My 13th day walking and another bright and sunny day as I rose for breakfast. More UAE cyclists turned up for breakfast, probably flying into the close at hand Malpensa airport. After an excellent breakfast, I walked through town, which didn’t seem to consist of much more than a main street. Only the baker and bar were open.
I crossed yet another canal, before following a couple of back roads into a forest and a dirt track full of water holes – where all the water came from I have no idea, it hasn’t rained for ages. I saw a building in a field that looked more at home in a Star Wars film than in a field in northern Italy. I met a group of 3 men on a day hike. We had a good chat, before we headed in each our direction. I met several riders on horseback and bikes on the narrow path. It was Saturday, and there were many people out and about.
The next stage passed through Milan Alto Park, a large recreational area (360 hectare) with forest, fields, playgrounds and more. It was busy with people out for a stroll, children in the playground and the ubiquitous bike riders.
Passing through a commercial area and another, albeit smaller, park where I took a break, before passing through the outskirts of Castellanza, without finding a bar or cafe. I joined a path next to the Olona River, the river I would be following all the way to Castiglione Olona, for the next 18 kilometers.
Despite walking next to a river, the vegetation was often so high, that I couldn’t actually see the river. There were many elderberry bushes, in full bloom. In Denmark, many would be plucked to make Elderberry flower juice, but not here. In some places, the tracks after a disused railway, now replaced by the path, had not been removed, offering an historical context to a bygone era.
It’s Saturday, and just like yesterday, there were many walkers, joggers and cyclists enjoying the tranquility of the path and the fantastic weather. With no traffic beyond the bikes, this is a great place to walk. I also saw a man climbing a stone wall – without wires in case of a fall.
I have noticed that there are many multi-coloured beehives whilst walking in Italy and local honey at pretty much all the places I have stayed.
I finally reached Castiglione Olona, also known as “Tuscany in Lombardy” as it is similar to many of the Tuscan villages. I walked through the old medieval town with its narrow streets and arches, before climbing the hill to the modern part of town, passing a very modern church, before reaching the room I was staying. The room was on top of a bar, open to 2.30 am – good job I have my earplugs with me. But after almost 33km, I’d probably sleep through anything anyway.
It was sushi, pizza, pasta or kebab for dinner, and I went for pizza. I got a whole pizza this time. It was a very popular place, with people eating in and long queues to take them home.
I had good nights sleep, the earplugs did their job.