Author(s): Claire McCall

Travel Narratives

In May 2022, at the age of 55, Kiwi journalist Claire McCall and her partner set off on an epic

walking adventure in France to attempt four stages of the Hexatrek, a freshly minted long-

distance hike.

This book, which incorporates a French translation, is not a guidebook on how to hike the Hexa

(although you'll certainly glean some tips), rather it is 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 step-by-step south from the starting point in Alsace on the border of Germany, this is

a travelogue of the body and mind. Walking through charming 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 (particularly 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, gentle 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.