Today was halfway along the walk. I am a bit sad about this …. but moving on.
And the walk into Assisi has special significance being the spiritual home of St Thomas, reinforced along the way with good dual language information that highlights the impact this great man had on the world around him.
For me, Assisi and La Verna spiritually and dramatically are the highlights of the walk so far.
The walk today was great. The early morning view got things off to a good start but then the sunrise and low clouds/fog took us to another level. Amazing photos; none of these shots have been edited. I will let you be the judge.
Wakeup, open the window, look like a great day
Biscina Castle – Taken with my Nikon on the way to breakfast
And another from the iPhone – Clever those Apple people
And the last one – amazing – what a start to the day – Nikon also
So 12 days and 281km’s through the heart of Italy; Tuscany & Umbria. What special places I have been through, many far off the regular tourist routes and so much better for it.
Before I move onto today I must say the food at Agriturism Tenuta di Biscina where I stayed at Biscina was excellent. Lucia told me all the food for the pasta bolognaise was grown on the property. Perhaps I was hungry but I loved it.
Farm grown. proudly served
This pasta was just amazing – made from farm ingredients – why can’t I cook pasta like this?
By now there is a bit of a walking fraternity forming; you meet people along the way, sometimes stay in the same place and sometimes share breaks. A little bit more Italian language for me would not go astray. I met Erik yesterday who is leading a preliminary trip for the Danish Ramblers. Nice guy and great job! Elizabetha has picked up a cold; hope you make Assisi!
Walk to Valfabbrica
This morning I headed off just after 8am with everything shrouded in fog. The first stage was a shortish 16km to Valfabbrica where I planned to have morning tea. The walk turned out to be brilliant, some challenging stuff in the forest, but the walk down from above the clouds, through the clouds into fog only to have it clear by 1030 was sublime. Along the way, we saw 2 deer, some spiders, a few hungry cows and the prospect of some truffles.
The walk from Biscina Castle down try the clouds was spectacular
Love the cows against the backdrop of the clouds in the valley below
I went through a section of about 50m where there must have been 100 complex spiders nests.
And this ones for Amanda … (I write this having just had black summer truffles on bruschetta with a great Sangantino to wash it down and my back truffle pasta has just arrived; they smell fabulous, I am told no truffle oil, no truffle paste and this keeps it really light but more on this tomorrow)
Stay out and don’t steal the truffles
Valfabbrica had market day on as I passed through but I really was only interested in having a rest, a cappuccino and skyping Amanda. I found this great patisserie and bought a pastry, a prosciutto panini and a Cappuccino for Euro 3.70 all with a smile. Honey, what was this Sardinia thing?
My one regret from Valfabbrica was not getting a pork roll .. straight from the farm
One of my Camino comrades strongly recommended them – should have…
Walk to Assisi
I left Valfabbrica on a bit of a high – only 14km’s to reach Assisi. Everything I have read indicates it is an amazing place and the last few km of the walk spectacular. The walk looks easy … but with the 2 stages it will be 29km but he time I get there and as you can see from the terrain maps .. lots of steep climbs and declines.
Walk into Assisi
I now fell better not eating the roll … no not really
The walk was a big magical, not up to the level of la Verna, but these 3 shots, give some indication of the journey. The second one I shot inspired by my friend Graham Jones an artist, with the view to creating a strong B&W image with all the detail and contrast of the light and the leaves.
On the way to Assisi throughs the forests
Loved the light
And was thinking if this – form is lost in contrast and shapes
The first view of Assisi – still 6km to go
A little church at the entrance to Assisi
And the beautiful fresco inside
View of St Francis’ Basilica. He is buried here with his 4 best mates
I am going to leave commentary on Assisi till tomorrow as I will have the day to explore (after the washing . But two farewell shots for today…
My local square feels all about restaurants
This, my hotel was an amazingly welcoming sight and it has fantastic views over the valley.
Shoes off, shower, cold beer time.
And Tomorrows Walk
None, Non, Nein, Niet, Nahi.
My first rest day tomorrow was too late in the journey, but I have made it.
Walking 30km’s per day on these challenging pathways is perhaps a little too much for my ageing feet.
Whoopee. A rest day. Its also laundry day. Oh the perils of post Abu Dhabi life.
And Don’t Forget The Good Cause
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.
I have passed my $3,000 target – but lets do more – no amount is too small.
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 subscribe for updates at the bottom.
Ciao till tomorrow.
Amazing pics mate! Enjoy.