Good morning or afternoon, as the case may be.
I was scheduled for a 22-mile mountain hike today. What were they thinking? Even the official guidebook breaks it into two days due to the strenuousness of it. I decided to take the train halfway. I just kinda picked out a place I could get a train to. I rode from Fidenza, changed trains in Fornova, and took a tiny train to Medesano. I am not sure it dawned on me initially that I was walking back to Fornova, where I changed trains. It didn't matter because I wanted to walk some. The train let me off in the middle of nowhere and in the middle of these weeds. I was the only one who got off the train. People looked at me funny, but at least I didn't hear no banjoes.
Once I got out of the weeds, I had a nice bicycle path for several miles. Look at these beautiful grapes.
Nine miles later, after passing the Fornova Train station again, I found Bar Paradise, and it was. OMG - those Coke Zeros taste so good on a hot day.
Fornovo di Taro is a small town in the province of Parma (like the cheese!) located about 62 miles west of Bologna and 16 miles southwest of Parma (the town.) I had to cross this long bridge as soon as I left Paradise.
Fornova lies on the east bank of the Taro River. I suspect during the spring, the river is much more significant. It was only a tickle today.
At the end of the bridge were two sets of these stairs. If you look at the wooden rail between the bricks and the stairs, it is designed so you can walk your bicycle down. I have not been that before. Pretty clever, these Eye-tal-ians.
Santa Maria Assunta a Fornovo is a Romanesque-style church that has been documented since 854
I am amazed at some of these churches and buildings that have survived so many wars and disasters.
The church of Fornova was small and unassuming, except for a carved stone altarpiece and pulpit. It has enormous historical significance for pilgrims of old because there was only one pass crossing the Apennine Mountains. Now there are several. I will cross it tomorrow.
The main altarpiece depicts the Life of the Italian St. Margaret, the patron saint of the falsely accused, hoboes, homeless, insane, orphaned, mentally ill, midwives, penitents, single mothers, reformed prostitutes, stepchildren, and tramps. The ol' gal has quite a history.
Part of a carved stone pulpit from the 11th century.
I have been craving salads with lots of salt and vinegar (some olive oil also because it comes with the vinegar), but it is the vinegar and salt that I cannot get enough of. Lunch of the Gods! Usually, I picnic so this was a special treat and so enjoyable. It had the wonderful tuna that you only get in Europe and even some corn.
I love signs, and I love cats. This adorable sign was on a shoe repair shop.
I am not sure how you get your bike up this.
I met the man who owns the B & B here, and he drove me to a beautiful location in an old stone village called Monte Vizzano. He carried my heavy suitcase up three flights of stairs and I think he split the seat out of his pants. Oops. I didn't see any private parts. He then picked me up and took me back for dinner. with different pants. He owns the B & B, the bar, the restaurant and a hotel. Hard working people in these small towns.
Taggatelli caserecci al ragu di cinghiale. I wasn't sure what I was ordering and still not sure what I ate but it was really good. It had both noodles and gnocchi, tomatoes, seasonings. and a little beef. I also had a green salad which I can't get enough of. And of course good bread and vino bianco.
Looking out of my village window.
A street in the village.
So tomorrow is another day and another kilometer. Sweet dreams and God bless!
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