After a two year hiatus, the Baraga’s have finally committed to another Camino. This year we are in George’s homeland of Italy where he is quite the star. With a name like Italo, aka Giorgio, he fits in with all the locals. His native language Italian has come back quite well. Roll your R’s and speak a with your hands. Everyone loves him!
Our first leg was fairly flat, with an assortment of pavement, asphalt and cobblestones. There was a rare 100’ section of dirt which I incorporated only because I needed my feet to hit something that had a slight bit of give. Even if it was for a moment or two.
To my surprise we are not the only Pelegrino’s on the trail. Today I counted no less than 20 others with some variety of packs on their backs. Well, minus the one gal from Australia, who had nothing at all donned on her back. Evidently her hubby was the personal Sherpa. Oh what true love!
The weatherman was wrong again as there was not a single drop of rain on the horizon. The sun was out in full force and my sweat glands were operating perfectly. How can this be? They, whoever they are, predicted an 80% chance of rain today. No complaints here.
Andrew, who moved from England after completing the entire route of the Via Francigena told us, it rains here all the time. Hence the reason everything is so incredibly green. He must be right because there are many canals and boggy areas that are filled to the brim with mucky water. But for now, we are basking in the sunshine and sweating like pigs!
Via Francigena is a lesser known Camino and with that comes less bars, cafes and restaurants. We absolutely need to search them out or look for other pilgrims that are congregating around like lounge lizards. That was my first clue when we came upon a Bar today. Not like the American Bars with cowboys and beer flowing, but with espresso machines, croissants and pastries. Some have alcoholic drinks intermingled but it’s not the norm. After all, we are still in need a walking some miles, and who can drink a beer and walk another half a day? Well, come to think of it, that would be me.
By mid-afternoon, we arrived in Altopascio, a quaint town with mini cars and lots of horns blaring. I’m not sure what happened to the cars in Italy? They are shorter than American cars, much smaller but with mighty and active horns. It seems everyone likes to beep, honk and just drive like crazy people! One of the most logical reasons for these mini cars is that parking spots are prime real estate. You couldn’t maneuver an SUV or Rivian around here. Tiny spaces call for itty bitty vehicles.
Once in town, I was on the hunt for potato chips. My body was craving salt and nothing else would do. I found a Bar, grabbed some chips and water for me and my man. He too was done! Once we inhaled the chips, we moved to gelato. And after that, I was ready for pizza! All food groups were covered: salt, sugar, fat and beer. Well of course, who can have pizza without beer?
With two plus miles to go, we were fueled up, put on our big fat packs and finished up our jaunt to some obscure B&B in the outskirts of town. Definitely need to check the map before I book next time because when you make it to the final stage of the day, no one should have to walk another 2 km. That is just all sorts of wrong!
The place was actually quite nice, super clean with beautifully kept grounds. As soon as we got in the room, I was stripped down and in the shower! George didn’t even have a chance to beat me. So day one is in the books. I didn’t kill my husband but he definitely is rethinking this easy peasy trail. Before we left this morning, he saw a sign overhead for the Torture Museum. It was quite the appropriate signage for an untrained man who hiked his first 16 mile day in over two years! Welcome to the Camino Baby!
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