Aosta to Nus
11.3 miles. It felt like we walked a slight incline all day with a steep quick drop at the end. Come to find out we climbed 1200 feet and descended 1500. Funny how our minds work.
Our legs hurt like hell but that’s a given so I won’t talk about it anymore. Each day the legs will get better and then the accumulation of miles will make our feet hurt. It has to be that way so we appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.
We crack each other up when we see the other use the stairs or sit or stand.
“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.” ~ Ansel Adams
Roxanne’s post and photos:
Bill and Paige lit up our imaginations with the idea to explore a country slowly step by step. After two years planning, recovery from two operations, and selling all household trinkets we are mind, body and pocket-book ready to walk to Rome on the Via Francigena.
The staff treated us so kindly and felt like family. It’s the Italian way.
13.3 miles and another 2,600 feet decline in elevation.
Our day was somewhere written in a fable. Rolling farm land lush with vegetables, pasture and alfalfa. Belled cows sounding like chimes blowing in the wind. Fruit trees heavy with fruit. Charming villages. Winding tree lined paths laden with pine needles. Fast flowing irrigation boxes rushing with excitement. Stream beds flowing in utter silence.
Thank goodness for the surrounding beauty because every elevation change (however minute) hurt our weary legs. Yesterday’s descent was brutal.
It is Roxanne’s birthday and we’re all celebrating.
The bus ride was nail biting and thrilling at the same time.
We layered up and walked to Italy (200 meters) for cocktails and hot chocolate. 
Our dorm room slept 16 (8 sets of bunk beds) and had equal amount of cubbie storage space. Spotless. Lucky for us nobody snored.
We woke to stirring of our bedmates followed by soothing music that was played throughout the Hospice. Lovely.
Miraculously it was a clear and glorious day! We layered up for the cold and within 500 meters stripped down. What a contrast from the day before.
We walked approximately 11 miles mostly downhill – a 3660 foot drop. It was stunning beyond description.
Our bodies were shouting at us by mile seven. Knees, hips, back… all asking us what the hell we were doing to ourselves.
We spent the night where 40,000 of Napoleone’s soldiers once hung out and for 300 years the Saint Bernard dogs sniffed through fog, ice and snow finding those of us who got lost. 
The Fab Five are keenly aware of this precious moment in time to show up able bodied and willing to walk 620 miles to Rome, Italy.
A three night stop gave us ample time to explore, rest and eat our way through town.
Postings and photos are all from my iPhone. Here’s my first attempt at loading videos. They appear sideways on my screen but play in the correct direction. If it’s harsh (or sideways) looking at it on a computer please let me know.
Glasgow – Inland except that the River Clyde accommodates large ships that are built here, lowland, business capital, the old city is dying but the new city is thriving, the medieval university is exciting.
Shoes: 
After reading about these and other top recommended shoes I ordered 24 pairs from Zappos and returned 23. 
Important factors in choosing what clothes to pack: comfort, weight and quick drying.
Next, a better rain poncho since the cheap one allowed the rain to soak through. Lastly, a better neck buff – one that fit tighter. The Icebreaker model was too loose and didn’t do its job – it was more like bling but did not provide warmth.
