Joint hike with “La Patte agile” association in the Fontainebleau forest

Our general secretary, who regularly organizes Sunday preparatory walks for SFASJC, is also treasurer of La Patte Agile, a hiking association for blind people with guide dogs, where she also organizes Sunday walks.

For the^{1st time}, on Sunday February 5, 2023, Monique brought the 2 associations together for a joint walk in the forest of Fontainebleau, an 18 km loop starting from Thomery, in which 9 members of SFASJC, 8 of La Patte, 3 members of the 2 associations and 4 guide dogs took part.

Just enough time to get to know each other, and we’re off into the woods; first stop a few yards from the station to untie the impatient dogs. Having just been untied, the dogs are having the time of their lives, too happy to be relaxing after the hard work they do every day guiding their masters through the streets and public transport systems of Paris.

The start was made in light rain, which quickly gave way to sunshine.

A short climb up the rocks to find a nice spot in the sun and out of the wind, and we’re ready for lunch.

Monique had warned us: the dogs, although tied up for the meal, are lively and thieves, and a few hikers paid the price.

But no worries, as everyone brought something to share, and the meal was pantagruelian, with white wine, red wine, cider, cakes of all kinds, cakes, crêpes, fruit and chocolates.

It didn’t take much more than that for the already convivial atmosphere to become warm and lively.

Everyone left delighted with the good day, and the decision to repeat the experience twice a year was taken unanimously. The associations became partners.

Thank you Monique for this great initiative. What could be better than walking together to get to know each other better?