I woke today at 6:15 a.m. with the realization that my friends are packing their bags for the day’s journey and I am not. I’ve decided a rest day is in order in this larger city in order to rest… Continue reading

The day began where it ended yesterday – back at the only bar/cafe/restaurant in town. We (the six of us – Andrea, Roberta, Mark, Gord and Francesco) gathered at the cafe just before it opened at 6:30 a.m. to caffeinate… Continue reading

Began todays’s walk at 5:45 a.m. behind Roberta and ahead of Gord (Canadian from Vancouver). The plan agreed to with Roberta was that we would meet at the first bar for a caffe and brioche. Once again, the local Via… Continue reading

I began my hiking day discouraged by another terribly hot night of sleep (not a lot of this) without air conditioning (at least this spot had a fan). At 5:15 a.m., I navigated my way out of Pavia (a large… Continue reading

My day started at 6:15 a.m. this morning from my humble pilgrim abode as I message my host and pass on the free breakfast at 7:00 a.m. (too late for me) and opt for a cream filled croissant and cappuccino… Continue reading

Well, today the monotony of the endless fields of rice, the unsettledness from unpacking and repacking, the lack of connection with others and/or the physical and emotional toll of day after day walking took its toll on me and I… Continue reading

Today began early (5:30 a.m.) as I attempt to beat the Italian summer heat and make progress toward meeting Karen in Lucca on August 7th. I also simply like to watch the sun rise on a new day. It’s a… Continue reading

I slept in this morning until 8:00 a.m. (don’t remember the last time I slept that late) and enjoyed a planned day of rest, reading, writing and reflection. I spent more time in my personal journal today (vs. blog) recounting… Continue reading

Today began early at 6:00 a.m., alone for the first morning of the trip so far as my friend Gabe slept in a hotel up the road in Milan. The early start was needed to get ahead of the heat… Continue reading

Gabe and I departed Ivrea at 6:10 a.m. and made our way out of town. We left the mountains largely behind yesterday, so this morning’s exit was simple and flat. Just before exiting the town, we found an open caffe’… Continue reading