It's not the Destination it's the Journey

We left the La Bandita Townhouse where we had a fabulous stay. Such great attention to detail, helpful staff and great food. If you're ever in the area - this is the place to stay!! At 6:45 AM we hauled our suitcases back down the brick ramp to await our taxi, since apparently the only cars allowed to drive down the main road in town are the Mercedes that take the brides to the church.

Our taxi took us on forty minute ride to Chiusi where we were to catch our morning ride to Arezzo. It was a little challenging determining which platform, but we made it and boarded the train in time. (Dan Prailes if you're reading this you'll be pleased to know we were not assigned a specific car and we had only three (rolling) suitcases, two backpacks and our hiking poles.)

It was a short ride up to Arezzo where we were to meet out hiking group. We had just enough time to have some breakfast and a cup of some of that delicious Italian coffee before heading outside where we gathered with the others to start our week together. We boarded the shuttle bus that would take us to Catellina in Chianti. One thing we learned very soon was that the Italians really don't have air conditioning. We were cramped in a crowded bus with 13 people and very little air in a hot crowded space. Not a good first impression.

We arrived at a fortified Hamlet with great views and welcome fresh air. There we got the plan for the day from our guide Lorenzo. Don't let that flat line on his chalkboard fool you. There may have only been a 492 ft. elevation gain but coming from the high (cool) elevation of 7300 ft. in USA to HOT, sunny, humid Italy (which was having their August weather in June, unfortunately), made it a little challenging to be hiking.
After gathering a few snacks. the journey began.

If you know anything about me you know I love yellow flowers and they were in abundance along with roses, poppies and all other varieties of floral treats along the way.

Fortunately, part way through the hike we stopped at an old farmhouse turned villa for a lesson an tasting about Virgin Olive oil. We were so soaked with sweat that I felt like we'd taken a bath before we entered the cool "cave".

One thing about getting older .. you know when to call it quits without doing something you don't want to due to peer pressure or trying to impress somebody. So after a delicious lunch (in the shade) we opted to take the shuttle onward to our home for the next two nights - the charming Il Borgo di Vescine. Upon arrival we found our room, changed into our suits and IMMEDIATELY headed for the pool.