P2 Stage 7 – San Colombano Al Ambro to Piacenza 32 km

In order to get back on the Via Francigena we walked the Camino di San Colombo, the 6th century Irish monk we talked about yesterday. The path took us along the river Ambro, a beautiful walk under the trees, to its juncture with the Po river, that broad expanse of grey flowing south east atop northern Italy to the Adriatic. Danielo runs a ferry taxi service that will take you across the river and 3.7 km downstream. We made the reservation to meet him at 11:30 at a makeshift dock along the shore. How we found it is a mystery. The “ferry” was a 12 ft aluminum skiff but it ably carried us downstream and across the river to Danielo’s house where we were treated us to his PHD in Segeric lore.

The rest of the day was mostly in the sun along trafficked roadways. We prefer the quiet countryside where our thoughts can go beyond worrying about the next eighteen wheeler careening around the curve. We often have to hop into sandy corn fields to avoid premature trip suspension. We finally arrived at Piacenza another Po Valley jewel, this one, it proclaims, dedicated to children and peace. What more could we want?

Tomorrow Fiorenzuola.