San Miniato to Gambale Terme

On the way out of town, we passed this little chapel named Oratorio dei Santi Sebastanio e Rocco. I was fascinated by the story that it was built during the plague.

So many beautiful arches leading in and out of villages.

Looking back at San Miniato which sits high on a mountain.

Today was a killer of a day.  We had the extra long day yesterday so we started with tired legs.  Careful what you wish for...we had ALL trails today in the 90-degree weather which meant there was not one single bar until the 13.3-mile mark.  I did not have my morning caffeine until after two o'clock.  Since I don't drink coffee, I depend on my diet coke.  Bummer when there are no stops.  It was blazing hot and the total distance was 16.2 miles.  My legs were sore from the past two days and today was big-time up and down.  In fact, there wasn't a flat spot on the whole day. And it was mostly up. My legs were so screaming that I quit but of course, I toughed it out. The good side to the hard work was that the scenery was magnificent.  

Dennis and I saw several of these boxes and finally opened one to find all kinds of medical supplies.  How wonderful.  There was even an epipen.

Magnificent scenery

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This is our beautiful bed and breakfast.  We are again high in the mountains. The lady who runs it couldn't have been more charming and she met us at the door with grapefruit and pomegranate juice. Ever so refreshing.  Dennis and I showered...much needed since I already looked like I had stood in the shower. There is no wearing clothes for two days!  Then we self-medicated with some Vitamin I (Ibuprophin) and copious amount of wine. Legs felt better!  I have a huge blister under a callus on my right foot which Dr. Hesthaven carefully tended to.  Nice man!  

I can't begin to describe how good our dinner was.  My first course was the best pasta I have ever eaten.  It was rather large tubular noodles topped with a bacon and onion sauce.  The bacon was more like braised pork.  It was very spicy and I wanted to lay my face in it, it was so good. My main course was grilled chicken and white beans...slow cooked to perfection.  Anyone who knows me knows that I like me some beans. I wanted to propose to the chef but Dennis wouldn't let me.  He thinks one husband is enough.  I agree...I just wanted the man to cook for us.

So tomorrow is a shorter day...hallelujah!  We need a bit of a break!  Good night to you all.