So - great news! I'm at my accommodation and the only dogs I saw on the trail were behind fences - and though they barked, they were contained - what a relief!
Thanks for your prayers - very much appreciated!
As the taxi wound its way up the switchback rounds coming out of Spoleto I have to say I was so thankful I'd booked this transfer. It made the whole day a whole lot more pleasant than I'd anticipated!
I got dropped off at the blue dot - you can just about see the windy mountain road below the red trail line.
Before I set off from Monteluco I took the opportunity to visit Convento San Francesco - and look at another cave where Francis used to pray. Another tiny cave - like his other one at Eremo delle Carceri!
It has to be said though that the Franciscan monks of the time appear to have been quite short, or very good at bending down - the doors to the cells in the Santuario were very small!
The site itself was very beautiful with many tall oaks that create a canopy above and between the tall trunks you can catch glimpses of the views across the valley.
It was a very peaceful place and a good way to start the day given how I was feeling earlier!
Today's walk actually ended up being very good. Lovely and sunny and not too hot. I met a few pilgrims on the way, but didn't stay with any for long. There were more amazing views across the valleys!
And en route I came across a quirky village called Sensati which had some interesting arty pieces to explore. As the internet connection at my accommodation isn't the best I'll just share a few:
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| Love this - even if I still have further to go than I have yet come! |
I did have one point when the route took me through the undergrowth of a forest which was a bit unnerving as the path really wasn't clear at all? But thankfully made it to my accommodation in reasonable time.
It's very rural here and if I'm honest this place is the most basic so far. It's more of a hostel than a hotel but I will have to make do - it's all part of the adventure I'm on!
I did spend some time thinking about what the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday would have been like for the disciples. It must have been a long and painful day as, whilst they knew what Jesus had told them, it must have felt unreal, impossible even. It has to be said that living with grief is a hard thing to endure.
As Good Friday, Easter Sunday for me will be different to what I'm used to - but for now...with the disciples, I wait.