DAY 62 - SAN MINIATO to GAMBASSI TERME - 21 June 2026

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Another hot day saw us heading out early, exploring the parts of San Miniato we didn't see yesterday.  The initial part of the VF was on the road,  and there were a few cyclists and walkers getting out before the weather got too hot.

Once we turned off the road we met an Italian pilgrim going the other way. Two more followed in quick succession and then we had the path to ourselves. There were olive groves,  vineyards, hay fields and long views.

At Coiano we followed the pilgrims' instructions to go behind the church to find a water fountain. After a good break,  we continued,  passing a spot where a detachment of Swiss soldiers rested (becoming the first of the Pope's Swiss Guard) and hearing the sounds of bee-eaters.

We passed another water fountain, soaking our hats and buffs as well as refilling our bottles.  The relief was immediate and when we came to a cemetery later, one of us even soaked her sleeves and shorts to cool down...

This helped us up the final hill into Gambassi  Terme and early check in for a good rest.

Leaving San Miniato this morning
Heading out of San Miniato on the Via Francigena 
The Via Francigena south from San Miniato 
At a rest stop making the halfway point of the Tuscan section of the Via Francigena. The 2 other walkers were heading the other way, while the other gentleman was a local who tried to assist pilgrims on the way. 
The Via Francigena 
Rest stop in Coiano
Via Francigena on from Coiano. It was quite hot at this stage. 
The countryside was quite dry, but the views continued to be eye-catching 
Continuing southwards on the Via Francigena 
Passing a vineyard as we approached Gambassi Terme 
Approaching Gambassi Terme 
We were taking additional measures to protect ourselves from the extreme heat
Entering Gambassi Terme 
Some highlights of Gambassi Terme 
Bits and pieces 
Some more bits and pieces 
Birds, and suspected bee-eater nests 
Day 62 - Map

Day:                               62
Distance:                      25.42 km
Walking time:               5 hrs 07 mins
Elevation gain:             591 metres
Cumulative distance:  1264.40 km


Comments

  1. Anonymous22 June 2026 at 10:31

    Stay hydrated! High temperatures in Europe are on the news here.

    Today’s birds: Common Swift?, Eurasian Jay, Common Blackbird, Italian Sparrow, Western Jackdaw..maybe

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous23 June 2026 at 21:09

    Well done guys! Glad to see you are combating the heat as best you can. Its seriously hot even for northern rivers folk! Russell

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barkers24 June 2026 at 05:35

      We're taking all precautions. Drenching ourselves in water from the fountain seems to work best...

      Delete

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