Day 29  Sunday 15th June 2008

We had a relaxing day. Weather started sunny and was then alternately sunny and cloudy. During the morning we read, updated website, explored the locality a bit more. This afternoon we drove down to the valley and then along the valley on one side of the river and back along the other. There is a lot of industrial and commercial activity along the valley, which makes it a bit messy. The towns aren’t up to much historically, although one did seem to have a medieval wall and tower. That will have to be explored later.  

Start Mileage   14151		Finish  14185	Miles travelled = 34
								Total travelled = 2700

Day 30 Monday 16th June 2008

Weather forecast was not good so we drove out to Poppi via Vallombrosa and Stia. We were surprised to find a holiday resort high in the hills at Saltino but apparently it was very popular in the 19th century probably for taking the mountain air. We stopped at Vallombrosa for a quick look at the abbey (historic but not pretty). The drive from there to Stia was at first along a ledge through the forest. The road was pretty bad, narrow and dark. It culminated at the pass of Consuma (1050 metres). Stia was a nice little town with a long narrow central piazza. We found a little restaurant in the piazza and decided to have lunch rather than a snack in a bar. We had wild boar stew (cinghiale in umido), which was very nice. 

Then back to the car to continue to Poppi. As last time, Poppi was closed for lunch. However, the castle was open and with several lots of tourists. We bought tickets and went in. Some of the exhibits had changed and the library had changed completely. Before there were lots of book shelves, some with boxes of scrolls. Now there are closed book shelves around the walls with some display cases for smaller items including a lovely 17th century book containing over 300 pressed flowers. There was no sign of the scrolls. The guide said they had gone for restoration. 

After the castle, a cappuccino at the local bar. Then on to Montevarchi via country lanes, to shop in the Ipercoop. We did stop along the way for an ice cream which was excellent.

Start Mileage 14185		Finish  14280		Miles travelled = 95
								Total travelled = 2795