Stage 2

It was a glorious morning when I set out from Cascia- you walk along what is essentially the edge of a mountain, the clouds were low in between the hills. The benefit of departing at 6am is the cool breeze you can just about find. It is still quite fresh early in the morning, particularly in this part of the walk.

I proceeded through the Birthday place of St Rita which was busy with pilgrims, both here (Roccapoena) and Cascia are like Walsingham, very busy with pilgrims and dead otherwise. I confess I did not venture up to the holy cave where St Rita prayed and her knees and elbows left imprints because I looked at the height of the rock it was perched upon, and knowing I have a lot more ahead decided I couldn’t face it.

It was then a largely up hill trek, where I learnt how to use my trekking poles correctly and that has made all the difference. Most of the walk was through forest, and so lacked views which has helped spur me on there previous days.

Finally I arrived at my bed and board for the night at a farm stay which also included a farmhouse dinner with what turned out to be 11 Italians most of whom had little English so that was good fun and quite the learning experience. Their kindness and hospitality was very much welcomed and the food was delicious, very hearty and all made on the farm by the “mamma” from what I could tel. The view from the bed I collapsed on was exquisite. I decided to rest here and not venture off on an 8km round trip to Monteleone di Spoleto but would see it as I passed through the following day.