While Susie doggedly tramps 500 miles over unknown terrain, from La Rochelle to Lake Geneva in Switzerland, frequently lost and either too hot or too cold, Texan Jennifer Shields copes heroically with lost dogs, erratic electricity, old men hiding in bushes, and a language she cannot speak. Both find their resourcefulness and ingenuity tested to the limit as, in their own ways, they explore and enjoy the culture, cuisine and people of Europe's most fascinating country. Key words: France travel, Switzerland travel, Biography & Autobiography Adventurers and Explorers, Babyboomer Adventure, Boomer adventure, budget camping, long distance walking, long distance hiking, unknown France, camping, solo hiking, solo walking, solo travel, France humor, humor, humour, France humour, walking holidays, walking, hiking, endurance sport