In Pinocchio country (part 2)

Our path took us into the old centre of Pescia.  It was all very quiet, it being the prolonged "intermezzo di pranzo"(lunch break).  However we found a cafe where we had enjoyed a cappuccino and lunch (a combination which Italians probably never have!)

We returned to Collodi without delay, as we didn't want to do the unfamiliar drive home in the dark.  Pescia is an ancient centre of paper-making, and driving up the valley, we re-passed several paper mills - both ancient and modern - which we had seen on the way down.  We were struck by the ranks of very tall slender windows in the upper stories of the old buildings.  It turns out that these upper floors were where the paper sheets were hung out to dry in older times, just like washing, and the large windows allowed a free flow of air.

The central piazza in Pescia

Another picture showing the well-preserved path 

This oak still showing its autumn gold

Almost back in Collodi, Barbara has a rest on this bench which has had a leg-up due to the slope

All the Pinocchios you could ask for ...

Paper mill views showing modern paper product, and the long ventilating windows

Back near Bagni di Lucca, we stopped to take the now obligatory sunset photo!