San Miniato to Gambassi Terme


Hello again,  another good nights sleep had us feeling good…..until we started our hike at 6:30, it was already hot.  I hate to sound like a complainer, but the heat and sun have been brutal.  We stopped for a pastry and drink at our 1.5 mile mark, knowing it was the only stop for food or drink all day.  We would have to finish the rest(13.5 mile) with what we carried.  We bought and carried 4.5 extra liters of water, above what we normally would.  By 9:00 a.m the sun was searing, and only going to get worse.  The trail today offered very little shade, we were out in farmland and vineyards.  After many breaks to cool down and drink under a lonely tree somewhere, we finally caught a break with 3 miles to go.  A storm was brewing somewhere close, and started to block out the sun, and cool things down, but by then, we were exhausted by the constant sun and heat.  It was a blessing though, because the last 3 miles were all up hill…..again!

The morning searing sun.
Looking back at San Miniato.
The long hot road.
Long view.

Hot and dry in the fields.
The storm brewing.
Many grapes on the vines
The uphill grind to the finish

Elevation chart, 3 miles up hill finish.

The view from our hotel room balcony.



Tomorrow is a very short day(8 miles) a much needed break.  We’ll sleep in a little, have breakfast, and then head out.  We won’t beat the heat, but we’re counting on the short hike.  Until tomorrow.










Comments

  1. Toni & JeffJuly 2, 2025 at 4:17 PM

    Can't say I envy you on this journey. Doesn't sound like an enjoyable experience to me. Please take care of yourselves.

    ReplyDelete

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