Agriturismo Passalacqu, Gallina —Oct 14

We had a short, 9 or 10 mile day (15/16 km?), so we got up late (6:30), and had a late breakfast (7:30)—really nice! . For the first time in a week, the sun was up from the beginning, without low,-lying fog.

We had made the decision before we planned the trip not to do any 20 mile days, anything over 30 km. So we’re staying somewhere between the nine and 10 mile mark at an agriturismo, basically a B&B at a working farm. Agriturismo Passalacqua is right on the. Francigena, and provides us a furnished one bedroom apartment. These are going to be the nicest accommodations of our month!

The day was filled with ups and downs, as we clambered over the hills. On the first rise, we came to the amazingly well preserved, Medieval Vigano Alto, where the small chapel was open, clean, and beautifully simple. Gregorian Chant was playing. It might have been the most prayerful environment yet, and the only church of the day.

Along the way, they were three places to obtain water, which were very timely, and seem to have been provided by the local farmers, who also placed a picnic bench and seats at one of them. People can be so gracious and kind!

Hebrews 13:1–2: “Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.”

The almost 6000 feet Mt. Amiata, an extinct volcano, hovered over our walk today as we made the steep climb to Castiglione D’Orcia — skirting both the tower and the town. A long downhill, through harvested wheatfields, already graded for next year‘s crop, brought us to our night’s rest.

You’re tired of hearing it, I’m sure sure, but the views were amazing and the chat with Fr. Jim was soul satisfying.

We’ve brought dinner with us (only to find out that they would have cooked for us), and will celebrate Mass for your intentions tonight.

Love from your priest,

Fr. Patrick