Day 1: Assisi to Valfabbrica

What a day! The Way today was short (15.57 km) and amazingly beautiful. I visited the tomb of Saint Francis and walked through the Basilica one last time on the way out of town. Assisi is such a wonderful place. It's so lovely to be walking in Umbria again. Yes, the path goes up and down, but it provides the most beautiful views and lots of shade. There was a bit of mud, and even though my boots and poles are pretty muddy, it was all passable. Along the Way, I crossed paths with 43 pilgrims, a massive record for me, and that does not include the multitude I encountered in Valfabbrica - it is an anniversary year and I expect to see a lot more as I make my way north. The highlight of my day was meeting Alex and Murray from New Zealand, who had been walking with an Australian couple: Kaye and Steve! What a thrill! I couldn't believe my luck! I messaged Kaye and the next thing I know we are having drinks at the bar! How lucky am I?Read more