Another kick butt day on the VF. After our day off, you’d think we’d be all geared up and rearing to go. After all this is a vacation, is it not?We started out with a bang. Followed the route through town, which we had scoped out the day prior. We were fueled from breakfast, caffeine running through our veins, and the weather was unseasonably cool which makes for the ideal walking temperature.

As soon as we were out of town, we met up with a couple of Aussies- Marian and Glen. They were cutting this stage in half due to the extra miles and a wee bit more climbing than they prefer. Hmm, that’s not a terribly bad idea, but too late for that. Team Baraga has already booked for the night, so they marched on.

The road walk quickly turned to rocky gravel and off to the vineyards we went. This stage has been billed as one of the most scenic. We were not disappointed. Before long we were walking through someone’s prestige yard with newly carved steps and manicured pathways. It was clear that they wanted to route the pilgrims away from their backyard!

We dropped down into a gulley with a creek, then climbed back up to the vineyards, rinse and repeat. We did this all morning, ups and downs with no real reason to our madness. George’s knees weren’t happy, I was a bit over it but yet, we were following the signs, being good pilgrims, and so, we complied.

After a few hours of this, we made it to our first town, Camaggiori. Say that fast three times! It was unexpected with an incredible small but mighty meat market including fresh fruits and vegetables. They ran out of bread, but I was able to commandeer some apples, kiwi, avocado along with roasted vegetables that were swimming in olive oil and garlic. They were so dang good! I did learn something though. In these higher end places, you don’t touch the produce! The nice lady picks everything out for you. That was a first, but quite thoughtful and she even asked if I planned to eat the Sicilian Avocado today or wanted to let it ripen? I’m eating it right now and right here.

After devouring our lunch, we headed out towards another unexpected destination called Colle Di Val d’Elsa. I guess I should be more in tuned with where we are going, but half the fun are the surprises along the way. I think this little village must be one of the oldest places we have ever visited. It dates back to 4BC, and was remembered by Dante’s “Divine Comedy.” It truly is a marvel that these places are still standing and people are making a life here. 15% of the worlds lead crystal glasses are made here. Who would’ve known?

After meandering through the walls and rustic rumble of this ancient city, we descended to Elsa River. A bit of navigating occurred but we did finally arrive in what appeared my like the Amazon! Birds were screeching, hikers were abound and we would end up crossing the river no less than five times! For over two hours, we were walking in a completely different element than we have in the past week. And not a drop of rain from the forecasted guess of rain all day.

Close to 2pm, we arrived in the town of Scarna. We stopped at a church and met two incredibly gracious men who incited invited in for water and storytelling. No wonder it takes us all day to make it from point A to point B. We swapped stories of Camino’s, refueled and continued onward.

With still another 6-8 miles to go, RoadWalker George took out his map and found us the most direct route to Monteriggioni. Sure, it was on a narrow two lanes road with no shoulder, but it was a certain path to our room or a quick death. After many more ups and downs, we arrived in Strove, about two miles short of our final destination, Monteriggioni. I made the logical choice to stop, get a beer and regroup. It was closing in on 5pm, and we had two options. Crawl to our room or get a ride. Francesco was coming to work at the Bar and after apologizing that he could not give us a ride, came out as I finished my final swig of beer and said he’d love to provide us a coach to our room. Praise the Lord! We jumped in his car, before he could change his mind and in less than five minutes, I was checked in and jumped into the unheated pool! That’s a wrap. Another glorious and exhausting day of the Via Francigena. I betcha wish you were here!