Journey In Stages - Story Day by Day Below
Via Francigena Camino Stage 1 - Lausanne to Vercelli
Story Day by Day
Day 1 - Day Off - Lausanne Switzerland - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny 22deg - 13kms - Yesterday we made the 22hour bus ride from London to Lausanne via Paris and spent our first night in Lausanne at an Airbnb. Today was spent wandering around this amazing Swiss city. Apart from appreciating the diverse architecture and beautiful views of Lake Geneva, we visited the cathedral and met our first fellow pilgrim Terri who started her journey in Cantabury.
After a few hours chatting over coffee and lunch we made our way down to the water front via some beautiful parks and gardens to enjoy our first beer and watch some brave Swiss play in the Lake. Our budget only allows for 1beer so we continued our wanderings along the waterfront, enjoyed the views and found the start of our first leg for tomorrow. We celebrated our first day with pizza and wine and now it's Time for bed.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of Lausanne video 🤗🤗
After a few hours chatting over coffee and lunch we made our way down to the water front via some beautiful parks and gardens to enjoy our first beer and watch some brave Swiss play in the Lake. Our budget only allows for 1beer so we continued our wanderings along the waterfront, enjoyed the views and found the start of our first leg for tomorrow. We celebrated our first day with pizza and wine and now it's Time for bed.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of Lausanne video 🤗🤗
Day 2 - Walking - Lausanne to Vevey - Via Francigena Camino
Overcast then Sunny 22deg - 22.8kms - Our first day walking with a pack for 2 years since the French Way. The weather is perfect and we feel that it should be a fairly moderate day. Mmmmm
We start off with a coffee and tea at our airbnb then head off down the water front by the lake. For the first half we spent most of the walk by the lake enjoying the stunning views and scenery. It's flat it's easy which makes getting used to the packs more bearable.
We met up with Terri against and another Pilgrim we who is doing 10days. As you see in the video after lunch we turn leave the lake and head into the vineyard's. Wow for two reasons... The views are even more stunning and with views comes hills.
The pack and hills were taking there till on us and we arrived into Vevey 9hrs after starting exhausted looking for water (which we ran out of with 5kms to go) and beer for energy of course...
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
We start off with a coffee and tea at our airbnb then head off down the water front by the lake. For the first half we spent most of the walk by the lake enjoying the stunning views and scenery. It's flat it's easy which makes getting used to the packs more bearable.
We met up with Terri against and another Pilgrim we who is doing 10days. As you see in the video after lunch we turn leave the lake and head into the vineyard's. Wow for two reasons... The views are even more stunning and with views comes hills.
The pack and hills were taking there till on us and we arrived into Vevey 9hrs after starting exhausted looking for water (which we ran out of with 5kms to go) and beer for energy of course...
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 3 - Walking - Vevey to Aigle - Via Francigena Camino
Overcast then Sunny 23deg - 26.5kms - It's nearly all flat today except for an unnecessary hill at the end. We are finding this Pilgrimage quite different from the French Way. For starters churches are don't feature on the route yet views do, so hense the extra hills 😳😲
It was a long day yesterday and we were already sore from the day before, reinforcing that we should have done pack training before we came 🤪☹️ One can only hope the trail fitness kicks in before the really big hills.
Today we walked on the flat continuing around the lake enjoying the stunning views, sculptures, castle and much more. We then turned inland where the paths got rougher and the views less. However we started to see the mountains which are apparently small compared with the Alps, even though these are big arse hills 😲😳🤪
We have met and walked with 2 other Pilgrims so far which we are told is rare, and our airbnb is Pilgrim friendly with a host who loves the Via which makes a difference 🤗🤗
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
It was a long day yesterday and we were already sore from the day before, reinforcing that we should have done pack training before we came 🤪☹️ One can only hope the trail fitness kicks in before the really big hills.
Today we walked on the flat continuing around the lake enjoying the stunning views, sculptures, castle and much more. We then turned inland where the paths got rougher and the views less. However we started to see the mountains which are apparently small compared with the Alps, even though these are big arse hills 😲😳🤪
We have met and walked with 2 other Pilgrims so far which we are told is rare, and our airbnb is Pilgrim friendly with a host who loves the Via which makes a difference 🤗🤗
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 4 - Walking - Aigle to Saint - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny 27deg - 18.91kms - We stayed in an amazing Airbnb in Aigle where the host knows all about the Via, and it was the cheapest in Switzerland so far. It's the little things on a pilgrimage that make the difference and we enjoyed every moment of our stay there.
Our host also told us about an alternative route to Saint Maurice which misses the second unnecessary hill without taking away from the enjoyment of the walk😳😳
As we left Aigle we started climbing and soon found ourselves looking at the Castle with the mountains in the background what a Swiss Moment 😲😍
As we continued to climb we were treated to stunning views of the mountains and valley below. By continuing through the forest we reached the other side of the big hill and descended through the vinyards.
At this stage we decided to leave the VF for a while and walk the valley floor. It's amazing, like walking in the valley of giants with mountains on either side. Rejoining the VF we walked along streams and rivers, through the pass into Saint Maurice exhausted again.
Wow these mountains are big, giving some indication of what's a head 😳😲🤔🤔
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Our host also told us about an alternative route to Saint Maurice which misses the second unnecessary hill without taking away from the enjoyment of the walk😳😳
As we left Aigle we started climbing and soon found ourselves looking at the Castle with the mountains in the background what a Swiss Moment 😲😍
As we continued to climb we were treated to stunning views of the mountains and valley below. By continuing through the forest we reached the other side of the big hill and descended through the vinyards.
At this stage we decided to leave the VF for a while and walk the valley floor. It's amazing, like walking in the valley of giants with mountains on either side. Rejoining the VF we walked along streams and rivers, through the pass into Saint Maurice exhausted again.
Wow these mountains are big, giving some indication of what's a head 😳😲🤔🤔
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 5 - Walking - Saint Maurice to Martigny - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny 30deg - 18.31kms - We knew it was going to be hot so we planned to leave at 7am 😜😆. Well true to form we left at 7.30am which for us is some sort of record 😀
We spent the morning walking in the shadow of the mountains long back roads and fields. After a few hours we met 2 pilgrims who were powering along yet slowed to a chat for a few KMs and the inevitable . selfie 🤗 Soon they powered on again as they wanted to visit one of the many gorges entering Martigny.
It was not long before we met another 2 pilgrims that we ended up walking with to Martigny. As we walked ahead we were surrounded by amazing mountains and feeling an increasing sense of what lies ahead when we walk the St Bernards pass over the coming days.
The rest of the day was spent walking along roads, forest's, towns and looking for any place that was open on a Sunday to sell us a coffee☕☕ For us fatigue is setting in and even today's walk was difficult.
We are looking forward to our rest day tomorrow and some much needed recovery time.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
We spent the morning walking in the shadow of the mountains long back roads and fields. After a few hours we met 2 pilgrims who were powering along yet slowed to a chat for a few KMs and the inevitable . selfie 🤗 Soon they powered on again as they wanted to visit one of the many gorges entering Martigny.
It was not long before we met another 2 pilgrims that we ended up walking with to Martigny. As we walked ahead we were surrounded by amazing mountains and feeling an increasing sense of what lies ahead when we walk the St Bernards pass over the coming days.
The rest of the day was spent walking along roads, forest's, towns and looking for any place that was open on a Sunday to sell us a coffee☕☕ For us fatigue is setting in and even today's walk was difficult.
We are looking forward to our rest day tomorrow and some much needed recovery time.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 6 - Day Off - Sight See Mont Blanc - Via Francigena Camino
Day 7 - Walking - Martigny - Orsieres - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny 23deg - 19.51kms - OMG what a day. So yes we read alot about this section and it lived up to expectations. For us it was a hard day with steep lnclines and interesting obstacles.
Leaving Martigny we walked through a beautiful forest with undulating track thinking, Oh it's not so bad but that was only a warm up for the next section.
After a much needed coffee in Bovernier we started the next section over very loose rock paths. As I was talking a picture Jill slipped and went down on a loose thin section. There was a 50m drop to the river so she clung to the edge while I came and pulled her up. It would not have been easy if she was solo. Anyway apart from a bruised bum she is ok and we continued on climbing over boulders and rocks with still more steep sections.
With much gratitude that section ended in Sembacher where we had some lunch and continued on. There is a very steep climb out of Sembacher then it's a comfortable walk though forest's with amazing views of the valley below.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Leaving Martigny we walked through a beautiful forest with undulating track thinking, Oh it's not so bad but that was only a warm up for the next section.
After a much needed coffee in Bovernier we started the next section over very loose rock paths. As I was talking a picture Jill slipped and went down on a loose thin section. There was a 50m drop to the river so she clung to the edge while I came and pulled her up. It would not have been easy if she was solo. Anyway apart from a bruised bum she is ok and we continued on climbing over boulders and rocks with still more steep sections.
With much gratitude that section ended in Sembacher where we had some lunch and continued on. There is a very steep climb out of Sembacher then it's a comfortable walk though forest's with amazing views of the valley below.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 8 - Walking - Orsieres to Bourg St Pierre - Via Francigena Camino
Overcast 22deg - 15.46kms - Gain 986m - Today we walked with fellow pilgrim Terri for what turned out to be a tough walk up. Even though it was an easier day we were still fatigued from yesterday.
As we climbed the views were stunning. Passing some small towns we were able to get a coffee to fuel ourselves and move forward. We are starting to really appreciate the physical and mental stamina it takes to complete this Camino and kudos to all who have been before.
So far this feels more like nature appreciation than a religious or spiritual pilgrimage, as we make our way through Switzerland.
We always knew the Grand St Bernard pass would be tough as in 3days we climb 3050 metres and walk 46+ KMs, and it is proving just that.
So far this is an entirely different experience to the French way and we look forward to seeing what Italy has to offer. In the mean time we are enjoying the company of other Pilgrims and the stunning nature Switzerland has to offer.
Tomorrow we crest the pass and can't wait to see the St Bernard puppies and Swiss Alps mountain tops.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
As we climbed the views were stunning. Passing some small towns we were able to get a coffee to fuel ourselves and move forward. We are starting to really appreciate the physical and mental stamina it takes to complete this Camino and kudos to all who have been before.
So far this feels more like nature appreciation than a religious or spiritual pilgrimage, as we make our way through Switzerland.
We always knew the Grand St Bernard pass would be tough as in 3days we climb 3050 metres and walk 46+ KMs, and it is proving just that.
So far this is an entirely different experience to the French way and we look forward to seeing what Italy has to offer. In the mean time we are enjoying the company of other Pilgrims and the stunning nature Switzerland has to offer.
Tomorrow we crest the pass and can't wait to see the St Bernard puppies and Swiss Alps mountain tops.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 9 - Walking - Bourg St Pierre to Grand St Bernard Pass - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny 18deg - 13.31kms - Gain 954m - We knew today was going to be tough and it did not disappoint. From the minute we left Bourg St Pierre we started climbing and apart from some small levels didn't stop.
The weather again was perfect and the views stunning. We walked through forest's, along tracks and paths, pasts dams and reservoirs it really is a beautiful walk.
We met many pilgrims which brings out total count to around 15+ and walked with a few through the hills.
The last 2 KMs are very steep climb which saps any remaining energy out of us, but upon reaching the top we celebrated with a beer and trip to see the St Bernard dogs.
We loved the last 3 days however they were some of the hardest walking we have ever done.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
The weather again was perfect and the views stunning. We walked through forest's, along tracks and paths, pasts dams and reservoirs it really is a beautiful walk.
We met many pilgrims which brings out total count to around 15+ and walked with a few through the hills.
The last 2 KMs are very steep climb which saps any remaining energy out of us, but upon reaching the top we celebrated with a beer and trip to see the St Bernard dogs.
We loved the last 3 days however they were some of the hardest walking we have ever done.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 10 - Walking - Grand St Bernard Pass to Etroubles - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny 15deg - 14.47kms - Decent 1200m - We woke up this morning to a wonderful breakfast at that GSP Alburg. Now just to clear up some confusion we had there are two seperate places to stay in this facility. One is the Alburg and the other is the Hospice. Both places are amazing and if you're staying at the Alburg you can visit the Hospice, museum, Chapple, the 15min video is a must and chat with the volunteers and Cannons.
We also had dinner on the Italian side which was somewhat cheaper and had a better selection of food. So this morning after breakfast and the mandatory morning selfie we started our decent down the Italian side.
It wasn't long before we realised this was going to be a tough one. Apart from walking on what are little more than rocky water courses, we descended 800m in about 5kms and had a decent of about 1.2kms over the day. Yes sore legs and feet returned.
However the views are amazing and the scenery stunning. We feel so privileged to have experienced it and are starting to really embrace Italy. We have been here for less than a day and already the feel of our pilgrimage has changed. I can't really explain it, but it feels different, and we feel the Italians tend to support and encourage the pilgrimage.
We found our fist pilgrim donativo station today and our wonderful apartment host showed us the the main square where we stamped our passports
.
We are really looking forward to experiencing our Italian pilgrimage moving forward.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
We also had dinner on the Italian side which was somewhat cheaper and had a better selection of food. So this morning after breakfast and the mandatory morning selfie we started our decent down the Italian side.
It wasn't long before we realised this was going to be a tough one. Apart from walking on what are little more than rocky water courses, we descended 800m in about 5kms and had a decent of about 1.2kms over the day. Yes sore legs and feet returned.
However the views are amazing and the scenery stunning. We feel so privileged to have experienced it and are starting to really embrace Italy. We have been here for less than a day and already the feel of our pilgrimage has changed. I can't really explain it, but it feels different, and we feel the Italians tend to support and encourage the pilgrimage.
We found our fist pilgrim donativo station today and our wonderful apartment host showed us the the main square where we stamped our passports
.
We are really looking forward to experiencing our Italian pilgrimage moving forward.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 11 - Walking - Etroubles to Aosta - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny 21deg - 16.27kms - Decent 600m - We were reluctant to leave our beautiful apartment in the middle of town. We loved the town and falling deeper in love with Italy and her people and culture.
However we wanted to get to Aosta and our 2 nights there. Yiiipppiii a rest day as we are totally fatigued and looking forward to a rest.
The first half of the day was beautiful walking in the forest by an irrigation canal with reasonably flat terrain and the standard amazing views. We met another 2 more pilgrims on their way to Rome, so we are now close to 20, with the two others we talked to later in Aosta.
The second half of the day saw us decend into Aosta valley. While stunning it is hard on our fatigued legs, back and feet and we were very appreciative to enter Aosta.
Another beautiful apartment in Old town on the 7th floor (with lift 🤗🤗) and panaromic views of the city skyline and mountains from our rooftop terrace.
We finished the night by having dinner with another couple of pilgrims who we had not seen since Martigny 🍷🍺🥂
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
However we wanted to get to Aosta and our 2 nights there. Yiiipppiii a rest day as we are totally fatigued and looking forward to a rest.
The first half of the day was beautiful walking in the forest by an irrigation canal with reasonably flat terrain and the standard amazing views. We met another 2 more pilgrims on their way to Rome, so we are now close to 20, with the two others we talked to later in Aosta.
The second half of the day saw us decend into Aosta valley. While stunning it is hard on our fatigued legs, back and feet and we were very appreciative to enter Aosta.
Another beautiful apartment in Old town on the 7th floor (with lift 🤗🤗) and panaromic views of the city skyline and mountains from our rooftop terrace.
We finished the night by having dinner with another couple of pilgrims who we had not seen since Martigny 🍷🍺🥂
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Day 12 - Day Off - Aosta - Via Francigena Camino
It was wonderful to sleep in and have a lazy morning. After doing our washing we went for a wander around town.
It’s nice enough but nothing special, except the little train that was fun... We had a nice rest in the afternoon before heading back into town to meet up with the other pilgrims.
We had a nice meal and chat... and putting our feet up was so noice as well.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
It’s nice enough but nothing special, except the little train that was fun... We had a nice rest in the afternoon before heading back into town to meet up with the other pilgrims.
We had a nice meal and chat... and putting our feet up was so noice as well.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 13 - Walking - Aosta to Chatillon - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny 27deg - 31.10kms - Elevation Diff 496m - After our rest day in Aosta we set off for Chatillion early as we knew it was going to be a long day. Leaving around 7.15am we made our way out of this pretty town, past the historical arch and bridge.
As we got further from town our view of the Aosta valley increased showing how big and beautiful it really is. Today we pretty much walked the track as signed, which made it close to a 12hour day, the longest yet and we arrived shattered.
I think between us we had a sore everything and were so pleased to jump into the spa at the place we were staying at. Tomorrow is a shorter day so with any luck our bodies will recover.
We are still lacking trail fitness so doing a day like today was just to much... Lesson learnt 🤪🤪
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
As we got further from town our view of the Aosta valley increased showing how big and beautiful it really is. Today we pretty much walked the track as signed, which made it close to a 12hour day, the longest yet and we arrived shattered.
I think between us we had a sore everything and were so pleased to jump into the spa at the place we were staying at. Tomorrow is a shorter day so with any luck our bodies will recover.
We are still lacking trail fitness so doing a day like today was just to much... Lesson learnt 🤪🤪
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Day 14 - Walking - Chatillon to Verres - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny 27deg - 23.25kms - Elevation Diff 505m - Well this day started like many others. Wake up feel sore, pack, have breakfast then start walking and enjoy the sights and views... That is until it all went wrong...
But the story starts about a month ago when one of our pre booked apartments cancelled and we forgot to rebook. So bring the experienced pilgrims we are we decided to leave just arrive in town and find something 🤪🤔
With that decision made we started our day climbing out of Chatillion to amazing and stunning views. We walked through forest's, by waterfalls and along mountain paths it was all so wonderful, and with only 19kms it would be an average length day 👍👍
Around about 11kms in we started to feel the effects of our previous day and the steep ups and downs today, so we decided to stop in the next town and have an early finish... What a treat... Or so we thought...
We found a room, inexpensive with breakfast so decided to go check it out. It's about 1.5kms out of town and the only way to get to it is by the busy road... Oh well how hard can it be...
So off we set... About .5kms in my eagle eye sees a paddock and short cut, so me being the intrepid bushman convinces Jill to climb a small hill over which will be the other road and our accommodation. Using my great sense of bush navigation l lead an unconvinced Jill over the hill only to find another, then another. 30mins later and a lot of uphill we we see the road and our accommodation except it's on the other side of a 50m cliff 🤪🤔😲😭
With no other choice we had to backtrack to the original road and walk it. (See the video 😂😂). So we finally arrive to what looks to be a closed place with no body around!! So Jill, who is by this time expressing her undying love for me, sets off to find someone 🤔🤔
She finally finds a guy who in broken english says the place is closed by we can stay in room for $56 euro, but no food or anything else, so would have to go back into town to get dinner etc along the road 😲😲
Declining the generosity while explaining he is advertising on all booking engines as open with breakfast, for 49 euro we depart back to town, with Jill leading the way along the road, expressing her gratitude for life's abundant opportunities for forgiveness 🤔😂
We have now walked an extra 7kms and are back where we start at the 11km mark 🤪😲😭
Now being the type of Pilgrims who always find the way forward we decided to catch a bus into Verres and try our luck at finding some accommodation, lets face it things were already going so well.
Soon enough the bus came and in 7 mins were were in Verres, it was a 2 hour walk other wise, and went hunting for somewhere to put our weary feet. But that is a story for another day 😲🤪😍
Yes folks thats how to turn a 19km day into 23+ and over 8 hours... 😭
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
But the story starts about a month ago when one of our pre booked apartments cancelled and we forgot to rebook. So bring the experienced pilgrims we are we decided to leave just arrive in town and find something 🤪🤔
With that decision made we started our day climbing out of Chatillion to amazing and stunning views. We walked through forest's, by waterfalls and along mountain paths it was all so wonderful, and with only 19kms it would be an average length day 👍👍
Around about 11kms in we started to feel the effects of our previous day and the steep ups and downs today, so we decided to stop in the next town and have an early finish... What a treat... Or so we thought...
We found a room, inexpensive with breakfast so decided to go check it out. It's about 1.5kms out of town and the only way to get to it is by the busy road... Oh well how hard can it be...
So off we set... About .5kms in my eagle eye sees a paddock and short cut, so me being the intrepid bushman convinces Jill to climb a small hill over which will be the other road and our accommodation. Using my great sense of bush navigation l lead an unconvinced Jill over the hill only to find another, then another. 30mins later and a lot of uphill we we see the road and our accommodation except it's on the other side of a 50m cliff 🤪🤔😲😭
With no other choice we had to backtrack to the original road and walk it. (See the video 😂😂). So we finally arrive to what looks to be a closed place with no body around!! So Jill, who is by this time expressing her undying love for me, sets off to find someone 🤔🤔
She finally finds a guy who in broken english says the place is closed by we can stay in room for $56 euro, but no food or anything else, so would have to go back into town to get dinner etc along the road 😲😲
Declining the generosity while explaining he is advertising on all booking engines as open with breakfast, for 49 euro we depart back to town, with Jill leading the way along the road, expressing her gratitude for life's abundant opportunities for forgiveness 🤔😂
We have now walked an extra 7kms and are back where we start at the 11km mark 🤪😲😭
Now being the type of Pilgrims who always find the way forward we decided to catch a bus into Verres and try our luck at finding some accommodation, lets face it things were already going so well.
Soon enough the bus came and in 7 mins were were in Verres, it was a 2 hour walk other wise, and went hunting for somewhere to put our weary feet. But that is a story for another day 😲🤪😍
Yes folks thats how to turn a 19km day into 23+ and over 8 hours... 😭
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Day 15 - Walking - Verres to Pont St Martin - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny 27deg - 18.06kms - Elevation Diff 348m
Oh what difference a day makes 🤗🤗
We went from yesterday being one of the hardest days to today being one of the best. It still had some steep uphills but they didn't last long. It was decided that Jill would be making the decisions today due to some less than wise ones made by me yesterday.
The day was filled with spectacular views and wonderful towns. The river we walked along was so calming and crossed by a historic Roman bridge.
As it was a short day Jill made the decision to explore the town's of Hone & Bard. Absolutely beautiful and I would suggest to anyone to take a day off in them 😍😍
Additionally spend an hour or so and explore the Fort. It's free to take 4 vaniculars to the top and you won't be disappointed with the structural beauty of the building and the stunning views it provides of both valley's it was set up to protect.
Further on we passed the remnants of an old Roman road and arch that was cut into the bed rock of the mountain. You can still see the cart wheel tracks in the rock.
So all up it was a wonderful day finished of course with a pizza and beer true pilgrim style.
This Jill decision making seems to be working for now 😆🤣
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Oh what difference a day makes 🤗🤗
We went from yesterday being one of the hardest days to today being one of the best. It still had some steep uphills but they didn't last long. It was decided that Jill would be making the decisions today due to some less than wise ones made by me yesterday.
The day was filled with spectacular views and wonderful towns. The river we walked along was so calming and crossed by a historic Roman bridge.
As it was a short day Jill made the decision to explore the town's of Hone & Bard. Absolutely beautiful and I would suggest to anyone to take a day off in them 😍😍
Additionally spend an hour or so and explore the Fort. It's free to take 4 vaniculars to the top and you won't be disappointed with the structural beauty of the building and the stunning views it provides of both valley's it was set up to protect.
Further on we passed the remnants of an old Roman road and arch that was cut into the bed rock of the mountain. You can still see the cart wheel tracks in the rock.
So all up it was a wonderful day finished of course with a pizza and beer true pilgrim style.
This Jill decision making seems to be working for now 😆🤣
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Day 16 - Walking - Pont St Martin to Ivrea - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny 24deg (force 10 storm) - 24.12kms - Elevation Diff 321m
Pont is a beautiful little town and we were lucky enough to be staying in a room that over looked the bridge and river. We both had a great sleep so we're prepared for today's walk. Our American friends who are a day ahead had told us it was beautiful so we were looking forward to it. The weather apps said rain in the afternoon but we had heard that before and nothing!
So after a couple of coffees we set off about 7.30 and walked out of town into another grape growing area of Italy. It wasn't long before we started a steep climb up the side of a mountain into the grape terraces. At the top of this climb I decided to check my phone a noticed a message from our American friends saying there is a steep climb today however if you go the alternate route you will miss it. Ooooooppppss now do I tell Jill... The answer is in the video 🤪😜😆
As we walked the mountain side trails through the grapevines and enjoyed the views, we noticed a weather front off in the distance. So we might have a shower today but we will be in town way before that, I said 👍👍
With Jill reassured we meander on forward taking our time enjoying the sights and sounds of this part of Italy. We met a few more Pilgrims along the path and were passed by a few. In chatting the subject of rain came up but I was sure that wouldn't be an issue as we had plenty of time 🤔😲🤗 We walked through a few towns with no sight of people, no coffee shops or similar but beautiful architecture most made of stone some in interesting condition. It was a lovely day and we were enjoying it 🤗🤗
With about 5kms to go we noticed that far off weather front had got a little closer so I gently suggested we pick up the pace, not that it would be an issue, just so we can enjoy some town time before the possible rain.
Mmmmm ok the front was big black and moving fast, so we picked up the pace again with Jill politely suggesting that my weather prediction skills matched my short cut skills.
As we hit town and were 5mins from the place we were staying I was skipping along with a victory dance waiting for my apology as obviously we had beat the front and were dry. Now that should be the end however as you see from the video things didn't go go to plan, and some might say 🐓 to feather duster 😲🤪😜 You see google took us to the address and all that was there was a park and abandoned cinema complex.
As the wind picked up we rushed around looking for this (hotel) I had booked, trying to ask local's who were running from the impending storm. Then the force 10 storm hit, by this time we had taken refuge under some steps near the abandoned cinema and I got out my phone to ring the (hotel).
While looking like two bedraggled homeless people huddling in a corner I noticed the place was an appointment and I was to contact them 30mins before arrival so they can meet us 🤪😲🤔 With Jill again expressing her undying love and amazement at my organisation skills, I ring our hosts, we are rescued, the storm eased and we go to the apartment which is about 100meters from where we were 😳🤯
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Pont is a beautiful little town and we were lucky enough to be staying in a room that over looked the bridge and river. We both had a great sleep so we're prepared for today's walk. Our American friends who are a day ahead had told us it was beautiful so we were looking forward to it. The weather apps said rain in the afternoon but we had heard that before and nothing!
So after a couple of coffees we set off about 7.30 and walked out of town into another grape growing area of Italy. It wasn't long before we started a steep climb up the side of a mountain into the grape terraces. At the top of this climb I decided to check my phone a noticed a message from our American friends saying there is a steep climb today however if you go the alternate route you will miss it. Ooooooppppss now do I tell Jill... The answer is in the video 🤪😜😆
As we walked the mountain side trails through the grapevines and enjoyed the views, we noticed a weather front off in the distance. So we might have a shower today but we will be in town way before that, I said 👍👍
With Jill reassured we meander on forward taking our time enjoying the sights and sounds of this part of Italy. We met a few more Pilgrims along the path and were passed by a few. In chatting the subject of rain came up but I was sure that wouldn't be an issue as we had plenty of time 🤔😲🤗 We walked through a few towns with no sight of people, no coffee shops or similar but beautiful architecture most made of stone some in interesting condition. It was a lovely day and we were enjoying it 🤗🤗
With about 5kms to go we noticed that far off weather front had got a little closer so I gently suggested we pick up the pace, not that it would be an issue, just so we can enjoy some town time before the possible rain.
Mmmmm ok the front was big black and moving fast, so we picked up the pace again with Jill politely suggesting that my weather prediction skills matched my short cut skills.
As we hit town and were 5mins from the place we were staying I was skipping along with a victory dance waiting for my apology as obviously we had beat the front and were dry. Now that should be the end however as you see from the video things didn't go go to plan, and some might say 🐓 to feather duster 😲🤪😜 You see google took us to the address and all that was there was a park and abandoned cinema complex.
As the wind picked up we rushed around looking for this (hotel) I had booked, trying to ask local's who were running from the impending storm. Then the force 10 storm hit, by this time we had taken refuge under some steps near the abandoned cinema and I got out my phone to ring the (hotel).
While looking like two bedraggled homeless people huddling in a corner I noticed the place was an appointment and I was to contact them 30mins before arrival so they can meet us 🤪😲🤔 With Jill again expressing her undying love and amazement at my organisation skills, I ring our hosts, we are rescued, the storm eased and we go to the apartment which is about 100meters from where we were 😳🤯
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 17 - Taxi/Walking - Ivrea to Viverone - Via Francigena Camino
Raining 17deg - 19.67kms - Elevation Diff 113m
We went to bed last night and it was raining. We woke up and it was raining. So we had a brainstorming session and agreed that we would consult google for 🚆 or buses to Viverone, as we have booked accommodation tonight... Google said yes 😁
So to be on the safe side we went to the Tourist Office to get the local info... The office said not possible!!! No trains, and buses only run on school days... It's school holidays 🙄🙄 They suggested go see pilgrims info office... We did and pilgrims office confirms not possible, only way there is to walk muddy forest tracks or highway... They feel best to wait till tomorrow when rain clears and things dry up a little 🤔🤔
However we have accommodation booked so forever the resourceful pilgrims we went off in hunt for a taxi. It was not long before we found a wonderful taxi driver who said perfecto and 15mins later we are sitting in a pizzarea in Viverone drinking coffee and wine while watching the rain over the lake.
This pilgrimage is continuing to teach us to be flexible and not have fixed ideas on the way things should be or be done. Our Trust in the journey continues as we relax into an enjoyable time.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
We went to bed last night and it was raining. We woke up and it was raining. So we had a brainstorming session and agreed that we would consult google for 🚆 or buses to Viverone, as we have booked accommodation tonight... Google said yes 😁
So to be on the safe side we went to the Tourist Office to get the local info... The office said not possible!!! No trains, and buses only run on school days... It's school holidays 🙄🙄 They suggested go see pilgrims info office... We did and pilgrims office confirms not possible, only way there is to walk muddy forest tracks or highway... They feel best to wait till tomorrow when rain clears and things dry up a little 🤔🤔
However we have accommodation booked so forever the resourceful pilgrims we went off in hunt for a taxi. It was not long before we found a wonderful taxi driver who said perfecto and 15mins later we are sitting in a pizzarea in Viverone drinking coffee and wine while watching the rain over the lake.
This pilgrimage is continuing to teach us to be flexible and not have fixed ideas on the way things should be or be done. Our Trust in the journey continues as we relax into an enjoyable time.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 18/19 - Walking/Train - Viverone to Vercelli - Via Francigena Camino
The weather had cleared to a bright sunny day but actually started under a black cloud when we discovered the phone had died - dead battery - no phone! 😩😥 After some hard thinking we figured out that there would be repair shops at our destination Vercelli so off we went.
The walk was very easy with mostly flat surfaces. The morning was enjoyable through towns and some forests but was less interesting as we left the mountain region behind and entered corn fields. We walked 18 kms to Santhia then caught a train to Vercelli which took 10 mins instead of walking 27kms which would have taken 7 hrs. The view from the train showed flat terrain and rice fields so we didn’t miss much 🤔🤔.
On arriving into Vercelli we found our Airbnb accommodation which was a wonderful attic space, then showered changed and headed to the shops to find a fix for Gavs phone. After several kms walking around we found a shop who would order in a new battery but it would take 5 days. So we accepted our plans would need to change to make this work.
We met some other pilgrims for dinner and discussed our plans and options for coming days, and decided to take advantage of staying around this area for a few more days by taking day trips to Milan, Como, Turin and exploring Vercelli!
DAY 19 - Day Off - Vercelli
After a nice breakfast provided by our host we went into town and got a tourist map of Vercelli, and did our own walking tour of historical buildings and churches.
Feeling tired by late afternoon we had a gelato then bought food for dinner and went back to our Airbnb, where we had a quiet restful evening watching a movie. Tomorrow we are off to Milan!
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
The walk was very easy with mostly flat surfaces. The morning was enjoyable through towns and some forests but was less interesting as we left the mountain region behind and entered corn fields. We walked 18 kms to Santhia then caught a train to Vercelli which took 10 mins instead of walking 27kms which would have taken 7 hrs. The view from the train showed flat terrain and rice fields so we didn’t miss much 🤔🤔.
On arriving into Vercelli we found our Airbnb accommodation which was a wonderful attic space, then showered changed and headed to the shops to find a fix for Gavs phone. After several kms walking around we found a shop who would order in a new battery but it would take 5 days. So we accepted our plans would need to change to make this work.
We met some other pilgrims for dinner and discussed our plans and options for coming days, and decided to take advantage of staying around this area for a few more days by taking day trips to Milan, Como, Turin and exploring Vercelli!
DAY 19 - Day Off - Vercelli
After a nice breakfast provided by our host we went into town and got a tourist map of Vercelli, and did our own walking tour of historical buildings and churches.
Feeling tired by late afternoon we had a gelato then bought food for dinner and went back to our Airbnb, where we had a quiet restful evening watching a movie. Tomorrow we are off to Milan!
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 20 - Day Off - Vercelli to Milan Return - Via Francigena Camino
Another day off the Camino while we wait for a new phone battery to arrive.
Starting to see this pilgrimage was fast turning into an adventure we took this opportunity to sight see and experience Milan. With easy 1hr train ride we arrived in Milan and came out of the station to see a hop on hop off bus... talk about perfect for what we wanted to do.
So we spent the whole day travelling around the city seeing all the major historical sites and points of interest. Stopped off at the Duomo (cathedral) and had a pIzza after many photos, and looked around the area.
The architecture is beautiful and the city has charm and character that just needs to be experienced. It also has crazy traffic and is very busy with tourists as you expect in any major Italian city.
So we really enjoyed our day out and finished with another pizza and beer for dinner and tomorrow will be another adventure off the Camino...
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Starting to see this pilgrimage was fast turning into an adventure we took this opportunity to sight see and experience Milan. With easy 1hr train ride we arrived in Milan and came out of the station to see a hop on hop off bus... talk about perfect for what we wanted to do.
So we spent the whole day travelling around the city seeing all the major historical sites and points of interest. Stopped off at the Duomo (cathedral) and had a pIzza after many photos, and looked around the area.
The architecture is beautiful and the city has charm and character that just needs to be experienced. It also has crazy traffic and is very busy with tourists as you expect in any major Italian city.
So we really enjoyed our day out and finished with another pizza and beer for dinner and tomorrow will be another adventure off the Camino...
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 21 - Day Off - Vercelli to Lake Maggiore - Via Francigena Camino
On recommendation from our host we caught the train to Stresa, to spend the day at Lake Maggiore. On arrival into the town we chose a boat tour company to take us out to the 3 islands on the lake.
The first island we visited had botanical gardens and an old manor house that was decorated with the house contents of the 16th century.
The second island was an Italian village with many restaurants and houses, although more like a tourist attraction now. It was a sweet little town with beautiful views of the lake all around and we had a nice lunch on the waters edge.
The third island had a palace and its palatial garden to explore. Both were stunning. The palace was enormous - full of art works replicated furniture of the period and amazing entrance with a 3 storey high entrance.
We loved the gardens most, with a huge variety of colourful plants, trees and beautifully designed fountain & statues. That finished our lake trip then it was back on the train to return to Vercelli.
We stopped in town for dinner before heading home to our Airbnb.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
The first island we visited had botanical gardens and an old manor house that was decorated with the house contents of the 16th century.
The second island was an Italian village with many restaurants and houses, although more like a tourist attraction now. It was a sweet little town with beautiful views of the lake all around and we had a nice lunch on the waters edge.
The third island had a palace and its palatial garden to explore. Both were stunning. The palace was enormous - full of art works replicated furniture of the period and amazing entrance with a 3 storey high entrance.
We loved the gardens most, with a huge variety of colourful plants, trees and beautifully designed fountain & statues. That finished our lake trip then it was back on the train to return to Vercelli.
We stopped in town for dinner before heading home to our Airbnb.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 22 - Walking/Train - Vercelli to Gropello Cairilo - Via Francigena Camino
We didn’t know how this day was going to turn out because it all depended on whether the new battery had arrived to fix the phone.
We had to leave our accommodation and we needed to lighten our packs so we took all our thermals to the post office and packed them in a box to send to our Son in London to store for us.
Then we caught the bus ( after working out where to buy tickets) to the shopping centre to check on the new battery. Bad news - the battery would not be arriving until next week, so we decided there was no point hanging around Vercelli another 7 days.
Therefore we planned to catch a train and miss a few Via sections, and start walking the Camino route again tomorrow. Our destination for today was determined by available accommodation which turned out to be the Flower Hotel in Gropello.
So after missing our first train towards Pavia we finally departed at 5pm and arrived an hour later. The hotel and staff were lovely and for dinner they drove us into town to their restaurant (travelling at high speeds!!) then picked us up and drove us back to the hotel when we’d finished. It was great experience by wonderful people.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
We had to leave our accommodation and we needed to lighten our packs so we took all our thermals to the post office and packed them in a box to send to our Son in London to store for us.
Then we caught the bus ( after working out where to buy tickets) to the shopping centre to check on the new battery. Bad news - the battery would not be arriving until next week, so we decided there was no point hanging around Vercelli another 7 days.
Therefore we planned to catch a train and miss a few Via sections, and start walking the Camino route again tomorrow. Our destination for today was determined by available accommodation which turned out to be the Flower Hotel in Gropello.
So after missing our first train towards Pavia we finally departed at 5pm and arrived an hour later. The hotel and staff were lovely and for dinner they drove us into town to their restaurant (travelling at high speeds!!) then picked us up and drove us back to the hotel when we’d finished. It was great experience by wonderful people.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 23 - Walking - Gropello to Pavi - Via Francigena Camino
Breakfast was included in our booking so we had a light one then headed off. After 4 days break it felt good to be on track again. The walk today was all flat along roads through rice fields and some areas down by a lake. We got rather bored on the road sections but the rest was ok.
We took a wrong turn at one point when we misread the VF sign and ended up doing an extra 2 kms grrrr! But the weather was lovely and we found a coffee stop so all went well arriving into Pavia early afternoon. We had a look around town, had something to eat & drink then headed off to our accommodation which was 2.5 kms out of town...sigh!!!
We had a double bed in a bunk room to ourselves with bathroom so it was functional.
Just our luck as we were heading out locally for dinner we ran into another pilgrim who was staying at the same hostel. We got to spend dinner and the evening with her, but she is staying in Pavia tomorrow so we will be a day ahead again until we meet up in Piacenza.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
We took a wrong turn at one point when we misread the VF sign and ended up doing an extra 2 kms grrrr! But the weather was lovely and we found a coffee stop so all went well arriving into Pavia early afternoon. We had a look around town, had something to eat & drink then headed off to our accommodation which was 2.5 kms out of town...sigh!!!
We had a double bed in a bunk room to ourselves with bathroom so it was functional.
Just our luck as we were heading out locally for dinner we ran into another pilgrim who was staying at the same hostel. We got to spend dinner and the evening with her, but she is staying in Pavia tomorrow so we will be a day ahead again until we meet up in Piacenza.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 24/28 - Bus/Walking/Train/Boat - Pavia | Santa Cristina | Orio Litta | Piacenza - Via Francigena Camino
DAY 24 - Bus/Walking/Train - Pavia to Santa Cristina = 30kms
After learning from a pilgrim, now waking ahead of us, that today’s walk was all on asphalt and boring we decided not to do the complete walk. So with a bit of reorganising we hopped a bus for 8kms, got off, walked 12kms and finished the last 10kms by train.
Arriving at the train station we found it locked up and deserted and became concerned the train wouldn’t turn up, but a group of local kids assured us it would, and it did much to our relief!
Due to a lack of options we booked into the local church where we had a single bed in a shared room of 4 and shared bathroom. We then met up with another pilgrim at the same place and had dinner at local pizzeria.
Then it was early to bed ready for a full day of walking tomorrow.
DAY 25 - Walking - Santa Cristina to Orio Litta = 17kms
After a poor nights sleep in a stuffy room and lumpy pillows we felt tired but ready to start. So with an early cuppa we got going and found the walk easy, going through some nice little towns. The enjoyment lasted until the last 4 kms in full sun through corn fields which turned it long and boring.
However arriving at the Ostello was an unexpected delight when we found we had the place to ourselves with kitchen and washing machine. So after a lovely shower and washing our clothes we went for a beer at the local bar. Returned to our accommodation across the road, hung out washing, had a cuppa and cake then lay down for a rest.
DAY 26 - Walking/Boat/Walking - Orio Litta to Piacenza = 23kms
We were up early to get down to the river for the boat mans arrival at 8.30am. When we arrived there was a large group of French pilgrims already lined up and word had spread about his arrival, even though I was the only one who had booked! Anyhow it was a fun little jaunt down the Po river - 7kms down stream then off we hopped to continue walking to our destination.
There was a lot of road walking once again and it was a bit of a drag towards the end and quite hot too. When we arrived into town there was no one at the accommodation so we called and were told in Italian to call back in an hour. Thankfully when I called back there was someone who spoke English and we arranged to meet for checkin within 10 mins.
The room is very dated, but functional and in a great location in central town. We are here for 3 nights now.
Dinner with another pilgrim at a local pizzeria where we had a delicious spaghetti marinara, followed by gelato.
DAY 27 - Rest Day - Piacenza
We spent this day in Piacenza. We managed to fill the first half with pilgrim tasks preparing for a day trip to Vercelli tomorrow to get my 📞 up and running, organising accommodation for the next few days walking after that which is getting harder in this section 😱 and other necessary stuff.
In the afternoon we explored the old town, it buildings churches and other historical sights. We found it to be rather beautiful and also walked some of the old walls while enjoying a gelato or two.
My favourite pic of the day would have to be the one in the video as we missed the Last Supper in Milan... 🤗🤗
Check out the puppy 😁
DAY 28 - Train - Piacenza to Vercelli - Return
4 trains, 2 buses, 8 hours and 130kms later my phone is still dead.
Yep changed the battery and nada, 😱😱 zip, blank look... 😳😱 Seems the connector might be the issue can have one in next Monday 😬😵😥😥
Which will put us about another 100kms, and one mountain range away 🙄🙄 Life seems to be saying it’s not going to happen so my little friend is going to stay asleep for the rest of the trip 😭😭
However as there was an electronics store across the road we went in found an English speaking sales person 😳😳 who helped us purchase a new 📞📞 Normally I would do 2 weeks of research, this time 20mins 😵😵 Life is getting us to let go of the last remnants of the way things must be 🤔🤔
So it’s back to Piacenza where I will attempt to set it up and we will be moving on with our ‘Liven what’s Given’ pilgrimage 👍👍
Yes it will be that easy 🤪😅
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
After learning from a pilgrim, now waking ahead of us, that today’s walk was all on asphalt and boring we decided not to do the complete walk. So with a bit of reorganising we hopped a bus for 8kms, got off, walked 12kms and finished the last 10kms by train.
Arriving at the train station we found it locked up and deserted and became concerned the train wouldn’t turn up, but a group of local kids assured us it would, and it did much to our relief!
Due to a lack of options we booked into the local church where we had a single bed in a shared room of 4 and shared bathroom. We then met up with another pilgrim at the same place and had dinner at local pizzeria.
Then it was early to bed ready for a full day of walking tomorrow.
DAY 25 - Walking - Santa Cristina to Orio Litta = 17kms
After a poor nights sleep in a stuffy room and lumpy pillows we felt tired but ready to start. So with an early cuppa we got going and found the walk easy, going through some nice little towns. The enjoyment lasted until the last 4 kms in full sun through corn fields which turned it long and boring.
However arriving at the Ostello was an unexpected delight when we found we had the place to ourselves with kitchen and washing machine. So after a lovely shower and washing our clothes we went for a beer at the local bar. Returned to our accommodation across the road, hung out washing, had a cuppa and cake then lay down for a rest.
DAY 26 - Walking/Boat/Walking - Orio Litta to Piacenza = 23kms
We were up early to get down to the river for the boat mans arrival at 8.30am. When we arrived there was a large group of French pilgrims already lined up and word had spread about his arrival, even though I was the only one who had booked! Anyhow it was a fun little jaunt down the Po river - 7kms down stream then off we hopped to continue walking to our destination.
There was a lot of road walking once again and it was a bit of a drag towards the end and quite hot too. When we arrived into town there was no one at the accommodation so we called and were told in Italian to call back in an hour. Thankfully when I called back there was someone who spoke English and we arranged to meet for checkin within 10 mins.
The room is very dated, but functional and in a great location in central town. We are here for 3 nights now.
Dinner with another pilgrim at a local pizzeria where we had a delicious spaghetti marinara, followed by gelato.
DAY 27 - Rest Day - Piacenza
We spent this day in Piacenza. We managed to fill the first half with pilgrim tasks preparing for a day trip to Vercelli tomorrow to get my 📞 up and running, organising accommodation for the next few days walking after that which is getting harder in this section 😱 and other necessary stuff.
In the afternoon we explored the old town, it buildings churches and other historical sights. We found it to be rather beautiful and also walked some of the old walls while enjoying a gelato or two.
My favourite pic of the day would have to be the one in the video as we missed the Last Supper in Milan... 🤗🤗
Check out the puppy 😁
DAY 28 - Train - Piacenza to Vercelli - Return
4 trains, 2 buses, 8 hours and 130kms later my phone is still dead.
Yep changed the battery and nada, 😱😱 zip, blank look... 😳😱 Seems the connector might be the issue can have one in next Monday 😬😵😥😥
Which will put us about another 100kms, and one mountain range away 🙄🙄 Life seems to be saying it’s not going to happen so my little friend is going to stay asleep for the rest of the trip 😭😭
However as there was an electronics store across the road we went in found an English speaking sales person 😳😳 who helped us purchase a new 📞📞 Normally I would do 2 weeks of research, this time 20mins 😵😵 Life is getting us to let go of the last remnants of the way things must be 🤔🤔
So it’s back to Piacenza where I will attempt to set it up and we will be moving on with our ‘Liven what’s Given’ pilgrimage 👍👍
Yes it will be that easy 🤪😅
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 29 - Walking/Train/Walking - Piacenza to Fiorenzuola - Via Francigena Camino
Overcast 30deg - 25kms - Elevation Diff 68m
WE ARE BACK IN THE PILGRIM BUSINESS BABY... Yes today is a new day, well my birthday actually (thank you all for the kind messages)... And I have a new phone and we have a plan 🤔😊
It's been a real time of letting go for us, plans, ideas etc etc, however we have now regrouped and are finding the way forward 👀 Today we chose to catch the train between Piacenza and Fiorenzuola which enabled a whole lot of things to come together. From the window it was very flat with fields of corn etc and the harvest appears in full swing 🤗🤗
Tomorrow we train to Fidenza in the morning then do a beautiful walk to Medesano. We are so looking forward to getting back to the hills again 😳😳, yes a surprise to some, and leaving the chaos of the last week behind us.
We have met some truly amazing people, had some wonderful experiences but are craving the simple way of life of the Pilgrimage. So here's to life and all our fellow pilgrims and friends walking their own journeys 🤗🤗
We will be walking the Pilgrim way in Pilgrim accommodation, because Jill said I can't afford anything else after the phone 🤣😂🤔
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
WE ARE BACK IN THE PILGRIM BUSINESS BABY... Yes today is a new day, well my birthday actually (thank you all for the kind messages)... And I have a new phone and we have a plan 🤔😊
It's been a real time of letting go for us, plans, ideas etc etc, however we have now regrouped and are finding the way forward 👀 Today we chose to catch the train between Piacenza and Fiorenzuola which enabled a whole lot of things to come together. From the window it was very flat with fields of corn etc and the harvest appears in full swing 🤗🤗
Tomorrow we train to Fidenza in the morning then do a beautiful walk to Medesano. We are so looking forward to getting back to the hills again 😳😳, yes a surprise to some, and leaving the chaos of the last week behind us.
We have met some truly amazing people, had some wonderful experiences but are craving the simple way of life of the Pilgrimage. So here's to life and all our fellow pilgrims and friends walking their own journeys 🤗🤗
We will be walking the Pilgrim way in Pilgrim accommodation, because Jill said I can't afford anything else after the phone 🤣😂🤔
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 30 - Walking/Train/Walking/Bus - Fiorenzuola to Fornovo - Via Francigena Camino
Misty Rain 15deg - 50.67kms - Elevation Diff 543m
The day started in Fiorenzuola at 6.30am 😜 to ensure we caught the early train to Fidenza. It stormed all night but the morning was cool and overcast which was going to be a great day for walking.
So 12mins & 15kms later we are in Fidenza getting a cuppa and breakfast when the Misty Rain moves in. We started walking out of town and soon decided to put on the wet weather gear as it did not look like clearing up anytime soon. 🙄🙄
With accommodation booked in Medesano about 22kms we took it easy and enjoyed the changing landscapes from the flat plains to foot hills of the Appinines mountain range. As usual I was looking for a coffee after a few hours when we came across Oliver's Cafe.
OMG we have never received such a welcome for a Pilgrim as we did here. Oliver is amazing and so is the coffee, food, stamp and whole experience. We had such a good time that we did not notice the rain had stopped.
With reluctance we left Oliver, after a selfie or two and continued our journey. It was not long after we received a message from Pilgrim Betsey warning us of mud ahead. It was with this Camino angels help we avoided some bad parts but it was too late for the section we were in 😭😭
So it was mud, mud and more Mud 😱 Seriously check the video as as it really is indescribable how this thick sticky stuff turns boots into platforms in 3 steps 😳😳
After navigating that and avoiding the rest we made our way to Medasano where we had booked our accommodation. We found the place and upon trying to check in we were told there was a problem, No beds for you!!! 🤔😱😳
Now this town is about 9kms out of Fornovo which meant a 2 hour walk or catch a bus in two hours. We did the later and spent the time in a bar trying to find a room. It's a long story but Jill pulled through again found space in an Ostello, so on the bus we get 🤗🤗
10mins later we are in Fornovo at the Ostello and with our Camino Angles help Betsey managed to check in and get a couple of beds 🤗🤗
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
The day started in Fiorenzuola at 6.30am 😜 to ensure we caught the early train to Fidenza. It stormed all night but the morning was cool and overcast which was going to be a great day for walking.
So 12mins & 15kms later we are in Fidenza getting a cuppa and breakfast when the Misty Rain moves in. We started walking out of town and soon decided to put on the wet weather gear as it did not look like clearing up anytime soon. 🙄🙄
With accommodation booked in Medesano about 22kms we took it easy and enjoyed the changing landscapes from the flat plains to foot hills of the Appinines mountain range. As usual I was looking for a coffee after a few hours when we came across Oliver's Cafe.
OMG we have never received such a welcome for a Pilgrim as we did here. Oliver is amazing and so is the coffee, food, stamp and whole experience. We had such a good time that we did not notice the rain had stopped.
With reluctance we left Oliver, after a selfie or two and continued our journey. It was not long after we received a message from Pilgrim Betsey warning us of mud ahead. It was with this Camino angels help we avoided some bad parts but it was too late for the section we were in 😭😭
So it was mud, mud and more Mud 😱 Seriously check the video as as it really is indescribable how this thick sticky stuff turns boots into platforms in 3 steps 😳😳
After navigating that and avoiding the rest we made our way to Medasano where we had booked our accommodation. We found the place and upon trying to check in we were told there was a problem, No beds for you!!! 🤔😱😳
Now this town is about 9kms out of Fornovo which meant a 2 hour walk or catch a bus in two hours. We did the later and spent the time in a bar trying to find a room. It's a long story but Jill pulled through again found space in an Ostello, so on the bus we get 🤗🤗
10mins later we are in Fornovo at the Ostello and with our Camino Angles help Betsey managed to check in and get a couple of beds 🤗🤗
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 31 - Walking - Fornovo to Cassio - Via Francigena Camino
Misty/Sunny 15deg - 21.29kms - Elevation Diff 1049m
Everyone was up early so we got up at 6.30am, dressed and then found a bar for breakfast.
The day started with a hill out of town and then eased into a straight road walk for 10kms. After that it became challenging with an uphill walk on the road and through the towns.
But then we hit the extreme uphill which went on forever on a loose rock old water track 😱😱... Uphill for 6kms then downhill for 1km then back uphill again for the next 3kms through forest tracks. It was torture!
At this stage we were ready to quit the Camino. We finished the last kilometre on the road into town and were very relieved to get there. Our backs were suffering under the weight of the packs and our feet were sore too.
Thankfully we got a lovely private room for 32euro with private bathroom kitchen & breakfast 🤗🤗
Yes it was a hard day for us and when we reached the top enjoyed a big big beer. We just have to say Cassio is a beautiful town and the Ostello is amazing. We loved it 🤗🤗
We had dinner with fellow pilgrims and that was great as well... so in the end the hill was forgotten and tomorrow is another day ❤️
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Everyone was up early so we got up at 6.30am, dressed and then found a bar for breakfast.
The day started with a hill out of town and then eased into a straight road walk for 10kms. After that it became challenging with an uphill walk on the road and through the towns.
But then we hit the extreme uphill which went on forever on a loose rock old water track 😱😱... Uphill for 6kms then downhill for 1km then back uphill again for the next 3kms through forest tracks. It was torture!
At this stage we were ready to quit the Camino. We finished the last kilometre on the road into town and were very relieved to get there. Our backs were suffering under the weight of the packs and our feet were sore too.
Thankfully we got a lovely private room for 32euro with private bathroom kitchen & breakfast 🤗🤗
Yes it was a hard day for us and when we reached the top enjoyed a big big beer. We just have to say Cassio is a beautiful town and the Ostello is amazing. We loved it 🤗🤗
We had dinner with fellow pilgrims and that was great as well... so in the end the hill was forgotten and tomorrow is another day ❤️
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Day 32 - Walking - Cassio to Passo Della Cisa - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny 16deg - 18.77kms - Elevation Diff 679m
OMG we stayed at the Ostello in Cassio, what a wonderful place. Just the rest we needed after yesterday's big day 🤗🤗
After a good night sleep and a light breakfast we set off at 8.30 . The beginning was easy along the road and we could relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the Appinines valley.
The scenery today was again beautiful, with wonderful views of mountains tops, valleys, forests and rolling hills. There is some Tarmac, but for the most part we walked on tracks, gravel and dirt roads.
About 4kms along we entered the forest and started to climb - much the same as yesterday’s track but not quite as steep yet still up up up! Then down down into the town of Berceto, which was about half way.
We enjoyed a coffee & rest here before heading back up into the hills. Another 6 kms of up up then 2 kms down to bring us to our Ostello for the night just outside of the township of Cisa. Once again we scored a private room & bathroom - not as nice as Cassio but good enough for 32 Euro again.
They provided dinner (13 euro) here as there is nothing else around so it was our first pilgrim meal of the trip.
The steep climbs of yesterday had been forgotten, however they had taken their toll on our bodies with fatigue setting in toward the end of today. Even the mild climbs of today on shale tracks and loose rocks were some what of a struggle at the end 😩😩
Along the track we met up with some of our fellow pilgrims and new friends, and all ended up at the Ostello in Passo Della Cisa 🤗🤗
As a warning for those that follow, this Ostello has no wifi or mobile phone reception 😳😳
The news on the Pilgrim grapevine is its going to rain and thunderstorm tomorrow so it will be an interesting day... 🤔🤔☔⛈️
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
OMG we stayed at the Ostello in Cassio, what a wonderful place. Just the rest we needed after yesterday's big day 🤗🤗
After a good night sleep and a light breakfast we set off at 8.30 . The beginning was easy along the road and we could relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the Appinines valley.
The scenery today was again beautiful, with wonderful views of mountains tops, valleys, forests and rolling hills. There is some Tarmac, but for the most part we walked on tracks, gravel and dirt roads.
About 4kms along we entered the forest and started to climb - much the same as yesterday’s track but not quite as steep yet still up up up! Then down down into the town of Berceto, which was about half way.
We enjoyed a coffee & rest here before heading back up into the hills. Another 6 kms of up up then 2 kms down to bring us to our Ostello for the night just outside of the township of Cisa. Once again we scored a private room & bathroom - not as nice as Cassio but good enough for 32 Euro again.
They provided dinner (13 euro) here as there is nothing else around so it was our first pilgrim meal of the trip.
The steep climbs of yesterday had been forgotten, however they had taken their toll on our bodies with fatigue setting in toward the end of today. Even the mild climbs of today on shale tracks and loose rocks were some what of a struggle at the end 😩😩
Along the track we met up with some of our fellow pilgrims and new friends, and all ended up at the Ostello in Passo Della Cisa 🤗🤗
As a warning for those that follow, this Ostello has no wifi or mobile phone reception 😳😳
The news on the Pilgrim grapevine is its going to rain and thunderstorm tomorrow so it will be an interesting day... 🤔🤔☔⛈️
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 33 - Walking/Train - Passo Della Cisa to La Spieza - Via Francigena Camino
Raining 13deg - 64.03kms - Elevation Diff 660m
NO we didn't get lost 😂🤣 Then again maybe we did...🤔🤔
We woke today to rain. Now we are at an Ostello that has no wifi or phone signal so we really don't know the forecast etc. We are also on top of a mountain so the only way was down the Via track, Via bike track or road. 🤔🤔
The recommendation was the road as both tracks in the rain become slippery and dangerous, so after our mud experience we chose the road. 😀
And what a choice it was 🤗🤗 It gradually descends, was quiet of traffic due to the rain and had amazing views of the surrounding mountains and vista's. The best part is we didn't have to keep looking at where we put our feet so we got to enjoy the views, even through the rain and must. 🤗
As we got closer to Pontremoli, our destination for the day, we discussed the next two legs, the weather and decided the train might be an option as it is going to rain tomorrow as well. Additionally it's becoming increasingly harder to break up the 30+km legs with accommodation etc.
So with that in mind we headed for the train station with the intention of skipping the next two sections as one is 30+kms and the other is reported to be just as hard as the St Bernard Pass 😳😳
However at the station we saw the next train was to La Spieza the jupping off point for Cinque Terre, and in a split second decision we were on it 😳😳
So here we are no plans but tomorrow is another day and the 5 town walk here we come 🤔😀
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
NO we didn't get lost 😂🤣 Then again maybe we did...🤔🤔
We woke today to rain. Now we are at an Ostello that has no wifi or phone signal so we really don't know the forecast etc. We are also on top of a mountain so the only way was down the Via track, Via bike track or road. 🤔🤔
The recommendation was the road as both tracks in the rain become slippery and dangerous, so after our mud experience we chose the road. 😀
And what a choice it was 🤗🤗 It gradually descends, was quiet of traffic due to the rain and had amazing views of the surrounding mountains and vista's. The best part is we didn't have to keep looking at where we put our feet so we got to enjoy the views, even through the rain and must. 🤗
As we got closer to Pontremoli, our destination for the day, we discussed the next two legs, the weather and decided the train might be an option as it is going to rain tomorrow as well. Additionally it's becoming increasingly harder to break up the 30+km legs with accommodation etc.
So with that in mind we headed for the train station with the intention of skipping the next two sections as one is 30+kms and the other is reported to be just as hard as the St Bernard Pass 😳😳
However at the station we saw the next train was to La Spieza the jupping off point for Cinque Terre, and in a split second decision we were on it 😳😳
So here we are no plans but tomorrow is another day and the 5 town walk here we come 🤔😀
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
DAY 34/35 - Days Off - Cinque Terre 5 Towns - Via Francigena Camino
DAY 34
After purchasing our Cinque Terre cards at the train station, it was only a short train ride to Monterosso the last town in the 5 town Cinque Terre area.
We stopped and had a coffee and then returned to the 1st town Riomaggiore where our accommodation was booked. After checking in and dumping our backpacks we headed out to explore this town.
After a couple of hours we caught the train to the next town Manarola, which turned out to be prettier than Riomaggiore 😳😳 We walked all around this town and walked up many steps to get a great view. After a gelato and drink we headed back to our accommodation.
The weather was beautiful this afternoon and the sunset amazing, we are now looking forward to exploring the other towns tomorrow.
Dinner was takeaway fish and chips which made a nice change.
DAY 35
After some investigation yesterday we found the 5 Towns walk was closed, however you could walk between 3.
The rest of the towns are joined by the rail network which we used and just walked between a couple while exploring them and really enjoying the experience. Additionally we found that another couple of pilgrims had taken the detour so we joined up for lunch.
After lunch we made a point of seeing the rest of what the towns had to offer then enjoyed another amazing sunset, before going home and getting ready to start our walk again.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
After purchasing our Cinque Terre cards at the train station, it was only a short train ride to Monterosso the last town in the 5 town Cinque Terre area.
We stopped and had a coffee and then returned to the 1st town Riomaggiore where our accommodation was booked. After checking in and dumping our backpacks we headed out to explore this town.
After a couple of hours we caught the train to the next town Manarola, which turned out to be prettier than Riomaggiore 😳😳 We walked all around this town and walked up many steps to get a great view. After a gelato and drink we headed back to our accommodation.
The weather was beautiful this afternoon and the sunset amazing, we are now looking forward to exploring the other towns tomorrow.
Dinner was takeaway fish and chips which made a nice change.
DAY 35
After some investigation yesterday we found the 5 Towns walk was closed, however you could walk between 3.
The rest of the towns are joined by the rail network which we used and just walked between a couple while exploring them and really enjoying the experience. Additionally we found that another couple of pilgrims had taken the detour so we joined up for lunch.
After lunch we made a point of seeing the rest of what the towns had to offer then enjoyed another amazing sunset, before going home and getting ready to start our walk again.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Day 36 - Train/Bus/Walking - Riomaggiore to Massa - Via Francigena Camino
Raining/Sunny 22deg - 53.58kms - Elevation Diff 570m
We spent day 34 & 35 in Chinque Terre exploring the 5 towns. Wow what a place. 😲😲 Once we were over the culture shock of thousands of tourists and tours, we got to enjoy a truly spectacular region for two days. It is totally worthy the side trip 🤗😍
This leg has a set distance of 29kms which is too far for us so we took the train from Riomaggiore Cinque Terre to Sarzana, then a bus to Luni, giving us a walk of 22kms. In hind sight we should have just taken the train to Avanza and started from there.
The walk from Luni to Carrara - Avanza is really quite uninteresting and tedious in the rain. It is only after we started back into the mountains that things got interesting. After C-A you start to see the Carrara Marble excavations in the mountains, and the processing and warehouse's for this beautiful stone.
It's not long before we started another steep climb into the mountains.
Warning for those that follow, after the first steep part through the bush you come to a decision, left up the hill or right down. The answer is not obvious and we took down!! So after 15 minutes we ended up rejoining the path we just used to go up the hill 🙄😲😱
Yep we did the hill twice, so turn left and continue up hill, you will save yourself a lot of effort and a tantrum or two 🤔😂
Once up the hill the rain cleared and we walked along a beautiful road finally enjoying the Tuscan hills. Full of amazing views of the valleys below, vineyards and little towns.
After coming down the mountains we walked into Massa which in fact is quite a big town and we missed a turn taking us off the VF into the center of town. So we decided to have something to eat then find the VF again as it takes you past the Basilica, Piazzas, Castles and other great sights.
Yes we had walked 20kms and our bnb was 2.5kms out of town but these are really worth seeing. As it was close to 6pm we decided to make our way to our bnb which was wonderful. Our host was excellent and the price was as much as some of the Ostellos we have stayed 🤗🤗
After checking in we visited a pizza restaurant 5min away with excellent food and then dropped into bed exhausted 😴😴
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
We spent day 34 & 35 in Chinque Terre exploring the 5 towns. Wow what a place. 😲😲 Once we were over the culture shock of thousands of tourists and tours, we got to enjoy a truly spectacular region for two days. It is totally worthy the side trip 🤗😍
This leg has a set distance of 29kms which is too far for us so we took the train from Riomaggiore Cinque Terre to Sarzana, then a bus to Luni, giving us a walk of 22kms. In hind sight we should have just taken the train to Avanza and started from there.
The walk from Luni to Carrara - Avanza is really quite uninteresting and tedious in the rain. It is only after we started back into the mountains that things got interesting. After C-A you start to see the Carrara Marble excavations in the mountains, and the processing and warehouse's for this beautiful stone.
It's not long before we started another steep climb into the mountains.
Warning for those that follow, after the first steep part through the bush you come to a decision, left up the hill or right down. The answer is not obvious and we took down!! So after 15 minutes we ended up rejoining the path we just used to go up the hill 🙄😲😱
Yep we did the hill twice, so turn left and continue up hill, you will save yourself a lot of effort and a tantrum or two 🤔😂
Once up the hill the rain cleared and we walked along a beautiful road finally enjoying the Tuscan hills. Full of amazing views of the valleys below, vineyards and little towns.
After coming down the mountains we walked into Massa which in fact is quite a big town and we missed a turn taking us off the VF into the center of town. So we decided to have something to eat then find the VF again as it takes you past the Basilica, Piazzas, Castles and other great sights.
Yes we had walked 20kms and our bnb was 2.5kms out of town but these are really worth seeing. As it was close to 6pm we decided to make our way to our bnb which was wonderful. Our host was excellent and the price was as much as some of the Ostellos we have stayed 🤗🤗
After checking in we visited a pizza restaurant 5min away with excellent food and then dropped into bed exhausted 😴😴
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Day 37- Walking - Massa to Camaroie - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny 23deg - 26.32kms - Elevation Diff 502m
Today started from our wonderful bnb 2.5kms into the leg as we walked extra yesterday. The highway out of Massa is not fun. It's busy and not alot of places to walk so that made it interesting.
After a few kms we turned off and you guessed it started uphill again 🙄🙄 At the top we met Pilgrim Betsey and walked with her the rest of the way. It was beautiful weather so we had our stunning views again as we made our way along the mountain ridges.
About midway we passed through a wonderful town Pietrasanta 😍😍 and had some lunch while admiring the many old buildings. Through out the day we kept seeing the Carrera Marble processing and cutting which is fascinating, as the huge blocks are moved around and then cut.
While we are now in the Tuscan hills and the scenery is stunning the last 5kms dragged, so getting into Camaiore and our Ostello was a blessing 🤗🤗
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Today started from our wonderful bnb 2.5kms into the leg as we walked extra yesterday. The highway out of Massa is not fun. It's busy and not alot of places to walk so that made it interesting.
After a few kms we turned off and you guessed it started uphill again 🙄🙄 At the top we met Pilgrim Betsey and walked with her the rest of the way. It was beautiful weather so we had our stunning views again as we made our way along the mountain ridges.
About midway we passed through a wonderful town Pietrasanta 😍😍 and had some lunch while admiring the many old buildings. Through out the day we kept seeing the Carrera Marble processing and cutting which is fascinating, as the huge blocks are moved around and then cut.
While we are now in the Tuscan hills and the scenery is stunning the last 5kms dragged, so getting into Camaiore and our Ostello was a blessing 🤗🤗
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 38 - Walking - Camaroie to Lucca - Via Francigena Camino
Raining/Sunny 18deg - 24.59kms - Elevation Diff 400m
We left our Ostello about 8am. It was a nice stay in a pretty town with 3 pilgrims in a 4 bedroom.
We walked along tracks and back roads before again climbing up into the mountains. From there we followed mostly highways through the mountains with forests on each side.
There was one very serious down hill though what can only be described as a rough water course, and at this time the rain moved in, making it very slippery and dangerous. By the end we were exhausted and still had 10kms to go 🙄🙄
With nowhere to rest and all bars etc closed we kept moving forward. After another hour or so the rain cleared and we followed a beautiful track along the river to Lucca.
I have to say upon entering the city we were very unimpressed, however when we got to the walled city that soon changed. Just entering through the gate in the walled city was amazing. The walls are impressive and the churches and buildings very inspiring.
Tomorrow we enjoy our day off in this wonderful city 😍😍
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
We left our Ostello about 8am. It was a nice stay in a pretty town with 3 pilgrims in a 4 bedroom.
We walked along tracks and back roads before again climbing up into the mountains. From there we followed mostly highways through the mountains with forests on each side.
There was one very serious down hill though what can only be described as a rough water course, and at this time the rain moved in, making it very slippery and dangerous. By the end we were exhausted and still had 10kms to go 🙄🙄
With nowhere to rest and all bars etc closed we kept moving forward. After another hour or so the rain cleared and we followed a beautiful track along the river to Lucca.
I have to say upon entering the city we were very unimpressed, however when we got to the walled city that soon changed. Just entering through the gate in the walled city was amazing. The walls are impressive and the churches and buildings very inspiring.
Tomorrow we enjoy our day off in this wonderful city 😍😍
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Day 39 - Day Off - Lucca - Via Francigena Camino
Perfect timing for a rest day as Jill was dealing with a head cold.
We started the day meeting up with some other Pilgrims for breakfast, which was a disappointment. The service was terrible and the scrambled eggs & toast cold. After a few hours of catching up we decided to explore the town.
After visiting the Via Francigena Museum which was extremely interesting, we did our washing at the laundromat and returned to rest for a couple of hours.
Later we went out exploring the town visiting the cathedrals, basilica and churches. Ending the day climbing the tower to watch the sunset, after which we met other Pilgrims and then we all went out to dinner at a very pretty piazza.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
We started the day meeting up with some other Pilgrims for breakfast, which was a disappointment. The service was terrible and the scrambled eggs & toast cold. After a few hours of catching up we decided to explore the town.
After visiting the Via Francigena Museum which was extremely interesting, we did our washing at the laundromat and returned to rest for a couple of hours.
Later we went out exploring the town visiting the cathedrals, basilica and churches. Ending the day climbing the tower to watch the sunset, after which we met other Pilgrims and then we all went out to dinner at a very pretty piazza.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Day 40 - Train/Walking - Lucca to Galleno - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny 23deg - 22.48kms - Elevation Diff 70m
So the issue was we wanted to spend more time in the beautiful city of Lucca but still complete the next leg plus a bit!!!
Additionally we had been told, and had read that the leg to Altopascio from Lucca was very uninspiring 🤔🤔
Our solution catch the train to Altopascio then walk to a cute little town called Galleno, which is what we did today. We left Lucca at 2.30pm and all up we walked about 7kms and are now staying in a noice little bnb on the out skirts of town 🏚️
The walk itself is on road and bush track, while going through suburbs, bush and some rural land. All up a great way to end our rest in Lucca and get back on the track 🤗🤗
The additional bonus is we have cut 7kms off tomorrow 😀😀
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
So the issue was we wanted to spend more time in the beautiful city of Lucca but still complete the next leg plus a bit!!!
Additionally we had been told, and had read that the leg to Altopascio from Lucca was very uninspiring 🤔🤔
Our solution catch the train to Altopascio then walk to a cute little town called Galleno, which is what we did today. We left Lucca at 2.30pm and all up we walked about 7kms and are now staying in a noice little bnb on the out skirts of town 🏚️
The walk itself is on road and bush track, while going through suburbs, bush and some rural land. All up a great way to end our rest in Lucca and get back on the track 🤗🤗
The additional bonus is we have cut 7kms off tomorrow 😀😀
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 41 - Walking - Galleno to San Miniato - Via Francigena Camino
Light Rain/Sunny 22deg - 20.31kms - Elevation Diff 164m
Today was very pleasant. It started with a light rain but that soon cleared to a beautiful day. We spent the night in an apartment sharing with Pilgrim Betsey in Galleno. It is a wonderful place and a few stories were shared over home delivered pizza and beer 🍕🍕
Leaving by the road we soon turned off into a light bush and meandered along until we reached the pretty town of Ponte a Cappiano where we turned and walked on the river levee. With some cloud cover it was a very pleasant walk admiring the surrounding fields and distant mountains 😍😍
After taking a break in Fucecchio we crossed the river and made our way through more fields to San Miniato Basso where lunch was in order from the only place we found open 🍵☕🥙
It really feels like we have finally entering Tuscany with all types of flowers, trees and the famous Tuscan Villas, beautiful 😍, and are so looking forward to our journey forward.
As we are staying down the hill and Betsey is in San Miniato we parted ways for today, and we look forward to seeing the town in the morning. 🤗🤗
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Today was very pleasant. It started with a light rain but that soon cleared to a beautiful day. We spent the night in an apartment sharing with Pilgrim Betsey in Galleno. It is a wonderful place and a few stories were shared over home delivered pizza and beer 🍕🍕
Leaving by the road we soon turned off into a light bush and meandered along until we reached the pretty town of Ponte a Cappiano where we turned and walked on the river levee. With some cloud cover it was a very pleasant walk admiring the surrounding fields and distant mountains 😍😍
After taking a break in Fucecchio we crossed the river and made our way through more fields to San Miniato Basso where lunch was in order from the only place we found open 🍵☕🥙
It really feels like we have finally entering Tuscany with all types of flowers, trees and the famous Tuscan Villas, beautiful 😍, and are so looking forward to our journey forward.
As we are staying down the hill and Betsey is in San Miniato we parted ways for today, and we look forward to seeing the town in the morning. 🤗🤗
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Day 42 - Walking - San Miniato Basso to Gambassi Terme - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny 27deg - 27.06kms - Elevation Diff 651m
We found Tuscany today. OMG it is stunning and so is this section of the pilgrimage. Yes it is long at 27+kms with many ups and downs 🏞️
However we found ourselves saying "look at that" with every km we walked 😍😍 it really is a truly stunning area and we are so appreciative to experience it 🙏🙏
The morning started at sunrise in Gambassi Terme by the tower and the video best describes the rest... What a wonderful day and it is in the top 5 for best day so far 🤗🤗
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
We found Tuscany today. OMG it is stunning and so is this section of the pilgrimage. Yes it is long at 27+kms with many ups and downs 🏞️
However we found ourselves saying "look at that" with every km we walked 😍😍 it really is a truly stunning area and we are so appreciative to experience it 🙏🙏
The morning started at sunrise in Gambassi Terme by the tower and the video best describes the rest... What a wonderful day and it is in the top 5 for best day so far 🤗🤗
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Day 43 - Walking - Chianni (Gambassi Terme) to Colle di Val d'Elsa - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny / Thunderstorms 22deg - 30.49kms - Elevation Diff 737m
OK in my defense I had consumed a couple of beers and have man flue when I planned this section. From the outset of this little adventure Jill had stated we don't want to walk over 25kms in one day... 🤔 No problem I said 😳😳
So in working out how to break a 30+ kms section up, I had a brain wave after a second beer and booked the accommodation. Mmmmm so next morning I rechecked my infallible calculations and you guessed it today's walk 😳🤔🙄😵
I'm pretty sure it was the man flue, which I might add was given to me 🤔 but that didn't seem to be appreciated by my walking partner, who also did not share my excitement at seeing sunrise walking up to Gambassi Terme 🌇🌇
However having started early we had breakfast at Gambassi Terme and made our way along the main route to San Gimignano. I have to say that the views are picture stunning with a new experience around every corner. The walk is straight forward, and if we had kept this leg to its original 13kms it could have been called easy 😵
Anyway moving forward, we had lunch in the medevil town of San Gimignano, which is packed with tourists, then continued on along the main track. It was not long before we headed off on a variation to Colle di Val d'Elsa that took us though the rural hills of Tuscany enjoying the wonderful sights and sounds 🤗🤗
Not long after the the turn off we came across an Oasis where we had the best cuppacino's in Italy, a rest, and were invigorated to complete the rest of the 30+kms.
The remainder of the walk took us through hill top towns, vineyards and olive groves before we reached the stunning town of Colle di Val d'Elsa. This town is beautiful and very few tourists seem to have found it.
So over all the treck was long but very rewarding and the vairent so worthwhile 🤗🤗
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
OK in my defense I had consumed a couple of beers and have man flue when I planned this section. From the outset of this little adventure Jill had stated we don't want to walk over 25kms in one day... 🤔 No problem I said 😳😳
So in working out how to break a 30+ kms section up, I had a brain wave after a second beer and booked the accommodation. Mmmmm so next morning I rechecked my infallible calculations and you guessed it today's walk 😳🤔🙄😵
I'm pretty sure it was the man flue, which I might add was given to me 🤔 but that didn't seem to be appreciated by my walking partner, who also did not share my excitement at seeing sunrise walking up to Gambassi Terme 🌇🌇
However having started early we had breakfast at Gambassi Terme and made our way along the main route to San Gimignano. I have to say that the views are picture stunning with a new experience around every corner. The walk is straight forward, and if we had kept this leg to its original 13kms it could have been called easy 😵
Anyway moving forward, we had lunch in the medevil town of San Gimignano, which is packed with tourists, then continued on along the main track. It was not long before we headed off on a variation to Colle di Val d'Elsa that took us though the rural hills of Tuscany enjoying the wonderful sights and sounds 🤗🤗
Not long after the the turn off we came across an Oasis where we had the best cuppacino's in Italy, a rest, and were invigorated to complete the rest of the 30+kms.
The remainder of the walk took us through hill top towns, vineyards and olive groves before we reached the stunning town of Colle di Val d'Elsa. This town is beautiful and very few tourists seem to have found it.
So over all the treck was long but very rewarding and the vairent so worthwhile 🤗🤗
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Day 44 - Walking - Colle di Val d'Elsa to Monteriggioni - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny / Stormy 17deg - 16.82kms - Elevation Diff 288m
Well what an unexpected and beautiful day. As we were too exhausted last night to explore Colle after 31kms, we did it this morning. It really is an excellent medieval town with very few tourists. We Loved it 🤗🤗
After doing the town so to speak we made our way to the river. We had been told by other pilgrims and our bnb host that it is a must do, and as the official way was a busy road its really a no brainer 🙄🙄
Using Google maps we found the river and over the next few hours had a magical mystery tour meandering down it. OMG it just changes colour as you change direction and the forest around gives it a real special feel 😍😘
With a feeling of appreciation we left the river and joined the main Camino variation leg, only to find storm clouds had formed over our path. So being the intrepid pilgrims we are 🙄😳🤣 we continued on our way towards Monteriggioni.
With the ominous clouds in front of us we rejoined the main Camino route and doubled our pace. That is until Strove where finally a bar was open and we had our first cappuccino for the day ☕☕
As life would have it the clouds disappeared and we enjoyed the rest of our walk into Montiggiore. As usual our Camino angel pilgrim Betsey had messaged us, so we took the road and had amazing views of the Castle as we entered 😳😳
It was an amazing day and completed a stunning trip though this part of Tuscany 🤗🤗
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Well what an unexpected and beautiful day. As we were too exhausted last night to explore Colle after 31kms, we did it this morning. It really is an excellent medieval town with very few tourists. We Loved it 🤗🤗
After doing the town so to speak we made our way to the river. We had been told by other pilgrims and our bnb host that it is a must do, and as the official way was a busy road its really a no brainer 🙄🙄
Using Google maps we found the river and over the next few hours had a magical mystery tour meandering down it. OMG it just changes colour as you change direction and the forest around gives it a real special feel 😍😘
With a feeling of appreciation we left the river and joined the main Camino variation leg, only to find storm clouds had formed over our path. So being the intrepid pilgrims we are 🙄😳🤣 we continued on our way towards Monteriggioni.
With the ominous clouds in front of us we rejoined the main Camino route and doubled our pace. That is until Strove where finally a bar was open and we had our first cappuccino for the day ☕☕
As life would have it the clouds disappeared and we enjoyed the rest of our walk into Montiggiore. As usual our Camino angel pilgrim Betsey had messaged us, so we took the road and had amazing views of the Castle as we entered 😳😳
It was an amazing day and completed a stunning trip though this part of Tuscany 🤗🤗
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Day 45 - Walking - Monteriggioni to Siena - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny 20deg - 21.58kms - Elevation Diff 400m
What can I say staying in a CASTLE for the night was pretty cool, and leaving through the gate this morning was very cool 😎😎
Siena was calling so we made our way down the hill and into the forest. We found the walk itself to be fairly uninspiring especially after the sights and experiences of the last 4 days 🤔🤔
With little opportunity for food we kept on the move and in a few hours we were on the outskirts of Siena. It was another hour or so before getting to the gate and walls of the old city, then follow the Via through town.
We decided to go to our hotel first and were so glad we did as it has wonderful views of the Cathedral and old Town.
We rested showered and enjoyed beers and wine while the sunset over Siena 🌇🍷🌇🍷
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
What can I say staying in a CASTLE for the night was pretty cool, and leaving through the gate this morning was very cool 😎😎
Siena was calling so we made our way down the hill and into the forest. We found the walk itself to be fairly uninspiring especially after the sights and experiences of the last 4 days 🤔🤔
With little opportunity for food we kept on the move and in a few hours we were on the outskirts of Siena. It was another hour or so before getting to the gate and walls of the old city, then follow the Via through town.
We decided to go to our hotel first and were so glad we did as it has wonderful views of the Cathedral and old Town.
We rested showered and enjoyed beers and wine while the sunset over Siena 🌇🍷🌇🍷
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 46 - Rest Day - Siena - Via Francigena Camino
After we arrived in Siena mid afternoon yesterday we got our laundry done, had a beer while waiting, then picked up supplies from a supermarket.
We then sat on the terrace enjoying the view over the Duomo and waited for sunset while drinking beer and snacking on chips.
Some family arrived into Sienna about 9pm to visit and wanted to meet up so we made the effort to go out and meet where they were eating dinner. After chatting for a long time we all went out for gelato and finished up around midnight. So nice to see them, but so tired.
Today we had a lie in then met the family for breakfast in the main square. We planned to do a walking tour in the afternoon but we missed out because we didn’t book. So instead we bought a ticket to see all the main attractions and did a self tour.
The Duomo was impressive both inside and out and we walked up to the top of the tower to see the panoramic views of the city. We had a great wander around and enjoyed the experience of the city. Late afternoon we all had drinks & nibbles on the terrace at our place enjoying the view and sunset before heading out to dinner.
We struggled to find a restaurant that wasn’t booked out so ended up back in the main piazza del campo.
The meal was good and we finished off with gelato again but it was super expensive this time. Everything is tourist prices here.
After another wander around town while eating our Gelato we called it a night and returned to our room.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
We then sat on the terrace enjoying the view over the Duomo and waited for sunset while drinking beer and snacking on chips.
Some family arrived into Sienna about 9pm to visit and wanted to meet up so we made the effort to go out and meet where they were eating dinner. After chatting for a long time we all went out for gelato and finished up around midnight. So nice to see them, but so tired.
Today we had a lie in then met the family for breakfast in the main square. We planned to do a walking tour in the afternoon but we missed out because we didn’t book. So instead we bought a ticket to see all the main attractions and did a self tour.
The Duomo was impressive both inside and out and we walked up to the top of the tower to see the panoramic views of the city. We had a great wander around and enjoyed the experience of the city. Late afternoon we all had drinks & nibbles on the terrace at our place enjoying the view and sunset before heading out to dinner.
We struggled to find a restaurant that wasn’t booked out so ended up back in the main piazza del campo.
The meal was good and we finished off with gelato again but it was super expensive this time. Everything is tourist prices here.
After another wander around town while eating our Gelato we called it a night and returned to our room.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 47/48 - Rest Days - Siena | Montalcino | San Quirico d'Orcia - Via Francigena Camino
Early morning we had the idea to hire a car and do a bit of touring while the family was around so we met for breakfast then headed off to the car hire place.
We decided to visit Montelcino which was about a half hour drive. The weather was beautiful and we had a lovely day exploring Montelcino together. Shared a small but tasty lunch and took our time looking around. Later in the afternoon we headed to San Quirico where our Airbnb accommodation was booked, to checkin.
We liked the town so much that we all decided to spend the rest of the day here. A quick look around, some wine tasting, a tasty beer, more wine & cheese then on to dinner.
We made reservations at a lovely restaurant where the food and service were excellent, with homemade pasta & mushrooms which was the best pasta we have had so far. We finished off with Gelato then it was home to bed.
We had booked 2 nights here expecting to walk the leg we missed yesterday but Due to the rain forecast we decided not to walk and enjoy another day off in this town and spend time planning the rest of our trip to Rome.
We had a simple breakfast with the family before they had to leave to drive back to Siena and then to Pisa to fly back to London.
After they left we got our walking routes to Rome sorted as well as a few days accommodation and Rome booked too. Still not sure beyond that but it’s looking like a short return to London then home to AUS.
We met up with pilgrim Betsy for dinner where they do a pilgrim discount meal. Very different standard to last night but only a fraction of the cost! This is the last time we will see Betsey until Rome because we are skipping ahead a leg tomorrow.
It was so cold tonight that we headed to bed early ready to continue our journey.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
We decided to visit Montelcino which was about a half hour drive. The weather was beautiful and we had a lovely day exploring Montelcino together. Shared a small but tasty lunch and took our time looking around. Later in the afternoon we headed to San Quirico where our Airbnb accommodation was booked, to checkin.
We liked the town so much that we all decided to spend the rest of the day here. A quick look around, some wine tasting, a tasty beer, more wine & cheese then on to dinner.
We made reservations at a lovely restaurant where the food and service were excellent, with homemade pasta & mushrooms which was the best pasta we have had so far. We finished off with Gelato then it was home to bed.
We had booked 2 nights here expecting to walk the leg we missed yesterday but Due to the rain forecast we decided not to walk and enjoy another day off in this town and spend time planning the rest of our trip to Rome.
We had a simple breakfast with the family before they had to leave to drive back to Siena and then to Pisa to fly back to London.
After they left we got our walking routes to Rome sorted as well as a few days accommodation and Rome booked too. Still not sure beyond that but it’s looking like a short return to London then home to AUS.
We met up with pilgrim Betsy for dinner where they do a pilgrim discount meal. Very different standard to last night but only a fraction of the cost! This is the last time we will see Betsey until Rome because we are skipping ahead a leg tomorrow.
It was so cold tonight that we headed to bed early ready to continue our journey.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Day 49 - Bus/Walking - San Quirico d'Orcia to Acquapendente via Radicofani - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny 17deg - 57kms - Elevation Diff 985m
So what happened to day:-
46 - Rest day Siena with family who were visiting
47 - Sight Seeing Area including Montalcino & San Quirico d'Orcia
48 - Rest day San Quirico d'Orcia
Today, we woke early to catch the only morning bus from San Quirico d'Orcia to Radicofani. As it turns out it's two busses and one is a mini bus, Italy is always full of surprises 🤔🤔
The trip was beautiful at sunrise and I got some of my best pictures to date 😳😳 The hill climb to Radicofani is a long steady up hill and we were both glad to be enjoying it from our warm comfortable bus.
Once in Radicofani we had a quick explore and admired the views. It was about 7degC with a bitter wind so we found a bar for breakfast and got suited up for the chilly departure.
We left Radicofani about 10am and started down hill. The views are again stunning and the landscape started to change from Tuscan hills to a more tree filled environment. The down hill lasted for about 10kms then we walked the back roads and tracks to Ponte a Rigo.
We had lunch and from there followed the road towards Acquapendente. We had read a lot about this road but decided to walk it anyway. We found the traffic to be light yet at times there is no shoulder to walk on and trucks do get close.
After about 13kms we entered Acquapendente and went in seach of our donativo. Once found and contacted we realized we were the only pilgrims staying here so a quick dinner then bed.
We ended up walking a total of approx 26kms for the day.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
So what happened to day:-
46 - Rest day Siena with family who were visiting
47 - Sight Seeing Area including Montalcino & San Quirico d'Orcia
48 - Rest day San Quirico d'Orcia
Today, we woke early to catch the only morning bus from San Quirico d'Orcia to Radicofani. As it turns out it's two busses and one is a mini bus, Italy is always full of surprises 🤔🤔
The trip was beautiful at sunrise and I got some of my best pictures to date 😳😳 The hill climb to Radicofani is a long steady up hill and we were both glad to be enjoying it from our warm comfortable bus.
Once in Radicofani we had a quick explore and admired the views. It was about 7degC with a bitter wind so we found a bar for breakfast and got suited up for the chilly departure.
We left Radicofani about 10am and started down hill. The views are again stunning and the landscape started to change from Tuscan hills to a more tree filled environment. The down hill lasted for about 10kms then we walked the back roads and tracks to Ponte a Rigo.
We had lunch and from there followed the road towards Acquapendente. We had read a lot about this road but decided to walk it anyway. We found the traffic to be light yet at times there is no shoulder to walk on and trucks do get close.
After about 13kms we entered Acquapendente and went in seach of our donativo. Once found and contacted we realized we were the only pilgrims staying here so a quick dinner then bed.
We ended up walking a total of approx 26kms for the day.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Day 50 - Walking - Acquapendente to Bolsana - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny 22deg - 22kms - Elevation Diff 376m - DAYS TO ROME:- 8 KMS TO ROME - 165
We found nothing special about Acquapendente. Given our time over again we would have chosen anther town to spend the night in 🤔🤔 Our accommodation was great at the Donativo and we were the only pilgrims there.
Today we headed out of town and met up with about 7 other pilgrims leaving as well.🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♀️🚶♂️
It was cold again about 7degC, however the sun was out and soon began to warm things up.
The first half of the walk was though newly ploughed fields and blocks of dead sun flowers.
If someone knows why they would have fields of dead sunflowers drop us a comment??? 🤔🤔
About half way we entered the town of San Lorenzo Nuovo, had lunch, met more pilgrims then continued on. Just out of town we started to get amazing views of the lake and they stayed with us while we walked the side of the hills to Bolsana. 🗻🗻
As we entered Bolsana we were met by a stunning castle and old city. We spent some time exploring and enjoying the views,then made our way down to the lower town where we are staying in a convento. 🙏🙏
After the regular Pilgrim tasks we explored the lower city which is as beautiful as the one above,, had dinner then off to bed. 😴😴
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
As a side note the map tracker had a teck issue in the middle of today's walk so that bit is not entirely accurate... 😱
We found nothing special about Acquapendente. Given our time over again we would have chosen anther town to spend the night in 🤔🤔 Our accommodation was great at the Donativo and we were the only pilgrims there.
Today we headed out of town and met up with about 7 other pilgrims leaving as well.🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♀️🚶♂️
It was cold again about 7degC, however the sun was out and soon began to warm things up.
The first half of the walk was though newly ploughed fields and blocks of dead sun flowers.
If someone knows why they would have fields of dead sunflowers drop us a comment??? 🤔🤔
About half way we entered the town of San Lorenzo Nuovo, had lunch, met more pilgrims then continued on. Just out of town we started to get amazing views of the lake and they stayed with us while we walked the side of the hills to Bolsana. 🗻🗻
As we entered Bolsana we were met by a stunning castle and old city. We spent some time exploring and enjoying the views,then made our way down to the lower town where we are staying in a convento. 🙏🙏
After the regular Pilgrim tasks we explored the lower city which is as beautiful as the one above,, had dinner then off to bed. 😴😴
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
As a side note the map tracker had a teck issue in the middle of today's walk so that bit is not entirely accurate... 😱
Day 51 - Walking - Bolsana to Montefiascone - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny 20deg - 17kms - Elevation Diff 447m - DAYS TO ROME:- 7 - KMS TO ROME - 142
What can we say Bolsena is beautiful and we loved our time there. We stayed in the convento in a room with two beds and it was very comfortable.
We got up and made our way out of Bolsena just after sunrise. The climb out of town gave us some more wonderful views of the lake and town which we appreciated. In addition the cloud formations were stunning so all in all a great morning.
After a few hours of ups and downs we turned and had some amazing forest time. It was very enjoyable to be amongst nature again and made for some great walking 🌳🌳
Even though this was a shortish day the previous big days had taken their toll leaving us fatigued. Before we began the assent into Montefiascone we had a rest beside the country road and met a very friendly local who was out walking his dog 🐾🐾
First he offered to get some water for us, which we said thanks but we were fine then in sign language told us how big and far the hill was we were going to walk. We assured him we were fine strong pilgrims and after a play with the dog thanked him and set off on our way 🙏🙏
After 10mins of walking a car pulled up and it was our friendly local who offered us a lift up the hill. We accepted and he slowly drove up the Camino showing us the sights. Towards the top he turned off the track and next thing we knew we were at the 100kms to Roma sign and church ⛪⛪
He offered to take us all the way into Montefiascone but we declined, thanking him for his generous help. After a few pics we made our way into town, had a beer and did some exploring as it is very cool with amazing views of the lake 😍😍
Feeling tired we made our way to our bnb only to find it also has amazing views of the lake and is a stunning place for sunset 🤩🤩
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
What can we say Bolsena is beautiful and we loved our time there. We stayed in the convento in a room with two beds and it was very comfortable.
We got up and made our way out of Bolsena just after sunrise. The climb out of town gave us some more wonderful views of the lake and town which we appreciated. In addition the cloud formations were stunning so all in all a great morning.
After a few hours of ups and downs we turned and had some amazing forest time. It was very enjoyable to be amongst nature again and made for some great walking 🌳🌳
Even though this was a shortish day the previous big days had taken their toll leaving us fatigued. Before we began the assent into Montefiascone we had a rest beside the country road and met a very friendly local who was out walking his dog 🐾🐾
First he offered to get some water for us, which we said thanks but we were fine then in sign language told us how big and far the hill was we were going to walk. We assured him we were fine strong pilgrims and after a play with the dog thanked him and set off on our way 🙏🙏
After 10mins of walking a car pulled up and it was our friendly local who offered us a lift up the hill. We accepted and he slowly drove up the Camino showing us the sights. Towards the top he turned off the track and next thing we knew we were at the 100kms to Roma sign and church ⛪⛪
He offered to take us all the way into Montefiascone but we declined, thanking him for his generous help. After a few pics we made our way into town, had a beer and did some exploring as it is very cool with amazing views of the lake 😍😍
Feeling tired we made our way to our bnb only to find it also has amazing views of the lake and is a stunning place for sunset 🤩🤩
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Day 52 - Walking - Montefiascone to Viterbo - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny 21deg - 19kms - Elevation Diff 170m DAYS TO ROME:- 6
After a wonderful stay in Montefiascone in a Bnb with panaramic lake views it was again time to move on. During our time out exploring we came across 20+ pilgrims who are also making the journey to Roma 🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♂️
After a substantial breakfast we packed and made our way out of town. With one last look at the lake we headed down hill and into the valley. The rest of the walk was easy and full of fields and cultivated land.
The most notable thing along the way is the thermal baths where you can either jump in or just get a coffee. Additionally we again met a number of pilgrims including many Australians who are also on their way to Roma 🚶♂️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♀️🚶♀️
It was great to walk and chat with them, swap stories and generally enjoy the company. As it's only 19kms it was not long before we made our way into Viterbo, enjoyed a beer and went to find our apartment 🍺🍺
Then it was dinner of double plate pizza and off to bed.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
After a wonderful stay in Montefiascone in a Bnb with panaramic lake views it was again time to move on. During our time out exploring we came across 20+ pilgrims who are also making the journey to Roma 🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♂️
After a substantial breakfast we packed and made our way out of town. With one last look at the lake we headed down hill and into the valley. The rest of the walk was easy and full of fields and cultivated land.
The most notable thing along the way is the thermal baths where you can either jump in or just get a coffee. Additionally we again met a number of pilgrims including many Australians who are also on their way to Roma 🚶♂️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♀️🚶♀️
It was great to walk and chat with them, swap stories and generally enjoy the company. As it's only 19kms it was not long before we made our way into Viterbo, enjoyed a beer and went to find our apartment 🍺🍺
Then it was dinner of double plate pizza and off to bed.
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Day 53 - Walking - Viterbo to Vetralla - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny 20deg - 18.39kms - Elevation Diff 199m DAYS TO ROME:- 5 😱
After a wonderful sleep in our little apartment in town, we enjoyed a cuppa and made some takeaway breakfast from the goods provided 🤗🤗
With that done we set about finding our way out of town. I have to say if we did not have the app and Google maps loaded with the tracks it would have been an interesting time getting out. It is not well marked at all, so we just followed the phone 🚶♀️🚶♂️
As we left town through the arched gate we made our way through a small forest onto the Via Cava.
OMG what a road. It is carved out of the rock with about 15m walls and was absolutely stunning to walk through. A little research showed it was made by the Etruscan's way back when which leads us to wonder how 🤔🤔😳😳 We followed it for about 5kms and enjoyed every second.
After turning off we made the most of a rock pile for breakfast where we met more pilgrims who were passing on by. A couple had read that we were headed for dog alley, where there are sheep dogs and a lot of self walkers 🐶🐶
So with strength in numbers we set off as a group and made our way forward. We did see a couple of sheep in the fields, and many other self walkers along a couple of tracks. For the most part they were not a problem and with that behind us we took a break while the others moved on🚶♂️🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♀️
As we continued on we made our way up and down through olive groves where they were havesting the olives, fields and other crops. It was not long before we saw Vetralla and upon entering town we had a beer and a bite to eat at the only place open. We were soon joined by other pilgrims who had the same idea and obviously Google maps 😂🤣
After that we found our apartment only to be told it had a water problem and so we couldn't stay 😱😱🤯🙄 However they had arranged another apartment which was bigger with the same facilities 🤔🤔
We agreed and were taken there, and as it happens it is beautiful, has a washing machine and everything else. So with all tasks done we did some shopping for eating in and a bottle of wine to celebrate only 4 days left to Roma, and as an added bonus Jill is still soaking in the bath/spa 🤗🤗
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
After a wonderful sleep in our little apartment in town, we enjoyed a cuppa and made some takeaway breakfast from the goods provided 🤗🤗
With that done we set about finding our way out of town. I have to say if we did not have the app and Google maps loaded with the tracks it would have been an interesting time getting out. It is not well marked at all, so we just followed the phone 🚶♀️🚶♂️
As we left town through the arched gate we made our way through a small forest onto the Via Cava.
OMG what a road. It is carved out of the rock with about 15m walls and was absolutely stunning to walk through. A little research showed it was made by the Etruscan's way back when which leads us to wonder how 🤔🤔😳😳 We followed it for about 5kms and enjoyed every second.
After turning off we made the most of a rock pile for breakfast where we met more pilgrims who were passing on by. A couple had read that we were headed for dog alley, where there are sheep dogs and a lot of self walkers 🐶🐶
So with strength in numbers we set off as a group and made our way forward. We did see a couple of sheep in the fields, and many other self walkers along a couple of tracks. For the most part they were not a problem and with that behind us we took a break while the others moved on🚶♂️🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♀️
As we continued on we made our way up and down through olive groves where they were havesting the olives, fields and other crops. It was not long before we saw Vetralla and upon entering town we had a beer and a bite to eat at the only place open. We were soon joined by other pilgrims who had the same idea and obviously Google maps 😂🤣
After that we found our apartment only to be told it had a water problem and so we couldn't stay 😱😱🤯🙄 However they had arranged another apartment which was bigger with the same facilities 🤔🤔
We agreed and were taken there, and as it happens it is beautiful, has a washing machine and everything else. So with all tasks done we did some shopping for eating in and a bottle of wine to celebrate only 4 days left to Roma, and as an added bonus Jill is still soaking in the bath/spa 🤗🤗
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Day 54 - Walking - Vetralla to Sutri - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny 23deg - 24.83kms - Elevation Diff 306m DAYS TO ROME:- 4 😱😱😱😱
Wow how lucky have we been with the weather. Mid 20's, very little rain and today was the same 🌄🌄
As it was 24kms today we got up early at 6.30am, enjoyed a cuppa and simple breakfast in our excellent apartment, packed with clean clothes (washing machine yes the simple pleasures) and got moving 🏃♂️🏃♀️
It was an easy walk out of town then uphill through the outskirts. It wasn't long before we found ourselves walking through a forest of hazelnut and chestnut trees. It was in the forest that we met an Italian family who are walking as well, and they were gathering chestnuts. They explained what to do with them and gave us some they had cooked yesterday 🥜🥜
After that break we continued on through the forests and back roads until the town of Capranica where we rested and snacked. The town itself appeared charming as we walked through and then made our way down to the park below.
In the park we met our tour of Oz and US pilgrims again and ended up walking with them to Sutri. The rest of the walk was along a river through the bush, which was very relaxing and beautiful 🚶🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♀️
The walk into Sutri was uphill of course, and after a quick explore of the surprisingly small town we found our apartment. An hour later with our Pilgrim tasks done we went for another explore and dinner 🍔🍔
We found an amazing restaurant and I had the best pulled pork burger, herbed fries and cocktail. Well fed, we went back to the apartment and headed for bed knowing it was only 3 days to Roma 🚶♂️🚶
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Wow how lucky have we been with the weather. Mid 20's, very little rain and today was the same 🌄🌄
As it was 24kms today we got up early at 6.30am, enjoyed a cuppa and simple breakfast in our excellent apartment, packed with clean clothes (washing machine yes the simple pleasures) and got moving 🏃♂️🏃♀️
It was an easy walk out of town then uphill through the outskirts. It wasn't long before we found ourselves walking through a forest of hazelnut and chestnut trees. It was in the forest that we met an Italian family who are walking as well, and they were gathering chestnuts. They explained what to do with them and gave us some they had cooked yesterday 🥜🥜
After that break we continued on through the forests and back roads until the town of Capranica where we rested and snacked. The town itself appeared charming as we walked through and then made our way down to the park below.
In the park we met our tour of Oz and US pilgrims again and ended up walking with them to Sutri. The rest of the walk was along a river through the bush, which was very relaxing and beautiful 🚶🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♀️
The walk into Sutri was uphill of course, and after a quick explore of the surprisingly small town we found our apartment. An hour later with our Pilgrim tasks done we went for another explore and dinner 🍔🍔
We found an amazing restaurant and I had the best pulled pork burger, herbed fries and cocktail. Well fed, we went back to the apartment and headed for bed knowing it was only 3 days to Roma 🚶♂️🚶
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Day 55 - Walking - Sutri to Campagnano - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny 20deg - 25.63kms - Elevation Diff 260m DAYS TO ROME:- 3 🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♀️
Today we woke to a very foggy morning. One of only a few we have had throughout this journey. As we looked out the window over the city try to figure out what to wear all we could see was mist 😳😳
So being the intrepid pilgrims we grabbed a quick cuppa and first breakfast, and headed down the hill and out of town. As we headed out we met our first 4 pilgrims of the day headed our way 🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♀️🚶♀️
We made our way past the natural ampitheatre and 3 pilgrims turned left and one right. Confused we looked at the app and realized left was the variation which is safer but 3.5kms longer, and right was shorter. So with about 1second of thought we went right 😂😂
This led to some road work and light traffic, then we turned onto back tracks through hazelnut fields. As it was quite misty the whole morning was quite surreal. After about 8kms we sat and had second breakfast only to see our Pilgrim friends pass on by 🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♀️
Continuing on we walked more stone roads and came to the town of Monterosi. After third breakfast we made our way out of town with our Pilgrim meeting count reaching 20+ 🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️
One highlight for the day was a visit to the waterfalls then towards the end, a walk through a mature forest. Just when we were getting over the day we exited the forest to be met with an amazing dramatic view of a town on a cliff ⛰️⛰️⛰️
This meant only one thing, yes you guessed it a steep walk up, just what we wanted after 25kms. So we mustered the energy climbed it had a beer (S), pizza and are now tucked into our apartment 😴😴
Yes folks after 1200+kms, only 2 more days to Roma... 🏃♀️🏃♂️
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Today we woke to a very foggy morning. One of only a few we have had throughout this journey. As we looked out the window over the city try to figure out what to wear all we could see was mist 😳😳
So being the intrepid pilgrims we grabbed a quick cuppa and first breakfast, and headed down the hill and out of town. As we headed out we met our first 4 pilgrims of the day headed our way 🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♀️🚶♀️
We made our way past the natural ampitheatre and 3 pilgrims turned left and one right. Confused we looked at the app and realized left was the variation which is safer but 3.5kms longer, and right was shorter. So with about 1second of thought we went right 😂😂
This led to some road work and light traffic, then we turned onto back tracks through hazelnut fields. As it was quite misty the whole morning was quite surreal. After about 8kms we sat and had second breakfast only to see our Pilgrim friends pass on by 🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♀️
Continuing on we walked more stone roads and came to the town of Monterosi. After third breakfast we made our way out of town with our Pilgrim meeting count reaching 20+ 🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️
One highlight for the day was a visit to the waterfalls then towards the end, a walk through a mature forest. Just when we were getting over the day we exited the forest to be met with an amazing dramatic view of a town on a cliff ⛰️⛰️⛰️
This meant only one thing, yes you guessed it a steep walk up, just what we wanted after 25kms. So we mustered the energy climbed it had a beer (S), pizza and are now tucked into our apartment 😴😴
Yes folks after 1200+kms, only 2 more days to Roma... 🏃♀️🏃♂️
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Day 56 - Walking - Campagnano to La Storta - Via Francigena Camino
Overcast 20deg then rained - 23.59kms - Elevation Diff 411m DAYS TO ROME:- 2 🚶♀️🚶♂️
They said it was going to rain in the afternoon today, so we planned to leave early and be in our apartment before the sky's opened.
So up early it was, and out the door to be greated by an amazing sunrise with mist troughout the mountains. After taking some time to admire nature's beauty and light show, we set off through town 🏚️🏚️
Campagnano is not a big walled city but it does have a certain charm which we enjoyed both last night and now walking down main street. Once out the gate we made our way uphill into the out skirts of town, only to find more amazing views of the Misty mountains ⛰️⛰️
It really was a magical morning as we made our way down the hills into misy valley through some old mature forest. This mornings walk was full of wonderful moments where the sun, forest and mist all came together to produce something magical and we enjoyed every moment 😍😍
As the sun burnt the mist away a cloud cover started to form and we were reminded of the impending rain. After about 10kms we reached Formello and a second breakfast. As we munch away we were passed by the same 20+ pilgrims we have been meeting all week and it was not long before we followed them🏃♂️🏃♀️🏃♂️🏃♀️🏃♂️🏃♀️
The second half of the day saw us walking through more forest areas, fields and took the variation short cut through another forest area. Now here I have to say that track sucked and our good pace for the day fell away dramaticly😩😩
Around 30mins out of LA Storta we came across another beautiful waterfall area and would have rested there except it started to rain then pour. So with wet weather gear on we made our way to the first pizza shop in town, stripped off, then ordered food and beer to the rain stopped ☔☔
When it finished we made our way to our apartment for some well earned rest and to plan our assault on Roma.
Yes folks we are in Roma tomorrow!!! 😎😎
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
They said it was going to rain in the afternoon today, so we planned to leave early and be in our apartment before the sky's opened.
So up early it was, and out the door to be greated by an amazing sunrise with mist troughout the mountains. After taking some time to admire nature's beauty and light show, we set off through town 🏚️🏚️
Campagnano is not a big walled city but it does have a certain charm which we enjoyed both last night and now walking down main street. Once out the gate we made our way uphill into the out skirts of town, only to find more amazing views of the Misty mountains ⛰️⛰️
It really was a magical morning as we made our way down the hills into misy valley through some old mature forest. This mornings walk was full of wonderful moments where the sun, forest and mist all came together to produce something magical and we enjoyed every moment 😍😍
As the sun burnt the mist away a cloud cover started to form and we were reminded of the impending rain. After about 10kms we reached Formello and a second breakfast. As we munch away we were passed by the same 20+ pilgrims we have been meeting all week and it was not long before we followed them🏃♂️🏃♀️🏃♂️🏃♀️🏃♂️🏃♀️
The second half of the day saw us walking through more forest areas, fields and took the variation short cut through another forest area. Now here I have to say that track sucked and our good pace for the day fell away dramaticly😩😩
Around 30mins out of LA Storta we came across another beautiful waterfall area and would have rested there except it started to rain then pour. So with wet weather gear on we made our way to the first pizza shop in town, stripped off, then ordered food and beer to the rain stopped ☔☔
When it finished we made our way to our apartment for some well earned rest and to plan our assault on Roma.
Yes folks we are in Roma tomorrow!!! 😎😎
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗
Day 57 - Walking - La Storta to Roma - Via Francigena Camino
Sunny 22deg - 20.73kms - Elevation Diff 203m DAYS TO ROME:- 1🚶♀️🚶♂️🏰
We woke ready to make our assault on Roma. It has been 1300+kms to this point so another 20kms will be a easy. 🤔🤔
That is until I was packing and felt a rumbling in my stomach. The next thing I was in the loo exploding at both ends 😱😱
With nothing else to do we decided to go ahead but first catch a bus down Via Cassia to the first park... About 6kms. Then it was into the park and a walk through an Italian reserve. At the end it was a steep uphill and at the top I threw up etc, which basicly set the routine for the day. Walk hill, throw up, and other things 😩😩😩
Anyway we pushed on, through the Suburbs of Roma, then into the second park where we had our first views of Roma city 🏰🏰 It was about this time I ran out of energy and so breaks were every 20mins. 😨😨
However we wanted to walk into Roma so we gathered ourselves found the river and enjoyed our entrance to this enchanting city. After an hour or so we climbed up from the river bank and made our grand entrance into St Peter's Square. 🏰🏰
We were DONE and I had nothing left 😱 While we rested and recuperated we saw some of our pilgrims finish as well. 🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♀️🚶♂️
Thank you all for following and watching the videos its a true pleasure to share this journey 🤗🤗❤️❤️🙏🙏
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Ps. We had a technical issue for the map, we actually went to the river alot earlier, and the video pauses for a few seconds but moves on 🤗
We woke ready to make our assault on Roma. It has been 1300+kms to this point so another 20kms will be a easy. 🤔🤔
That is until I was packing and felt a rumbling in my stomach. The next thing I was in the loo exploding at both ends 😱😱
With nothing else to do we decided to go ahead but first catch a bus down Via Cassia to the first park... About 6kms. Then it was into the park and a walk through an Italian reserve. At the end it was a steep uphill and at the top I threw up etc, which basicly set the routine for the day. Walk hill, throw up, and other things 😩😩😩
Anyway we pushed on, through the Suburbs of Roma, then into the second park where we had our first views of Roma city 🏰🏰 It was about this time I ran out of energy and so breaks were every 20mins. 😨😨
However we wanted to walk into Roma so we gathered ourselves found the river and enjoyed our entrance to this enchanting city. After an hour or so we climbed up from the river bank and made our grand entrance into St Peter's Square. 🏰🏰
We were DONE and I had nothing left 😱 While we rested and recuperated we saw some of our pilgrims finish as well. 🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♀️🚶♂️
Thank you all for following and watching the videos its a true pleasure to share this journey 🤗🤗❤️❤️🙏🙏
Just liven what's given...
Enjoy the sights of the trip in the video 🤗🤗
Ps. We had a technical issue for the map, we actually went to the river alot earlier, and the video pauses for a few seconds but moves on 🤗