Day 4
We anticipated a long day (15 miles) with lots of climbing (2300 feet) as we made our way to our next stop in Gambassi Terme. After a stretch of road walking the path took a turn onto a dirt track, plunging us into to the quintessential Tuscany countryside. We followed along, up and down, up and down as the path led us through rolling hills of farmland and eventually vineyards.
The day drew to an end along a busy stretch of steep, uphill roadway. We were reaching the exhausted stage, but had plenty of company. The groups of walkers we had been leapfrogging with all day were struggling right along with us.
We found our (very rustic) accommodation at the top of Gambassi Terme, a small hilltop village. It was nothing fancy, but the view (when I leaned out) our one window was pretty spectacular.
We found an excellent spot for dinner at a restaurant that catered to walkers. After the long, hard day we treated ourselves to dessert – tiramisu, one for each of us.
Day 5
After a relaxing morning and a quick stop at the local bar where we had our breakfast (included with our room), we were off for San Gimignano for a 2-night stay. We looked forward to a short day (8 miles) with far less climbing that day 4. Blue skies, warm temperatures, more gorgeous scenery and a little bit of mud followed us throughout the day.
One of the more unique stops along our route today was the Sanctuary of Santa Maria in the tiny village of Pancole. The grounds offered a perfect lunch stop for us and a number of other walkers.
While Reg chatted with Chris, the first American walker we’ve met on this trip, I explored the life-sized manger scene down steps and through a tunnel.
Soon, it was time to move on. We had more ups and downs to go, but we could see our destination in the distance.
carryoncouple 
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