RELAX, YOU’RE IN ITALY

The Way of St. Francis

May 9, 2026

Poggio Moiano to Toffia

Miles walked 11.56

I’m sitting outside and the sun is setting. I’m on my second Aperol spritz and feeling something between content and homesickness. To my left are 5 young men. One them is clearly the father of a little girl. Who reminds me a lot of my granddaughter. And she has a new black lab puppy.

To my right are 5 younger men. At least one of them is old enough to drink. They’re playing cards and having a good time.

Farther on there’s a lady and her man/husband. She’s holding a brown poodle who barks at the puppy.

Kids are riding around on their bicycles while parents help them balance.

And my hostess and her husband are there enjoying a drink and some quality time. They look happy.

This is Italy. It feels like family. There’s music playing, everyone is drinking and eating. They all look happy.

I wish I could wrap this all up and take it back home. I wish you all could experience this atmosphere.

I think after a big day walking I want to tell you to stop and enjoy life. That little girl I mentioned, I showed her a picture of my granddaughter and she gave me a hug. Best part of my day.

A wild boar and her two piglets. I could hear dad rustling and snorting in the bushes beside me.

I guess this is the well marked sign that takes me from the Way of St. Francis on to the Farfa variant.

The arch in the town center of Toffia

Welcome to Toffia. Actually Toffia is another mile down the road.

My first look at my room for tonight. There are flashing Christmas lights all over. I thought for a moment I was walking into a high end bordello. It was actually a very nice place to stay

And my well earned Aperol spritz while I sit amidst all this family happiness

Buon Cammino