Tag trekking

The Via Francigena Shines and Challenges

Reg Spittle Leave a comment

Tuscany on the Via Francigena has made us work for moments like these.

This morning, I shot a view from our apartment window in the spectacular mountaintop village of Radicofani.

A trailside picnic was a treat for our eyes and taste buds.

We have shared good times with fellow trekkers, including Luca (on my left) and Lorenzo. Luca, a uni student from northern Italy, has been our friend for several days, but must go home tomorrow.

The weather has been bright and pleasantly warm. We have walked 131 miles in 11 days; nine days until we reach Rome.

The Tale of Two Tuscan Cities

Reg Spittle 2 Comments
Our view of our destination from the Via Francigena.
The tower city in our rear-view mirror.

We left behind San Gimignano—the tower city—and followed the Via Francigena to Monteriggioni—the walled city.

It was a day of ups and downs, showing off gorgeous Tuscan views from a sometimes rugged trail along with many miles of arduous and even dangerous road walking.

At one water crossing, longer and trickier than the one in the photo above, a young guy yelled out as I started, “Need some help?” Thanks to practice on the John Muir Trail, I handled the crossing on my own with no problem. I am fighting taking offense, though, when a whippersnapper assumes that my age makes me feeble.

By the end of nearly nine hours, we covered nearly 19 miles and 2,400 feet of ascent, including a final push up an achilles-testing climb to the imposing walled city.

In one day, our feet covered two of the most beautiful places in all of Italy.