When I went to bed last night, I wasn’t sure if I could hike today because of the weather. I hadn’t packed my backpack or prepared either way, deciding to wait until morning to decide in hopes that the weather cleared a bit. Long story short, instead of getting up early, I overslept and had about twenty minutes before the taxi guy was to pick up my suitcase. Even as the taxi drove away, I wasn’t sure I had made the right decision.
It looked threatening.
I was fascinated by the six-sided star window on the front of this little parish church. I couldn’t find any information in English on it other than the church is named Oratorio della Beata Vergine Maria Annunziata.
Hmmm - no fence. I hoped he wouldn’t leap.
A huge Gigl’atro Carnival was loading up their equipment for travel. I love seeing how all of those three-story rides pack into little spaces. When I took this photo, the man in charge shook his fist at me. Maybe he was wanted?
Ahhhhh, Coke Zero!
I love this house. I don’t think I have ever seen a spiral staircase in front of a home. Perhaps a mother-in-law suite?
It's one of the prettiest views of the day. The one-time owner of the property around the church was the Marquess Corrado, who was remembered in Dante’s Inferno.
Such a modern stained glass window above the altar for such an old and elegant church.
The ceilings were magnificent.
Still looking a little dicey.
Virgoletta in the distance.
One of the most interesting war memorials I have ever seen. It shows a soldier comforting a tiny child.
I stopped in Virgoletta to picnic and decide what I thought the weather would do. It was clearing up in one direction and pretty dark in the others. I knew I could walk back to Filetto and catch a train or bus, but I would not have that opportunity until I reached Aulla, my day’s destination about 10 miles away. I decided surely I was going towards the sun.
Right after I left Virgoletta, it started to rain. There was no thunder or lightning, but I got good and soaked in a steady rain.
This must also be a running track. After about an hour, it quit raining so I could take more photos and take off my rain poncho. Those ponchos keep the top part of you and your backpack dry but are so hot.
Isn’t he cute and he was really friendly. He and the dog were playing when I walked along their fence. I suspect he was also a family pet.
It turned out to be one of my favorite hikes. I was so thankful I did not have to travel with the suitcase!
I had an included dinner tonight. Again, I skipped the main course. My first course was pasta with gorgonzola, parmesan, cream, and walnuts. Somehow, despite the cream, it was light. The pasta was perfectly balanced, and the gorgonzola did not overpower the dish. I don’t think there is bad pasta in Italy.
Cheesecake with strawberries topped off the dinner.
Until tomorrow, may all your meals be Italian!
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