Thanks for the encouragement Scott, and as always for following along. It does look like this is turning into just another good story fortunately, but it would be nice if some learning takes place this time.

I'm still holding out hope that your wallet turns up in the one place you didn't search and that it has never been in anybody else's hands. I admire your rational adaptability to the situation in order to keep the tour going. I think I'd be in too much of a state of panic.

I'm seriously obsessive-compulsive about my wallet and my phone while on tour. While riding, I'm constantly unzipping my handlebar bag to make sure they're in there, and when I'm off the bike, I'm constantly feeling for them in my pants pockets.

Scott, I have very much enjoyed following along on your and Rachael’s travels for years. Your ability to triumph over touring obstacles is legendary. But your current situation is indeed a big one for sure. As difficult maybe, thanks for sharing. I know that you will both land on your wheels and be rolling soon. Looking forward to the happy ending.

Wow! Looks like an amazing meal! As alway, so much fun to follow along, thanks for sharing you journey!

So sorry to hear the latest wallet dilemma. Our solution for possible lost items on our upcoming trip is‘Apple Air Tags’. We have one for each bike and one for each wallet. We’ve been testing them locally and great reviews so far. It may be helpful for you going forward. BTW thanks for all the Puglia route exploration you’ve been doing …I’m sure we’ll use some of them! All the best.

Können wir euch irgendwie helfen?

PopMoney, another tool I’ve never hear of. Cute name too! At this point we’re pretty hopeful about Xoom, which looks like it will be significantly faster assuming it works. We’ll find out tomorrow.

Thanks for the tip, and for still following along. We were just talking with Racpat about Ithaca and what a great place it would be for a longer stay. We’d love to make it back there again some day.

Oh, and I’m pretty sure that the tour is still on. One way or another we’ll manage to get our hands on enough €€€ to see us through.

Another money transfer option -- PopMoney. I have used with PDX credit union and many kinds of accounts including Canadian (although t&c change). It takes a day or so to verify but might allow you to stay on the tour. And please do stay on the tour! Many of us are living vicariously through your posts.

So sorry to hear this happened. My fingers are crossed that there's some sort of miraculous return of the wallet. Sounds like you're keeping the credit cards active for now. Hopefully you have a way to monitor for any unauthorized charges?

We’ll see, but I can’t say we’re optimistic about getting it back. On the plus side, it gives us an interesting story to help us remember this tour by. Truth be told though we’re getting a little tired of interesting stories.

Thanks, Bill. It’s not a first for us either, even not counting the other two recent ones. This one’s really flattening though, and ranks right up there with losing it on the way to the airport for a flight to New Zealand 32 years ago. We were lucky that we had enough travelers checks with us to keep it alive until my parents could wire cash to us at a bank a few weeks later.

Sharing your angst, having lost wallets a few times over the decades.

Oh no, I can imagine how awful you must feel. I hope someone turns it in at the police Station. We've had that happen twice. Once the cash was gone but not the cards. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Hopefully you get the wallet situation sorted out pronto. What a nightmare. I always fret about this kind of thing. Mine is always - along with my passport - in a bumbag... OK, these are not very trendy, but it is something I feel keeps mine safe. I never take it off until I climb into bed.

What a meal! I wish we could have joined you.