Ponte d'Arbia - San Querico d'Orcia - Bagni San Fi lippo 26.5 + 26 km 18 and 19 October

As one can see, me and other pilgrims have made quite some kilometers these past few days and as always those last 5 klicks are really hard especially as the sun here in Tuscany is burning hottest around 2 or 3 pm and there is little shade to be found along the road or path. However the mornings are damp and misty giving a mystical atmosphere over the valleys, the pine trees and the surrounding fields. Usually the sun gets through between 10 and eleven o'clock when I feel like having a coffee with a croissant. I usually have my thermal bottle filled with hot water and make a cup of coffee or tea for lunch somewhere in the shade. Since Siena I have been walking on my own as many of my friends have either stopped their camino in Siena or are behind me. Peter took off early to day as he went on to Radicofani for the night. Today however I met Leonardo again in the hostel and we went for a meal catching up on our adventures. I am glad my earphones are working again as the music keeps me going when the going gets tough. Having said this, Tuscany is so beautiful and walking along many a hill crest, the views all around are far and breathtaking, with all the fields either freshly ploughed or green lined with the typical cypresses. Sometimes I feel like walking in a fairy tale. The trail did unfortunately not pass through Montalcino, which is sitting there on top of a mountain a little to the west. Just a 7 km from Bagni San Filippo I was quite lucky that this nice lady came along and offered me a lift in the heat of the afternoon driving me all the way down to the hostel. This gave me the  opportunity to take a bath in the hot wells the place is known for. I had a small place all by myself which held almost 40 degrees C and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is difficult to find places to stay the night in this area as some are closed for holidays or even the season, so I'm not sure where to sleep to morrow, but I'm certain something will turn up as usual.

Good night.