Today we crested the Gargano, the last mountain range we cross on the Via Francigena. Since we started in Canterbury we crossed 4 ranges: the Jura, the Alps, the Apennines (2x) and now the Gargano. We walked 1,421 miles and climbed 158,579 ft. We have another 400 miles to go before we reach the tip of the heel of Italy at Santa Maria di Leuca, most of it flat by the Adriatic. Reaching this point was emotional for both of us. I could not have imagined doing this six years ago as I lay recovering from by-pass surgery. I could not have hoped for a better companion, Paula, the love of my life.
And so here we are, surrounded by some of the most stunningly beautiful scenery, in a town that celebrates the apparition 1,700 years ago, of an Archangel who was dedicated to fighting evil. We are most grateful.
PS: In a long series of unpredictable coincidences in our travels, I note that yesterday, at the end of his master class on the history of the Via Sacra Longobardorum, Antonio introduced us to his grandson, Edoardo, who, he explained, was named after Edoardo Di Filippo, the famous Italian playwright. It just so happens that our daughters went to school and became close friends with Tomaso Di Filippo, his great grandson.
Walking the Via Francigena 
❤️❤️❤️
-Cathy
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Crested
The Gargano
Sea blue blue sky
Heart open I you two we us
Bursting
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what a lovely comment. Paula, “The love of your life “
This trip has taken a lot out of you both. But you both taken a lot out of this trip. The ultimate quid pro quo.
Ian
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AMAZING pictures! I imagine many of the vistas you have enjoyed could/would not be seen except from the pilgrimage route. just one of the gifts of your journey!
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Grizzly Hughes is Back on the trail! ;). Congrats to you and Paula for a bucket list achievement few will match. Wishing you only happy trails from here on in. Cheers. Robert & Janice
PS – Girls, Hubbies, & Children all look great & thriving, but miss you dearly.
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You and Paula are such an inspiration. I love reading about your daily travels. Thanks for sharing your journey!!!
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Magnificent! I’m thrilled to be following your incredible journey! A million thanks for all the joy and inspiration! xo
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I remember Edward’s bypass surgery very well as he timed it to duck out of most of a sales kickoff leaving me to hold the bag. I also remember Paula’s surprise when I told her about my first European bike trip going 350 miles and climbing 30,000 feet. She was aghast and said “I could never do that”. Well kudos to both of you! You’re an inspiration now to me to ride further and higher and I’m sure your children and grandchildren will be equally inspired. Good luck with the rest of the trip and I hope to catchup when you’re back in DC.
Evan
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What a great read, and what great photos! Lest you go native, or just to give you a good laugh, here’s a wee bit of Americana (a great, unheralded moment in baseball!):
And the ride gets better:
https://www.homage.com/blogs/news/dock-ellis
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Wonderful! You are a source of inspiration. Love your posts.😍
Tony Everett Chancellors Rock Farm 1954 North Poes Road Flint Hill VA 22627
2426 Tracy Place NW Washington DC 20008
202 360 6968 teverett@chancellorsrock.com
>
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Life can be purely magical. Loved the story of coincidence. BTW, as I read your Day 25 post, I couldn’t help but hear in my head “Climb Every Mountain”.
xoxo,
MDB
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