Saint Francis and the wolf

Day 19 on the Via di Francesco

Up early and on the road by 6.30am – I was prepared for a long day. I made sure I was enjoying the cool of the early morning as I left town knowing that by the time I arrived it would be hot.

There were all kinds of this to think about today, sometimes the quirky things catch the eye.

Thankfully my barefoot boots are still like slippers even though I sometime worry that the soles are wearing out.

I began thinking about Saint Francis and the wolf of Gubbio, that being my destination. (do some research for the story). It seemed to me that there will be conflicts between people and creation. Saint Francis was able to bring peace into the conflict. People often say the wolf was tamed, I kind of think it was still wild just prepared to cooperate. In some ways it took courage for the people of the town to set aside their fears and make compromises. This is spreading the spirit of love and harmony not just between people but with nature/creation too.

I was glad I had decided to walk rather than catch the bus. I was every bit as entranced by the beauty of what I was walking through as always.

There were too, reminders that this wasn’t just a walk, but a pilgrimage

But as always there were the views

As I came down from the hills into the valley. The distance, the heat and would you believe the flat landscape began to wear me down. It was almost as if what energy I had was evaporating. I even noticed a dry river bed. Such a contrast to the week before.

Eventually Gubbio came in sight and very impressive it looked.

My B&B was in the newer part down the hill so I checked in and got freshened up before having a look around.

I wasn’t quite ready for a charming medieval walled town full of tourists. My inability to be a tourist really kicked in. I did go into a big Franciscan Church looking for a stamp for my Credenziale. Outside was the statue of Saint Francis and the Wolf; inside I gazed at the beauty but all I felt was Saint Francis isn’t here.

It unsettled me and I felt disturbed. I left the main town, found the Coop and got some food and retreated to my room. I think I was too tired to process what I was feeling. To be honest I was a bit concerned about my few days at the end in Assisi. How would I fare in what is a very busy tourist city?