I think it might be a chimney.

Thanks, Rich. It’s really not as dire as it sounds - millions of people have afib of one severity or another, and there are a variety of options for managing it with different pros, cons and risks. It’s more a case of deciding on the best long term strategy for living with the condition (well, short term really - after all, I’m 76 already; and we all know what Keynes had to say about that).

Don’t worry about me! We’re on or near train lines if we need to bail out on short notice - we could be in Bologna in a day and back home in one or two more - but I really don’t anticipate that. I told electrophysiologist what we’re doing over her and he didn’t think it was necessary to change our plans or call off the trip and head home.

Worrying about you both. I have no experience with any of these ailments and I’m far from a doctor. All I can do is wring my hands and hope for the best. Let me know if I need to come pick you up somewhere. I’m serious.

The Reynauds is doing better today but it is chilly especially in the wind.

Thanks! I didn’t think of that, but then the band is back on the Rodriguez anyway.

When we use our Click-stands, we lock the front brake using a band, it keeps the front wheel from rolling. My band broke so I was using a Velcro strap. Just a tidbit that may help you in the future.

Sad to hear there’s no silver bullet but I hope there are other options to consider.

At least you didn’t wash *everything*. We did almost that in Licata and were forced to properly rest for a few hours.

Maybe you'll find a micro-brewery over there... there must be some by now. My local supermarket had bottles of Peroni on sale, but I passed.

Funny is exactly right - I planned this out to add some humor to the day, not because I’m carrying the dimmer bulb of the team.

Thanks, Bruce. The good news is that I’m not taking it as an excuse to cut coffee out of my diet. See you in June.

It wasn’t what we were hoping to hear of course, but we’re taking it in stride. Better to know than not know, really.

Scott, you are so funny - washing all your biking shorts and jerseys and having nothing to wear for your ride. But I hesitated before giving this post a "heart". That wasn't such good news about the afib episodes. As I am sure you know, there are good treatment options and this is going to be taken care of.
Reynaud fingers is no fun, I am familiar with that ailment, too. I hope it doesn't recur too often, Rachael. It's really unpleasant. I see in the weather report that it is still pretty chilly in your part of Italy.

Rats is right. I'm sorry about the heart concerns but I must say, as I say to lots of my friends, you both are in the best shape of anyone else I know. Seriously. And that includes a lot of young people.

Sorry to hear about the afib. I guess there are some interesting decisions ahead for you. And yet you climb a mountain on this day. Onward!

Yes, and at the end you could toss them over the precipice because there’s no there there.

I like this shot because it’s a bit of an optical illusion. It looks like an example of parallel lines converging at the horizon, but actually the staircase significantly narrows as it rises.