Day 33: Ruvo di Puglia to Bitonto

The Way today (19.61 km) was slightly reminiscent of my first day walking from Rome, fortunately, without the stones (mostly dirt). 15.8 km was along the Via Appia Traiana. The first part offered huge trees and plenty of shade, and, as you would expect from a Roman road, it was fairly straight (though, nowhere near as straight as the Via Appia Antica). The vinyards have disappeared and olive groves were everywhere. I had hoped to get a glimpse of the sea, but I think I'm too low. I had a lovely meal last night, but fell heavily on the steep stone steps in my accommodation as I came in from the balcony, without the lights on, and now have a very sore upper right thigh - thankfully it's only a nasty, and tender, bruise. The dog situation has definitely calmed down. Even free range dogs are willing to let me past without too much fuss and, at the only time I got worried (six dogs rushed through their front gate as I approached), the neighbors assured me all was well - and it was.
Update: I just met a Swedish pilgrim; Aya, who is walking to Rome. Poor thing, her t-shirt blew away when she was trying to dry it!Read more