Audible called due to “Runner’s flu” on to Spoleto

So, after a truly lovely dinner that evening I hit the sack and immediately started to shiver and shake…..damn! I had what I call the “runner’s flu” (I do not think that is an original, I had read it somewhere methinks LOL). Anyway when I have overexerted with a long hike, even though I stay hydrated (I carry 1.5L of water always and typical drain 80% on a given hike) but, as best as I can tell, I pass so much water through via perspiration so quickly that I must screw up my electrolytes in some way which inevitably manifests itself with an inability for my body to appropriately regulate temperature resulting in shivering, to the point I have to cover the follically challenged top of my head with a cap to allow the body to regain some semblance of control. Unfortunately this also wipes me out as far as being able to exert myself the following day. Thus, I called an audible, and our cab/luggage transport driver Giancarlo, to let him know that I would be riding with him to Spoleto. My guys, Will and Stephen I think were concerned enough about their old man that they decided to join me rather than hike the last leg of the hike. Sorry, Mike and Mel, you were on your own LOL (have no fears readers, Mike and Mel are far more experienced at hiking than I and quite capable on their own).

Giancarlo, our driver was a stalwart during our trek, while he looks like a very tough guy, he had an easy manner, decent english and a sense of humor and was always willing and able to accommodate our needs. If you ever need a good driver in that part of Umbria I would highly recommend him. DM me if you ever need contact info.

So, as with many medieval towns in Europe built in the mountains, the general structure of the town is as follows: Castle at the highest point in town (from whence comes the saying s**t rolls downhill LOL) the medieval town at the next level and the modern portion of the city/town (typically post WWII) down on the plains below the “storico” or historic district.

The City of Spoleto is a very arts oriented city with several art museums as well as a music festival and “La Festa da due mondiale” or the Festival of two Worlds which is an exhibition of various artistic disciplines from the medieval and modern worlds which occurs every June. Spoleto is also on the Clitunno River thus it was no surprise when we ended up staying at the Hotel Clitunno which had some interesting artsy type things unto itself.

Fortunately our rooms were ready so I went to crash and thought the guys were doing the same but it ended up that they went exploring a bit on their own and discovered some street art.

Once I was semi recovered we went to the laundromat called “You and your pet” or something to that affect. We didn’t really understand the program as we could not figure out how one would wash one’s pet in a front loading washer LOL But then, with the help of google translate, we realized that there were a separate set of washers/dryers for things like pet beds and blankets. Anyway after laundry and a little more reconnaissance of the area the Salvinos arrived from their trek and we had a lovely dinner, with once again simply amazing cuisine.

Ciao for now! Next post on the Castello di Spoleto and Scale di Don Matteo LOL!