It rained yesterday and by the time we got to the hotel, we were just too tired to write anything. (It takes a couple of advil and about an hour to get the strength back, but then I feel great. Honest.) Even with the rain, however, it was still a great day. Beautiful walk, and we have now learned how to mudslide without falling down. I think the weight of the backpack helps! There were a couple of times I started picturing Michael Douglas and Katherine whats her name in Romancing the Stone, when they slid down the hill. The dirt here, which is a lovely tan color, turns to gloppy glupe when wet. And it sticks to your shoes. It is supposed to rain here today, but it is not right now and that is a blessing. We will soon start out on our next leg.
As for Colle Val d’Elsa, it is charming. Sits way up high on a hill, at least the old part. The newer part (which is still probably 800 years old) is below. Fortunately, the town fathers have seen fit to construct a giant elevator that accesses the “old town.” Quite the view. Colle is actually the largest glass making community in all of Europe. Wish we could get some glass back, but do not know that we can make that happen.
Had a lovely dinner last night in a restaurant below the ground. A great spot, wonderful food. Kim can write about that.
At any rate, it is off to Monteriggiono, which is supposed to be a really terrific little town. We have about 12 miles to go today.
ciao …
betsy
The rain really did make the walk more challenging, but it was a new adventure, too. We actually considered giving up the walk and catching the bus. We waited for nearly an hour at the bus stop, and then decided to forge ahead (We had walked two hours already by that time and had another two hours to go). We are glad we made the decision to keep going, though that is when we started trudging and sliding through the mud. It was worth it. The landscape keeps changing here, from vineyards to olive groves to vegetables to just miles and miles of winter wheat.
The walk yesterday took us through the hillsides where the rich people have built amazing villas. That was a treat.
As for dinner, it was good. And Betsy apparently has a taste for leguimes suddenly. She even ate some “broad beans,” which looked like butter beans, on her spaghetti.
Okay, we have another six hour walk ahead. Time to get started. It is 9 a.m. here.
Best,
Kim
Kim & Betsy 
Since we’re taking this trip vicariously with you, how about an itinerary? Are you slippin’, slidin’, sippin’ your way through Italy while heading east, west, north or south? I have found Piza and Volterra on the map but that’s it. Where will you wind up? Any chance you’ll hit Venice, Naples, Rome? Too “touristy” for this trip?I hope you’ve read Shirley McClane’s book about her 600 mile trek (can’t remember where at the moment), bunking in hovels along the way … and oh those blisters! Took her about a month.Love your travelog, but please don’t leave us again without a glass of wine at the end of the day!
Laglio, a hamlet of about 900 residents, is in northern Italy. That’s where George Clooney has a villa. Maybe you will run into him while you are trekking across Tuscany. I read that today you are going to be in Chianti country. Have a glass for me. I sure am enjoying your descriptions. You gals are making a memory for all of us. Thanks for the time. Love you
Betsy,I’m just so proud of you and the bean thing. What a traveler! Are you girls going to bronze your walking shoes and make bookends out of them when you get back? We’re gonna need more food descriptions here, though, okay? And remember my friend Jane Kerr who, at the age of 65, got stuck in an ice storm at the top of a mountain in Nepal for 3 days in this ancient woman’s hut who spoke no English, had only vodka to eat or drink and laughed incessantly. The things good memories are made of!!