25 km — 26oC sunny with breezes — We saw 4 new pilgrims today, on their way to Rome.
(By Laurel)
Elevation ascent: over 1,400 meters in total
Elevation descent: 900 meters in total
Our guide book says that today’s route is one of the hardest stages on the entire pilgrimage! Even compared to going up the Alps! This is due to the amount of total ascents and descents in the Apennine Mountains, plus the dearth of places to get food along the way. Some of the mountainside paths are strewn with loose rocks, so one had to pay close attention to footing. It was definitely a challenge, but we made it! We had set out at 5:30 a.m. and arrived at 2:00 p.m. Knowing that it would be a tough stage, we had booked ahead for the hostel in Cassio, rather than ten kms further at Berceto (the end of stage listed in the guide book) and we had packed ample food with us. We’re certainly glad we took these strategies, as we were spent when we reached Cassio.
The scenery was great!
Today’s elevations chart
Top photo: filling up our water bottles at a community fountain
Bottom photo: a rest spot thoughtfully set up by a homeowner
Top photo: one of today’s shady paths
Bottom photo: “fording” a dry riverbed
Laurel and Jim, your photos are so beautiful, they make my feet itch. Well done today, and thanks for keeping your blog up so faithfully! At stage 38, you can't be much more than a week or so from Lucca? Enjoy every step and every minute. Buon cammino!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lea! Yes, we’re getting there bit by bit! The Apennines have been beautiful but quite exhausting, so we’re slightly behind with our blog at the moment, lol. We’ll catch up on it as soon as we catch our breath!
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