via Francigena: San Miniato to Gambassi

The first day of the walk is the longest on the itinerary. Vicki's step count was over 40,000 and she only tripped on one of those steps. Her trousers suffered the worst injury fortunately so we walk on. Plans can change in an instant.

While it was a long walk, it wasn't too challenging. Mostly gently rolling countryside. We saw one wild deer, a plague of small lizards and a few speeding Fiats leaving San Miniato on the country lanes. For the most part the path was a well formed, well sign posted gravel walkway. At some point it came into my head that the recent rains would have exposed Roman coins lost for centuries. I had to work really hard to stop scanning the path ahead. I did find two steel washers.

When we arrived at the "end of the days walk" in Gambassi we grumbled a bit as our accommodation was another 20 minutes down and across a gully. All was forgiven when we got there though as it's a stunning property. Through the day we encountered less than 10 other pilgrims.

Typical scenery along the way

Italian wall lizard

First aid on the way available for pilgrims, about three hours before we needed them.

A well earned rest on a big seat

Best hotel on the trip so far