Well, I'm headed overseas again for another walking vacation, or "holiday" as the Europeans like to call it.

Finally. At the end of next week.

Unguided. And solo.

It's been three long years since I've been walking over on the continent and I'm just beside myself with anticipation.

I've been lucky enough to hike the Coast-to-Coast Path across England from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, the Haute Route from Mount Blanc in France to the Matterhorn in Switzerland, and the West Highland Way from outside Glascow to Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, in Scotland.

This time it's Wales.

More specifically, the Offa's Dyke Path from the River Severn 180 miles northward to Prestatyn on the Irish Sea.

I'm figuring on about 15 days to make the journey through the hills and mountains and villages along the wild Welsh-English border. And if I have any time left, which I may if I don't linger in too many pubs, I hope to climb Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, and explore Snowdonia National Park.

In order to carry the lightest possible packload, I've been on the phone and writing emails to inns and B&B's and hostels in the hopes of not having to carry any camping gear at all. It's been a hoot talking with the innkeepers the last few days shoring up the plans. I just love their accent!

Sans camping gear is how I've made my European walks in the past and I loved it. There's nothing like it: A sweet day of hill walking, a cozy pub in the afternoon and a comfortable inn for the evening, complete with cooked meals and a warm bed.

And speaking of, I'm so looking forward to the "full English breakfast" each day, that lard-laden, artery-clogging morning treat of fried eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, bread, sausage, and bacon.

Oh yeah!

And the beer, of course.

And I might even enjoy the walk a bit too.