I begin the day with a quick cappuccino at the B&B in Monteriggioni before stepping out onto the Via Francigena which runs along the back of the property. I just have to navigate the gate and lock to exit onto the trail.

The morning was unexpectedly clear (forecast for rain all day) as I made my way down the trail in the early morning.

It’s a very quiet morning without fellow pilgrims. I’m left to just me my thoughts and reflections of the last 8 days. It’s been a very challenging journey physically, but the most difficult part of the pilgrimage has been coming face-to-face with my own emotions (primarily fears) and their implications.

Along the way, I encountered plenty of beauty and an obelisk marking the site of a massive 18th century project to drain wetlands in an effort to eliminate malaria outbreaks in the local population.

I arrive around noon and find an appropriate setting for my final post walk beer and aqua frizzante.

Due to the steadiness of the rain, I decide to take in a lunch and linger for a while to observe the crowds and entertain the reflections that rolled around in my heart and head all morning long.

After lunch, I walk around the corner to the B&B apartment to shower and journal. Gordon and I connect and make plans for a drink and dinner later in the afternoon.

On the way to meet Gordon, I take in a few sights.

When Gordon and I meet for drinks, he tells me he bumped into Leonardo earlier in the afternoon and he will join us for dinner. That is welcomed news as I enjoyed my brief time with Leonardo when I met him several days ago in Gambassi Terme. We enjoy a nice, light dinner and reflect on our journeys and engage in a conversation regarding global politics. Leonardo will continue his walk to Rome and Gordon will spend the day and night tomorrow here in Siena before departing for a night in Florence prior to his flight back to the U.K. (where he works in London).