It was only a short walk to reach the edge of San Miniato and from our hilltop position we looked over fields and hills, covered in morning mist, and out to the horizon. We picked up the small undulating road that headed south out of town and followed it for about three miles. Olive groves, grassy banks and cypress trees lined the route, along with the occasional house, and amongst it all grew lupins and other wild flowers. We joined a French couple for a while, conversing in our poor French and Italian and it was then a diversion onto white gravel tracks through the countryside for the next five hours.
The route stayed relatively high as it wound its way through the Tuscan hills giving us great views of the area and although we passed the occasional isolated house and crossed the occasional road, as we had guessed, nowhere did we find places to stop to buy provisions. Fortunately we were well stocked up and, while it was bright, there was a slight haze protecting us from the full glare of the sun.The last two miles into Gambassi Terme followed the small road uphill into the town. As we pressed on we saw for the first time a bar/restaurant and in it were ensconced some other walkers we had met along the way. We didn't stop, determined as we were to get our tired feet to the hotel and worried by darkening skies and the promise of rain. The expected downpour hit just as we arrived at the door of our bed and breakfast. Perfect timing.
This town may not have the historical charm of yesterday's but it is small and friendly and we do not have to hobble too far for tonight's dinner....
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