Sunday September 30

We left the apartment today at 5:30 am.

Slow going up the steep streets to catch the trail heading out of town, and 30 minutes later we were outside the town gates and onto the highway. We walked along the road as the sun colored the sky. San Gimignano was behind us with signs noting the gorgeous views and benches to sit and enjoy, but it was too dark for a photo. I still enjoyed but have nothing to show for it. This is one of those “close your eyes” to remember moments.

We passed the pilgrim village which I thought was interesting. Evidentially the town of San Gimignano does not have enough rooms for those of us walking the Via. I’m glad we booked ahead.

The sunglasses went on around 6:52 and jackets off by 7:45. It is a beautiful day, the leaves are changing and the landscape is breathtaking! What a place to be walking on the last day of September. Two more days until my birthday…

Into the woods we came upon a small creek that had to be crossed. It was rather precarious. Suzanne wasn’t sure if she could do it but she made it with the help of her walking sticks. Those sticks were the best purchase so far!

On and on the next hill was up and then down. Soon it will go back up. It’s simply the way of the trail. There were no roadhouses and we were close to mile 10. Thankfully we found a fountain so filled up with water.

The dream of the day was a little cafe to sit, have a cold beverage and use the toilette. It isn’t much to ask…

We came into a small town, I think Quartaia, and as I always do when I don’t see a sign directing us which way to turn, I look both directions. Often I have to venture around a corner or two before seeing a sign – and then turn around if needed.

This time however, a 20-something “man”, greatly overweight, shirtless and without a care in the world shared his “plumber crack” with us. He then proceeded to offer us acqua, birra, or vino. He was trying to tell us that because it was Sunday the local bar was closed. I understood all of that!

Eventually he motioned for us to talk to someone in his group who spoke English. We followed him and he brought us to a young woman who spoke English. We asked about a bus and she said no. Then a taxi and her husband called one for us. Happy dance!

There was loud Italian dance club music playing and at first we weren’t sure what we were going to find. It was a large family gathering for a Sunday dinner. All the shirtless men were dancing and having fun. They were all looking at us wondering what we were doing here.

The shirtless host who first invited us over handed us a small cup of Chianti and pointed to the large tray of arancini (delicious rice balls filled with peas, sauce and cheese). We shared one and it was delicious!

Arriccini. Yum!

The family was an assortment of characters, a few kids and some older women who were really sweet. One came over when I cut the arancini in half and showed me how to eat one. Put it on a napkin and bite…

Quite a detour… we walked to catch the taxi and that was a fun experience as well. The driver was a young sophisticated well dressed good looking Italian with a sense of humor. A great way to end the day.

We walked 12 of the 15 miles scheduled. We did great until about the 9-mile mark and then everything slowed to a snails pace. There was one hill in particular that was ridiculously steep and rough.

Our hotel is beautiful and very Tuscan. We had to wait 20 minutes for our room so they offered us complimentary drinks in the restaurant courtyard while we waited.

Dinner awaits…

Tomorrow we have a very short walk.

#enjoythejourney #viafeancigena