Date: Friday 7 September
Distance covered to Rome: 760/1027km
Terrain: a bit of everything today including heart-stopping climbs
Overnight: Attilio Camere, $100.50
Feeling: Relieved to have a rest day tomorrow.
There is nothing more disheartening than stepping out of the ostello into the very early morning darkness to be greeted by thunder and lightning. Not the best way to start to the day. On went the pack cover and poncho at the ready. I did get rained on, but it was only for about an hour and it was only light. Yes, you have to look for the upside in these situations.
I walked hard today as I had a lot territory to cover and I hoped to do that before it got really hot. The first 15km was through undulating farm land and I was treated to a spectacular sunrise with the sun coming up directly behind Monteriggioni. Monteriggioni is yet another ionic hilltop town and, believe me, you have to work hard to get there. You cruise along country paths and back roads, and then you turn onto a path that seems almost vertical! That coffee at the top tasted pretty damn good!
From there into Siena it was more country roads and forest paths. I was delighted to see the palest mauve crocus and pink cyclamens growing wild on the forest floor. A splash of colour amongst all the greens and browns.
The path seems to be getting busier as I head south and there were a few other walkers out and about yesterday. As I walked behind one group I couldn’t help but notice that one woman definitely didn’t want to be there. She was moaning continually, dragging her feet and every step was a chore. Why sign up for these things if you aren’t prepared to do the miles? I pity her walking partners having to jolly her along the whole time and to have to slow their own natural walking pace to match hers. It makes it tough for everyone.
Siena looks like an amazing city although it was quite a shock to see so many people and all of them strolling slowing and generally being tourists! I immediately had to adjust my mindset AND my walking pace. Perhaps I will be better at that tomorrow when I am clean and rested!
Tip of the day: supercharge your day with coffee!
(Apologies, I am having email issues again. Can’t access webmail)
Life...one big adventure 
Looking forward to Siena 🙂 🙂
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It is a fascinating city. So historic and culturally rich. I did an organized walking tour today and learned so much. Again, another day here would have been handy, but time to pull the boots on again tomorrow. On the home straight now.,
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Hard to know in advance, isn’t it, and you do have a schedule! Here’s to more lovely sunrises 🙂 🙂
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Yes, there are sure to be more sunrises – well, at least 11 anyway!
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Wow Mel! You are having such a variety of same experiences if you know what I mean!! What a tale you have tell. Full of admiration and loving your posts. The photos and scenery are spectacular. Amazing journey.
All well here. We have finally had a little rain…. not enough and sun back again this morning.
Stay safe and keep enjoying your challenge. Sending love. Xx
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Thanks Kerry. Lovely to hear from you. About to head out for another day and feeling good after a rest day. See you soon! Melx
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Rest well dear friend….. you have earned it – sip the coffee on your day off!
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And the beer! 🙂
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Thanks for the link Mel.
I’m trying to read and gobble up as much as I can.
Thanks for all the info to date. I will be only touching a sample of your walk but I’m happy with that. Siena to Rome starting early March 2020 with another forum friend I’ve walked with before.
Now : back to your blog and planning.
Annie (from near Sydney Australia)
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Happy planning and I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have. It is an amazing experience! Hard in places, but always beautiful. Have a good day, Mel
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That first photo … is that sunrise? Really spectacular!
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See what I mean about sunrises??
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😅
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