Mortara 21 miles

Well I managed the 7am breakfast. Just about. And only by having lights out at about 9pm. I do like the best part of 10 hours kip while doing this walking caper. Not sure if it’s because with 4 gents in a bedroom, which is a bit hot and stuffy anyway, sleep is possibly not as deep as at home and so you need longer to get the same recovery. It’s a good excuse.

Anyway we were on our way at the back of 8am. Useful having an early start as another hot day was in prospect.

Most of it was spent wandering along between rice fields and irrigation channels. Not the most exciting or interesting walking but a lot easier than the Alps that were now only visible in the far distance.

Lunch was another ham and cheese toastie - not very photogenic. And lots of liquid. Sneaked in a welcome Magnum and a litre and a half of sparkling water during the afternoon. Loving the extra opportunity of refreshments compared to the French part of the Via even if there is the tendency to over-indulge - always a failing of mine.

Staying tonight at a nice hotel with a very nice restaurant - bit fortunate as it was chosen for its value for money and proximity to the train station.

Nipped out for a drink before dinner. Bit strange. Requested a couple of beers. The lad started pouring the first. Tap went off half half way through so we chose a different beer. He poured most of one beer and half of the other and that tap went off as well. After pottering about he just gave us the two glasses and said no charge. What a civilised country. Free beer.

Another early breakfast planned for tomorrow in view of Keith’s departure by train for Milan airport. Will be strange going back to solo walking for the rest of the Via, just me and Desert Island Discs. Unless I pick up a couple of Italian girls like my last Via, of course.Läs mer