The bulky brick built buildings of San Miniato look slightly spooky, towering up through the morning mist.
We do not lose height but set off along a ridge with frequent backward glances at the hill top buildings and their massive foundations.
It is pleasant walking with views to both sides of classic Tuscan countryside rolling away into the distance.
At the top of a hill we stop to talk to Fred who is enjoying a well earned rest, when a white van pulls up. The driver proceeds to embrace us, he is Giovanni, he tells is he has walked
Canterbury to Jerusalem in his time and shows us pictures of him embracing the Pope.
He leads us on to an oak tree and a seat with a book to sign. After further embraces we leave him with a French couple who have just arrived.
Later as we are sitting by a crossroads having a rest he drives past with some lunch for them, they hadn’t realised there was nothing available on this country stage.
We continue through the improving weather and spot butterflies and flowers. Top sightings are a single bee orchid and a badger crossing a busy road.
The final ascent of 200 m through vines and olives brings us to the Ostello Sigerico, a lovely building at the back of a church with a garden looking up to Gambassi Terme, a kilometre above, where we plan to get breakfast tomorrow.