A Day of Rest

Day 8 on the Via di Francesco

This was not a ‘Rest Day’ as I walked 12km but looking back this was one of the most wonderful experiences of my journey so far. It started out a bit flat to be honest with my morning prayer routine and what I thought was a careful pack-up. I looked out of the window and it was raining so for once maybe the weather forecast had got it right.

The rain stopped as I set off making the most of this break. I met another pilgrim who had been told there was to be 12mm of rain today which sounded ominous. It was then I realised I had left my walking poles in the apartment so back I went and did it all again

It’s always a struggle getting going in the morning when I first set off but it’s suprising when you look back, always a good idea when you need to catch your breath how quickly you gain height

I noticed a hand written sign for a cross with an arrow pointing down through some pasture. As I had plenty of time I thought I would investigate and I was pleasantly surprised to find a large wooden cross on the hillside with an awesome view over the town. It was worth the detour.

Then not long after I took this next picture it started raining.

There was no wind today and it felt like the rain concentrated the natural scents of the forest around me. I was still able to notice flowers and other details despite the rain.

I arrived at my destination, Rifugio Asqua about lunchtime. It was chaos a group of italian pilgrims had decided to stop there for lunch so the hosts were rushing around serving them. There was a roaring fire in the massive fireplace which was wonderful. I took the time while I waited for the luchtime crowd to disappear to write up my journal then explained who I was. It was a very relaxed place, pilgrims would just come in to get warm and then move on.

We overcame our language difficulties and I was shown my room. I went back downstairs and began updating this website. Everyone was very kind. I wasn’t made a fuss of as a paying guest it just felt like I was part of the family. I had some interesting conversations, some of which felt quite deep. It was made more informal by several dogs – mostly very big ones. I was even assured that one was part wolf.

I felt so relaxed, I was just included. Even when other’s came and went I didn’t feel like I wasn’t welcome. It was a very strange sensation – it’s seems to me that this is real hospitality, a sharing of lives. They cooked a delicious dinner for me.

It was a very special place. I felt like this was an opportunity to rest on my journey. Not just a physical rest but something deeper. This is why I am calling it my day of rest. I suspect that this post is one I will come back to in the future because this lovely family affected me so deeply.