Day 409 – EU – Italy [Rovigo to Legnago]

18/05/21

45km

  From Rovigo (Italy) to Legnago (Italy)

Europe

Beautiful summery day on the road by the Adige river, 2nd biggest in Italy after Po

By the Adige’s banks

Before I start on today’s run, a quick note about yesterday. I questioned in yesterday’s blog the accuracy of my Garmin device, as it was placing me 15m below sea-level. I was intrigued because I had crossed this region last year and did not come across such an issue. I thought my device was going berserk. Well it was not. I learnt that the Po Valley, in the Polesine subregion, where I was yesterday, goes below sea level. So: my device was not wrong, and I really am running below sea-level.

The countryside – ever so pretty

Today’s run was beautiful and summery. The first half was by the main road. But as soon as I left it (at Badia Polesine) I went to run on the Adige river’s banks. It was very quiet, with only the birds and snakes to look out for. I saw about 5 or 6 snakes today. Always the same: black and shiny, crossing the road ahead of me from one grassy bank to another. The time it takes me to reach for my phone, switch it on, click on the camera and switch to video mode: the snake is already out of sight! I’m no Lucky Luke of the IPhone!

Trattoria Salieri with AnnaFrancesca Wine maker! Fun times:)

I reached Legnago early afternoon and was very hungry. I sat down at the first appealing Trattoria I saw, the Trattoria Salieri. The kitchen had just closed but I made my case with a big smile and the staff volunteered to cook me some steak and potatoes upon learning I just came all the way from Rovigo running! I also met Anna on the terrace, with two friends, a local wine producer (AnnaFrancesca Winery) – it was a pity that I had already ordered my traditional pint of beer, their rose wine was very very tempting! We did a couple of pictures and it was nice to make a connection and gain some support along the route. I am loving this crossing Italy sad it will come to an end in about 10 days in Trieste…

Personal Note: I am sending a million positive vibes to my friends Stephanie and Xavier, their two boys Hugo and Clement, who all caught Covid19 this week. Be strong, fight hard and I will see you all fit in July when I transit in Rouen. All my love!

Check my daily run GPS data on or

Here is the map of today’s run: