Our accommodations for the night were at the Cassio hostel which was empty except for one other pilgrim, and stout Dutch lady who commented on the terrible weather, appropriate for someone from Amsterdam. The hostel was austere but comfortable. Felt like a college dormitory
Out trek today is short but with very steep climbs and descents. Driving rain most of the day, cloud cover shrouded what were to be spectacular views in misty gray. We had several challenges, including clawing our way up a particularly muddy and slippery slope.
But we made it safely to Berceto, a small town clothed in medieval stone. The somber Romanesque cathedral is named after St Moderanno whose claim to fame was to lose the relics of another saint he was carrying to Rome as he gazed upon the breathtaking views of the CISA pass.
We feel like we were just put through a car wash
Tomorrow Pontremoli. Volendo
Walking the Via Francigena 
<
div dir=”ltr”>One word to describe you guys – determined. I love it. Wh
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Sounds like a hard trek . Be very careful. Hopefully better weather tomorrow. Elena
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It to be. We are getting used to walking in the rain
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However bad the rain and muck, you are cleverly missing allergy season back here. I hope that inspires you to appreciate your good luck. (But the weather today was perfection. Only obscured by my eyes clamped shut by pollen. But as Travis is fond of saying: It is unclear that allergies are not actually simply a moral failing!)
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Still a hotly disputed topic. Either psychosomatic or a show of God’s disfavor. Get well!!!
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paula? edward? whoever is sitting at the edge of the trail looks like she/he had a slippery muddy walk. you guys are courageous! keep it up and keep those raincoats handy.
cheers
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Paula. The indomitable version
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Oy! Watch out for ticks hiding in dark warm places. :-0
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