Alison and Alison and the art of re-tyrement

Cycling adventures in retirement

Day 4 Santa Maria Di Leuca to Torre Pali

Distance 10.9 miles

Temperature 28 degrees

A crisis at the beginning of the day. Our comfortable, simple room had no kettle. Alison brought out the water heater. The plug did not fit any of the sockets. No cup of tea. An inauspicious start to the day.

But then a surprise. We were in pursuit of a stamp for our Credenziale and had been told the office opened at 10.30. We arrived early at 10.00am and were ushered in by the delightful nun who was dispensing the stamps. Office open, a stamp and all sorted before the official opening hours.

We have a new piece of equipment. Alison retrieved this plate from a previous day’s lunch. She thought it would make a good receptacle for carrying food on the bike. I admit to some scepticism as to whether a container without a lid would keep our lunch secure. I was proved wrong and can confirm that our packet of crisps remained in tact.
A window on the world from the Basilica at Santa Maria Di Leuca. From here you can see where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet.

A good day. We arrived early at our accommodation but decline to tell you how long the journey took. It has become clear that Kevin Kamoot’s predictions are seriously flawed. His calculations are based on us cycling at 16.8 miles per hour. Who does he think we are? In this heat, carrying our luggage and senior citizens. Ridiculous. We have some constructive and essential ideas that could improve his algorithm when the app is updated.

Extraordinarily, surprisingly and wonderfully we were presented with a Testamonium from the Pellegrinaggio office at the Basilica. The nun who stamped our Credenziale was insistent that we should have a Testamonium. Two proud Pilgrims.
We celebrated tonight. After all it is not every day that you receive a Testamonium.

But the pressure is on. We have just started on the road to Rome. Tomorrow we increase the mileage.

Off to bed ready for an early start.

Good night.

alisonmiddleditch

3 responses to “Day 4 Santa Maria Di Leuca to Torre Pali”

  1. Liz ‘n Linca avatar
    Liz ‘n Linca

    Often wondered if your road trips included a bit of the ‘crazy’ in them but now a nun has certified both of you, it’s confirmed!!

    Keep up the steady pace … has anyone alerted Rome that you’re on your way?! 🛐🛐

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  2. GW54BOY avatar
    GW54BOY

    I have been told that all roads lead to Rome, so it shouldn’t be too difficult .. Can’t wait to hear how much progress you made. PS Please remind us what language Alison2 is studying on Duolingo 🙏

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    1. alisonmiddleditch avatar
      alisonmiddleditch

      Gary, you are aware that Alison 2 is a traditionalist. We wonder if the decision to take Latin lessons has been counterproductive.

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