Lambrinia to Piacenza

Today we cross the river Po and leave Lombardy for Emilia Romagna.

We left the hostel and said goodbye to Don Pietro our host. The train took us back to Lambrinia and we started our walk.

---

Today's date: 14.9.20

Weather: sunny

Steps: 34,590

Distance: 30.15 km ( minus about 4.5 on the ferry)

Climbing: 54 m

---

The walk from Lambrinia to the ferry at Corte Sant'Andrea was easy, with a wide path on an embankment by the river. We met Noelle and as we were in good time we had a coffee while we waited. The bar's dog, Bella, was happy to have guests.

The river was smooth and wide and it was just a short sprint downstream.

Danilo, the ferryman has a place in the folklore of the Via. He keeps a record of everyone he carries. Last year he transported around 900 people, but this year only 150. We are the first pilgrims this year who started at Canterbury.

We had a break at a bar in the park in Calendasco. It seemed a thriving community with lots going on. After lunch we walked along busy roads in the hot sun. We passed through Cotrebbia Nuova which had a grand church and then crossed the river Trebbia.

The walk into Piacenza must be the worst we have experienced. We walked for perhaps an hour along a busy arrow-straight road lined with petrol stations, supermarkets and car washes.

We crossed the centre of Piacenza on the way to our hostel. The centre of Piacenza seemed much nicer with lots of courtyards, churches and piazzas. We are based here for a few days, so we should have time to explore.

---

Instituto Cristoforo Colombo dei Scalabriniani

A hostel run by Salesian priests. It is in a large walled campus with 2 cloisters and lots of accomodation. There are lots of people coming and going. Our room has air-con - hoorah!

For supper we went to a trattoria for the local speciality, 'pisarei e fasoi'. It is a rich bean and pasta dish and highly recommended. Main course options included horse and donkey. 'Just the pasta for us, thanks'.

---