Three relatively uneventful and easier days, first walking along orchard groves, artichoke fava bean fields and fruit orchards, then by the sea in the Gulf of Gaeta. The path from Fondi to Itri is on the old Roman road, the Appia Antica, still navigable though probably not on a bicycle. The Aurinci mountains, part of the Apennines, tower over us like slumbering giants: daunting and impenetrable. How the Allies crossed these mountains in WW2 in the face of punishing defense lines defies reason.
By the sea, we walk through beach towns, many deserted. One can hear the echoes of last year’s crowds and imagine the beaches lined with umbrellas and lounge chairs cheek to jowl, but for now they look like the morning after a wild party. Of course, the restaurants that are open offer great food.
Still, the sun is shining, the sea shimmering, and we stride with confidence. Tomorrow, we turn left to walk 7 days toward Benevento where we will begin our final assault over the Apennines.
Walking the Via Francigena 
Every day I read your blog with awe.
-Marc
LikeLike
Thanks Marc! It’s a thing to do.
LikeLike
Thank you for your amazing stories and photos! We’re enjoying your adventures! stay safe!
xo
ps a little ww2 reading material in the Northern Apennines: https://history.army.mil/brochures/nap/72-34.htm
LikeLike
Will read it! Who is this?
LikeLike
Damn it looks good.
LikeLike
Assault those Appenines! i am glad it’s not too hot in beach towns. I am sending love now that I have broken the blog code. We are just finishing up a trip to Austin and New Orleans (currently running festival is French Quarter Fest). Gorgeous day after a huge storm on the wild Gulf coast.
Walk well!
LikeLike
Thanks! Who is this?
LikeLike
Seventh
Eighth and ninth, check!
Days of relative ease.
Twenty klicks in miles is twelve plus!
Awesome
LikeLike
Mmmm, loving the food photos! Di piu, per favore.
Love,
MDB
LikeLike
Would love to walk on the Roman Road. Seems like you are gettiing perfect weather. Elena
LikeLike