We did the 5 day hike Libbiano with our donkey Penolepe. Penolepe was not yet used to hiking without other donkeys, so it was quite exciting. Would she dare to do it without a friend? This experience was certainly useful for Tinne as well. In the end, we thought it was a successful walk with Penelope and gained a strong bond with her.
The walks were sometimes spicy because it was about 30 degrees, besides, Penolepe had a punishing pace at times, but if we found the uphill going a little too fast we let her go for a while, and she would be waiting for us again a little further on. She always stayed loyal to us.
What my daughter Norah enjoyed so much was taking care of the donkey. Both on arrival and departure. At each agriturismo we were kindly welcomed with water and fanta to quench our thirst, but the first thing to do was to un-saddle the donkey and stall her in a special area set aside for her with hay and water. Then, when she is no longer sweaty, she is combed, brushed, hooves scratched clean, oil applied to the legs against the flies and an occasional visit. Especially a cuddle before bedtime.
Delicious Italian food was waiting for us in the evening.
The people at the agriturismo were extremely friendly and helpful. What we really liked was sleeping in a large cotton tent with lovely beds. In the night it was nice and cool and we slept fine throughout.
During the hike you will pass beautiful spots. You walk along riverbeds, on narrow paths through forests, on hilltops with a lovely breeze with beautiful vantage points over the Tuscan landscape.
Thanks especially to Tinne for her helpfulness in figuring out bus routes back to Pisa. We were on public transportation and do not speak Italian.
We will not soon forget this hike with donkey.
Highly recommended.