via Francigena completed for now

The finish line for us. Buonconvento.


Final day-1

After a big sleep, our morning in Siena was interrupted by an internet outage: our Holifly data plan had expired without rolling over. A five minute messaging exchange resolved the issue once I had found my way around the AI assistant and made contact with a human. 

The temperature was down today but clear blue skies made for a comfortable walk. The highlight of leaving Siena was the view back to Siena. You had to be there. The photos didn't capture the moment. Quite a lot of the walk was below the previous high standard as we tried to shake off the city surrounds. Eventually we were rewarded with a more serene landscape. Our destination today is quaint. A small settlement called Lucignano d'Arabia. Another big day though. Vicki's step count is 38,500. Mine is only 32,500. Best keep a closer eye on her.

Siena on the road to Lucignano. You have to look hard in the photo but its plain to see with the naked eye


Exiting Siena via Piazza del Campo famous for its horse race around the square. The bubble of people in the middle is a tour group. We encounter these most days in the towns 


Our dinner venue was atmospheric 


The church behind our hotel. The information board said it was renovated in 1100. It's still looking OK we think 


Final day

A beautiful crisp morning and a full return to rural walkways made for a fitting end to our journey. We arrived early afternoon. I was dragging my feet not wanting it to be over. It's been a privilege to participate in this walk. The Tuscans seems to take a lot of pride in their section of the via Francigena and treat all pilgrims as welcome guests. We even had a train give us a friendly toot as we crossed through farmland (well we think it did). Time to move on now and do some laundry.

Vicki trying her best to blend in with the locals

The driver of this machinery (small dot on ploughed field) was a youngster. When he went by, he was cruising along focused on his cell phone


Buonconvento has a public supply of sparkling water. We're enjoying it very much.

The universe is playing tricks or Vicki is a witch? Walking along the street Vicki says "that's a small door". I'm sure it was before she said that. On closer inspection, the occupants name was Filippi Grandi. A family name on mum's side, from Lucca, which is not too far from here.

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