17th July 2017

17th July 2017

Bolsena to Montefiascone - 17kms

Refreshed from an air-condition sleep and a very hearty breakfast we set off today much later than usual at 8:15am! We knew that today was a fairly short trek and the weather forecast was predicting a maximum temperature of 31C and a strong breeze. And so it turned out.

After the first 3 kms on the SS2 road we turned left into the countryside, climbing steadily. Two kms later we were in the Parco di Turona, walking mostly in the shade through very tranquil and beautiful woods, with the sound of the river Turona following us part of the way.

We did not meet any other pilgrims on the way until we got to Montefiascone, where we met Robin and Jill, our American friends, who were having lunch with Oliver, a Swiss pilgrim. After lunch we set off again to find our accommodation for the night some three kms further along the route. 

One of the highlights today was walking along a long stretch of the old Roman road, the Strada Basolata. It is incredible to think that we were following the footprints of other travellers who passed this way hundreds of years ago. A sobering thought. This evening we are staying at Domus Pellegrini, a relatively new Pilgrim accommodation. Our Italian friend Paola is also here. We have enjoyed a nice meal together with our hosts, Inmaculada and Franco. 

Today also we saw the first sign showing that Rome is only 100kms away.

Rome, here we come!