Siena to Buonconvento

October 4, 2018

Still in Siena, we had breakfast a little early at our B&B and were on our way to the bus stop that would eliminate 10k. Today we are going at least 5k further than the typical stage so I could book a room for us. Because we walk so slow I have not wanted the stress of not knowing where we might spend the night. It does make some days longer because we can’t just stop when we feel like it, but it’s what will work for us.

Our lovely Siena hotel

We climbed for a short while and as we came into a community noticed a bench with an occupant already seated. We didn’t get his name but in Italian he told us to take a shortcut. I used google translate which did work and we said goodbye and trusted he knew where to send us. It did cut out a small bit and before we knew it we were back on the official trail.

Our friend

Then we ran into a petite woman from northern part of UK, Sarah, who was walking alone. She started one stage before St Bernard pass and said the beginning stages were difficult and the hike was more like a scramble. We will likely see her the next day or two.

The trail today was varied

We met up with Sarah again when we stopped to sit on a bench for a break. Her husband was supposed to join her in Lucca and then walk the rest of the way with her but his flight from UK was cancelled due to a wild fire that closed the Pisa airport. He had no other options. Instead he will meet her in Rome and spend a couple of days with her before going home.

Today was nice, a few steep hills but more flat than ever before. We filled water bottles and bladders in Quinciano and trekked through last the fields of giant dirt clods. I think the fields may have once been home to sunflowers because there was a lone one still standing, but I’m not sure.

The track ran between the fields and the train tracks for what seemed like forever. We made good time and made it to Ponte d’Arbia by 4. We sat and had a cold drink and then Sarah walked over from her room. We hope to see her tomorrow.

5k later we arrived in Buonconvento. What a cute town! Now that we’re here, we are both glad we made the extra mileage. There are several places to eat, gelato, and even shopping if one should want.