1658 kms from Canterbury - 415 kms to Rome
Garmin Record: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/233175772
We were awake early and ready for a new adventure. First a ride around the wall, wonderful experience on a beautiful cool and sunny Sunday morning. At that time of day there are but a few runners and dog walkers so it's quiet and peaceful. By 09:00 the wall was already starting to get busy. But by that time we had been for coffee and were relaxing with a sandwich for breakfast.
The ride from Lucca to Altopascio and thence to San Miniato was mostly on tar,through small villages. There was a stretch for about 700 metres that is a section of the original pilgrim road. Very rocky and difficult to ride but it added authenticity to the experience. we arrived in San Miniato in the mid afternoon and cycled up the hill to to top part of the city where the Cathedral and convent are located. There was a sports festival happening with all of the townspeople either demonstrating or participating. After a quick look around we headed back down to our accommodation in the lower part of the town.
It is interesting, the paramedics and emergency organisation called "Misericordia" keep a room with 6 beds and a shower to be made available to pilgrims only for a small donation.
What amazing support for the Francigena pilgrims. In the evening we went back up to San Miniato Alto for a good supper of pasta and pizza. All in all a great day as an introduction for Keith to the Way. More pictures of the day.
The end is in sight. I hope you manages to raise a significant sum.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear Keith is with you now, I
ReplyDeleteam sure you will enjoy having company
for the last few days. I am really enjoying
reading about your trip, and look forward to your
updates.