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April 23, 2016 - Via Francigena Day 7

Siena to Ponte-d'Arbia (25.2 km)

Like the previous morning, a slight sprinkle of rain had provided a freshness in the air and the forecast was for more to come...and a possible thunderstorm...
Leaving Siena

Selfie on the road

It wasn't long before the umbrellas and gortex made an appearance...
A ways further we could hear thunder in the distance that seemed to be coming closer as the sky darkened.  All at once, just as we turned a corner we were met with a deluge of rain as the skies opened up.  At the same a saviour appeared before us, in the guise of an 85 year old farmer, also on the run from the sudden storm.  He beckoned us to a shelter on the side of his house.  Then, with the help of some sign language and the little Italian that we possess, we traded stories until the storm abated... 

And so, a sudden thunderstorm provided us with an unforgettable memory... just another miracle on the Francigena! 
Hiding out from the storm


Our temporary host considers becoming a pilgrim

Thereafter the rain came and went periodically as if it couldn't make up its mind what to do, until with two hours to go, it decided to continue relentlessly.  Cheryl dealt bravely and uncomplainingly with her blisters, and I must say Ponte-d'Arbia took it's time arriving on the horizon!



The approaching storm about to descend on a small community


Four soggy pilgrims we were, as we finally arrived at Affittacamere Martelli in Ponte-d''Arbia.  The hosts are very welcoming to pilgrims and provided us with tea and cookies to help warm us up.

  

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