Split this day into more manageable pieces and it turned out perfectly for walking: easy distance of 8+ mi even with some respectable hills, temp of high 70s, end-stretch of 2 miles were actually down hill, and I enjoyed a beer while waiting for the reception to open.
I’m staying at the Hotel Palazzo Renieri here and what a surprise at how modern it is—wow. AND the Internet is super fast! Can’t wait to check out their breakfast.
The trail had some really rugged parts and even had two stream crossings that I took very carefully (my balance is very poor, but I manage with the poles). At about midway, a welcome rest spot appeared with shaded tables and chairs and snacks/ drinks available. The host offered us local figs and a peeled fruit the size of a kiwi with sweet flesh that had seeds similar to grape seeds. I found out that they’re prickly pears—I ate 4 of them—really yummy. These grow wild in CA, and I never had one! A friendly English couple provided company and even treated.
