October 10th
The departure from Bologna reoriented ourselves to our bikes as we loaded our panniers and headed to the train station. As tickets were rapidly purchased to Florence, we found ourselves with 6 minutes to load our bikes and luggage (Nick was quite surprised to learn of my rapid and haste ticket purchase). We frantically rode our loaded bikes down the platform to our Bin and with seconds to spare, got oursleves and luggage aboard. Often on this trip, we find oursleves extremely fortunate for the time and blessing of events as they unfold. Thankful to be aboard and on to the next leg of our journey, we anxiously got off one stop too soon. However, with map in hand, we felt confident to find our way. As we took off pedaling from the train station, the map flew from our bikes, as a kind couple hailed us down and graciously used the limited English they had to try and help us. Seeing our tent and luggage aboard, they kindly recommended a wonderful campground overlooking Florence. As firm believers in fate, we found our way through the busy roads of Florence to Michealango Campground. As we set up for the evening, we engaged in jokes about the Monster of Florence and wondered if we would last the night. To our surprise, we found a kind Scottish gentleman next to us, which after a quick glance, we expected a nice bottle of chianti and fava beans.
Freedom was once again reborn by the exploration of a city on bike and engaging in wonderful stories shared by fellow campers and bikers. There truly is no better way to connect to the beauty of an area.