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!!