Pilgrim’s Blog
Distance: 13.7 km – Elevation +320 m -260 m Weather: Sunny. Temperature: High 31 degrees An early rise this morning and after coffee and with the break of dawn, I joined Barbara and the two brothers as we weaved our way through the narrow streets of San Gimignano to connect with the Via Francigena. Barbara was now carrying a much smaller rucksack and walking in new shoes and seemed much more at ease than during those
Distance: 19.3 km – Elevation +330 m -180 m Weather: Sunny. Temperature: High 32 degrees Our walking group had agreed for an early start and we all met outside the Abbey at 6.00 am. Monteriggioni, our first stop was clearly visible seated on its hilltop. Its surrounding valley was shrouded in an early morning mist as we walked and climbed the 4 kilometres to reach its centre. We stopped for coffee in the only bar open.
Distance: 25.6 km – Elevation +140 m -330 m Weather: Sunny/thunderstorms. Temperature: High 33 degrees It was dark as I left the hotel and walked the short distance to the Piazza di Campo and from there the ancient Via Roma where I met two German pilgrims who I had first met in San Gimignano. They told me it was their last day and they were returning to Germany later and they wished me well for my
Distance: 25.2 km – Elevation +530 m -260 m Weather: Sunny. Temperature: High 33 degrees I was up and ready to go just after 5.00 am and after a quick coffee in the kitchen of the hostel I set out for the day’s walk to San Quirico. My boots were not completely dry from the rain of yesterday but with two pairs of socks, there was no significant discomfort. The morning air was cool as I
Distance: 32.6 km – Elevation +870 m -530 m Weather: Sunny. Temperature: High 30 degrees Today was going to be a tough day, both long in distance and in elevation, so it was another early start. Dawn was just breaking as I left San Quirico and just before I reached Vignoni Alto Castle there was the most beautiful sunrise above the distant horizon which lit up the sky in a glorious mellow orange, it was God’s