Today was 8 miles. Our total, so far, is 63 miles.
Before talking of today’s hike, let’s talk a bit about San Gimignano. 
It’s a medieval village, with lots of towers and walls, stone pathways, etc.. Very charming!
And the view, extraordinary! 
If you have time, try expanding this panoramic shot and set how many different types of vegetation you see. There’s olive groves, cypress trees, grapes, wheat, corn, forest land, etc.
But the real deal? The gelato! Bill visited this shop who twice won the “World’s Best Gelato” title. It was good! 
Well fueled, we were set to start today!
The designed segment for today was about 20 miles long, with 2500′ of climbing. While doable, it is definitely not desirable! We decided to split the stage into two. The challenge here is that there is no towns midway between San Gimignano and Monteriggioni. So, the need for an alternate path. The guide book suggested one, but you never know how well or even IF these “alternates” are marked. In France, in the GR65, the alternates were barely marked. The good news? They are very well marked here in Italy!
So for us, today, instead of walking 20 miles, we walked 8 miles. And the bonus is that this route actually cuts off miles from the segment total. Tomorrow should only be 9 miles, making a total of 17 miles versus 20 miles. A mile saved is a blister saved!
Enjoy your walk today! We have!
It seems the two of you have really gotten the ability to be flexible down to a science! Congratulations on finding a different and seems like a better route to go! A little like life I’d say. The gelato looks awesome Bill! And what a view! Thanks for continuing to share every day with us. It’s second-best to being there without all the hard work, and blisters. Love you both.
Willow, thank you for your kind words. Remember, it was you who gave us this Camino bug do many years ago! Thank you. We’re really do try to apply Ecclesiastes 5 to each day. God gives the bounty and the ability go enjoy it. Our job is to actually enjoy; not complain or want more. Though i think i want more of that gelato!
Just read an article about the Camino in the Washington Post. Loved this and wanted to share:
“No expression of the Camino as a metaphor for life surpasses “The Passionate Man’s Pilgrimage,” attributed to the poet, politician and adventurer Sir Walter Raleigh:
Give me my scallop shell of quiet,
My staff of faith to walk upon,
My scrip of joy, immortal diet,
My bottle of salvation,
My gown of glory, hope’s true gage,
And thus I’ll take my pilgrimage.”
Wow! Enough said, amen!
Really enjoy hearing about your walking experiences and feel blessed to have crossed paths with you both last year. 💕
Libby! How great to hear from you guys! Are you walking this year? Plans for next year? You guys are amazing in your adventures. Please say HI to all.