I was looking forward to the walk today; although after almost 3 weeks I still feel a little intimidated by a 22km walk that climbs 1000m and declines 800m over 20+ km’s and takes 8 hours.

But today was special, the walk is to Poggio Bostone via Faggio San Francesco where St Francis was inspired by an old Birch tree. The tree is still there, over 800 years later so I was keen to see what it looked like.

I am writing this tonight on the balcony of a Villa Tizza Poggio Bustone; glorious views only impacted by the old man typing this as his weary legs create constant groans.

Last night I stayed at Hotel Miralago – beautiful position on the lake but the place is shutting down and their restaurant is closed. I am sent to a local restaurant which was ok. I ended up talking to Marie (a retired American lady interior designer) who is staying here for a few months on a daily budget of EUR50. She is here to see the ‘pyramids’. Yep; that’s what I thought and she then pointed out a number of the mountains nearby that are geometrically pretty uniform to a pyramid shape.

So if you are interested click here.

And later in the day I saw this mountain – go figure.

Walk to Poggio Bustone

I woke at just before 7 and ventured onto the balcony; it was cold, foggy, ducks quacking…… I was so chilled today just enjoying the diversity. I left around 9 for the walk of about 8 hours

It was an eerie start to the walk in the fog. Along the shoreline was the headquarters of Italian Rowing and I was heading that way; I stopped in and sent Maddie a few photos (she is training as Cox with the South Australian squad). We skype, as the fog began to clear is was so tranquil and beautiful.

 

 

Armed with all the Italian rowing secrets I head for the hills. The sun rising and starting to cut through the fog creates some amazing views.

We begin to climb hard, about 275m up to a little village called Labro and what a gem it was. The guide says ‘go straight on or walk through the labyrinth. I do the Labyrinth and needed Google to get me back on track but what a lovely half hour diversion. They have done an amazing job renovating this town.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After I left Labro I came across this great little bar. Labro only has 34 residents (Francesco tells me – good young man) but the bar has atmosphere and vitality. I have a coffee and skype Jack (yes, the tooth fairy did come last night).

I realise I have been cruising a little too much, say buy to “the real Ninja” and start the 8km walk climbing some 600m to Faggio San Francesco.

The walk was remote and beautiful. It was a joy. I felt special. It’s so much better than doing a tour with dozens of people. I dint see one person walking today.

The landscape started to change as I passed 1000m. Open Alpine spaces deep birch forests on the protected sides of the mountain.

 

 

And then I descended into the protected side of the mountain and went looking for ‘the tree’. Suddenly I heard a loud noise in the forest just beside me; it was a great big cow with horns. I realise shortly after than in the spirit of St Francis, the animals roam free here.

The birch tree is amazing; it is huge and still has vibrant growth.

 

I head back up to the chapel built to honour St Francis; saying hi to my friend.

And what a place for lunch. It was perfect. Made even more perfect when my friend brings over a slab of Pecorino and a slice of great ham to share with me.

The walk down was steep for over 5km, tested the feet but we survived. I arrived at Villa Tizza Poggio Bustone just before 4pm – its lovely. Basic by my Abu Dhabi standards … but this is a reset!

And tomorrows Walk

There is none – rest day – but my shoes have had it, the sharp stone surfaces have killed them. Planning to go to Rieti to look for new ones.

And Don’t Forget the Good Cause

Thanks for the new donation today – there is some prospect of $5,000. If you have been reading this and have not contributed then you only have a few days left.

In honour of the great work Black Dog institute are doing in helping many families, corporate organisations and communities create awareness and support to deal with the pressures of life, I am raising money for this important cause.

No amount is too small. Donate here.

https://teamblackdog.everydayhero.com/au/walking-the-st-francis-way

If interested, you can read a daily debrief of my walk and see some pics on my blog: www.youcanlive2.com

You can also subscribe for updates at the bottom.

 

Ciao till tomorrow.