My day began at 6:30 a.m. as I leave the hostel before dawn after a horrible night of sleep (not atipical in a dorm hostel) as my neighbor kept the lights on until 10:30 p.m. and made every possible noise except a scream during the night.

I make my way out of Camaiore along increasingly busy roads. Then, pleasantly surprised, I’m directed across the busy SP 1 highway to begin walking along much quieter dirt roads and trails and make a steep ascent 5 kilometers into the hike to arrive at the village of Montemagno for a cappuccino, espresso (did I mention very poor sleep) and a crema brioche.

In less than a kilometer past Montemagno, I follow the steps below to a “safer option” route and find a charming spot for a moment of personal journaling.

From Lecetro, I rejoin the official route down the hill to Valpromaro and enter a small church typical of those in small Italian villages.

As I approach the small hamlet of Piazzano, I encounter several giant dead frogs on the road leading into town and another small village church with beautiful frescos on the ceiling…

I turn left around the corner of this small church and head back into the woods to begin a steep descent down a sandstone and gravel trail that is poorly maintained. As I found small openings in the overgrowth, I began journaling (via voice text) a philosophical reflection about the difference between our actual human needs vs. our longings and desires and soon found myself on top of my Aussie friends (Pete and Alan) from last night’s hostel. We make the journey into Lucca together to share a traditional end of hike beer and aqua frizzantte (+ whiskey for my friends from down under).

After washing my clothes and a shower, I grab a leisurely dinner in one of my favorite Italian towns, Lucca.