18 kms, and a good thing it wasn’t further because it took us quite a bit of time. Some climbing of hills today as we head towards the second highest point of our walk. Apart from a short section on path alongside the main road, it was all on easy roads (paved and dirt) with cars a rarity.
It is still pretty cold. Might have made it to double figures but the wind was again often present and the sun only occasionally appeared. Today we mostly walked out on ridges – the hilltop town of Montalcino and hillside vines to our right; ploughed fields for wheat on the left. We passed wineries, including one offering a ‘pilgrim break’: water, sandwich and a glass of red wine, all for €7. Unfortunately, a glass of red wine and two more hours of walking on windy ridge roads are not compatible for me, so we keep walking.
So DC has the task of carrying the lunch. Advantage for me: I’m not carrying that weight. Disadvantage for me: DC has turned into the lunch monitor. Or perhaps more accurately, the lunch nazi: “No lunch for you…… ” until we have done another half hour; until we have got to the top of the hill; etc. Eventually we eat our picnic lunch, on the top of a hill, with the most outstanding view across the countryside.
Today we took our time because the scenery was extraordinary. And not just the hills, fields, castles, farmhouses, vines, cypress pines, walled village of Buonconvento, hilltop villages …….. but the sky too was amazing.
A bit of time with pellegrini americana and canadese. But today they continue on further.
By the time we arrive at Torrenieri it is only 3.15 but already getting dark and it is cold. We have an apartment for the night and a long day ahead tomorrow with a lot more up, and down.
A very nice dinner at the local osteria.
Stay: Passaggio in Val d’Orcia.
Hoping it warms up a little and the sun comes out again, and the wind drops.
11 days to Roma.
Richo and DC 
Hi Karyn, the days seem to be flying by. Possibly not so for you, you have had some hard days it seems. I think the weather turning cold and stormy was meant to be, to allow an extra day in one place… your bodies must have loved it. Some of the scenery is particularly stunning. I agree though from my travels, the photos never quite do justice to the true vision from the eye. But important additions to your story, so it’s not all a blur in your memory. I like the image of you on the ridge staggering side to side with fluctuations in windage! And eyes on you in the small town. I think you are right about your Pellegrini style, it’s going to set trends now. You are nearly there. I’ll check in in a few days. I have been in Melb over the weekend. It was hot! Back to the grind now. Take care. Xx Alison
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