P2 Stage 24 Strove to Siena 27km

The ascents and descents roll along over white roads and, at times, muddy trails in the forests. We finished listening to Tim Snyder’s Bloodlands which we recommend to everyone who wishes to better understand the war in Ukraine. The contrast between the history of mass killings by Hitler and Stalin and the breathtakingly beautiful scenery we was jarring.

We stopped briefly in Montereggione for a Shacherrato (shaken iced coffee) and finally arrived in Siena at 6:30 during an anti-vax protest apparently convened because Dr Fauci is receiving an honorary degree from the University of Siena. The city, with its 1000 year old duomo, campo and tower, is so rich in history and art that we would have to spend at least a week to properly appreciate it. As it is, this is our first, and only, 2 night stay and we will do a lot of sitting and foot resting instead of touring. Our respite will be accompanied by trumpets and drumming in the streets of the Contrade practicing in preparation for the Palio July 2.

The North African Anticyclonic High has settled over the center mediterranean bringing hot air to much of Italy. The heat will build up over the coming week, expecting temps to climb to 100 later in the week. We will arrange to start earlier and take cover mid day.