Bagno di Romagna to Cortona

Big story of the day was Katie’s first Passo/Col and she actually enjoyed it!

I attempted to take a selfie on the way up the climb…

Second attempt was slightly more successful…

This photo of the descent through a beautiful forest needs pine needle smellovision, the scent was amazing.

We were now in Tuscany which means wooded hills, expensive houses with cypress lined long drives, hilltop towns and knackered legs.

Lunch was an enormous plate of pasta in an Osteria, very yummy and my legs needed food, but my tummy just can’t do this level of carbs at lunchtime.

Obviously the road went upwards straight after lunch. Katie’s pasta fuelled young legs were zooming along with my semi empty, complaining and exhausted tree trunks pootling slowly behind.

The hotel was of course at the top of a hill with the town looming above us for the last few miles.

The ascent was via hairpin bends and actually not as steep as it looked and Cortona is a stunning town.

After a brief walkies, a relaxed glass of wine on the hotel terrace was of course essential.

Only three days left of this incredible trip and tomorrow is going to be a bit of a beast.