Our own Orvieto tour guide

Hi folks

Well we didn't get a chance to blog last night - will let you know all about it soon- as we had a pretty awesome day. Tim and I clocked up 110 km in 4 days which was epic for us, even if I could hardly stand up straight at the end of it!

We strode out well about 7:30 am hoping to meet Sophie in Bolsena at lunchtime. 22 km to go. Our first surprise of the day was coming across a flock of ewes with very new lambs bring taken to a new pasture by a shepherd couple. We then met up with our friend Francoise, and a bit further on, Anne, walking in the wrong direction after seeing her son off on a bus to Siena, en route to Paris. We left the 2 French ladies to walk together and soon came to San Lorenzo Nuovo, and our first glimpse of the majestic Bolsena Lake. I had declared to Tim that it was pretty much downhill all the way, so the frequent sharp ascents became rather a joke. I was very thankful that my good husband did not rub in my error.

The day was filled with really lovely experiences. First, we made good time to Bolsena and to our great joy Sophie and Kaye met us walking back along the track from Bolsena Castle. It was so good to see Soph again, esp as she looked really relaxed and happy. Kaye had packed a picnic lunch, and we all (including Kaye's friend Claudio and another Australian friend Sue) enjoyed a wonderful picnic lunch on a friend's olive grove looking out over the Lake. We than had a coffee on the edge of Lake Bolsena, in warm sunshine, got our pilgrim credentials stamped at the church of Saint Cristina, then headed back to Orvieto which was glowing in the late afternoon sun. Great photo opportunity.

Kaye lives in a gorgeous white apartment just outside the city walls. While Kaye thought about dinner (homemade spring rolls, Thai chicken curry and a spicy beef salad) she sent us off to wander the streets of her town. The highlight of our day was having our own tour guide. Sophie took us to the lift which operates at the city walls, then through to the Duomo, and the main street, and we just loved having her show us around. We couldn't but think how proud my parents would have been to see her! We then bought her a pair of Mephisto walking shoes which we really hope will assist her in the final walk to Rome.

Back to Kaye's for an amazing meal, Orvieto wines, Australian and Italian company, then a good night's sleep ready for another day walking - as three pilgrims again.

Thanks so much to Kaye and Claudio - and Sue - for their friendship and hospitality. And welcome back Sophie!

Time for sleeping, good night, and today's news tomorrow :)