DAY 44 - CASTELFRANCO EMILIA to BAGGIOVARA - 3 June 2026

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We started out on quiet country roads lined with fruit trees but our plans were thwarted when one of our intended paths turned out to be private and had a big gate across it. The road wasn't too busy however and a lady on a bike stopped to have a chat and wish us well. 

The changed route put us through the village of San Cesario sul Panaro, so we took the opportunity to have a coffee and pastry. We walked around one of the Laghetti Sant'Anna, spotting lots of birds. We crossed a bridge then walked down a quiet road which took us onto a busy road. We quickly found a bike path and managed to stay on it almost until our lunch stop, at Portile. We were a little late for lunch but they kindly made us some big salads. 

We followed quiet roads to get to the former house and current museum of Luciano Pavarotti, the great Italian opera singer. The displays gave a wonderful insight into the man as well as his career. We enjoyed it immensely. 

After that it was another 5km to our hotel. We checked in and found a restaurant, where we tried Modena bread specialities, Gnocco e Tigelle.

We enjoyed walking through flat, cultivated fields for most of the day
A form of support for growing fruit trees that we came across several times today
This lady stopped her bike in the middle of the road for a few minutes to chat with us
Passing one of several orchards on our way
Indulging in some bird photography at the Laghetti Sant'Anna
We walked most of the way around this lake
. . . and were rewarded with a view of a great crested grebe in the still water
Bridge over the Panaro River
An enterprising Australian long-distance walker rejoining the road after taking a shortcut
Lunch in the Trattoria at Portile
Hay
We had been looking forward to visiting the Pavarotti Museum
The Museum was wonderful - it was quite special to be able to wander through the house where Pavarotti lived and died
We went from room to room, taking in the various exhibits
Some highlights from the Pavarotti Museum 
A few more highlights
We finished the tour with a few short videos
And then walked the 5 kilometres on to our accommodation
The view from our accommodation tonight
Local specialities Gnocco (top) and Tigelle (bottom), with lambrusco (also a local speciality)
Birds
More birds
A few more birds
Day 44 - Map

Day:                               44
Distance:                      30.22 km
Walking time:               6 hrs 0 mins
Elevation gain:             88 metres
Cumulative distance:  855.30 km

Comments

  1. Anonymous4 June 2026 at 06:38

    Today’s birds:
    maybe young Greylag Goose, Grey Heron, possibly some sort of sparrow, Greylag Goose, Western Cattle Egret.

    Common Tern, Pygmy Cormorant, Little Egret, Little Egret, Egyptian Goose, Great Crested Grebe.

    Common Tern, Common Wood Pigeon, Eurasian Magpie, ? Maybe Starling?, Egyptian Goose, Eurasian Coot.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Barkers4 June 2026 at 07:12

    A good bird day yesterday. Thanks Murray!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous5 June 2026 at 05:56

    We have been following your posts each day and we are very impressed by what you accomplish each day. You don’t say if you’re exhausted at the end of the day but I suppose you are fortified with the healthy fruits, pasta, pastries and vino. And who is the old greybeard who gets in the photos with Kath?
    Good luck and more strength to your legs.
    Chris and Stephanie Wallace

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barkers5 June 2026 at 06:27

      Great to hear you've been following along! We can be quite tired by the end of the day but it's amazing what food and a good meal can do! Hope all is well with you.

      Delete

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