusing, generally reassuring. This red “F” and white arrow is one such marker, gently pointing the pilgrim in the right direction as they follow the “F”. I found it gave me a freedom to enjoy the journey and take in the scenery, without needing to worry about check maps or GPS. It was a powerful reminder too of the many pilgrims who had walked the same route before.
Rather counter-intuitive, perhaps, for the message I intend — “There is no such thing as a wrong turn”. It is easy to become too obsessed with following the route, with not taking any wrong turn. However, taking a apparently wrong turn can also lead to new perspectives, to new places, new and powerful experiences that would otherwise be completely missed by the pilgrim. Perhaps it is one of the root values of pilgrimage, an openness to the unknown.
** Clan Lhotse – Gruppo AGESCI Roma 24, seguilaeffe. Pellegrini scout lungo l’antica Via dei Franchi. [no date, 2009?] [external link]
Related posts:
– “We are all backpackers.” Wisdom of a wayfarer
– “We are all backpackers.” photo series – intro
1. “Take like one step at a time.” – photo series
2. “Sometimes, you just need to keep walking.” – photo series
3. “Travel light. Let go.” – photo series.
4. “Be a good companion.” – photo series
Nova et vetera 
Back before The Flood, when I was in high school and had a shiny new driving license, I used to go out driving on the mysterious back roads in our county with my closest friends. We would have no destination in mind, and no route, and would usually go to the end of the roads we knew and then just take a random turning and see where it led. Those were some of the most wonderful journeys of my life. I’ve done the same thing while hiking, on occasion. Once, while on a walk in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, I came to a small side-path off the trail my parents, my sister and I were walking, and just decided to follow it and see where it led. It only went a few yards off into the trees, where it ended in a tiny clearing around the gravestone of a young woman who had lived and died there more than a century earlier. I stood and thought about her for a few moments before rejoining the rest of the family, but she remains in my thoughts to this day. Taking ‘wrong’ turnings on the journey of life is something we should all do , from time to time.
So true! Gold in a miry clay. Thank you for the enriching sharing.