Day 1 (13 October) The Challenge — 18 Miles

This tour moves one piece of luggage to the next accommodation. We weren’t the only ones walking the VF. Like Laird during our Camino, Rich asked me if our luggage will be at our next destination. The answer is, I don’t know. But as these things go, they were in our rooms when we arrived.

We had a long journey ahead – 18 miles with plenty of elevation changes. Our final climb was 1400 feet within 1.5 miles – that’s equivalent to six Mountaintops in a row. That is why Day 1 is entitled — gThe Challenge

The VF is well marked with various kinds of signs including the old cement ones that are spotted here and there. Rich was particularly comforted by the sign that directed one to call 112 in cases of emergency. First aid stands were placed at points along the route. Here are some examples of the VF signs and the first aid station.

We loved seeing the bands of hills in front of us. Indeed, what one imagines the hills under the Tuscan sun to be. However, we had to climb those hills! As we came down a hill, we knew that eventually we would have to go up.

We started our walk around 8:45. It was around 4:00 when we were on our final climb. We had to make our destination before sunset. We were dreaming of the bed, hot shower, and dinner that awaited us at Tenuta Sant’Ilsidro — what turned out to be Paradiso beyond our expectations. Below is a photo of my bedroom. Dinner was magnificent – Tuscan meat plate split between us, tartufo ravioli for Rich, Tuscan styled osso buco for me, and fresh tomato salads that were paired with the Tenuta’s own red wine. At the end of the meal, I had cantucci with Vin Santo in the same way that Stanley Tucci presented it on CNN. The night ended with a walk passed the pool.

The challenge was met. We were rewarded with accommodations any pilgrim would more than appreciate.