We start a bit confused about the distance. The guide says 25.6 km; the information board says almost 29.
No rain today. It is cold but not as cold. We get ourselves all ‘Sara Lee’ (layer upon layer upon layer), and on our way. At least our packs are then a bit lighter.
The walk out of Siena is initially on quiet road. Unlike the entry to the town 2 days ago the route provides views of Siena, and we are quickly into countryside. There is a section through some industrial areas and on a bike path beside the main road, but we soon return to country views. It is about that time that the wind whips up.
We have a long section out on ridge paths. This region is highly cultivated with fields in all directions and little protection from the wind. It is blowing us towards the right so I try to keep pulling myself back towards the left. At times the wind suddenly and briefly drops, and I stumble a couple of steps to the left. We follow the ridge for some time in this staggering drunken manner.
Eventually we drop down from the ridge and follow the last 6 kms or so towards the town, protected from the wind. This is my favourite kind of Tuscan town at the moment – not up on a hill.
I register 25 kms from our B&B that was probably 500 ms or so into today’s section.
As we sit in a sheltered position on the ridge for our lunch stop, two other pellegrini appear – americana and canadese. Their first day on the trail.
Throughout the day the clouds continue to clear behind us. But in front, to the south, it remains dark. We have no sign of the hills we are heading into in the next few days. The second highest point of our walk is two sections ahead. These sections are long and up, so we have broken them into three days.
Our home for the night is right by the river and we are greeted with fresh homemade cake – soooo good. Soon afterwards pellegrini canadese and americana arrive.
Next door we enjoy a really delicious dinner of soup and casserole at a bargain pellegrino rate.
12 days to Roma.
YES!! Well done majority of Australians.
Richo and DC 