We are falling into familiar patterns. Edward worries about logistics, navigation, supply lines, conquering the next hill, destinations. Paula collects ceramic shards, some of which may be the remains of Etruscan urns, porcupine quills and, recently, parts of concertina wire fencing whose significance will remain unknown.
After 9 hours of walking, at km 28 of our journey when we should have arrived at our destination, we realize that we had taken a wrong turn; we were still 7 KM away from our end point and it was getting dark. We decided to hitch hike. Very quickly a car stopped, the driver asked, “Where do you want to go?”, when we told him he merely noted “That is a long way, get in.” Vincenzo, the driver, recounted his adventures on Il Camino di Campostella, the Via di San Francesco; he had been on many pilgrimages. When we arrived we were very grateful and offered to pay to which he replied “Ci mancherebbe altro. Il Camino provides” as he drove off.
We arrive at the Cistercian Abby of Fossanova, the place where St Thomas Aquinas died in 1274. The Abby is austere, Cistercians did not believe in any decorations or “fantasies” except crucifixes. We logged in the tower over the entrance gate, a welcome respite after a long day
Walking the Via Francigena 
Query who sent the driver to pick up two hitchhikers. 🙂
Glad to see the sun shining on you!
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🤫
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I understand the abbey itself does not accommodate pilgrims. Did you sleep under the stars? poor st Thomas got sick and died there. His scull is still there, the rest is somewhere else. Beautiful vistas. Nice people.
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The abbey has some lodging We stayed at the abbey tower which is on top of the entry Arch It was very nice
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”Il Camino provides”….I love the community, history, and simple generosity imbued in that statement.
Over here we were wearing weird glasses and staring at the sun for over an hour 😎🌗
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I admire the daily distances you are covering
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Off piste
Giorno quattttro
Almost dark then rescue
May the Force/Way be with you two
Recognized
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Off piste
Giorno quattttro
Almost dark then rescue
May the Force/Way be with you two
Spotted
(2, 4, 6, 8, 2)
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Now I have to worry that you’ll end up on an episode of Dateline. Oy…..
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Oh, oh!
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You two stay out of trouble! Hitch Hiking…would your children approve?😳😂🙏🏼🤗
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We will get their permission later.
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