A very pleasant walk today through hazelnut orchards and along wooded paths criss-crossing a gurgling stream with some elevation gain at first and then gently undulating. We are struck by the random Roman ruins we pass, remnants of aqueducts and a fully preserved 2nd century amphitheatre cut out of tufa rock that in any other setting would be a national treasure attracting tourists from the four corners of the earth.
For several hours we walked with Eric, an Australian walking from Viterbo to Rome. We enjoyed his down under banter and his unabashed enthusiasm for American baseball, the Oakland As in particular, though he acknowledged wearing a Red Sox hat, his favorite. He’s a walker; he recounted tails of walking to Everest base camp and the Kakota Trail in Papua New Guinea, the hardest things he has done. We last saw him having an espresso in Capriana.
We are holding up very well. A 28 km walk would have nearly killed us at the outset. Now it’s just another Wednesday. The body can adjust to anything.
Walking the Via Francigena 
Three days left! Nice amphitheater, but neglected like most Italian treasures. 28 km is no joke. You’re both in top shape.
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You have adjusted your bodies, minds and souls. Simply remarkable.
I am wondering if there are more Roman ruins because you are nearing Rome? Just an obvious thought.
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Paula and Edward, Strength to your arms (and legs). If you see an intact aqueduct arch for sale in the countryside, we’d like to buy it and a bit of the surrounding land to create a better garden. But we’re aware of the old Italian saying, “I’ve got an aqueduct to sell you.”
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We will keep our eye out for Aqueduct sales!
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The end is getting nearer and nearer. 👏👏
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