Crossing the Po river is a marker event for pilgrims to Rome. The crossing has traditionally been provided by ferrymen who meet you on one bank and row you down stream to the other side. The ferry needs to be arranged the day before. It is a little easier these days with mobile phones and motor boats, however the feel of the experience the Danilo provided for us was pretty well classic. He turned up a few minutes early, much to Merran's relief as she was not sure all the details had been successfully communicated over the phone. With his grandson in tow to assist with docking, he pulled in and we scampered down the steep steel ramp and boarded the small water taxi boat. I was assigned to the front, being 'molto pelligrino' and needing to provide some balance on the water. It was cold and brisk as we cut through the glassy water and also cut 4 kms off our walk. Danilo explained that we could not get off at the normal location as the landing had been silted up with a sandbar for the last two years.
On coming ashore, Danilo stamped our pilgrim credentials and we signed the Pilgrim Register numbers 339, 340 and 341 since 1998. We were the first pilgrims for over a week. We enjoyed coffee with Danilo in what we assumed was his house or a base for his work on the banks of the river. Photos below.
Hi there Tim, Merran and Sophia
ReplyDeleteWOW! What a few days. Appreciate reading the posts. Sad story about the refugees, and as you say, probably just the tip of the iceberg. Love the photo of someone walking along the path with the trees and two tyre tracks. You will have some great photos for display. Really sad to hear about Merran. I hope as I am sure you are that there is nothing serious. As you recall I had tendonitous and that was just so painful. The only thing to fix it was rest and that was something I didn't have time to do. I hope that Merran will soon be able to join you again.
Love the photos, fall is just great and to see the fresh mornings brings so many fond memories.
Take care guys, trust you can enjoy these few days, even with Merran not there for this part. Andrew