@wonderingwanderr.bsky.social
Well… long story short, I was wrong.
The shortcut led us straight to a dead end that left us with exactly two options:
1. Turn around and walk back about half a mile to rejoin the actual route, or
2. Cross a busy four-lane highway.
Read more about Day 44 hiking the Via Francigena in Italy. 🇮🇹
The shortcut led us straight to a dead end that left us with exactly two options:
1. Turn around and walk back about half a mile to rejoin the actual route, or
2. Cross a busy four-lane highway.
Read more about Day 44 hiking the Via Francigena in Italy. 🇮🇹
Not A Shortcut
Via Francigena Day 44: Sutri to Campagnano di Roma, Italy 🇮🇹
open.substack.com
December 10, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Well… long story short, I was wrong.
The shortcut led us straight to a dead end that left us with exactly two options:
1. Turn around and walk back about half a mile to rejoin the actual route, or
2. Cross a busy four-lane highway.
Read more about Day 44 hiking the Via Francigena in Italy. 🇮🇹
The shortcut led us straight to a dead end that left us with exactly two options:
1. Turn around and walk back about half a mile to rejoin the actual route, or
2. Cross a busy four-lane highway.
Read more about Day 44 hiking the Via Francigena in Italy. 🇮🇹
“Remember yesterday, I told you he touched what we believed was a poisonous mushroom, and I made the comment that he feels compelled to touch everything he sees. Well, today this fool barehanded a…” Read more..
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
Stop Touching Sh*t!
Via Francigena Day 42: Viterbo to Vetralla, Italy 🇮🇹
open.substack.com
December 4, 2025 at 7:35 PM
“Remember yesterday, I told you he touched what we believed was a poisonous mushroom, and I made the comment that he feels compelled to touch everything he sees. Well, today this fool barehanded a…” Read more..
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
Day 41 of hiking the Via Francigena across Italy 🇮🇹
November 30, 2025 at 5:00 AM
Day 41 of hiking the Via Francigena across Italy 🇮🇹
“It’s hard for my little pea-sized brain to fathom that more than 2,000 years ago Romans were laying this and many other roads, stone by stone. Generations of soldiers, merchants, and local villagers have walked this very route, and now, I am too.” Read more
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
The Ancient Roman Road
Via Francigena Day 41: Montefiascone to Viterbo, Italy 🇮🇹
open.substack.com
November 30, 2025 at 4:54 AM
“It’s hard for my little pea-sized brain to fathom that more than 2,000 years ago Romans were laying this and many other roads, stone by stone. Generations of soldiers, merchants, and local villagers have walked this very route, and now, I am too.” Read more
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
Day 40 of hiking the Via Francigena across Italy 🇮🇹🥾
November 24, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Day 40 of hiking the Via Francigena across Italy 🇮🇹🥾
“Not only is Montefiascone an adorable little town, but it also holds a special place in my heart because I’ve met some of the loveliest people on the planet here. Read more about Laura, Pietro, and another Massimo on Day 40 of hiking the Via Francigena in 🇮🇹! 🥾
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
Laura & Pietro
Via Francigena Day 40: Bolsena to Montefiascone, Italy 🇮🇹
open.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:49 AM
“Not only is Montefiascone an adorable little town, but it also holds a special place in my heart because I’ve met some of the loveliest people on the planet here. Read more about Laura, Pietro, and another Massimo on Day 40 of hiking the Via Francigena in 🇮🇹! 🥾
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
“Today was another wonderful day walking along the Via Francigena. I love these Camminos so much and the pace at which they move you through life. I feel like I’m on another planet. I haven’t checked the news in ….” Read more about the walk to Bolsena, Italy 🇮🇹
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
Gardening Gloves and Potatoes
Via Francigena Day 39: Acquapendente to Bolsena, Italy 🇮🇹
open.substack.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:58 AM
“Today was another wonderful day walking along the Via Francigena. I love these Camminos so much and the pace at which they move you through life. I feel like I’m on another planet. I haven’t checked the news in ….” Read more about the walk to Bolsena, Italy 🇮🇹
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
“What got me a little emotional was thinking about the man I met while traveling through here. His name is Costanzo. He was so kind to me on my first Cammino (read more about him in the other post).. So when I texted him that I was…” Read more about Day 38 of hiking the Via Francigena in Italy. 🇮🇹 🥾
A Walk Down Memory Lane
Via Francigena Day 38: Radicofani to Acquapendente, Italy 🇮🇹
open.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:11 PM
“What got me a little emotional was thinking about the man I met while traveling through here. His name is Costanzo. He was so kind to me on my first Cammino (read more about him in the other post).. So when I texted him that I was…” Read more about Day 38 of hiking the Via Francigena in Italy. 🇮🇹 🥾
Day 37 on the Via Francigena was a wild day. Torrential downpour of rain, injured pilgrims, and more games of Machiavelli. Read more about it…
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
The Luggage Transport
Via Francigena Day 37: San Quirico to Radicofani, Italy 🇮🇹
open.substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Day 37 on the Via Francigena was a wild day. Torrential downpour of rain, injured pilgrims, and more games of Machiavelli. Read more about it…
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
Day 36 on the Via Francigena was epic. Tuscan wine, homemade pasta, Italian card games…and some hiking too. Read more…
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
Machiavelli
Via Francigena Day 36: Buonconvento to San Quirico, Italy 🇮🇹
open.substack.com
October 27, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Day 36 on the Via Francigena was epic. Tuscan wine, homemade pasta, Italian card games…and some hiking too. Read more…
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
Day 35 hiking the Via Francigena…a rolled ankle, a loss at foosball, and no space for a pilgrim at the ostello. Three strikes, you’re out…but it was still a great day. 🥾🇮🇹🫶
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
No Room At The Inn
Via Francigena Day 35: Siena to Buonconvento, Italy 🇮🇹
open.substack.com
October 22, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Day 35 hiking the Via Francigena…a rolled ankle, a loss at foosball, and no space for a pilgrim at the ostello. Three strikes, you’re out…but it was still a great day. 🥾🇮🇹🫶
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
Read more about Day 34 of hiking the Via Francigena across Italy. 🇮🇹
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
A Woman’s Touch
Via Francigena Day 34: Monteriggioni to Siena, Italy 🇮🇹
open.substack.com
October 14, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Read more about Day 34 of hiking the Via Francigena across Italy. 🇮🇹
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
“Prior to his passing, they were planning a trip to Italy and asked me for some recommendations. … They were scheduled to leave just a couple of weeks after his death. Instead of finalizing details for their dream trip to Rome and Tuscany, my friend was planning his funeral.”
Read more…
Read more…
Serenity
Via Francigena Day 33: San Gimignano to Monteriggioni, Italy 🇮🇹
open.substack.com
October 7, 2025 at 10:46 PM
“Prior to his passing, they were planning a trip to Italy and asked me for some recommendations. … They were scheduled to leave just a couple of weeks after his death. Instead of finalizing details for their dream trip to Rome and Tuscany, my friend was planning his funeral.”
Read more…
Read more…
“The more I walk, the more I believe that pilgrimages might just be what the world needs. To disconnect from the chaos and reconnect with the self. If more people took the time to step away from the noise, the deadlines, and the endless demands of modern life, I think we’d see a shift…”
Read more
Read more
Expanding Viewpoints
Via Francigena Day 32: Gambassi Terme to San Gimignano, Italy 🇮🇹
open.substack.com
September 30, 2025 at 10:19 AM
“The more I walk, the more I believe that pilgrimages might just be what the world needs. To disconnect from the chaos and reconnect with the self. If more people took the time to step away from the noise, the deadlines, and the endless demands of modern life, I think we’d see a shift…”
Read more
Read more
“Today’s hike was amazing! Possibly my favorite section of trail so far…it’s difficult to say since everything (minus the Po Valley) has been amazing. Today, was full of stunning views, lovely people along the way, and perfect mileage - my sweet spot - 15 miles.”
Germany, Holland, Sweden?
Via Francigena Day 31: San Miniato to Gambassi Terme, Italy 🇮🇹
open.substack.com
September 27, 2025 at 1:22 PM
“Today’s hike was amazing! Possibly my favorite section of trail so far…it’s difficult to say since everything (minus the Po Valley) has been amazing. Today, was full of stunning views, lovely people along the way, and perfect mileage - my sweet spot - 15 miles.”
“The unexpected twist in my day, from skipping the hike to taking a wild bus ride up the mountain, became a kind of reset. A reminder that not everything has to be earned through effort. That my path might look different but joy can still come from taking an alternate and easier road than…
Girls Just Want To Have Fun
Via Francigena Day 30: Altopascio to San Miniato, Italy 🇮🇹
open.substack.com
September 22, 2025 at 8:02 AM
“The unexpected twist in my day, from skipping the hike to taking a wild bus ride up the mountain, became a kind of reset. A reminder that not everything has to be earned through effort. That my path might look different but joy can still come from taking an alternate and easier road than…
“I’m overflowing with gratitude for this experience. This is my sixth Cammino and I finally feel like I’m in the best place in my life. I’m happy and I really like the life I’ve cultivated for myself. ” Read more…
Acceptance
Via Francigena Day 29: Lucca to Altopascio, Italy 🇮🇹
open.substack.com
September 15, 2025 at 8:07 PM
“I’m overflowing with gratitude for this experience. This is my sixth Cammino and I finally feel like I’m in the best place in my life. I’m happy and I really like the life I’ve cultivated for myself. ” Read more…
We are definitely in the hills of Tuscany…the views are stunning and there are cyclists everywhere. It was a Sunday, so everyone was out for a ride. If they weren't racing down the paved road, they were on the trails…overcoming similar obstacles (like fallen trees) as us except with their bicycles.
Get On Your Bikes And Ride
Via Francigena Day 28: Camaiore to Lucca, Italy 🇮🇹
open.substack.com
September 10, 2025 at 11:36 AM
We are definitely in the hills of Tuscany…the views are stunning and there are cyclists everywhere. It was a Sunday, so everyone was out for a ride. If they weren't racing down the paved road, they were on the trails…overcoming similar obstacles (like fallen trees) as us except with their bicycles.
Very tough day hiking the Via Francigena. 🥾🇮🇹
“I walked with Frédéric (French) and Massimo (Italian) - thankfully. I might have quit without them. At one point I considered calling an Uber but unfortunately, they don’t pick up exhausted pilgrims in the middle of the woods. Dang it.”
“I walked with Frédéric (French) and Massimo (Italian) - thankfully. I might have quit without them. At one point I considered calling an Uber but unfortunately, they don’t pick up exhausted pilgrims in the middle of the woods. Dang it.”
Off To The Guillotine
Via Francigena Day 25: Aulla to Sarzana, Italy 🇮🇹
open.substack.com
September 2, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Very tough day hiking the Via Francigena. 🥾🇮🇹
“I walked with Frédéric (French) and Massimo (Italian) - thankfully. I might have quit without them. At one point I considered calling an Uber but unfortunately, they don’t pick up exhausted pilgrims in the middle of the woods. Dang it.”
“I walked with Frédéric (French) and Massimo (Italian) - thankfully. I might have quit without them. At one point I considered calling an Uber but unfortunately, they don’t pick up exhausted pilgrims in the middle of the woods. Dang it.”
While I was having coffee at Mario’s place, Kevin and Jen, a married couple from Columbus, Ohio stopped to chat. I’ve leap-frogged with them a few times on the trail. They are absolutely lovely.
Read more.
Read more.
The Americans Are Coming!
Via Francigena Day 24: Pontremoli to Aulla, Italy 🇮🇹
open.substack.com
September 2, 2025 at 4:34 PM
While I was having coffee at Mario’s place, Kevin and Jen, a married couple from Columbus, Ohio stopped to chat. I’ve leap-frogged with them a few times on the trail. They are absolutely lovely.
Read more.
Read more.
“I turned my phone off airplane mode and about three minutes later, I got a text from a pilgrim friend who said he was in Pontremoli having lunch with his friends.
I slammed my drink, grabbed my bag, and stuck out my thumb.
Read more…
I slammed my drink, grabbed my bag, and stuck out my thumb.
Read more…
Goodbye. Hello. Surprise.
Via Francigena Day 23: Passo della Cisa to Pontremoli, Italy 🇮🇹
open.substack.com
September 1, 2025 at 10:19 PM
“I turned my phone off airplane mode and about three minutes later, I got a text from a pilgrim friend who said he was in Pontremoli having lunch with his friends.
I slammed my drink, grabbed my bag, and stuck out my thumb.
Read more…
I slammed my drink, grabbed my bag, and stuck out my thumb.
Read more…
Let’s go hiking! 🥾🇮🇹🫶
September 1, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Let’s go hiking! 🥾🇮🇹🫶
One of the many reasons I love slow travel is because of things like this. It provides opportunities to be in the moment and see things that I would normally miss when I am busy trying to keep up with the flow of our fast paced society.
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
The Morning Dew
Via Francigena Day 22: Cassio to Passo Della Cisa, Italy 🇮🇹
open.substack.com
September 1, 2025 at 3:40 PM
One of the many reasons I love slow travel is because of things like this. It provides opportunities to be in the moment and see things that I would normally miss when I am busy trying to keep up with the flow of our fast paced society.
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
Read more about my wild day on the Via Francigena…including getting locked in a parking lot.
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
Hostage
Via Francigena Day 20: Costamezzana to Fornovo, Italy 🇮🇹
open.substack.com
August 26, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Read more about my wild day on the Via Francigena…including getting locked in a parking lot.
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
open.substack.com/pub/thewonde...
I ran into the lion’s den of retired men’s morning coffee clubs (The RMMCC). They pounced on me as soon as I rounded the corner. They wanted to know everything - where are you from, how old are you, are you a pilgrim, are you alone, why...
Do the male pilgrims get this much grief?
Do the male pilgrims get this much grief?
Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli.
Via Francigena Day 19: Fidenza to Costamezzana, Italy 🇮🇹
open.substack.com
August 23, 2025 at 8:12 PM
I ran into the lion’s den of retired men’s morning coffee clubs (The RMMCC). They pounced on me as soon as I rounded the corner. They wanted to know everything - where are you from, how old are you, are you a pilgrim, are you alone, why...
Do the male pilgrims get this much grief?
Do the male pilgrims get this much grief?