Stage 8: Siena to Monteroni d'Arbia

16.3 Kilometers
Elevation gain/loss: 158/342
Steps: 24,787
Total distance traveled:152.5
Distance to Rome: 263.3

Because the official Stage 8 is over 32 kilometers long, we decided to split it into two parts, with the first part ending in Monteroni d'Arbia. Now, Monteroni is so small, we booked accomodations further south, in Buonconvento, almost 15 kilometers away. After our hike, we bused from Monteroni d'Arbia to Buonconvento, and will do the reverse tomorrow morning, resuming the Camino route where we left off.

We got off to a late start today thanks to some baggage transfer issues, but because the distance was short and mostly downhill or flat, we made really good time, finishing in a little under four hours.

Once again, there were few rest stops along the way, the first coming at almost the 12 kilometer mark. We stopped for cappuccino, and a cornetto (croissant) for me, before pushing on to the end.

In case you haven't figured it out yet, I absolutely detest hiking uphill. Sadly, to rejoin the Francigena trail tomorrow in Monteroni d'Alba, we have to contend with a steep, 55 meter gain in elevation to start my day. On the positive side, we have less than 15 kilometers to walk back to Buonconvento.

There were virtually no photo opportunities today, except for this lone tree sitting high atop a hill, with a cross planted beside it. Because there are so few pics today, I thought I'd include a couple of stylized versions. I'm kinda partial to the B&W one myself.Read more