21st July 2017

21st July 2017

Monterosi to La Storta - 36kms

Today we broke our record again for the longest trek and in addition we are now within striking distance of Rome which we hope to reach tomorrow.

We started off from Monterosi At 5:10am and followed the old route which shadows the Via Cassia for most of the way to Campagnano. The route appeared closed in one or two sections so we had to be rather inventive in dashing in and out of the highway. Lots of steep ascents and descents but mostly in the shade.

After Campagnano we carried on to the Santuario Della Madonna Del Sorbo, perched on top of a hill and then up and down the mountainside, climbing towards the town of Formello, where we stopped for a snack. There we met three young Italian girls who were making their way to Rome from Acquapendente. In order to receive your Testimonium in Rome you have to have walked at least from Acquapendente.

The afternoon was more of a challenge duue to the heat and the incessant climbs and descents. At one point we went past an aero club (model aeroplanes) but otherwise it was all cross country with great views of the surrounding countryside. The heat was becoming almost unbearable when we finally reached La Storta, almost 12 hours after starting off.

We still cannot believe that our very long journey of over 2000 kms, which started on the 16th of April in Canterbury, is coming to an end. Tomorrow we hope to arrive in Rome. Wish us luck!