Category: Uncategorized
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Things go better with Coke
Today was supposed to be one of the most challenging stages of our 12-day journey to Assisi. While the distance was manageable (18 km – 11 miles) the terrain was rated as “very demanding” and the forecast for rain would make it even worse. So we prepared for the worst, and had one of the…
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In the center of it-all-y
Today, we hiked from Poggio San Lorenzo to the city of Rieti. This was another 20 km hike, made more difficult by the rain that greeted us as we embarked. But this did not dampen or spirits ( or our resolve). Although it did make the first 4 km very hot, because the rain gear…
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A day of Ups and Downs
Today was a day filled with physical and emotional ups and downs. Our route today started in Ponticelli and would take us 20 km (14.4 miles) north to the hilltop town of Poggio San Lorenzo. As you can see from the map (below) we had to go east before we could go north. We started…
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The kindness of strangers
This day was brutal, but thanks to the kindness of 3 strangers, it has a silver lining. First, after walking 17 km (11 miles) of what was supposed to be a 30 km (18.75 miles), we arrived at a hilltop town around 12:30 for lunch. Unfortunately, the lunch venue was closed, we were informed about…
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One small step for man…
Today began with a lot of excitement. We met in the hotel lobby at 8:30 and set out looking for a cab to take us to the edge of the Roman suburbs. But first, we needed a group picture at the base of the Spanish Steps. To be clear, this was Juan Pablo’s idea, even…
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The eagle has landed
I went to sleep last night, somewhere over Nova Scotia and woke up somewhere over the English Channel. Great flight on United (EWR-FCO). Good food. Friendly service. Comfortable seat. When I landed in Rome, there was plenty of sunshine and my cab driver, Giuseppe, claimed that the next few days would be even better –…
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Up, up, and Away
I’ve spent most of the day today packing and repacking. I have to say it is a bit scary to think that I’m going to Europe for 2 weeks with nothing more than a backpack. Also, my pack Is a bit heavier than before, but I’ve got everything on the list. I’ve decided NOT to…
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We are GO for launch
When I woke up this morning, my foot looked so much better! The skin seems to be healing well and the redness is diminishing. So, I decided to tape-up my foot and go for a long walk in my sneakers. Well, 3 miles turned into 6 miles, the 10 miles, then more. My foot was…
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Forward movement
In the war against blisters, I’m definitely moving forward. After consulting with my chief medical officer (my wife), we agreed that I should still refrain from a strenuous workout today. My foot is still very red. So, instead of putting on another blister bandage, donning my hiking boots, and hitting the practice trail (golf course),…
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Can I have mayo on that?
The last 2 days have been painful. The weather is great, but the blister on the back of my foot is still sore. As a result, I haven’t been able to walk the golf course either day. Today, my daughter Libby brought me some French miracle salve that should help my foot heal more quickly.…
