Sunday 3rd July - Rome, Rome.... Wherefore Art Thou?!

Awakened by the cock crowing from outside our Ostello shortly after 5 am... I did pause for a while, remembering this would be my last big day walking... And trying to remember everyone, and everything ... - impossible!! 

However we had a good breakfast - I even had cornflakes and cold milk, lovely! 

So we headed off through Campagnano with just the street sweeper for company

It was a misty morning, reminiscent of Tuscany (the heat later on certainly was!!), and as we climbed the steep rise up and out of the town, we came across the other 4 pilgrims, who unfortunately for them had been stopping in the centre of town, and so hadn't got to sleep until almost midnight, as Italy were beaten by Germany in the Euros! 
Like I've said many times, I've been well looked after on this pilgrimage - God knows I need my sleep!! 

As we got into the countryside I saw how it had changed, still arable farming, but no vines/hazlenuts, miles and miles of hay/grass crops, and woods stretching into the distance.

 















Because of the misty sky, it was very humid so perspiration was coming thick and fast... (that's being polite!!) 

We then ended up in a country park with horses and cattle grazing the fields, and finally a clearer sky to ease the humidity for a while!!

 















Around 9 am we arrived in Formello, for a leisurely cafe stop, before continuing through the open fields and roads, on what was becoming a really hot day... finding shade where I could.

Then a last hard climb up to La Storta, arriving just before 230 pm, to the Convent of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart... Slightly pricey room, but with our own balcony and.... Air conditioning -- these convents really are becoming up market!! 

We washed, relaxed, even getting to 5 pm mass in the chapel, before our evening meal, and rest.... Before the busyness of Rome tomorrow!! 

Ive just got a walk of 17 kms tomorrow, along busy roads towards my final destination... And I've still not seen Rome!! 

As I've said before, I walk through the Holy Door at St Peters on Tuesday morning at 11 am (10 am UK time)... If you can I'd like you to pause and pray with me for all our intentions, especially people you would like me to gain the special Jubilee Year of Mercy Plenary indulgence for - we can do it together.