21 kms — 34o C and sunny — We met no new pilgrims today, on their way to Rome.
(By Jim)
The volunteers at Ostello Valpromaro got up early to make us breakfast and wished us well as we headed down the trail at 6:30. The two young American pilgrims were soon lost in the distance ahead and Laurel and I settled in for our final day of walking the VF.
The trail was typical Tuscany: hills, vistas, trees and farms. After our final descent, the path followed canals and then a river all the way into Lucca. We were pensive and when we did talk we mostly asked each other reflective questions like: What was our favourite …stage? …city? …hostel? …meal? …passport stamp? …etc. …or how did the VF compare to the Camino in Spain?
For a while we both commented that we wanted this stage to last as long as possible. Then the sun brought us to our senses as we sweated and gritted our teeth for the last 4 km. When the fortified walls of Lucca came into view we perked up and strode through Porta San Donato like conquering heroes! Okay, that’s what it felt like! We actually collapsed on a marble park bench beside a water tap, just inside the walls, and gave each other a high five. We made it to “here” and “here” was finally the end!
Our VF was unconventional for sure: we began backwards, reversed, and finished in the middle at Lucca. It was also challenging, beautiful, and amazing and, today, as we walked into Lucca for the second time, it has come to its conclusion.
Our VF By the Numbers:
Total walking days: 46
Total distance between Great Saint Bernard Pass and Rome: 1,021 km
Total ascent: 22,657 m (22.7km)
Total descent: 25,152 m (25.2 km)
Number of pilgrims met: 429
Average daily temperature: 33o C
Blisters: 5 (Jim—2; Laurel—3)
Pairs of shoes: 3 (Jim—1; Laurel—2)
Walking poles: 5 (Jim—1; Laurel—4)
Number of photos taken: 4,959
Memories: ♾️
Lucca never looked so good. We found a shady bench to rehydrate and celebrate our journey’s end.
Congratulations and auguri, guys. You did it! Following your blog was such a treat, and such an inspiration. I hope that for the time remaining, you find somewhere cool and beautiful (Como, maybe?) to sit out the heat and reflect on your adventure. We can't wait to see you when you get home.
ReplyDeleteGrazie, Lea! We can hardly believe we did such a trek, but when I look in our credential booklets the proof is there in the stamps, lol! We are taking our time to get back to Rome and doing our best to stay somewhat cool. We’ll try not to bring this European heatwave back with us to Saskatchewan! See you before long.
DeleteCheryl
ReplyDeleteCongratulations 🥳 congratulations 🎉 congratulations 👏 We are having a few days of heat too with thunderstorms, lots of rain and tornado warnings! Enjoy the rest of your trip!🥰
ReplyDeleteThanks Cheryl. We have seen some amazing photos of recent Saskatchewan skies online. It looks like the heat is bringing dramatic weather.
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