Date: Thursday 20 September
Distance covered to Rome: 1046.9km
Terrain: busy roads, forest paths, busy streets
Overnight: Barbineri Luxury Rooms (a very generous description), €72
Feeling: happy and amazed!
When I woke up this morning I could hear the swish of car tyres on the roadway which indicated one thing and one thing only. Rain! It was a bit disappointing, but we weren’t going to let it stop us striding into Rome and doing a happy dance in St Peter’s Square.
Before that we still had a few kilometres to cover and all of them in the drizzle. It was that annoying sort of rain – enough to wet you, but not enough to make you put a rain jacket on. In those situations you are often wetter and hotter in the rain coat than in the rain.
I tried to be an optimist and wish the rain away and eventually, with 5km to go, it worked. We managed to get some hazy photos from Monte Moro and then the real thing in the Square itself.
To be honest I am feeling a bit numb at the moment. I can’t believe I am here and I did it! There were days when I really thought I had bitten off more than I could chew, but I guess you just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other until you reach your goal. How’s that for some mixed metaphors??
Thanks for all your comments, likes and support. It was truly appreciated!
Tip of the day: it is always beer o’clock somewhere in the World!
Hmmmm, now where to next????
(Sorry for the delay in posting. More internet issues!)
Life...one big adventure 
Yay what an achievement
Enjoy the moment then start planning!!!!
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Funny you should mention that! I am sitting at Rome airport and my thoughts are already plotting the next adventure. Perhaps on the bicycle next time! All the best, Mel
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Congratulations Mel, what a superb journey you have taken. Rest up and enjoy, Anne-Marie
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Thanks so much. And thanks for all the cheering from the sidelines. It is much appreciated! Take care, Mel
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What an awesome achievement – congratulations! You look so fit and well, although I’m sure you might be a wee bit tired after such an epic journey. I’d have fallen at the first hurdle – literally, I’m sure
Sooooo….. have you put “Epic Bike Rides of the World” on your Christmas list?? 😀
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Yes, I think the last 1046km are catching up with me. Perhaps the long sit on the plane won’t be so bad after all! And if that book is a Lonely Planet publication, I already have it!! 🙂
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Bless you my children! What an amazing pilgrimage. Very impressed with your Mel – quite the tough gal from Mudgee. Equally impressed with Al for his strategic last week walk and getting in the final photos!
Wonderful love surprise to do what you did! Well done to you both! X travel safely home x
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Maybe Alan has been taking lessons from you?? I seem to remember you pulling a few stunts like this over the years!! Thanks for being a founding member of the cheer squad! Melx
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Great achievement Mel. Congratulations.
Have a safe trip home.
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Thanks David. Will have time to follow you guys now! X
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Fabulous, Mel! Well done to you 🙂 🙂 Feet up for a little while, maybe?
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Maybe!!! 😉
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Yayyyyyyyy. Come on home girl. You have conquered in amazing style. I take my hat off to you Mel. See you soon! Xxxx
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Thanks girlfriend! Couldn’t have done it without my cheeks squad! Xx
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Congratulations Mel!! What an amazing achievement. Enjoy this moment and do lots of happy dances!! Must feel strange not to put the boots on and set of again the next morning. So glad Alan there to share this time with you…it definitely needs witness. Have a safe flight home and look forward to speaking soon. Xx PS we will miss our morning ritual of reading this blog over brekky!
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Thanks so much Kerry. Perhaps I need to keep traveling just so you guys have something to read in the mornings??? I am more than happy to make that sacrifice!!! 🙂 love to you both. X
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Mel, you’re a star. Congratulations on your epic journey hon! I read every one of your posts and thoroughly enjoyed every single step. Thanks so much. x Grace
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Time for your very own epic journey Grace the Pilgrim! Where are you off to next?? Melx
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You are amazing Mel ….. and just a little bit crazy!!! 🙂 Congratulations. See you at home xx
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I am very lucky to have amazing girlfriends! Xx
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Huge Congratulations Mel. My husband and I have enjoyed your savey wit and descriptive prose of your marvelous journey through Italy. We’ve enjoyed every step along your Way and thank you for your dedication to the blog.
Cheers
Michelle and Michael.
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That was my pleasure although I am the first to admit that some days were more pleasurable than others! Thanks for following, liking and commenting. I love the friendships we have created across the World. Mel
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Many thanks for the link. Mel
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Yeah girl! Congratulations! What an achievement! I really enjoyed following your journey and look forward to your next adventure! It’s been a great read! I hope you’re doing your share of celebrating in Rome! You earned it! Cheers!
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You go Mel!! What an adventure … you are a super brave woman who conquered mountains (up and down), angry dogs and hungry evenings … but yet, you’ve always had a super light heart in describing your days!
I’ve loved this hiking journey – thanks for sharing 💌.
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It has been my pleasure and I commend you on your marathon reading session! That is either serious dedication to travel blogging or a serious case of wanderlust! Happy trails.
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Maybe a bit of both … we are now suddenly looking at new hiking trails here in South Africa 😄.
Thank you, I’e really enjoyed reading about your hiking trip!
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This may be the ‘adventure-at-home’ decade me thinks…
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