Today was a brilliant day. The walk was rated EASY in the guidebook. EASY is relative as there were still some knee-stretching and heart-pumping moments. It was about 18o, sunny with a cool breeze. The scenery was stunning with clear views across valleys into the mountains. The waymarking was excellent. We had plenty of food supplies and water as nothing available along the way.
We took the forest path from behind our hotel up to the main walkway of the Santuario Della Verna. Not as slippery today.
The main chapel precinct
Passing through the Santuario complex
A woodworking monk
The main courtyard with bedrooms for pilgrims and visitors
Leaving the Santuario, walking towards the statue of St Francis and the dove seller.
On the path for a few hundred metres before we headed on to a forest path
Moving further into the forest
After some time we walked out into an expansive meadow with spectacular views of the mountains
Walking through a few gates
Decisive waymarking today
Much on soft paths in the shade or mottled light
Occasional views to the valleys below
Grasses
Lunch at a logging station
A visitor climbed on my leg and posed for photos
The village of Armena in the distance
Coming into civilisation
First views of our destination today, Pieve Santo Stefano, 20 minutes away. The town survived after being destroyed by the Nazis at the end of WW2.
Suddenly out of the forest the swifty Danish walking group.
Huge pumpkins on display in a local farmyard.
Our hotel near the edge of town.
Smart 3 star - with lift!!! We will eat at the hotel restaurant tonight and breakfast is provided in the morning.
A splendid day!
M&M
1 comment:
Looks beautiful. Comments like Easy make you nervous about the rest of the walk. Xx
Post a Comment