Monday 6th June - Pilgrims travels... Again

We were up at 6 ready for another long day... Over with the key to the bar, and coffee, brioche and juice for breakfast... 
Then we were heading out of Piacenza alongside the very busy and crowded main road, I won't say risking life and limb, as 'Bob' was in front, and would be likely to be hit first!! 

It was like this for about the first hour, then we managed to get off the main road, and through some smaller roads and into a small village for... Another coffee and marmalade brioche!! 

I had a lovely conversation with an old chap outside, who having found out where I'd started from... Instantly went around the bar telling everyone... So as anyone was leaving, they all made a point of coming over to me and wishing me 'Buon viaggio'... Really really nice and a good start to the day!! 

I was then out in the open fields, with lots of cereal crops being grown:

Hazy mountain shapes in the distance... And passing lots of small churches... And big old houses/settlements.... Unfortunately mostly shut!

Then I came to a Ford in the path... Surely it wouldn't be deep would it.... It didn't look it.... I decided not to take my boots off, and chance it not being too deep... Then when I realised it was... Thought if I was quick I wouldn't get too wet!? 
Wrong, wrong, wrong... I should have swapped into my sandals as the water came up to my knees as I went across, and squelched out the other side (after some pictures, well, I was already wet!!) and then to the nearest log I could find to wring my soaking gear out...

 


















I wondered how many pilgrims get caught out - I discovered 2 who did, and 1 who didn't later!! 
I then continued in soggy boots for the rest of the day - at least the water was warm, and it was a hot day!! 

I arrived in Fiorenzuola by 230 pm, only to find I couldn't get into the parish hostel until 330, so after calling into the church, I sat outside in the sun still drying my feet and having a cold beer!! 

Another nice welcome from the priest, and restful afternoon!! 

An early night beckons for an even longer day tomorrow!! 
If I have to cross a stream... Should I take them off??!!