Distance Walked: 15 km
Time Walking: 8 am – 1 pm (including a stop in magnificent Monte Gelato Falls)
Temperatures : High of 27C (with a burst of rain).
Summary: Today was our first day on the trail that had any hint of rain. When we finally decided that the skies were serious, we unearthed our rain gear that had remained dormant in the bottom of our packs for three weeks. Of course, as soon as we did this, the weather changed its mind and the bright sun appeared, Despite the rising temperatures, I kept my full rain gear on for 40 minutes more…mostly due to stubbornness!
Monte Gelato Falls: We had another shortened day, which allowed us to leisurely explore Monte Gelato Falls. The Falls were much more picturesque than my iPhone could adequately capture. They have been visited since prehistoric times and are surrounded by the remains of a 1st Century Roman Villa, as well as a Water Mill that was in operation from 1830 – 1960.
If in the area, Richard and I highly recommend taking a refreshment break directly across the street at La Vecchia Mola. Nice views, great service and some of the best food/drink prices that we have seen yet.
Once again, the trail was full of surprises, incredibly diverse…and had a steep climb to our final destination!
Accommodations:
Hotel Benigni, Via della Vittoria 13, info@hotelbenigni.it. Tel: 06-90-42-671.
65 euros (including taxes)for private double room with en-suite bathroom.
Two more sleeps until Rome!
Retirement Reflections 
Hi Donna – You had me at Gelato 🙂 Gelato Falls look very pretty and the lush greenery has a calming effect. Your daily blogging is really wonderful, and impressive that you’re doing it on your phone. So close to the Eternal City…I visualize Rome and its sights. I’m excited for you both. Thanks for sharing your day and photos.
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Hi, Natalie – We can often achieve more than we originally believe that we can. I am such a loser at using my phone (all thumbs) that I usually don’t even text. Relying solely on my phone to blog was a great lesson for me.
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What an adventure you are on! Horses and everything. Loving the pictures you share! They will make a great scrapbook album. 🙂
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Thanks, Janet – Great minds think alike. Richard was just saying that ‘we”(meaning “me”) should turn our photos and posts into a coffee table book.
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Absolutely! Bet it would sell!
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Monte Gelato? Mmmmmm…I hope there was some actual gelato in your day there! Lovely pictures, Donna.
Deb
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Thanks, Deb – No actual gelato at the falls. But we did indulge in more than our share of Italian ice.cream on this trip!
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Coffee table book is a great idea! Thanks for the gorgeous pics Donna! Yep the rain wear HAD to be used at least once –
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Thanks, Susan – I have now returned my rain gear to the bottom of my pack. Hopefully it will stay there!
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This looks like an extra-lovely hike! What a nice, refreshing break to be able to enjoy the falls. I bet it will feel odd to leave the relatively quiet trails and enter the hustle and bustle of Rome!
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Thanks, Janis – Today was extra lovely! We are now bracing ourselves for the hustle and bustle soon to come!
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Ah, you came into a city or little town. Are you wearing hiking sandals? Do you like them better than hiking shoes?
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Hi, Dee – I wore trail shoes (specialized running shoes) for the first 3 days. Each afternoon, when my feet began to swell, they killed my toes. On Day 4, I switched to hiking sandals. My feet have been happy ever since!
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Ah, ok…you know inquiring minds want to know 🙂
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Still smiling! Bless your hearts. And what a climb to your final destination. I, too, am interested in your footwear. Do you change shoes every so often? What do you wear when you have reached your stay for the evening? Do you feel as if you’ve lost a lot of weight. Your pants look a little like, as my mom would say, the ‘family has moved out’ = loose. Beautiful scenery every day.
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Hi, Leslie – On Day 6, i bravely mailed my trail shoes to our address in Rome. I’ve wore only my sandals (both on and off the trail) ever since! Yup, both Richard and I have definitely lost weight!
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Everything looks so magical, and that private room with en-suite bathroom = 👌 👄👌 (putting my fingers to my lips like the Italians!)
How are you ever going to top this trip?
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Thanks Susan. I’m not sure that we can ever top this! 🙂
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Glad the rain held off. You are almost finished! This looks like my kind of hiking. None of this Appalachian trail sleeping in lean-tos for me!
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Hi, Molly – I am completely with you on this. The famous West Coast Trail begins right near our home. Sleep in the wilderness with bears and cougars? No thank you!
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Looks like the town is lovely.
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Thanks, Louise – Richard and I especially loved this town!
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Hi Donna – love the header photo … while the Falls must have been historically interesting – even if only walking on by. The mill stones are amazing – and what a great way to use them. Wonderful walk up … and delightful town ahead. Love the horses … what fun – cheers Hilary
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Thanks, Hilary – The trail offered such interesting history…as well as incredible serendipitous moments. We are incredibly grateful to have had this experience.
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Hi Donna, I agree with Hilary. I like all of the photos and especially the header photo. It looks like a photo from a magazine. Your iPhone has been great, and of course, it is the operator taking the photos that makes all the difference 😊 Thank you for capturing and sharing another amazing day:)
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Thanks, Erica – My iPhone and I have had a mutual understanding — get me through this trip and then it can have a BIG break. I am thankful that it cooperated with this plan (most of the time)!
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I wish I had the bravery to do it!
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Hi, Susan – I’m one of the biggest frauds-cats on the planet! You could totally do this!
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