Cycling distance 29 miles

Walking 5 miles

Temperature 79 degrees

When we cycled the Camino to Santiago Di Compostela the route was well sign posted and it was hard to get lost. On a daily basis I say to Alison that you wouldn’t know we were on the EuroVelo 5 route or the Via Francigena. As our new friend Charlie and Alison’s cousin Malcolm have pointed out, we weren’t on the route at all. That explains a lot.

What we have been following is a statement of intent for a route. No physical path and no signs. We are pilgrims but we are also pioneers; taking the road that no one else has taken. As Alison says – all roads lead to Rome but not all are straight.

We are indebted to Charlie and Malcolm for their insight. Charlie is a tough cookie and when we showed her the proposed route for the next few days, she proclaimed it to be foolish in the extreme. Malcolm said we are just plain bonkers. Harsh but probably fair.

Time for a re-think.

Plan A initiated this morning. We left the accommodation early and slipped into the Cathedral where the cleaner gave us a stamp for our Credenziale. A good start to the day.

We set off, but an hour later we were back at our accommodation asking if we could have our room for a second night. Reasons beyond our control. All is well and we have an unexpected rest day.

As elite athletes we understand the importance of maintaining fitness on rest days. We thought it would be lovely to take a gentle ride to the famous grottes at Riparia.

How about a pleasant cycle along the coast road?

We are undeterred and will be initiating Plan B tomorrow. Like the Colossus of Barletta’s fibula – it is an evolving situation.

Well that was our day. How was yours?

Time for bed. We have to be up at 6.00am.

Good night.