Way Of The Gods 2019: D6 Olmo to Feosole

Woken by the alarm again today. This is becoming a pattern. Lovely clear morning. I can see Florence, looking very close. Fiesole, our destination for today, looks to about half an hour's walk away. This looks as though it should be a ridiculously short day – but it is advertised as 17km. I also hear that thunderstorms are forecast for later.

Winnie takes our photo outside the hotel. Fiesole is the town behind Anita’s head, Florence is between me and Chris.

We have our traditional start to the day: uphill and through woodland. Though the woods here appear denser and with more undergrowth

There are still frequent gaps through the trees giving views over the surrounding countryside. It also allows us to see the build up of thickening grey clouds.

Florence also seems to be getting ever nearer. It is difficult to believe that we don't get there until tomorrow. We are making good progress, and taking the hills in our stride. This is the effect of a week's walking, day after day.

When we drop down the land is getting more residential. Large fenced off estates, big houses, tall gates, guarded by fierce dogs.

The temperature is also falling, it's starting to feel cold. The air is getting heavy. It feels like a big storm is about to hit.

The final climb is up Monte Ceceri. We stop for lunch, and it's the best picnic so far. The big blue cloud has returned, the temperature is returning to normal, and the threat of rain has lifted.
Lunch: there's no fruit, no chocolate, no biscuits, no cake, but the sandwiches are really good.

The top of the hill is where Leonardo da Vinci experimented with his flying machines. Chris demonstrates how it is done. We have a long discussion as to whether to go to our hotel to drop off boots and rucksacks, or whether to visit Feosole first. We decide on Feosole first.

Feosole has an air of wealth about it. But houses, well maintained, behind big walls. It feels very nice though. Lots of nice gardens and architectural features. Have a beer in the main piazza and we then have a little explore: