Day 6: San Lorenzo to Rieti (13.2 miles)

Contrasts

Judy: Yesterday’s trek prompts my knee to give me clear signals that a bus ride to Rieti would be just the thing. Our incredibly accommodating host (who must be used to this pattern: San Lorenzo is between two very challenging days on the Cammino) offers to drive me to the bus. So Denis sets off on foot, while I relax for an hour looking over maps (no more getting lost for this pilgrim, if I can help it) before catching the bus — a 40 min. ride versus Denis’s 6 hour walk.

Rieti is a gorgeous little city with charming piazzas emerging from twisting streets. I find our perfect rental apartment and leave my backpack there so I can explore the town, hit the tourist bureau for maps (really trying to eradicate this getting lost thing), find the best gelato place, and pick up lunch to have ready for Denis — who arrives (surprise!) an hour ahead of schedule. I should point out that we lightened his pack a bit in the morning, knowing I would be taking the bus. My experience at the Post Office to mail a small parcel of our unneeded clothing to Assisi (we are going minimalist, like the Dutch pilgrims we met) could be its own blog. Fortunately, Italian hospitality among folks we have met far outweighs my postal woes.

Denis: I follow my spiritual guide and don’t look at the map once. There are some very questionable intersections to test my resolve. Fortunately, I choose the correct turns and breathe sighs of relief when Cammino signs confirm my instincts. The walk is long but 80% flat through the valley. I meet no one–not a great place to have a heart attack, so I don’t. What joy to arrive in Reiti with lunch already prepared and an amazing place to let go, so I do! Judy welcomes me with open arms and I appreciate the hospitality, apparently not the training the Italian postal workers get. 9/25/2015