29 June 2017

28th June 2017

Passing Della Cissa - Pontremoli - 22kms

Last night we enjoyed a meal in the Ostello Della Cisa and were joined by Giuseppe and Elisa and a new friends Armando, who us travelling by bicycle. It was Giuseppe's 26th birthday so much wine flowed and we all had a great time. Our thanks to Giuseppe and Elisa for donating a very generous sum to our NDCS appeal.

During the night there were big thunderstorms. Our guidebook suggested crossing the Cisa Pass on the road if the weather was bad as the mountain paths can be quite treacherous in wet weather. Shortly after crossing the Pass the weather closed in with thick fog. Visibility was down to about 30m and the road was getting quite dangerous. We had no option but to continue on the overhead route. This was really tough with very difficult conditions underfoot. Four hours later the weather cleared and we went back onto a minor road all the way to Pontremoli where we are spending the night in a Cappuccine Convent.

It has been raining non-stop since we arrived so we have postponed my birthday celebrations to another day! My thanks to the very many who have sent me greetings. Thank you for your generosity of spirit. A nice birthday gift would be a donation to our chosen charity NDCS. Already received today €100 fromAchim and Oda! Keep them coming!