We walked along parts of the original cobble-stoned Via Francigena. In the rain we ran into two French women, who weren’t inclined to return a greeting, a German couple who were well attired for a hike but were using paper maps and a lone Italian fellow who was lollygagging along the the trail all as we roamed rolling Tuscan hills and, finally, crossed the Arno.
San Miniato the mediaeval hilltop town where we spent a restful night, is perched on a cliff with commanding views of the valley below. It is quite a lively town, with half a dozen upscale trattorias and bars with ultra modern decors. Let’s Face the Music and Dance wafted out the doors of one where, as we passed by the kitchen, we glimpsed the chefs dancing with frying pans.
The Duomo, a 12th Century structure, betrays alarmingly deceitful baroque trompe l’oeil. Next to one of the side altars stands a dignified testament to the 55 Italians who were killed under American artillery while taking refuge in the church where they thought they would be safe.
Walking the Via Francigena 
Dear Paula and Edward,
Please don’t interpret silence as lack of interest. We LOVE your posts! We feel the steps, the rain, the surly road-sharers. We admire the cathedrals, the duomos, the mountains. Most of all, we remain in awe of what you’re doing. We’re with you every step of the way. Onward! xoxo, Martha & John
LikeLike
These are long stretches between small towns. From the photographs it looks like easy walking along the stone-stabilized antica Via, but I imagine you still have to be careful. Mamma mia the churches. And thank you Churchill for the soft underbelly strategy.
LikeLike
Too bad for the rain. But you have good raincoats and the weather can only get better.! Keep up the spirit. Cheers.
LikeLike