Before departing Altopascio around 7:00 a.m., I fuel up with a cappuccino and pistachio brioche.

I enjoy a smooth morning of hiking through woods in the morning and, after stopping for an early lunch in Fucecchio, a hot afternoon in the sun along canal dykes and fields on my way to San Miniato.

The day is very long and very hot and I run out of water at the base of the last ascent which is exhausting.

The views from the top were spectacular and worth the climb. I only wished I’d arrived sooner to take in a little sightseeing. The ancient structures on this hilltop town were extraordinary.

Dinner in the town’s small piazza was delicious.