SERENDIPITY:
We’ve met some wonderful people along the way. Where we are now is the best yet.
When we decided to veer off the VF proper, the one everyone takes, we didn’t think it through. We just went. I am funny that way. You know. “the road less traveled.” We went from Vercelli to Genoa in 2 days, 110 km, because I couldn’t find a place to stay!
A couple of days ago, among a pile of pics I posted a pic of Jake’s shoes. He’s beaten those 300-mile running shoes into going 800+ miles. They are pathetic looking, but they do the job.
Joann commented on that pic. “We have the best shoe store for hikers on the west coast of Italy. Our town is one town away from where you are staying.”
We are at Joanne’s place now. We spent one night and will spend 3 more! Our first time staying at a place more than one night.
We are using her place as a base as we walk the tough route down the coast. We walk, train back. Take the train to where we left off the next day, proceed on then walk back.
Rinse and repeat. On the last day we will go to Sarzana and they will bring our gear to us!!!!!
What a treat! What a kindness! Above and beyond. And, and Joanne walked with us today to guide us for the first 15 km before she turned back and we went on.
All because of a picture of broken shoes.
Jake didnt find what he wanted. But there is a very good chance he will find them in Lucca when we go through there next week. I doubt we’ll find another Joanne’s.
It’s the unplanned encounters that are most memorable.
Can you say serendipity?
