I returned to Massa today where I left the Via Francigena just over 13 months ago to meet the love of my life in Lucca for a week long visit to the Tuscan towns of San Gimignano, Sienna and Montalcino.… Continue reading

I wake up into a new rhythm today. No hitting the trail early today. Instead, I’m headed out to a laundromat to wash my clothes and change gears into a more restful rhythm as I wait for the love of… Continue reading

My last day on the Via Francigena began at 5:30 a.m. meeting Ignatio in the square that includes the restaurant and bar from the previous evening. As I think about my last day of walking, I feel both sad and… Continue reading

We hit the trail at 5:30 a.m. this morning. Ignatio’s accommodations were 30 minutes further down the trail and I was running a few minutes late departing my place on the other side of town so we decided to meet… Continue reading

I departed Pontremoli an hour later (at 6:30 a.m.) than I would have preferred. Ignatio wanted to leave a bit later than my normal time and I agreed thinking I would be able to grab a brioche and macchiato at… Continue reading

I began my day at 5:45 a.m. with surprising news. While waiting for Ignatio to arrive outside my B&B location, I noticed a message on WhatsApp from him. His note indicated he didn’t feel up to walking today (he’s been… Continue reading

My day began at 5:15 a.m. from the hostel with my roommates not far behind. Ignatio (mi alto amigo de España) and I leap frogged one another all morning walking together occasionally and admiring the beautiful vistas and views across… Continue reading

Started the day early at 5:15 a.m. in the dark this morning (days are getting shorter; headlamp was used for first time since campgound) to beat the heat climbing these hills in the current stage. Caselle is that first serious… Continue reading

I departed Fidenza this morning at 5:20 a.m. I noted as I left town that the days are getting shorter as there was more light at 5:20 two weeks ago when Gabe and I were hiking together. The morning was… Continue reading

My day kicked-off at 6:00 a.m this morning as I made my way out of Fiorenzuola d’Arda with a brief cafe stop for a macchiato (changing it up today just for fun) and a pistachio brioche (always my choice if… Continue reading