Today we walked with our new pelegrina pal, Costanza from Lucci, now living in northeast Italy working as a nurse in a hospital. What a character! We all stayed in the same place in Corleone and had a pizza dinner together at the only restaurant that was open in the city. We decided to walk together today and it was wonderful having an interpreter with us who was also a good teacher. Nice way to get a bit better in Italian! All day today Constanza would extend her arms and ask "where's Prizzi?", and when it finally came into sight many kilometres away she would every no and then let out a loud "Prizzi!". Great fun to walk with:)
Our walk out of Corleone began with a lung buster climb just to clear town! A few views as we departed.
What a crazy way to begin the day...any day! However, by the time we reached the top and looked back we were fully warmed up and our heart were ready for the two long climbs that lay ahead.
The early part of the walk took us on a gradual climb through a stunning valley bracketed with hogsback ridges on both sides. Ancient limestone sea floor beds thrust upwards by tectonics and volcanics over the ages. Now providing a fertile valley for vineyards and mixed farming. At this time of year everything looks fresh and special, but come the summer this valley will be mostly brown, burned out by the intense heat.
As I write this we have just been presented with the most amazing pasta meal. There were apologies for the time it took to prepare, but it was because they were making the pasta from scratch. Can you believe that? Amazing! A local craft beer of excellent quality too wash it down! Life if good:)
The first climb was fast approaching, but the flowers provided some distractions.
Before we knew it...well, we knew there was a climb. Let's not be to stupid about this! We eventually reached the top.
And the world again opened a window to us.
And then it was off road...
...and into the mud! Lots of it and we had to navigate carefully to avoid being sucked into the mire.
Finally Pizzi came into our line of sight. Just 5 kms to go, the last 3 up hill. Such is the walker's life. It's at the top of the mound in the distance. I guess up high for safety purposes in ancient times.
Approaching Prizzi. A tough grind upwards.
Then at the top and we are geeeted by all sorts of folks giving us instructions and directions. Such a welcome!
Three tired pelegrinos! But really pleased to be here.
This town has a great buzz and seems to be the opposite of Corleone which I found felt oppressive. Perhaps the result of its history? Any way, we are going to sign off here and go have a look around. We are in a really nice, simple apartment. Laundry is on the line drying, our tummies are full and life is very, very good!
Buon Camimmo!
I wanted to see the pasta, too!
ReplyDeleteAnother great day. Except for the mud, but the greenery and the flowers go along with the rain, right?
Ken
I want to see the pasta!!! Hey guys, Ariel is never going to hear the end of this. These blogs are such a highlight. We are so pleased for you.
ReplyDeleteLis and the gang.
Just finished reading your blog and was worn out by the time you got up the first long hill after leaving your overnight lodgings only to find there was another hill a short way ahead and shortly thereafter you started the REAL Climb!! More power to you. Mom and I are both very impressed. Will look forward to attending your first "made from scratch Pasta Dinner" when you get home Annemarie. - Glenn and I will bring the wine! All well at this end. Spoke to Bob and Kathy tonight - they are leaving for Holister in the morning and will be back on Monday.
ReplyDeleteCheers for now.
Mom and Dad
Sound like another great day of climbing and eating! Can't get over how green it is. It's going to be very different where I'm walking a in a few days. Glad you are having so much fun. Interesting (and good) to see the wind generators. I did my final seminar today. Thesis is submitted. I'm done and dusted. The vino tinto tasted sweet tonight and I'm grateful for my Canberra walking mate Charles who came around to celebrate with me. That pasta sounded amazing. Ah, what an amazing world we live in. What a privilege to wander through it. Buen camino, you two. Neil
ReplyDeleteCongrats! What, no champagne? Now you can get yourself together for your adventure! It will be brilliant! As we set out this morning we thought of you two because I was humming the tune to "it's a small world"...hate that song! And we recalled the duelling horrible walking song show downs we had on the Portuguese. Too funny! Carry on perigrino! Geoff
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