Taburno to Ospedaletto D'alpinolo
Distance: 45km
After a very peaceful night I continue my walk through the beech forest. The scenic views are rare but the once I have are wonderful. Fog swapping over the hills below. A special sight.
Once down in the valley, I enter the city of Montesarchio. Utterly depressing in its appearance I think. Things are not getting better as I follow a busy road.
Things change once I enter San Martino. A cute town, perfect for a break. I then enter Parco Partenio. The only road through the is closed and I am a bit worried I might have to turn around. But I don't. It's a lovely walk. At Lago Maggiore (not the big one in Switzerland) I meet Donato and his nice family. They offer me a pannini, which I gladly accept. During our conversation, dark clouds are rolling in, the smell of rain in the air. They offer me a ride. As much as I would like to accept, I can't. No cheating. So I continue and shortly after get into a nasty thunderstorm. Heavy rain leaves me soaked within seconds and coffee bean sized hailstones hitting my head hurt. Dripping wet I enter the Cafe at Santuario Di Montevergine. Quite a famous place. While I sip an espresso, the thunderstorm keeps raging right above the sanctuary. I'm a bit clueless what I should do. It doesn't seem like the weather is changing anytime soon.
I don't really feel like camping tonight so I check for hotels. There's one around 10 kilometers away and it sounds and looks luxurious! At 40 Euros quite a bargain. I pull the trigger.
With a hot shower waiting for me, I am flying down the steep but well maintained track. Still raining, still thunder and lightning. It's amazing how my mindset has changed over the last couple of days. I don't mind the rain. I accept it and see the positive side. Makes my trail life so much better.
Freshly showered and dry now. I'll finish the blog then head out to explore the town. I heard they are famous for their chocolate. As good as the Swiss one or even better. Let's see!
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Rob (Monday, 12 June 2023 21:00)
Tenā koe Sandro. What a cool Café. Wonderful to have a respite to pamper yourself a little bit. Gee rain and thunder certainly have been your friend for much of this time. I really do think, Italy (southern) has got our last Summer weather. What you write about is exactly what the entire North Island experienced right through Summer. We were a Summer of two islands. North wet wet wet (& thunder) and South - a hot dry. South Island had a proper Summer.
It was what it was, as it is for you - it is what it is.
Liking your mindset. More importantly, is how it enables you to cope with something you have no control over - except if you choose to be part of it or not. Being part of it is getting the job done. Achieving the bigger picture.
Fredy Koster (Thursday, 15 June 2023 15:50)
A beautiful, mystic picture of a morning.