St Mihiel Offensive - 11 October 2010

Our first day. The first three days we are ensconsed in the region where the St Mihiel offensive occurred. Our aim is to walk the fields, the lanes, the woods and the roads where Martin walked. Martin was in the 354th regiment, 89th division, Company I. John's research into National Archives and personal logs and such have helped him to determine where Martins group was and where they spent a good share of their time.

Everyone met at the Frankfort airport and we all proceeded to head southwesterly towards the Northern part of France where we would begin our journey on The Route du Martin. We arrived in Jaulny, France and unloaded our suitcases into rooms in an 11th century castle. Every morning we were welcomed in the dining room for breakfast. There were paintings and murals adorning the walls. There were views to the west where an occasional TGV would speed past in the distance. On the highboy there were Roman coins found in the vicinity. In the adjoining room were WWI German military helmets, Napoleon era hats, crossbows, suits of armor, rifles, flintlock handguns, spears and other memorabilia. All memorabilia was in the open and we even donned helmets and brandished swords. Anna was most gracious and eager to please. She is a fifth generation owner of the castle. The breakfasts were great and our only constraint during our stay was to remember to close the gate which was operated by a remote control.

The property is owned and operated by Anna and Hughes, husband and wife. Anna spoke the English and Hughes offered the tour of the castle rooms. John and I even ventured down into the bowels of the main building where we found more interesting things like a dungeon and what appeared to be bone fragments.

The accomodations were most delightful. There was a fireplace in each of our rooms. The bathrooms were well equipped and the beds very comfortable. If you wish to visit their website you can find it at ... http://chateaudejaulny.free.fr/ ... check it out.

After settling in we proceed to explore the area. Bunkers, trenches and villages are explored to prepare for our assault that we will begin tomorrow. We take preliminary pictures and drive country roads in the beautiful evening light of the setting sun. Our first evening meal is in a small village. We take our meal in an auberge with lots of activity. Our meals were delicious. We have found a wonderful place to dine, not like our last journey.