First day of walking

Day 5 on the Via di Francesco.

I was out of the hostel round about 6 o’clock. I think I just wanted to leave Florence. Nice as it was it wasn’t where I wanted to be, I wanted to be on the trail. I got as far as a bench between the hostel and the river and said Morning Prayer and my Community Obedience. This has become my settled routine. It keeps me focussed on the fact that this is a pilgrimage.

I was itching to start so it was an effort of discipline to do it properly before setting off. But set off I did though – I didn’t have too much to worry about as far as navigation goes, all I had to do was to keep the river on my right and I would be fine.

Much as I was in a hurry to leave Florence was certainly beautiful in the early morning light. It wasn’t in a hurry to let me go though as they were doing a lot of civil engineering works along the river bank which spoilt the effect somewhat.

It took some time before peace and quiet descended having passed several riverside parks. I eventually found my first Way Marker! Only 14.1km to my destination!

It meant I was under no time pressure today so could take it steadily. Just after that signpost I met a group of walkers coming towards me. After exchanging Buongiorno (my Italian stretches to that) they must have noticed my Tau Cross I’m wearing and shouted Assisi! I felt I had arrived somehow. No one had spoken to me in Florence but now I was on the trail it felt so different.

It came time to leave the river for a while and climb into the hills. I passed through a small village and practiced my italian in the local bar. I did end up with what I expected, in this case and esspresso and a croissant. I am loving the italian coffee. As I climbed past olive trees and vines and looked back over the countryside. Every incline and corner presented new vistas to enjoy.

In the midst of all this I had a conviction that I should treat each days walk on it’s own merits and not compare it with other days. I had been tempted to trat today just a preparation for the more difficult days to come. It might indeed be that but I don’t want to miss anything as I walk , I want to be present through the day.

I consciously slowed up and took my time. I passed a Coop store and popped in for some lunch, then sat on a bench beside the river. I rembered to take off my boots and aired my feet, which is somethimng I forget to do.

The final part of the days walk felt more demanding. It wasn’t the terrain, I think it was just the hot sun and my natural desire to have a nap around that time. I departed from the official route for a section but arrived in the town just before 2pm.

I contacted my host at the B&B I was staying at and checked in. It was nice to have my own room and bathroom. I did some hand washing, made a cup of tea and popped to a huge Coop store for something for tea and snacks and lunch for tomorrow. (Bit of a Coop theme developing).

I managed to update my website and then packed ready for the morning. It had been a great first day of walking.