Yes, you guessed it, we slept almost 12 hours! We woke early Tuesday morning, making our way downstairs for our first real Italian cappuccino and pastries. An hour later we were in a taxi trying to explain to our cabbie, in Spanish, where we were to meet our fellow Sierra Club hikers.  Finally we found them near the Spanish Steps and we all boarded the bus.  By noon we were in the picturesque town of Orvieto in the region of Umbria, often referred to as "the green heart of Italy."  We checked into our room and we were thrilled! Nancy immediately threw open the shutters (without screens) and inhaled the crisp, clean Italian atmosphere.

Orvieto is known for its white wines, which tend to be lean and floral.  Most appreciated are Trebbiano and Grechetto. Right behind are Canaiolo Bianca and Malvasia Bianca.  We soon learned wine is consumed at both lunch and dinner, daily.  After lunch we were hoping for a bit of shopping before the hike (yes you eat, drink and then hike here) but lunch hour throughout Italy is from noon to 2:00 or 3:00, depending upon the merchant's mood.  Instead we walked amid the cobbled stone streets then changed into our hiking gear. Our guide took us through the Etruscan caves and burial site.

Nancy and I walked 19,393 steps that day. 

After 2 days in Orvieto our group traveled by bus to Gubbio, where we remain as of today. We have toured our guide's palace, she is a countess, viewed the Feste dei Ceri, from one of the many balconies of the palace. This festival commemorates the town's Patron Saint, Ublado, who is joined in the race by Saint Giorgio and Saint Antonio. You must Google details of this centuries old celebration.

Everyone in the village comes out to celebrate! 

The following day included a morning hike, along a regularly traveled trail of Saint Francis, a most moving hike, done in complete silence, lunch (not so silent) and a tour of the Basilicas of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Nancy, the others and I have hiked through wind, rain, hail and a bit of sunshine (I didn't pack appropriately - though my suitcase is so heavy with clothes I've been asked if I'm hauling gold bouillon. While Nancy, of course packed lighter and smarter).  We have consumed the Italian's gracious offerings of pasta, meat, cheese, salad, grilled vegetables, dessert and wine 

amid long days that start at 8:30 a.m. and end at 9:00 p.m.  We've made our way through meadows, wooded areas, delicately balanced our poles over slippery, loose rocks, traversed up and down steps and hillsides reaching elevations of 1500 feet or more. 

As of today Nancy and I have taken a total of 104,254 steps for Alzheimer's (Alz). Leaving our Alz calling cards wherever we can and giving purple ribbons to those who ask.

Together we are sharing Nancy's story, in an effort to de-mystify this strange memory-robbing disease. Unsure as to whether or not all this walking is enough to off-set all this eating and drinking, we are beginning to see cracks in the reticence associated with Alz.  People are asking questions and we're doing our best to provide answers. Giving hope to those living with their diagnosis, instead of hiding it.

We hope you haven't forgotten to visit our funding site, established to add dollars to the pennies currently awarded to Alz research and support.  Please go to j.mp/FFALZ.

Ciao!! 

Our Journey to Italy

When we said "follow us as we walk along the Franciscan Trail," I had every intention of keeping you informed.  While I can access our Blog site from Italy, I can't exactly read it. It comes through in Italian! So I'll do my best to catch you up via our friend Suzy, who is state-side.

We took the "red eye" from Vegas to New Jersey Saturday night, arriving in Jersey around 7:30 a.m.  With an eight hour lay over, Nancy was gracious enough to patiently answer my, "what time is it?" (The adult version of "are we there yet?,") about every two hours.  Nancy busied herself with writing while I people (and bird) watched and fought with Samsung over the phone.  Trying to pass time wisely we utilized airport charging stations and ate American pizza for lunch, or was it dinner? Actually it was breakfast, but as far as our stomachs knew it was "linner." 

As I munched on the dry crust and under-seasoned slice of pizza I envisioned real Italian pizza. When we finally boarded the plane for Rome, we were exhausted.  Alas, sleeping in coach isn't any more comfortable than sleeping in airport chairs. Perhaps it's even worse. At least I can drape my legs over the arms of the chairs and watch free t.v at the airport.  It was 8:00 a.m. Monday when we landed in Rome.

After checking in to the Marriott Courtyard in Rome, we did our best to stay up instead of sleeping.  We both really wanted to sleep. But adhering to the oodles of advice given, we grabbed a cab and headed for Vatican City. What a zoo!! We didn't buy tickets as the lines stretched around the block. More waiting was not something either of us was interested in.  Food, that's what was on our minds.  While we didn't locate the best restaurant in town, we were somewhat satisfied with our meal, ravioli. After a few hours we decided it was okay to return to the hotel. After standing in the designated location to catch our ride back, it was Nancy who remembered the hotel shuttle does not run from 1:00-4:00.  Yup, that's the lunch "hour" in Italy, for those who don't know. 

Once back at the hotel we showered, changed into our Jammie's with the intention of ordering another glass of wine and perhaps some dessert.  But first, "let's just lay down and rest our eyes," I said.  I suspect you know what happened next . . .