19th John be 2017

19th June 2017

Gropello Cairoli to Pavia -19kms

We left today with the very tall bell tower of the village church looming overhead. More rice fields today although the paths were a lot more shaded than in previous days. After the first 5kms there were supposed to be two bars in Villanova D'Ardenghi, one which closes on Mondays and one which closes on Thursdays. Guess what? They were both closed! 

Never mind, later on we knew we would be walking alongside the Ticino river where, according to our guidebook there are two bars along the way. We got slightly lost at one point but were pointed in the right direction by yet another Dutch couple who are carrying a Garmin GPS with detailed maps of our route! 

After a few kms we got to the first bar - closed! After a lot more kms as we went round a bend on the river bank we saw a bar, that appeared open. Almost at the same time we heard much clapping and cheers. It was our friends from Catalunya Juan and Ramon and Carina from Brazil who we had first met in the Cathedral in Rheims! After a few drinks (non-alcoholic!) we were on our way again, this time en masse!

The approach to Pavia provided excellent views. The city boasts a magnificent covered bridge which is a reconstruction of a 13th century one destroyed by bombardment during the Second World War. At this point we separated from our group as they were staying on the outskirts of the town while we had elected for something closer to the centre. 

Tomorrow we have a long 28kms walk to Santa Cristina. Carina is also going there so we will probably meet somewhere along the way. Juan and Ramon are leaving the Camino and will be spending a couple of days in Milan before making their way back home. They will resume their journey to Rome next year!