Sunday, October 24, 2021

 Ciao! Life is good on the trails.

This is what it looked like when I opened my window this morning.

The scenery was breathtaking today.  Maybe the prettiest day yet. It was fairly cold with the wind blowing a gale, whistling through the trees and around the corners.

I could hear gunshots in the distance.  I guess this is hunting season.  Saw lots of trucks and jeeps parked on the side of the road.  And even saw a few men in full camo, and I didn't see anyone with any bounty.

This little village sat on the top of the mountain.  It turned out to be just one house and a few outbuildings, so no chance for a Coca-Cola Zero break.

At every turn, there are these handy dandy signs.  I love them because it is hard to go wrong.  I love Umbria!

I hiked at the top of the world today, or at least it seemed like it. I was in the Appennines Mountains with the most stunning vistas.  

The trees are really just beginning their metamorphosis into yellow and orange, and gold.

Today's hike was up and down, but I actually think there was a little more down, and it was mostly on gravel roads with very little highway. No fast buzzing cars or trucks.

I took beautiful photo after beautiful photo, but until they perfect 3-D photography and make it accessible to amateurs such as myself, you can never really see the majesty of these mountains. Too bad.  I wish I could lend you my eyes as you read this.

Looking towards Pietralunga, the small village near where I am staying for the night.

I came down once again just to go back up.  This seemed like the eternal staircase.  Oh, but when I rounded the corner, there was more up and then more up.

I loved that someone painted a girl hiker, and she looks more refreshed than I feel at this point. The painting above it is the town, and I have no idea about the scary guy next to the hiker.

The other side of Pietralunga looking back.

My hotel turns out to be about a mile and a half from the town. It is an Agriturismo or country residence.  I have a little suite.  It is not fancy but just perfect with a separate bedroom and a nice little kitchen  -- living room and I can sit outside and look down at the village. All total, my distance was 14.2 miles.

My little suite even came equipped with a cat.  How did they know? She is pretty friendly. I had some fat leftovers from my pork sandwich, and now we are friends for life. But don't worry, Dennis, I am not bringing her home.

I have dinner includio but I am staying sort of in the boonies. I had a choice of a ride to town or having dinner delivered.  I decided to just take it easy.  I ordered a pizza Diavolo (spicy) pepperoni and an Ensalada Mixta.  YUM!  What a way to end a great day. 

So good night until tomorrow!