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April 25, 2016 - Via Francigena Day 9

San Quirico-d'Orcia to Rocca d'Orcia (8 km)

We decided to break up the traditional 32 km day to Radicofani into two days, by having a short 8m day followed by a longer 24 km day.  We are hoping this short day will give Cheryl and Dave some relief for their blistered feet.
A room with a view in San Quirico

Leaving San Quirico in the morning

Our destination of Rocca d'Orcia in the distance

Passing through the hamlet of Vignoni we encountered a sudden downpour and ducked into the tiny church to wait out the shower, which didn't last long.

Leaving Vignoni through the archway after the rain storm

Approaching Bagno Vignoni in the valley, with a view of the fortress of Rocca d'Orcia in the distance 

We stopped in Bagno Vignoni for a leisurely lunch at Albergo Le Terme, the same hotel we had stayed at on a different walking holiday 11 years ago.  The waitress was especially happy that I remembered her from all those years ago.




Arriving at our destination in Rocca d'Orcia
We are staying at Cisterna Nel Borgo, in Rocca d'Orcia, located above a restaurant.  This rustic old building is beautifully furnished with period pieces.  The hostess, Marta speaks good English and is very welcoming.  Our only complaint was that the weather had turned surprisingly cool and the according to a municipal decree there was no heat allowed in the rooms or restaurant between April 15 and Nov 1st.  It was all we could do to stay warm and even had to wear our coats in the restaurant.

The view from atop the fortress at Rocca d'Orcia.  Note the snow on Mt Amiata in the distance, elevation 1738 meters (5,702 ft.)

Also from atop the fortress in Rocca d'Orcia we can see tomorrow's destination of Radicofani (the high point) in the distance.


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