17km — 24oC and cloudy/sunny — We met 27 more pilgrims on their way to Rome.
(By Jim)
Laurel and I are early risers; we like to start walking as soon as possible to avoid the hottest sun of the day. Monasterio San Pietro starts its day at 6:00, so when the bell rang to signal breakfast and the unlocking of the monastery door, we were packed and ready to go. To our surprise, we were not the first. Our Hungarian neighbour was nowhere to be seen. Since we had already lost bragging rights for the day, we stopped by the dining room for some coffee and croissants.
When we hit the road at 6:15, it was 18oC and cloudy—perfect weather for walking. As the day warmed and the clouds disappeared, the trail obliged us with enough shade to keep the walk pleasant. With Lake Bolsena on our left and wooded hills on our right, we walked until the two converged into the beautiful town of Bolsena.
Our accommodation was a convent located right on the main piazza and run by the Sisters of the Most Holy Sacrament. We were checked-in by a cheerful nun at the same time as a couple from the Faroe Islands. After showers and a short siesta we explored Bolsena’s old town, the fortifications, and water-front before enjoying a glass of local wine with an antipasto salumi platter.
There were only five of us in the dormitory and we were all in bed by 9:00 pm and at least two of us were snoring by 9:15.
Shade, hills and lake views
Laurel loved the poppies
Suore del Santissimo Sacramento Convent
Stunning! Oh my God Laurel I would have laid right down in the poppies. How Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLol! Yes, I thought of you right away when we came upon that pretty field!
DeleteThanks for keeping notes about how many pilgrims you are meeting—very helpful. What resources are you using to help you find accommodations?
ReplyDeleteWe are using the Via Francigena app, Sandy Brown’s Guide, Monestary Stays website, and recommendations from pilgrims we meet in hostels or along the way.
DeleteP.S. We’ve also used Booking.com and Airbnb when hostels aren’t available, or when we’d prefer a non-hostel type place. It’s been easy so far to find accommodation (we’re booking just one day ahead). We’ve often used What’s App to communicate with the places, and that works well (thanks to Lea for the advice on using What’s App!).
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