Fidenza to Medesano 18/8/17

18/8/17 Friday
Day 20

Fidenza- Medesano 22 km (or more)

36 degrees at 1800

Up 0445 with Alberto The Athlete. Sunrise with views over Fidenza. Climb up over gentle hills for a few hours at a pace less than gentle. I pull over, find a plastic crate at the roadside for me and Alberto to sit on to share a peach and drink.
I have entertained Alberto with my unaccomplished Italian as I have chugged behind and puffed beside him. Alberto walks twice my speed on legs twice the length of mine, doubles my distance in a day, eats no food while walking, carries almost no weight and is covering only a section of the VF.
Ciao ciao Alberto.

At 0845 I breakfast properly on bread, coffee and fresh orange juice at a pilgrim-friendly bar where I am heartily welcomed and invited to sign a register. Italian men are playing cards and engaged in lively conversation.
After this I inadvertently walk the cycle- route along the road despite having retraced steps but I am misled by the Sloways app and by directions from a local.
Views are vast and hazy and it's so hot on the tarmac.
Olive trees. Harvested sunflowers.
Some shade but little water in reserve as I approach what I think is Medesano.
I sit at an intersection in bewilderment; the GPS indicates there's a further 1.5 hours to walk to a hotel in Medesano.
A downhearted tread downhill, with one remaining portion of water.
Come to a bar where men are playing cards in usual Italian animation.
They offer me a chair and wine.
They tell me Medesano is not so far away.
I re-tank on wine-free fluids and then find the hotel in Medesano.
There's a pharmacy over the road; it has aircon and they speak English.

Sweet Jesus, thank you.


8 Breakfast
4 Drinks
30 Hotel Medesano
6 Drinks
23 Pharmacy




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