Lucca to Altopascio

The weather was perfect for walking today. There was no rain, and although it started chilly, the sun came out. We were able to shed our coats. Today's route was through mostly urban and industrial areas.

The low point of the day was when we came to a roadwork closure with no sure-fire way around except to walk a couple of extra miles. On a chance, we walked down a farm lane and took a kids' muddy bike track over an earthen dyke. Amazingly, there was a driveway with a bridge over the stream, and we saved ourselves several miles backtracking.

We stopped for coffee twice. We also stopped for a stamp at a museum, and the person who "logged" us in let us use the bathroom, too. We were the first pilgrims since Feb 6.

About 4 miles from the end, it appeared we would not make it for checkin. Phil just could not walk faster, so I went on ahead and checked us in. He came about an hour after I did.

This "ostello" is donation based. We left 50 euros for a bed, a place to shower, and there is a microwave and fridge so we can have breakfast in the morning. A volunteer came and checked us in. There are only 3 beds and only the two of us tonight.

There is a laundromat next door and a restaurant on the corner. Tomorrow's walk is only 14.5 km or 9 miles. We don't have to be there at 3 pm, so that will make for a quieter day.Read more