Stage 8 Castel di Tora to Orivino

By the grace of God I have made it half way- there were certainly moments, some of which lasted days, where I was not sure I would get this far. Sadly I woke up having been attacked by some sort of insect which is frustrating as I had been applying repellant religiously. The morning view however at least distracted one for a few moments.

After a delightful breakfast with Rita it was time to face the inevitable climb over the hills which I am learning to expect each day. I have taken the strategy on the slopes if not looking up when waking, I see the slope, but then just focus on where my feet are and putting one foot in front of the other until I get to the top. This is because it is too overwhelming to see how far you have to climb, and the steepness at times can be rather terrifying. Once you have scaled up to the dizzy heights you are rewarded with views that instantly make you forget the horror you felt at the bottom.

Descending the peak and careering down a slope trying to resist gravity I came upon the village of Pozzaglia Sabina. I paused here at a bar for a cool beverage and to rest my feet for a little while. It was here that I met Claudio and Maria, two retired nurses, who had come from Orvinio and were returning there and joined me on the way. Together with our broken languages we managed to communicated, and I even was able to understand some history of the land that they were sharing with me. The pathway we were walking along was pretty-Roman and this part of the country was a particularly important crossroads for trade, as well as fought over by the religious powers of the past.

When walking through the wooded area and along the ancient trade routes this marvellous site was to be found- Santa Maria del Piano. It is said that it was founded by Charlemagne in 817 thrashed the Saracen army in this area. Due to being rather isolated it fell into decline in the 16th century, and now just remains as a monument of a time gone by. The second part of the days was was proving quite enjoyable, until I could see the looming village of Orvinio and then the scramble up the hill to it! Steep climbs at the start of the day are one thing, however at the end when you are overly hot and tired is another thing altogether! I was very pleased to find the B&B that I was staying in had a bath, which I made use of before am afternoon nap.

Orvinio is a charming village- another of Italy’s most beautiful. One thing that particularly stands out about these places is the care that is taken to loom after them, even abandoned places and doorways that have not seen anyone pass through for years.