6th July 2017

6th July 2017

San Miniato Alto to Gambassi Terme - 24kms

After a very restful night in the Convento di San Francesco we set off at 5:30am to try and avoid the midday sun. Although a reasonable distance, today was a very pleasant walk. For the first three kms or so we walked along minor roads. When we reached Calenzano we headed for the bar for a cup of coffee only to find it didn't open until 7:00am! Undeterred we carried on for another 2 kms and then turned into a very shaded path going through woods. This gravel track eventually led us through fields at first and then through vineyards, sunflower fields and olive groves. We had been warned that there were no bars along the way until a couple of kms before Gambassi Terme. We all headed there desperate for some cold drink only to find that it had changed owner and will not open until Saturday, by which time we will be well ahead!

The views of the Tuscan countryside were amazing. We were travelling mostly on a ridge with splendid views on either side. As the sun showed its splendour it became increasingly hot and we were soon in temperatures of up to 35C, which was very uncomfortable. It is amazing that even when we set off in the morning the temperature was already 18C! Throughout the day we interacted with other pilgrims, the nine Italians we have been walking with on and off for some time and which we have named theMagnificent 9, two Americans whom we have seen today for the first time and our old friends Martin, Giuseppe and Elisa. Also with us today was Paulo, also Italian.

Tonight we are all having dinner together in Gambassi Terme in the Ostello Sigerico. This is normally the best part of the day when we can all share our stories! The Hospitalera, Pascale, who is French, welcomed us earlier. She had been expecting us as our friends Peter and Johanna had stayed here a couple of days ago and booked a room for us.

Tomorrow we look forward to a shorter day, some 17kms. We will be staying at a campsite about two kms past the town of San Gimignano, a big tourist spot in this area.