Finishing up the birthdqy in Cinque Terre

This was our treat after a long hike. A chocolate tourte and Cinque Terre Yummy wine. When I walked up to pay for it {because you pay for nothing till well after you are done} we found out that Chris Smith from Long Island , whom we met on the hike and met up with him and his family later at the last town, paid for our treats. REALLY? How amazing and kind. We didnt know till after he and his family left, so we could not thank him. So I thank him here as I try and type this from Nice, France... where nothing is as it should be on the keyboard.

More from France later!kk

cinque terre a perfect place to turn 40

This is Cinque Terre, Italy. It is numerous fishing communities that we hiked through.

We started in Riomaggiore then to Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. About 6-7 kilometers. BUT it was all up and down rocky terrain. WOW what a workout. It was so beautiful and warm too...amazing.

In the middle of one of the deserted towns (note for travelers: they all were as it was the off seson so most places closed) we saw people standing in the town square, when they noticed the Minnesota sweatshirt I was wearing they announced they were from Eden Prairie, MN...really? There were all of 50 people mulling around, including locals...so what are the chances? Small big world.

We also met a couple from Michigan on the trail. They were staying in a town near by and in Italy for 3 months!! Cool! They were probably in their early to late 60s and he had a year off work. We kept reminding ourselves that they had walked the hard parts and said it wasnt that bad as we started to wonder if we could make it. They were great motivation... as the trails to the north were very difficult!

At the last town we hiked to, we met a the Smith family from Huntingtion, NY (Long Island). They were such a fabulous family. They managed to hike to the next town while we took the train and sat at the wine bar and waited for them.

I cant imagine any of our photos will show off the amazing scenery, but I hope you each make it there some day. The hike is HARD. But you can take a train between cities to visit.

We are off to find boots, dessert and a good bday dinner.

Thanks to all of you who have sent me birthday messages. I have had great day!

kk