Via Francigena Oct / Nov 2017. Day 27: San Miniato to Gambassi Terme.

I don’t know how to adequately describe today. We have now arrived in picture postcard Tuscany. Good thing there were no flies about as I would have finished up with a belly full.

The early views from the convent and town are very promising. 24 kms through the hills of Tuscany. However once we drop down from the town we then spend the next 2 and a quarter hours walking ridge roads with the ‘splendid panorama’ totally engulfed in clouds.

Pellegrini numbers have doubled today – 8 people.

On the good side, with good tracks you cover ground quickly when there is no need to stop and check out scenery and take pics.

But then…

What common images of Tuscany are used to appeal to travellers?

Rolling hills with patchwork fields of green or turned soil?

Hilltop towns, farmhouses and ruins ?

Picnic lunch of bread, salame, cheese and mandarins under old gnarly olive trees?

Golden and crimson autumn vines?

Lines of pencil pines?

The pictures are not likely to fully relay how amazing the scenery was today. By the time i go through them again at home i will hopefully have forgotten how tiring and painful the last couple of uphill kms seemed. The last few kms are along the road; thankfully with a barrier to keep us separated from the frequent fast cars and the trucks.

But made it to the B&B with fabulous shower and very comfy bed (shame about the steps to get inside). There have been a few crappy beds over the weeks but this is fantastic.

Lasagna, tagliatelle with funghi, and fried artichokes for dinner.

Tomorrow to San Gimignano! Only 13.5 kms away. We can see it from the balcony.

Arrivederci.