I woke up this morning with no where to go and nothing to do but explore the gloriously beautiful hot springs of Bagni San Filippo. I have a fridge full of groceries, a luxurious cabin and an Italian espresso pot to figure out (Youtube to the rescue). I may never enjoy Canadian coffee again.
Of course I’ve already explored the springs yesterday afternoon. My cycling buddies Katja and Miroslav are here somewhere and told me about a super hot pool somewhere. By 9 AM I was out looking for them.
I didn’t find them or their recommended spring, but I found a pretty sweet hot pool that was so dangerous to get to I almost gave up. I had to climb way up high over slippery smooth rocks using thorny branches for leverage. By the time I got to the water I was bleeding in several places. Surprisingly worth it!
I started my soaking alone in this natural infinity pool reading my guidebook and planning the second half of my journey; reflecting on the amazing walk I’ve already enjoyed.
I spent all morning in this, and other nearby pools meeting the world. An Israeli family joined my for a few hours, coming in from a much safer route than I had discovered. Two Italians gave me an opportunity to practice the language. An American couple of Polish heritage arrived, one of them having a rather bad fall on the way in.
This was an incredibly healing few hours, so healing the blood on my arms was almost completely healed over in just 4 hours. Hunger and to be honest that fridge full of groceries finally drew me back onto dry land.
I found Katja and Miroslav this afternoon, or more correctly they found me at home in my cottage enjoying charcuterie and wine and soaking up the sun in my beautiful little front yard. They joined me for the entire afternoon and then we all walked off to find these other hot pools they had found.
My final soak here was in the ruins of an old hotel where the hottest of the hot water attracted the most eclectic group of world travelers you might ever hope to meet. The bottom of the pool was a healing silt that we all just kept smearing on our bodies and faces – we group of strangers from foreign lands. With just enough wine in me to create the ultimate zen, we soaked until dusk lured us out to tackle the trail home before darkness became complete.
Once alone I retrieved the good bottle of wine I’d save from the night before and finished it with Ray on video chat. Having Ray along with me in my pocket has been wonderful.
Then I slept.
