Randal Leading Participants of the Western Front Association–U.S. Branch’s 2007 Battlefield Tour. Photo by Kevin Drake.
- There is no such thing as a cookie-cutter trip for all tourists.
- Clients should select a tour guide who: 1) knows the history, 2) knows the region, 3) knows the locals and 4) has some command of French language and culture.
- Randal meets all of these criteria; especially after living in France for six months in 2017 and another two months in 2018.
- Randal has organized and led both large-group and small-group tours. His preference is for small-group tours because:
- They can be better tailored to participants’ needs.
- He can spend more time with each participant.
- An SUV can take participants to sites that they cannot visit in a coach.
- In contrast to the more manicured battlefields of Ypres, the Somme and Normandy, the Meuse-Argonne, Verdun and St. Mihiel battlefields still contain large numbers of untouched trenches and remains.
- Hence, to the extent of their physical abilities, Randal prefers spending a greater percentage of time with his clients “in the field” versus visiting cemeteries, memorials and museums.
- Randal makes extensive use of period maps, then and now photos and personal accounts to bring the battlefields back to life.
- Weather is one variable that cannot be controlled; but participants can dress for it! Therefore, Randal is very reluctant to cancel activities due to weather. (One of his fondest memories was a two-hour hike around Fort Douaumont with Christina Holstein in 45 degree weather and driving rain.)
- Good hiking boots / trekking shoes are a must; as is outer rain gear.
- For most of the year the combination of a long-sleeve shirt, wool sweater, and rain-resistant outer shell is very practical. (Long sleeves can be rolled up during summer months too.)
- Sturdy jeans / trekking pants are also encouraged for the field.
- Several clients have benefitted from hiking poles for uneven terrain.
- Nice clothes should be packed / prepared for evening dinners and special occasions.
- Clients should generally expect to be in the field / on the road from 9:00 to about 17:00 – 18:00.
- This will give them some down time before the standard French dinner time of 19:30 – 20:00.
- This can be modified to fit the clients’ needs and desires.
- Sometimes one just needs to be flexible.
- Even the best made plans can be foiled by an unexpected closure.
- Sometimes opportunities present themselves that require schedule modification.
