Ticino walk

I am now writing from Pavia, where we are staying in an old convent which has recently become available for pilgrims. We are the only ones in a huge old building with ?8 metre high ceilings, but only 2 mattresses and no pillows. How to decide who gets the comfy beds?

Today saw a couple of changes. The weather was considerably cooler today and the hint of chill in the air. It suited us, though, Tasmanian through and through. The second was our first hill, surely a full 80 m climb into a lovely little Lombardian village. Our only hill in 4 days of walking so far.

Our favorite part of each day so far is setting out first thing, soon after 7 in the cool of the morning, with the anticipation of our day's journey. Our treat this morning was the aromas of fresh bread from a patisserie, and we shared an olive foccacia as we walked out of Gropello.

We had expected the walk into Pavia to be quite monotonous, but the scenery was superb, through a protected water reserve then along the Ticino River, until the Pavia Duomo appeared on the horizon.

Lunch was superb, I got the only hot shower (sorry Tim and Soph) and we have been trying to work out what to do with some very horrible blisters on their feet. This is certainly making the trip very difficult, and we are not sure whether to modify our plans. We reckon that a few days in we'll be toughened up, but in the meantime need to be wise.

So, 4 days and 84 km down, with 752 km ahead of us. Thanks for your messages, and love to you all, Merran.