People – September 30, 2026

  • #2 Altopascio – San Miniato: Via Francigena Day 2 (Travel Day 21)
  • Time: 8 hours / 18 miles (30.7 total) / 1,900’  elevation gained
  • Weather 55-85° / sunshine and clouds mixed & winds 5-10 mph

It’s always about the people.

Lady with Dog
As expected I passed cafés along the way. However, none were serving food. I was peckish after the long walk. Not good. I made sure I have a sandwich packed for tomorrow’s walk.
This lovely lady promised to me the best sandwich. She did!

Few – September 30, 2026

  • #2 Altopascio – San Miniato: Via Francigena Day 2 (Travel Day 21)
  • Time: 8 hours / 18 miles (30.7 total) / 1,900’  elevation gained
  • Weather 55-85° / sunshine and clouds mixed & winds 5-10 mph

A long walk got longer at 11am when the sun shines increased and shade decreased.

Garden
Roman Road. The rounded cobblestone are hard on the feet. How did the Romans manage with sandals?
16th Century Medici Bridge

Pastimes – September 29, 2026 

  • #1  Lucca – Altopascio: Via Francigena Day 1 (Travel Day 20)
  • Time: 6 hours / 12.7 miles / 72’ elevation gained
  • Weather 55-85° / sunny & winds 5-10 mph

Pastimes when it’s a “time on feet” walk. 

Visit churches along the way. The density of grand churches is overwhelming.
Cappuccino and pastry breaks. I’m hopeful of finding a tasty treat. It hasn’t happened yet.
Meet the locals. Adorable.

As Expected – September 28, 2026 

  • #1  Lucca – Altopascio: Via Francigena Day 1 (Travel Day 20)
  • Time: 6 hours / 12.7 miles / 72’ elevation gained
  • Weather 55-85° / sunny & winds 5-10 mph

Today’s walk delivered exactly what was expected 97% paved roads, suburbs, commercial and industrial zones.  It’s a small part of the big picture with better things to come.  

Official start Lucca’s Piazzale San Michele
The double church bells rang for a solid ten minutes announcing morning mass.
Many of the graves had photographs of the dead. Each photo showed a very somber person as if it was a passport photograph. Many of the graves had wilting fresh flowers. I got the impression that these dead were not forgotten.

Ariadne – September 28, 2026 

  • Lucca: Day 3 (Travel Day 19)
  • Weather 55-85° / sunny & winds 5-10 mph

Carved into the portico of Lucca’s Cathedral of San Martino is a circular labyrinth with the Latin inscription, “The labyrinth was built by Dedalius of Crete; all who entered therein were lost except, save Theseus, thanks to Ariadne’s thread.” 

Positioned along the Via Francigena the labyrinth serves as a meditative guide for pilgrims on their way to Rome. Could there be a more perfect place to begin a 250 mile walk to Rome? 

Carved Labyrinth
Inside the Cathedral is a chapel containing a carved wooden statue recognized as the oldest surviving wooden statue in Western Europe.
Traditional claims the statue was carved by Nicodemus, a follower of Jesus.

Aqueduct – September 28, 2026 

  • Lucca: Day 3 (Travel Day 19)
  • Weather 55-85° / sunny & winds 5-10 mph

The 19th Century Aqueduct of Nottolini is 2 1/2 miles long with over 400 arches.  Several arches were removed for a highway. This is dedicated to Bill who loves arch bridges.

Aqueduct of Nottolini
Great walking, running, or cycling path by the aqueduct.
Bisected aqueduct for Florence to Pisa highway.

No Two Alike – September 27, 2026 

  • Lucca: Day 2 (Travel Day 18)
  • Weather 55-85° / sunny & winds 5-10 mph

Each Duomo di San Martino’s exterior column is unique.  Legend has it the people of Lucca had a contest for the best column design. Artists submitted carved columns.  Lucca inhabitants decided to keep them all.  Without paying the artist, all the columns were used. 

No Two Alike
No Two Alike
No Two Alike