Wednesday 22nd June - Tuscany in all its Glory

We all had a leisurely start today, with a little breakfast in the hostel before I left just before 8 am.. There won't be many occasions you can get the piazza so empty

as I left through a differing town gate, and dropped across the car parks I saw this large sculpture, representing ancient medallions worn by pilgrims on their way home from Rome, signifying completion of their pilgrimage

I was soon crusading the gravel roads again, and looking back I could see the hilltop fort behind me

And also as I travelled there were again fortified houses all around:

Deer were crashing out of the undergrowth as I walked! By 10 am it was already quite hot as I came upon a rest 'Sosta' -,La Villa, where a man had set up his own little pilgrims rest and relaxation point, where I got some fruit given to me, and even bought a cap!! 

I then headed off through the forests towards Sienna, still 15 kms distant... In the hot day!! 
I came across a tunnel to an underground canal, built in the 1800's

and eventually by early afternoon I'd left the forest, and could see my goal in the distance, Sienna arriving through one of the impressive town gates and into the city itself!! 

I had joined up with Angelo and Freda on the road, and we made our way to another provided hostel, near to the Roman gate... And after a shower I had a look around the city, teeming with tourists, visiting the famous Campo, the Duomo (cathedral) with its open Holy Door had a big pot of ice cream (as you'd expect!!) then sheltering in the hostel from the afternoon heat 30C+, and expected to be hotter again tomorrow!! 

I'll have to get up earlier!!