Stage 2: Altopasceo to San Miniato

27.9 kilometers
Elevation gain/loss: 627m/544m
Steps: 38,803
Total distance traveled: 46.4 km
Distance to Rome: 372.6

We got a slightly earlier start today in light of the long distance between stages today. We were out the door at 7:00 and were welcomed with weather almost identical to yesterday's.

I'm not going to lie: Today’s walk was quite a challenge, to say the least. Hiking 29 km in 27° weather is one thing, but the hill at the tail end of the day was cruel and unusual punishment

On the plus side, the walk was much nicer than yesterday's, as about 80 percent of it was through forested areas or farmlands. It was also a day that had me using my trekking poles for almost the entire journey. I found that they took a lot of weight of my blistered right foot, and were literally instrumental in my completing the stage.

When Brenda tried to find accomodations for us a couple of days ago, nothing was available, except for a double room at a convent. Thank God! As you would imagine, the room is bare bones, but the beds are comfortable and the shower water is hot. We'll be spending two nights here to allow a little recovery time, and to explore the town.

Tonight we also dined at the convent, and met a lovely couple from France, who started cycling the Camino route in Paris. They reminded us that we are in the middle of truffle season, and many of the local restaurants have dishes featuring truffles on their menus.

I'm really glad this stage is over, but we'll faced with an almost equally difficult stage on Sunday when we cover 24 km to Gambassi Terme, with 999 meters of elevation gain and 785 meters of elevation loss. Tomorrow's day of rest should see us primed and ready to go.

Now it's time for me to get some well deserved rest, and dream of the food I'm going to enjoy tomorrow.Read more