We stayed a week at Cretaiole, and since we had been here a few times before we really had no need to visit all the hill towns this time (plus, since we are on the road for so long, no need to buy cases of wine to ship home). So our plan was to take several hikes from the farm to just enjoy the countryside. The trails are very well marked, but we also have the All Trails App, which is incredible. It shows trails that are not as well marked and let’s you track you trip on a GPS recording. After, you can save your trip for future use, post it and rate it, etc. I think we paid maybe $7 for the annual upgrade from the “free” app, and it is well worth it, as it works around the world.

Anyway, we took three different hikes, generally in the same area, but each day was quite different weather and varying views of the valley. Our first hike was from the farm to San Quirico d’Orcia and back. We took the little farm roads on the way there which worked out perfectly. Amazing array of colors in May in the fields.

And even a little snow still in the mountains - ski area in the background - just snowed the night before (yes, in May!). Weather is weird all over.

It was about 4.5 miles to San Quirico from the farm, with beautiful views all along. Once we made it to the town, we stopped and had a bite to eat (likely meat and cheese, and wine & beer), then headed back toward the farm - this time taking a different route.

We pass by/through the home that was used for one scene from The Gladiator with Russell Crowe - check out the scene where he is trying to get home before the Romans burn his house and family - he’s riding up this road, with smoke rising from the house. (Of course, not with the farm equipment in the foreground.)

Unfortunately, we had to walk on the main road for a good portion of the way home - Carlo told us later there was another route we could have taken. A good view of the Chapel Madonna di Vitaleta (a very popular photo spot), but also many crazy drivers - a local bus passing 2 cars on a curve, just as an example. Anyway, safely home and ready for another hike tomorrow. Total about 9.5 miles for the day - a long walk, but fairly easy.

Our hike the next day was similar, but we took a loop into Pienza. Around many fields, and past a little house that will one day be ours, and on another road that was used in the Gladiator film. This hike was only about 6 miles, and with great scenery all along the way.

(Yes - that one above, soon - someday - to be ours)

Another road above, just perfect for a Gladiator to ride on!

And, once in Pienza, time for a drink...

Anyway, another beautiful hike, with a light lunch in Pienza and then back to the farm and a nice fireplace.

Final hike - a shorter one with Carlo - although, Carlo has only one pace - gallop - so we did our best t keep up. It was beautiful - down through his farm with Durham Wheat blowing in the wind (I should write songs) and along the old roads into Pienza.

Finally, headed back to Cretaiole with great view of our home up on the hill.

Time to get ready for “Pici” (the pasta of Pienza)!

That’s it for hiking - check out the rest of these pic’s in the album. One more post to come from Tuscany (trying to get caught up).

Ciao for now!