October 1 2018

A short day today which as it turns out is an excellent plan. Beginning tomorrow I will have Suzanne’s pack forwarded to our next lodging so she can continue to walk. Our bags are heavier than they need to be. We went through our belongings again last night And we both came up with a small amount we could do without but it wasn’t much. For me it could be those two bottles of wine I’m still carrying. We are drinking one tonight and the second will be consumed in Siena!

Suzanne on the steps of our very cute hotel

View from the hotel

Our hotel had a really nice buffet breakfast. Ham, salami and cheese, tomatoes, juices, yogurt with a variety of toppings, breads, cake, and of course espresso of choice. Included in the hotel cost which makes the hotel almost

Reasonable…

We have About 5 miles or less to go today so I let Sue sleep in a little. I woke up early to a stunning view. The sun was just coming up and the view from our window was fabulous! I want more of that! I did notice those dark clouds. It is not supposed to rain today but…

Before we even put our packs on, the rain and thunder began. Oh boy! We get to walk in the rain. Out come the ponchos – for me anyway. I kinda like wearing one.

The trail today was off road for the first bit. Very pretty and rugged.

An average medivial building

The day went along merrily until we spotted the last climb of the day… looking up we knew where we were headed but had no idea how steep the hill would be.

The view from the top was gorgeous but that was work getting to the top!!

Monteriggioni is tiny and I was expecting something a wee bit larger; however, other than a grocery store and pharmacy, they had what we needed. Suzanne was beat when we arrived so she laid down in her bed inside the Casa per Ferie Santa Marie Assunta and rested while I wandered around.

The weather had definitely taken a turn for the cooler temps and I was chilly. On our way into the town square we had both spied a cool knit shop that had fabulous scarves and capes, etc. I wanted to check it out and after looking around, found a beautiful Merlino wool multi-blue colored wrap that will keep me warm the rest of our journey.

I went into the museum which included a walk on the wall. It was quite a climb to get to the top of the wall but you really could see everything down in the valley below. The museum was a bit on the comical side, and looked almost as though it was designed for children. It was actually fun to walk around the small exhibit.

Museum

The knit shop with the owner

the church

The nave

I found the gelato shop but opted for an espresso since I had only had one coffee so far. A sparkling water (or frizzante) as well, and then I spotted the famous Siena cookie, a ricciarelli almond cookie. I will take a photo of one before they are not available, but the slight chewiness combined with the almond is amazing. I’m sorry my readers of this blog cannot have one. Just know they are unique.

Dinner was good. We thought about the Tuscan soup but again opted for pasta. Next time soup is available I’m going to try it before we are out of Tuscany.

Good night hill top town!

#enjoythejourney #viafrancigena