tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26047902997241888152024-03-13T00:44:19.497+01:00Sorrento Amalfi Walk With Us Tales of life (and hiking) in the Sorrento Peninsula SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-42962364860776667632023-03-15T21:48:00.006+01:002023-03-16T09:02:51.206+01:00 MASSA LUBRENSE - XII CANTO - NEW WALKING MAP<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26-t21pswXsVm3kfjwiRIZWXGxrmBozL-3v40BWtPaRjyJ0-KehfQHB6du_e0_95cesNI7A6litChvLalkXGPCQqC60TlLPA6-NDbFjmIRpTgN18cVwfcHzjBjX4xhNYOcCUewX1YICbd-a5YqwmsgrBc9fHYOPI-AZ5EHY4WfPedAz7iCRhtBdzdjQ/s3648/IMG_20230315_174833_edit_1765415831644675.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2227" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26-t21pswXsVm3kfjwiRIZWXGxrmBozL-3v40BWtPaRjyJ0-KehfQHB6du_e0_95cesNI7A6litChvLalkXGPCQqC60TlLPA6-NDbFjmIRpTgN18cVwfcHzjBjX4xhNYOcCUewX1YICbd-a5YqwmsgrBc9fHYOPI-AZ5EHY4WfPedAz7iCRhtBdzdjQ/s320/IMG_20230315_174833_edit_1765415831644675.jpg" width="195" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #242424; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: arial; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="text-align: justify;">I don’t know what I was expecting when I went to the presentation of the new map produced by the Comune di Massa Lubrense to promote its walking trails, but it certainly wasn’t this. </span>Maybe I am too used to the precision and detail of Giovanni Visetti’s work, or expect a map designed to direct walkers to provide correct information. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What a disappointment! </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The new map, luckily produced so far in only 3,000 copies, is approximate to the point of misleading. Was it not checked prior to printing by one of the experts consulted for its production? Hopefully not, because it would reflect very poorly on themselves.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Even if we gloss over the technical errors such as: the sea level curve </span><span style="font-family: arial;">not coinciding with the coast (as, of course, it should), c</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ontours interrupted and with bits missing, invented </span><span style="font-family: arial;">roads, private, generally inaccessible lanes </span><span style="font-family: arial;">indicated in the same way as public ones, </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> other elementary errors cannot be excused. They include: </span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span></div></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #351c75;">religious
buildings, of which there are many, positioned in the wrong location or
incorrectly named. For example, San Liberatore cemetery has turned into the “Chiesa di Mitigliano” (35) . La church of Arorella has become the Cappella di
S. Antonio (37) and Marcigliano has acquired the Chiesa di S.Maria della Purita' a Li Simoni (38). There are others, but I won’t
bore you with the details.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #351c75;">names of roads - incorrect spelling, such as Via del Moro (should be Via del Monte), incorrect location (Via Amerigo Vespucci which has ended up in the Camping Syrenuse), incorrect name (Via Nerano.... really?)</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #351c75;">out-sized toponyms crowding the map, badly positioned, incorrectly written and
duplicated, creating not only confusion between the villages and
hills/localities (which we locals know, but a tourist won't), but with some names not even attached to the actual place (take Nerano where the name has
moved well away from the village, into the valley to the east). </span></span></li><li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: arial;">the icons - in the main centres there are so many that they hide
points of interest/roads, and are often incorrectly positioned or misleading. The tourist office Proloco Due Golfi in Sant’Agata has moved 200
metres right down the road into Via Canale! Not to talk about the phantom public toilets situated in Sant’Agata and Torca or even the ones in Marina del
Cantone, which do exist but are usually closed.</span></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOWffgQkZtdMiQPY00fVc3RIV9DluMY-vTchbgcEoRhDkJ34Bf8YyBO79K3L1oKj8hVSs0lRRPwZUkUfkPqi3U0jJHwx1AM9kBcbGsPOKnywUr3-4M-FpRFfMjAEYbbrEXKl233qVWEH8pxG4SIyIfEvYBS23Y0e8S6-WH39xLXbw6LlKyNc2zp385Q/s2613/IMG_20230315_174848_edit_1765397029262386.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2613" data-original-width="2256" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOWffgQkZtdMiQPY00fVc3RIV9DluMY-vTchbgcEoRhDkJ34Bf8YyBO79K3L1oKj8hVSs0lRRPwZUkUfkPqi3U0jJHwx1AM9kBcbGsPOKnywUr3-4M-FpRFfMjAEYbbrEXKl233qVWEH8pxG4SIyIfEvYBS23Y0e8S6-WH39xLXbw6LlKyNc2zp385Q/s320/IMG_20230315_174848_edit_1765397029262386.jpg" width="276" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: arial;">the English –luckily, there is actually very little in
English on this map, but what on earth is an “ancient washtub” (surely it should be washhouse?) or a “water’s house” ( water distributor)? I fail to understand, yet again,
why they don’t just ask one of the many native English speakers to check things
like this rather than trusting Google translate.</span></li></ul><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: arial;">The map is huge, covering 2 sides since it wouldn't fit on one, awkward to consult during an excursion and difficult to fold. The paper is the kind that easily tears along the creases. I know that from experience from other maps on the same kind of paper.</span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: arial;">When concerns were raised at the end of the presentation about the evident inaccuracies, we were told that the aim was to move away from the classical, technical, "old-fashioned" maps of the past and produce something modern, attractive (?) and touristic, easy to read and that it didn't necessarily need to be precise! I am sorry, but if the aim was to produce a map for walkers, precision is essential. All in all, the map is shoddy and unprofessional and whilst a tourist will probably be quite happy to take one home as a free keepsake of their holiday, I am quite sure that true hikers will not be impressed (especially if they try to use it) and will still prefer to consult the "old-fashioned" but accurate maps of Giovanni Visetti or one of the excellent traditional hiking guides on the market. New is not always better! </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5BuxL3UUOh2RPcLO08_7wWG2ECWVNG3rjKpovwz113-LfDLX2do8eLRPE68s-fJ307ggF4JIn_Hzne6pSfZqjvYhoXzvO7SNYOp5p2wsxDeHN1bVFM0p_mmuvABUaUEc16pEdUDMOK-ecRxJBacLr8mlUx_L0z-nxr-QDt0Q2wiXqJQLO03gwixM9Q/s3648/IMG_20230315_174951.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5BuxL3UUOh2RPcLO08_7wWG2ECWVNG3rjKpovwz113-LfDLX2do8eLRPE68s-fJ307ggF4JIn_Hzne6pSfZqjvYhoXzvO7SNYOp5p2wsxDeHN1bVFM0p_mmuvABUaUEc16pEdUDMOK-ecRxJBacLr8mlUx_L0z-nxr-QDt0Q2wiXqJQLO03gwixM9Q/w449-h389/IMG_20230315_174951.jpg" width="449" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p></p>SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-86998491198351314052022-09-25T12:43:00.001+02:002022-09-25T12:43:42.177+02:00SORRENTO WALKS - A GREAT NEW WEBSITE FOR TREKKING ENTHUSIASTS!<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtDHO2X2h-eNIJZm5ReInPlFDBK6gl7Q5d3Hrn6zu-NdUeg9aWOLz2Q00E9XWT2v1lRL5xsAInjA42DoFb4K4iBpDHbJebaG7nhCUaC5IQP-xBL8RYX4JnNRytjSHLAUlAFNbJIegUCH-brw3-mjVU4LwJeUj-57_DGGu7ytdBuZxB_AqWwBa7oxPww/s1432/307683424_2142096082636642_4726196928443880868_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1432" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtDHO2X2h-eNIJZm5ReInPlFDBK6gl7Q5d3Hrn6zu-NdUeg9aWOLz2Q00E9XWT2v1lRL5xsAInjA42DoFb4K4iBpDHbJebaG7nhCUaC5IQP-xBL8RYX4JnNRytjSHLAUlAFNbJIegUCH-brw3-mjVU4LwJeUj-57_DGGu7ytdBuZxB_AqWwBa7oxPww/s320/307683424_2142096082636642_4726196928443880868_n.jpg" width="185" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A brand new website <a href="http://www.sorrentowalks.com">www.sorrentowalks.com</a> is now online. The initiative, promoted by the local Sorrento Administration in collaboration with Penisola Verde and mentored by Giovanni Visetti, our expert local cartographer, is a positive step towards the promotion of trekking in the Sorrento Peninsula.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Produced in Italian, English and German, the site proposes a selection of itineraries, all starting in Sorrento that will take you to neighbouring localities mainly away from the main roads, following lanes, paths and trails historically used by the local population before today's roads were even built. Included are also three urban itineraries: itinerary 11 Walls & Gates of Sorrento, itinerary 22 Villages of the Sorrento Valley and itinerary 19 Sorrento - Sant'Agnello. Itinerary 22 is one of my favourites, so close to the centre, but a far cry from the usual tourist sites seen by the majority of visitors to Sorrento.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">All of the walks are feasible for a reasonably fit person and in any case, thanks to the information provided for each one (elevation, distance and description), you can choose the ones most suited to you, maybe resorting to public transport for the return if you prefer.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Each itinerary, as well as a brief description of its actual route, also highlights points of interest along the way, which in turn are linked to short historical summaries.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The website describes the history of the Tolomeo Project, explains the waymarking and organisation of its network of itineraries, has a News section where you will be able to find useful information regarding programmed guided walks, maps etc., and a Contact tab. You can download the itineraries completely free and GPS coordinates are provided too.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We are now hoping that the local Authorities of Massa Lubrense, who are quick to use trekking as a selling point, will follow suit. Maybe for next summer? Who knows.</span></p>SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-52178894139344838312022-05-23T18:59:00.000+02:002022-05-23T18:59:55.185+02:00HIKING IN MASSA LUBRENSE <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Over the past few weeks there has been a lot of negative publicity about the state of the trails in Massa Lubrense and quite rightly so. </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkOapIJsizzJSM_uH4IvtuS61_1Bt-5rdXWY_IM_iKu26_wr-ctvQTrAtn2ACMmonL4P_SeQbZkYTspv2K46skxrn9DpQsAUnLSU0LgHchd6Mlho3roZAVe4_Xhvq_6WhfQSccKpYo7muU-Bx8NecXAmMACsAyBuRR0Hw9UfW3Q32oCap1pmYheU7mg/s701/283355679_2050210801825171_4331496247591828636_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="526" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkOapIJsizzJSM_uH4IvtuS61_1Bt-5rdXWY_IM_iKu26_wr-ctvQTrAtn2ACMmonL4P_SeQbZkYTspv2K46skxrn9DpQsAUnLSU0LgHchd6Mlho3roZAVe4_Xhvq_6WhfQSccKpYo7muU-Bx8NecXAmMACsAyBuRR0Hw9UfW3Q32oCap1pmYheU7mg/w220-h292/283355679_2050210801825171_4331496247591828636_n.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Via Torvillo</td></tr></tbody></table>We all know that at this time of year vegetation grows thick and fast and nobody who hikes is </span></span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">afraid of a bit of grass and the odd bramble or two. However it is essential that the path beneath the vegetation is safe and not concealing traps: holes, chasms, landslips, loose stones and rocks, that could easily cause someone to trip, twist an ankle or worse. </span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">Just the other day a couple of British tourists made a formal complaint to the Mayor of Massa Lubrense about the state of one of the trails (Via Torvillo), calling it UNSAFE, which is precisely one of several that Giovanni Visetti (local hiking expert and cartographer) had flagged to the Council as in need of urgent maintenance. There are others too that are just accidents waiting to happen (see map below).</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">On Sunday I took myself off on one of my favourite walks: the Giro di Santa Croce (or Vuallariello) that starts from the village of Termini, taking you up through woods to a trail running parallel to the better known path leading to Punta Campanella. This itinerary has become very popular not only for local walking groups but also for foreign hiking tours and figures in many of the more recent hiking guides. </span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">When the path was first cleared several years ago, there was a sign to point you in the right direction. That has gone, as has the ceramic tile that for a brief period of time marked its start. Now, if you manage to work out where it should be, you are faced by a big Private Property sign to your right and the entrance to a private house on your left and no path, since it has become totally overgrown. The ridiculous thing is that it is just the first 20 metres or so that are in this sorry state. After that it is clear and easy to navigate. It would take very little to restore the signage and clear the way.</span></p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our local Administration has always professed a desire to promote trekking as one of the attractions of this area. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">On 11th April 22 they approved 2 "new" projects (one had been proposed by Giovanni Visetti back in 2020) to improve and update the network of trails in Massa Lubrense but since it is evident to all that they are incapable of maintaining the paths that we already have, there is a lot of scepticism as to if, how and when these projects will be completed. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We have read and listened to many words from them over the past months and years but quite honestly there has been little or no concrete evidence of them delivering the goods. In the meantime, both Sorrento and Vico Equense have completed projects in record time with new itineraries and way-marking and not only. Unfortunately Massa Lubrense is lagging far behind, stuck in a state of inertia, quick to present glorious new projects with a fanfare of trumpets, but then always ready with some excuse to justify the delays (just like the epic unfinished resurfacing of the roads, or the Massa Lubrense By-pass to nowhere, which are other tales to tell, but symptomatic of the general malaise of our local government).</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_pJ9SFKV7zGd2UnuWGyym1x7KTgmBX3A4RMFTgnTcP9MoRYSxm6W1bKNiPIhnlersjhTdMMtY0oGoXWZTWfG5VAs_36tS0qTT8RRbVE0JpPh1_h2ZRmAfwagPwh3ONwlY0KxEPj1SUZuK3-yOlqircT7Z7LS2b2QzxWkdL6fiFinRovkNp50mPkrOw/s500/safe_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="500" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_pJ9SFKV7zGd2UnuWGyym1x7KTgmBX3A4RMFTgnTcP9MoRYSxm6W1bKNiPIhnlersjhTdMMtY0oGoXWZTWfG5VAs_36tS0qTT8RRbVE0JpPh1_h2ZRmAfwagPwh3ONwlY0KxEPj1SUZuK3-yOlqircT7Z7LS2b2QzxWkdL6fiFinRovkNp50mPkrOw/w597-h271/safe_image.jpg" width="597" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Map showing in yellow points needing urgent intervention all flagged by Giovanni to the Local Authorities on multiple occasions.<br /><a href="https://discettazionierranti.blogspot.com/2022/04/progetto-tolomeo-forse-se-ne-intravede.html?fbclid=IwAR3soN3Dse0fAyR-S_atJQiy4Qg4cC-_gLreoqqPo6jBTvwb_PLkkOPuzuo" target="_blank">https://discettazionierranti.blogspot.com/2022/04/progetto-tolomeo-forse-se-ne-intravede.html?fbclid=IwAR3soN3Dse0fAyR-S_atJQiy4Qg4cC-_gLreoqqPo6jBTvwb_PLkkOPuzuo</a><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></p>SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-83635642497927967992021-05-25T17:00:00.000+02:002021-05-25T17:00:19.471+02:00TOLOMEO 2021 - HISTORICAL AND URBAN CIRCUIT - ITINERARY 11<p style="text-align: justify;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI399V73A9N7C7NbW94UW56klgIWwd-IbFc0hthziT1LX7TREFuuP2JPDD1HyprrSDVVcLPi9Dakcs1-ce1o2Sx0vKm-rPuTBUrDZyws8b-xqhpiYEh7tpzPSnxRYWzaXAIkxhIRixBzA4/s2048/2021itin11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1359" data-original-width="2048" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI399V73A9N7C7NbW94UW56klgIWwd-IbFc0hthziT1LX7TREFuuP2JPDD1HyprrSDVVcLPi9Dakcs1-ce1o2Sx0vKm-rPuTBUrDZyws8b-xqhpiYEh7tpzPSnxRYWzaXAIkxhIRixBzA4/w640-h424/2021itin11.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><br /> ITINERARY 11 - THE WALLS AND GATES OF SORRENTO</b><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A new itinerary of about 2,800 metres, with an extra 500 metres should you also wish to go down to Marina Grande. The cultural value of this urban route goes without saying, but it also has logistical merits. Its name already anticipates the fact that, as far as possible, it follows the boundaries of the city of Sorrento, still in evidence thanks to parts of the ancient walls that are still standing and to the seemingly unsurmountable cliffs and ravines. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Following this itinerary, you will also </span><span style="font-family: arial;">inevitably </span><span style="font-family: arial;">come to each of the five locations of the gates of Sorrento, which date back to various eras. Three of them are still standing and you will pass through them if you walk the entire circuit. Unfortunately there is no trace of the other two.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When Giovanni Visetti planned this itinerary it was with the intention of placing the starting points of the extra-urban itineraries in correspondence to the gates, because as in any part of the world, the roads beyond the walls originated from them.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">One route starts from Porta di Parsano, 4 (ideally) from Porta di Massa (in actual fact </span><span style="font-family: arial;">from Piazza Veniero</span><span style="font-family: arial;">, due to its proximity and spaciousness, ) and the others from Piazza Tasso, where the castle and Porta del Piano stood with its bridge over the valley (see vintage image below, downloaded from the website </span><a href="http://www.ilmegliodisorrento.com" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">www.ilmegliodisorrento.com</a><span style="font-family: arial;">).</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNNHKI09nxur05XkyskXd0ptln_QhzL1TSN1I5N5ZforFpBuYKInDSXHoImuf7Kp0Fg75tCR31w0CWPq6BSsIX63VKA5Aqtw4A0RlfEOn5udZiPrWvSWibLMucmlG-HP4rM4ql99ZV4bj/s960/Castello-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="697" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNNHKI09nxur05XkyskXd0ptln_QhzL1TSN1I5N5ZforFpBuYKInDSXHoImuf7Kp0Fg75tCR31w0CWPq6BSsIX63VKA5Aqtw4A0RlfEOn5udZiPrWvSWibLMucmlG-HP4rM4ql99ZV4bj/w232-h320/Castello-7.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #cccccc; font-family: arial;">Here is the list of streets and points of interest to be found if you follow the route clockwise from Piazza Tasso.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"><b style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="color: red;">11</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">Piazza Tasso, Vico S. Aniello, Via Pietà (Cathedral bell tower and entrance to the cathedral a few metres away), Via Padre Reginaldo Giuliani (Sedil Dominova), Via San Cesareo, Via Tasso, Via Sersale (Church of the Servi di Maria, Porta and Bastione di Parsano), Piazza Antiche Mura, Via degli Aranci (view of the walls), Largo Parsano Vecchio, Corso Italia, Piazza Veniero, Via Sopra le Mura, Via Marina Grande (Porta di Marina Grande), Piazza della Vittoria (belvedere of </span><i style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">Prospietto</i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">), Via Vittorio Veneto (Villa Comunale, church and cloisters of San Francesco), Via San Francesco, Via Di Maio (AAST and belvedere), Porta di Marina Piccola, Piazza Sant’Antonino (Basilica di Sant’Antonino), Via Sant’Antonino, Piazza Tasso.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"><b style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="color: red;">11a</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"> Via Marina Grande, as far as the church of Sant’Anna, passing through the Porta di Marina Grande </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYKrN7hezBoRBU_Gt94cwa6fC7wqCU3vR_WFt8fncmgT_CmxFA_j1u4GQ-OYCIBPvCA1aAk_IXrmwl7fG_Q-rJkySBd78Wp88SKljL7YLWeUMip8iIuVyt_zmcHfY8rXdgiJ6yzK41DQt/s960/Castello-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYKrN7hezBoRBU_Gt94cwa6fC7wqCU3vR_WFt8fncmgT_CmxFA_j1u4GQ-OYCIBPvCA1aAk_IXrmwl7fG_Q-rJkySBd78Wp88SKljL7YLWeUMip8iIuVyt_zmcHfY8rXdgiJ6yzK41DQt/s320/Castello-8.jpg" /></span></a></div><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="background-color: #cccccc; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">Giovanni Visetti has created this itinerary based on the city limits, the most well-known points of interest and the need to connect the starting points of the Tolomeo 2021 itineraries to a marked route. The choice of the historical, cultural, touristic and architectural elements will be up to the experts in the various sectors via the Sorrento Local Authorities and Penisola Verde who are coordinating the project.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="background-color: #cccccc; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">The above blog is a liberal translation of Giovanni's blog:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="background-color: #cccccc; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://discettazionierranti.blogspot.com/2021/04/tolomeo-2021-5-circuito-storico.html" target="_blank">https://discettazionierranti.blogspot.com/2021/04/tolomeo-2021-5-circuito-storico.html</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="background-color: #cccccc; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-53378448866371104242021-05-04T20:39:00.002+02:002021-05-04T20:39:39.623+02:00TOLOMEO 2021 - THE OTHER 3 ITINERARIES FROM SORRENTO TO SANT'AGATA<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">To continue my series of blogs regarding the 2021 Tolomeo Project which is recreating the network of trails and paths in the Sorrento and Massa Lubrense area, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">here are another 3 itineraries from Sorrento to Sant'Agata:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Itinerary <b>16</b> - from Sorrento to Sant'Agata via Fregonito and Li Schisani</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Itinerary<b> 25</b> - from Sorrento to Sant'Agata via Circumpiso (Casarufolo)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Itinerary <b>26</b> - </span><span style="font-family: arial;">from Sorrento to Sant'Agata via Cala (<b>22</b>) and Zatri</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVwNTDF6j5Zqlnug0jHWwmkaBn-F4YFQ1_oUErE6qwbH0U5HDOCg1j4pzCGmijB-ALr5zQFAhTVyTCvb492ssestpK3Xq24w-Qga7eEFKnldBjOTQwuyd0FYbGwkD0xx_acUr66ZMBUjb/s1400/16+25e26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1296" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVwNTDF6j5Zqlnug0jHWwmkaBn-F4YFQ1_oUErE6qwbH0U5HDOCg1j4pzCGmijB-ALr5zQFAhTVyTCvb492ssestpK3Xq24w-Qga7eEFKnldBjOTQwuyd0FYbGwkD0xx_acUr66ZMBUjb/w592-h640/16+25e26.jpg" width="592" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">These 3 routes are a little steeper than itinerary <b>15</b> described in the previous blog (average gradient 7.7%), but no less interesting and not only for their panoramic views.Each of them has a very steep stretch whilst the rest of the climb (continuous) is on average a little gentler. The overall average gradients are 8.4% for Li Schisani, 10.1% for Zatri and 12.3% for the Circumpiso. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqTE_i0IX5k-NZpfbM4zc_BjaXL9hIS93fo5qInODeujScK-xW-a30a45U5U8NY3sr2Xelu-jeE7huXkpJyVYHmjUGzZ7VXbAnFEZ2w2i7MWUYFWvwvUsc1PMvGZvg01sAjPlKegmd1x0/s800/fre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqTE_i0IX5k-NZpfbM4zc_BjaXL9hIS93fo5qInODeujScK-xW-a30a45U5U8NY3sr2Xelu-jeE7huXkpJyVYHmjUGzZ7VXbAnFEZ2w2i7MWUYFWvwvUsc1PMvGZvg01sAjPlKegmd1x0/w320-h320/fre.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Proceeding in code order and from west to east, the first itinerary starts just outside the urbanized area at the foot of the imposing cliff closing the valley to the southwest. The historical, paved and well-maintained steps of Via Monte Sant' Antonio zigzag upwards, before levelling out on the outskirts of the village of Priora near to S.Maria del Toro. From then on, the route (Via Li Schisani) runs almost parallel to that of Acquacarbone, but on the lower side of the Nastro Verde main road. The views of Sorrento from the dozens of hairpin bends going up Monte Sant'Antonio are without doubt the highlight of this itinerary.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWSbnq-vwiJbq1HJXM0BmRU8ykkc5wutL8ZTgHmoXNvoaiHEbGMZdC12yEq3T-UD_MAczmS4OZkecYmO7okjDrsqkXrABZv3ZEa0Z-N7NFNG2nJzrNZqj6IHUJLqcqdA0lQzuqutYijoC/s968/calcZatri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="968" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWSbnq-vwiJbq1HJXM0BmRU8ykkc5wutL8ZTgHmoXNvoaiHEbGMZdC12yEq3T-UD_MAczmS4OZkecYmO7okjDrsqkXrABZv3ZEa0Z-N7NFNG2nJzrNZqj6IHUJLqcqdA0lQzuqutYijoC/s320/calcZatri.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In contrast, the steepest part of route <b>25, </b>similarly paved and going in zig zags,<b> </b>comes near the top. This one is known locally as the Circumpiso, but its real name is Via Casarufolo, the same name as the valley and the rivulet passing under the city, under Piazza Tasso and flowing into Marina Piccola.This is indisputably the historical route between Sorrento and Sant'Agata, once the most popular and still the most direct even today.</div></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_194lvYiMa9XLgDx2YN_EtlPBXGo1pi54sYqj3eNNbmoFryaYhDwxkVRhNwiHKEVT0c23w4E5sya5aqHZh9Rqd3aIdEIjzOXBlWFq8JA80hEdzNHmsjmZHZkTZdwCXD04gahj7XWFZMvG/s1391/za.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_194lvYiMa9XLgDx2YN_EtlPBXGo1pi54sYqj3eNNbmoFryaYhDwxkVRhNwiHKEVT0c23w4E5sya5aqHZh9Rqd3aIdEIjzOXBlWFq8JA80hEdzNHmsjmZHZkTZdwCXD04gahj7XWFZMvG/s320/za.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>To conclude we have itinerary <b>26 </b>which is the only one of the four for Sant'Agata to be east of the valley. This one has its steep section in the middle, sensibly going diagonally up the very steep cliff between the valleys of the rural villages and Monte Tore. It starts from the <b>22 </b>in Cala and the most logical and shortest route from the centre of Sorrento is the one passing through Casarlano. Along Via Zatri you can see an ancient and characteristic limestone kiln still in a good state of conservation. This ascent also offers spectacular views across the plain of Sorrento, but from the opposite angle and from a higher altitude than the ones from Monte Sant'Antonio (<b>16</b>).</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So to sum up:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>16 Sorrento - Sant'Agata via Li Schisani </b>(approx.3.4 km)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Porta di Parsano, Piazza Antiche Mura, Via degli Aranci, Via Parsano, Via S.Antonio, Via Monte Sant'Antonio, Via Fregonito, S.Maria del Toro, Via Crocevia, Via Li Schisani, Via Moscarella, Via Pagliaio di Santolo, Via Termine, Corso Sant'Agata, Largo Padre Ludovico da Casoria (Sant'Agata)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><b>25 Sorrento - Sant'Agata via Circumpiso </b>(approx 2.8 km)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Porta del Piano (Piazza Tasso), Viale Caruso, Via Fuorimura, Via Santa Lucia, Via Talagnano, Via Casarufolo (Circumpiso), </span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;">Via Pagliaio di Santolo (start of same itinerary as <b>16)</b>, Via Termine, Corso Sant'Agata, Largo Padre Ludovico da Casoria (Sant'Agata)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">26 Sorrento - Sant'Agata via Zatri </b><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">(approx. 2.1 km from intersection Cala/Atigliana on <b>22)</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">from itinerary <b>22</b> Borghi of the Sorrento valley ( from Sorrento there are an extra 2,000m via Cesarano or 3,300m via Baranica), junction Via Palomba/Via Cala for Via Atigliana, Via Zatri, Nastro Azzurro, </span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;">Via Termine, Corso Sant'Agata, Largo Padre Ludovico da Casoria (Sant'Agata)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>TOLOMEO 2021 </b>is a project developed by <b>Giovanni Visetti, </b>on behalf of <b>Penisolaverde S.p.A. </b>for the<b> Municipality of Sorrento</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The above text is liberally translated from <a href="https://discettazionierranti.blogspot.com/2021/04/tolomeo-2021-4-gli-altri-3-itinerari.html" target="_blank">Giovanni Visetti's <span style="color: #20124d;">Blog Discettazioni Errant</span>i</a>. Map and photos also courtesy of Giovanni Visetti.</p></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; text-align: start;"><br /></p></div></div></div>SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-53154332121280763372021-04-16T17:44:00.001+02:002021-04-16T17:44:34.174+02:00TOLOMEO 2021 - Itineraries through the Sorrentine woods <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiO9g7qVcwzpaWkgon1TLCMA2GlMD-tesR7SujGONLsSkEkSphwdDvRbbLnFHkfW-NbnN3omszmUO9vLYTNwyJKoJcZSTSygaUUbL8NUmxVQmRCbBgLqWvvDv0-BBaLV2XUbqCtA7hlpEt/s400/14e15.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="234" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiO9g7qVcwzpaWkgon1TLCMA2GlMD-tesR7SujGONLsSkEkSphwdDvRbbLnFHkfW-NbnN3omszmUO9vLYTNwyJKoJcZSTSygaUUbL8NUmxVQmRCbBgLqWvvDv0-BBaLV2XUbqCtA7hlpEt/w234-h400/14e15.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>Here are two more itineraries which are part of the 2021 Tolomeo project:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Itinerary 14 - from Sorrento to Monticchio </b>via Priora, Lamia and Acquara</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: arial;">Itinerary 15 - from Sorrento to Sant'Agata </b><span style="font-family: arial;">via Priora and Acquacarbone</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Both of these are little-known and even less frequently walked, despite being historical municipal routes. In particular, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">until the construction of </span><span style="font-family: arial;">the Nastro Verde road in the </span><span style="font-family: arial;">middle of last century, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Acquacarbone was the main and almost only connection between Priora and Sant'Agata . In July 2016, after decades of neglect and impracticability, it was restored. On the other hand, the route through Lamia's "s</span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #202124; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">é</span><span style="font-family: arial;">vera" (forest, and in this case a chestnut wood) was and is more like a shortcut to the ridge that descends steeply from the Deserto towards Montecorbo. From there you can then reach the central villages of the Massa Lubrense area, such as Acquara and Monticchio. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpiwf41njOD4CE12VyB_yOnYOojkdWS8QIQNMSxkFMpTCevHewdBOeDNuBEvlrTQXMluYb8fE5QzIgOQze3YcjjP2Oz26tthZjLQ1yaT_s6pBe07owQHTmNlOaEMT7aVHnIc4FIEUNqxl/s2048/IMG_9173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpiwf41njOD4CE12VyB_yOnYOojkdWS8QIQNMSxkFMpTCevHewdBOeDNuBEvlrTQXMluYb8fE5QzIgOQze3YcjjP2Oz26tthZjLQ1yaT_s6pBe07owQHTmNlOaEMT7aVHnIc4FIEUNqxl/s320/IMG_9173.JPG" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Itinerary 14 is in all respects a novelty, be it a very pleasant one. From Via Acquacarbone you face a short, very steep stretch on asphalt and from there on you walk first through woods and then along the panoramic and practically flat road that leads first to Acquara and then up to Monticchio.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Itinerary 15 has more dirt tracks among the trees. In fact, after having crossed the chestnut wood of Acquacarbone, there are just a few metres of asphalt before another long dirt track through the trees of a mixed forest (Via Olivella). </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">These 2 routes both start from Sorrento together with the 2 itineraries going to Massa Lubrense (<a href="http://sorrentoamalfiwalkwithus.blogspot.com/2021/04/tolomeo-2021-itineraries-between.html" target="_blank">previous blog, routes 13 and 23</a>). They leave route 13 after less than a kilometre and route 23 at the start of Montecorbo, continuing together as far as the intersection of Via Acquacarbone and Via Lamia, about 500m above Priora.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The signage of the Sorrento part of the itineraries is complete as far as Via Deserto and Via Olivella respectively. However, whilst for route 15 there are the same green signs to Sant'Agata from a couple of years back, for route 14 you will have to consult the map. That said, the remaining 2km are so simple, logical and linear that reaching Acquara and then Monticchio will certainly not be a problem. The signage for these stretches is work in progress.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It is worth pointing out that of the four Sorrento - Sant'Agata itineraries, the Acquacarbone route has the lowest average gradient (7.7% versus 8.4% for Li Schisani <b>16</b>, 10.1% for Zatri <b>26</b> and 12.3% for Circumpiso <b>25</b>).<b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYorg4C-Iun9wfIfrWL-0dXHoKn4i9gcK9685JTzJj3dVlQBpPB2o9sFlsN_gAxZ-v8mREYhN2_YHosNVEgikrQIuieh1vwicrMh7UDuQKxP4HKo0vMAAY2UVxsKzHhnlPsfd257cgFaQe/s2048/IMG_8253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="2048" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYorg4C-Iun9wfIfrWL-0dXHoKn4i9gcK9685JTzJj3dVlQBpPB2o9sFlsN_gAxZ-v8mREYhN2_YHosNVEgikrQIuieh1vwicrMh7UDuQKxP4HKo0vMAAY2UVxsKzHhnlPsfd257cgFaQe/w640-h325/IMG_8253.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></b> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJcwAnddWhIFtVE74gjVEkfaaEwlilpD_0vHqONxZzyhs-xBI1hr83vEiMifb6eKuYrv-A7-_QCwkcvMy1iVE1Iahzhhyphenhyphen6AlByIStzsq0rAlAVzgZr-ZhuF6g6FVCoVWXemMSvxTb_0-C/s1890/14e15bis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="1890" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJcwAnddWhIFtVE74gjVEkfaaEwlilpD_0vHqONxZzyhs-xBI1hr83vEiMifb6eKuYrv-A7-_QCwkcvMy1iVE1Iahzhhyphenhyphen6AlByIStzsq0rAlAVzgZr-ZhuF6g6FVCoVWXemMSvxTb_0-C/w640-h375/14e15bis.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><p style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>14 Sorrento - Monticchio (</b>approx.5.1 km) via Priora and Acquara</span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Porta di Massa (Piazza Veniero), Via Fuoro, trav.Capo, Via Capo, Via Capodimonte, Trav. Capodimonte, Via Priora, Trav. Priora, Nastro Verde, Via Acquacarbone, Via Lamia, Via Deserto, Via Colli Acquara, Via San Vito, Via San Nicola, Trav. San Nicola, Trav Titigliano, Rot. Turro Pastena, Via S. Sossio, Via Savero Caputo, Piazza S. Pietro (Monticchio)</span></p><p style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><b>15 Sorrento - Sant'Agata (</b>approx.4.5 km) via Acquacarbone</span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Porta di Massa (Piazza Veniero), Via Fuoro, trav.Capo, Via Capo, Via Capodimonte, Trav. Capodimonte, Via Priora, Trav. Priora, Nastro Verde, Via Acquacarbone,Via Olivella, Corso Sant'Agata, Largo Padre Ludovico da Casoria (Sant'Agata)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #2b00fe;"><b>TOLOMEO 2021 </b>is a project developed by <b>Giovanni Visetti, </b>on behalf of <b>Penisolaverde S.p.A. </b>for the<b> Municipality of Sorrento</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc;">The above text is liberally translated from Giovanni Visetti's <a href="https://discettazionierranti.blogspot.com/2021/03/tolomeo-2021-3-nuovi-itinerari-fra-i.html" target="_blank">Blog Discettazioni Errant</a>i. Map and photo of tile also courtesy of Giovanni Visetti.</span></p></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">T </span></div>SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-56089819272038958962021-04-06T18:45:00.002+02:002021-04-06T18:45:59.170+02:00TOLOMEO 2021 - Itineraries between Sorrento and Massa Lubrense<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In my previous post, I wrote about a new project underway in the Sorrento area thanks to the three-way collaboration of Giovanni Visetti, the Sorrento Town Council and Penisola Verde. In this post and in the ones that will follow, I will describe some of the itineraries, liberally translated from Visetti's blog <a href="https://discettazionierranti.blogspot.com/2021/03/progetto-tolomeo-2021-2-itinerari-fra.html" target="_blank">Discettazioni Erranti</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Itinerary<b> <span style="color: red;">13</span> - </b>from Sorrento to Massa centre via Pantano and Vigliano</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Itinerary <b style="color: red;">23</b> - from Sorrento to Massa centre via Montecorbo</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUomyM8PF01kuLytYVjD9CZd-JL2FKvBIVM5Yq_RVx_vpWNcQ6GmX1N9rilo6LD6wX1eKROj14h-GlkHxDiu1kuLpfDvOfcDglmAeav_Eynrk4sLauuzuzif67aWKkxI7n7yaqdT_mn2U/s1400/13e23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1399" data-original-width="1400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUomyM8PF01kuLytYVjD9CZd-JL2FKvBIVM5Yq_RVx_vpWNcQ6GmX1N9rilo6LD6wX1eKROj14h-GlkHxDiu1kuLpfDvOfcDglmAeav_Eynrk4sLauuzuzif67aWKkxI7n7yaqdT_mn2U/w640-h640/13e23.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div style="color: #666666; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;">Both these routes start from Piazza Veniero, in the immediate vicinity of where, many centuries ago, the Porta di Massa (gate to Massa) stood. The first part is in common, since as anyone familiar with the area will know, there is just one way westwards out of Sorrento, whether you are driving or on foot. They diverge at the 3rd bend of V</span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;">ia Capodimonte,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"> once you have left the main road, with route 13 proceeding straight along the so called </span><i style="color: black; font-family: arial;">via 'e miezo, </i><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;">whilst 23 continues following the bends. There are also several short flights of steps, which may shorten the distance a little, but will limit the fantastic views over Sorrento and beyond that you will enjoy if you stick to the lane. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTDOY8djdjnxYGOag1X3mWp_GVQA86EOqkqXDhhW8LCTTYl66prpvbT9qZRrP-CwLiHwpuekg4tH788ti8A5hEjfVJg82VUSofewPcdRWfVTdPjdvuF5UKQE5SAIxxogVqt6ubg4rkDza/s1959/13+23+14e15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1905" data-original-width="1959" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTDOY8djdjnxYGOag1X3mWp_GVQA86EOqkqXDhhW8LCTTYl66prpvbT9qZRrP-CwLiHwpuekg4tH788ti8A5hEjfVJg82VUSofewPcdRWfVTdPjdvuF5UKQE5SAIxxogVqt6ubg4rkDza/w320-h331/13+23+14e15.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: black; font-family: arial;">The initial sections of itineraries 14 for Monticchio and 15 for Sant'Agata (both villages of Massa Lubrense) also coincide with route 13 before diverging shortly after Priora. There is a difference in length and elevation between today's two routes which could make you opt for one rather than the other. In fact 23 via Montecorbo is 400m shorter than 13, but it has a greater elevation of around 50m. If you wish to complete a loop, Giovanni suggests going to Massa via 13 and returning along 23. This is because you will be going downhill for the steepest parts of Via Priora and Via Capodimonte. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: black; font-family: arial;">The two routes had already been marked in the 2003 edition of Tolomeo, being part of the much longer Sant'Agnello to Termini walk. The signage in the Sorrento area is pretty well complete, with the tiles replaced where necessary and the markings refreshed. As you pass into the territory of Massa Lubrense, for the time being you can follow the original signs: red stripes for Montecorbo (ex 1a) and red dots for Vigliano (ex 1), until the new signage is complete also in this area. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: black; font-family: arial;">It is also important to point out that in the locality of Pantano, 1.9km from Sorrento, there is a secondary path going towards the valley which in 400m will bring you to Capo di Sorrento where it forks. The usual signs and tiles will guide you either to Punta del Capo (13a) with the Bagni di Regina Giovanna and the ruins of a Roman maritime villa (1st century AD) or to the fishing village and beach of Puolo (13b).</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8iAzn_8J02CVgyKbrqNoQ31j7SpHR5-9ha-r85JGNEwNKijSt7lKj8Gvb07Zvh00KopFRDs-2DhEwcp-Q-BXDIak5h0jx5SzeJR43zT1tJGsb6d4teypc9t3BKawMLS2QfzKfys26TCf/s2766/13ab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #cccccc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="2766" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8iAzn_8J02CVgyKbrqNoQ31j7SpHR5-9ha-r85JGNEwNKijSt7lKj8Gvb07Zvh00KopFRDs-2DhEwcp-Q-BXDIak5h0jx5SzeJR43zT1tJGsb6d4teypc9t3BKawMLS2QfzKfys26TCf/w640-h162/13ab.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: black; font-family: verdana;"><b>Details of the itineraries</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="color: red;">13</span></b><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"> Sorrento – Massa centre (<b><span style="color: red;">13a </span></b></span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">Punta del Capo</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">, <b><span style="color: red;">13b </span></b>Puolo) (4,5 km approx)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: black; font-family: verdana;">Porta di Massa (Piazza Veniero), via Fuoro, trav. Capo, via Capo, via Capodimonte, trav. Capodimonte, via Pantano, Nastro Verde, via Pantano, (start of 13a), via Fontanella, via Vigliano, via del Generale, via Partenope, via San Montano, via Mulini-Sponda, via Mulini, rot. Massa-Turro, viale Filangieri, largo Vescovado (Massa centre)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="color: red;">13a</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="color: black;"> via Pantano, via Capo (x 13b for Puolo), calata Punta del Capo (400+800m)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; font-family: verdana;"><b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="color: red;">13b</span></b><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="color: black;"> via Capo, calata di Puolo, via Marina di Puolo, Puolo (1.100m dal Capo)</span></span></p></div><span style="background-color: #cccccc; font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyHANA9cVZVIcGMRNAfTZf-V22OGayxlbjfjEvLiDm1AZtKEHqStDworPF7PpcTzL1s-jpM9XzxO2wvCPTXPp_I5R3qrDTWt1Whyphenhyphenv1ST4uufKb0u5KoDoBCaQoDB_THd-gPnntj8tGd4n/s2048/IMG_9804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="2048" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyHANA9cVZVIcGMRNAfTZf-V22OGayxlbjfjEvLiDm1AZtKEHqStDworPF7PpcTzL1s-jpM9XzxO2wvCPTXPp_I5R3qrDTWt1Whyphenhyphenv1ST4uufKb0u5KoDoBCaQoDB_THd-gPnntj8tGd4n/w640-h436/IMG_9804.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Many thanks to Giovanni for use of his blog, maps and photos.</div></span><p></p></div>SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-32769715714841819972021-03-19T18:41:00.002+01:002021-03-19T19:18:20.679+01:00SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7UaMmT3MMguACNja0l9s79ZoMrXfBQX3DlRnYS8Tdzrz48EUmD2vGVSo3p0wyxpKciA0Lj975iqN0cEvCOfoSGtrtP5Z1yDs9U937S9mwPhDmogC-ziFWUBG06q__QuRImQfC6YTfB3fu/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7UaMmT3MMguACNja0l9s79ZoMrXfBQX3DlRnYS8Tdzrz48EUmD2vGVSo3p0wyxpKciA0Lj975iqN0cEvCOfoSGtrtP5Z1yDs9U937S9mwPhDmogC-ziFWUBG06q__QuRImQfC6YTfB3fu/" width="254" /></a></div></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="text-align: justify;">In 1990, 22 footpaths (covering a total 110 km) </span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">were located by </span><a href="https://www.giovis.com/default.htm" style="text-align: justify;">Giovanni Visetti</a> </span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;">between Sorrento and Massa Lubrense </span><span style="font-family: arial;">. These became the Nuovo Progetto Tolomeo, providing walkers with a network of itineraries </span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;">set back from the main roads, the noise and large urban centres. Clearly marked with a system of coloured stripes and ceramic tiles, the routes were simple to follow and you could walk as far or as little as you wished, without the fear of getting lost, enjoying the countryside and villages a world away from the crowded tourist traps. </span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiTPewLmzV645Vw_4twLl3F8kFU-AckG97n0nn_T0_cBlVxyvH-uM9627HMh2uxuQQdtchJQUYUVAc5JzcX5BtrFoQUYpcO2-mrDxBWnL1250KLKPecYcmAnHQ1q9-Pp19dCAY8RXn7rG/s960/163388344_1738114373034817_4432740687817406762_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiTPewLmzV645Vw_4twLl3F8kFU-AckG97n0nn_T0_cBlVxyvH-uM9627HMh2uxuQQdtchJQUYUVAc5JzcX5BtrFoQUYpcO2-mrDxBWnL1250KLKPecYcmAnHQ1q9-Pp19dCAY8RXn7rG/s320/163388344_1738114373034817_4432740687817406762_n.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;">Maps were produced and available at all the tourist offices and I am pleased to say that I too had a small part in this, translating the mini-guide on the back of the maps into English and that is when I first met Visetti. We spent many a happy hour bickering over the exact translation of a word or two and this is also when I began to hike again, something I hadn't done since I was a child in the UK.</span><p></p><p></p><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;">Over the years the itineraries and maps were updated with new additions (such as the Giro di Santa Croce) and notice boards with large maps collocated at strategic points around the area, complete with QR codes for the technically minded. Digital versions of the maps were also made available by Giovanni on his web site, free to download: </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://www.giovis.com/maps/Tolomeo2018.gif">http://www.giovis.com/maps/Tolomeo2018.gif</a> </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAE7tWILNVXBem_IM3pS10WY56S5D7-YuIRVpMtwozRp4RJcZorhAQp0u505VJZxOIfC0avJuRASb1mEKl9A_nmrbGHzSwhOoAMnqfyDrha4bmRnpmrXbuPwfgqksCnmGjTOw12MrHzmSL/s960/162965453_1738116299701291_909485346247432755_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="502" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAE7tWILNVXBem_IM3pS10WY56S5D7-YuIRVpMtwozRp4RJcZorhAQp0u505VJZxOIfC0avJuRASb1mEKl9A_nmrbGHzSwhOoAMnqfyDrha4bmRnpmrXbuPwfgqksCnmGjTOw12MrHzmSL/s320/162965453_1738116299701291_909485346247432755_n.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Now for the news: Giovanni is in the process of revising and updating the Progetto Tolomeo </span><span style="font-family: arial;">in collaboration with the Municipalities of Sorrento and Massa Lubrense and with the coordination of Penisolaverde. New itineraries are being included and those</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> falling within the territory of the Municipality of Sorrento have already been identified and traced. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In addition to the two classic links to Massa Lubrense centre, there are half a dozen others going towards the villages up in the hills, including Zatri and Li Schisani</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">for Sant'Agata sui due Golfi</span><span style="font-family: arial;">, both of which had fallen into disuse. There is also a completely new route through the chestnut groves of Lamia towards Acquara and Monticchio. Each itinerary is identified with different coloured number, painted trail markers, stickers on lamp poles and of course the ceramic tiles characteristic of the original project. </span></p><span style="font-family: arial;">Two new circuits in the centre of Sorrento, are already accessible, identified by numbers 11 "The walls and gates of Sorrento" and 22 "The Villages of the Sorrento valley" going from Sorrento (Porta del Piano) to Cesarano, Cala, San Biagio, Baranica, Casarlano and Casola (locality "Sciuscelle"), returning to the centre of Sorrento. Clearly, each itinerary and each circuit can be walked in either direction. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">A website is also under construction where it will be possible to obtain information about the itineraries.</span><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Now all we need is to be free to try them out!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">(Photos courtesy of Camminate) <br /></span></p></div>SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-17809795295336886672020-12-15T21:10:00.000+01:002020-12-15T21:10:05.499+01:00The Pinewood of Monte San Costanzo <p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWWURrH7DrycY4kKExRzvqO0w3hTzbbTfCxRCGWy-yAtOp8Ui85RXe9i2sp9zwoDewe3peozbu7OI0tknsar_UZtNmb6v4ktPYj8U8Jr3RBYgIliCw2bsESfiHrikYI6LYpHjCaTowVNd/s960/131106100_1668165203363068_4187080152451361346_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWWURrH7DrycY4kKExRzvqO0w3hTzbbTfCxRCGWy-yAtOp8Ui85RXe9i2sp9zwoDewe3peozbu7OI0tknsar_UZtNmb6v4ktPYj8U8Jr3RBYgIliCw2bsESfiHrikYI6LYpHjCaTowVNd/s320/131106100_1668165203363068_4187080152451361346_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">The pinewood of Monte San Costanzo (Termini, Massa Lubrense) is a place frequented by many, locals and tourists alike, but which is practically unexplored by the majority who limit themselves to using it as a starting point for walking up to the chapel or as a way to or from Vetavole and Punta Campanella along the CAI300 trail.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;">In fact most people are probably totally unaware that the central section of the forest, descending from the saddle towards Jeranto, actually has a series of practically horizontal paths for every 25 to 30 metres of altitude, connected by short zigzagging paths to reduce the steepness. A little further west, other shorter trails reach the edge of the gully of the Rivolo San Costanzo (</span><span style="font-family: arial;">Rivo ‘a Falanga), offering unusual and fascinating views.</span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykPEUkcB0YVcwMO8eB3XlfGR3jSr3S3BKGDM5bFQL0egrG7QwNNyxLMkIBJjiVG9MixlUhP16_YZXXxPo8QfaqXg-nzkNFYcASzOMnbd205maEC6fDT5c2w3q8_Rwdbv_wG3u-AKLngY5/s1024/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykPEUkcB0YVcwMO8eB3XlfGR3jSr3S3BKGDM5bFQL0egrG7QwNNyxLMkIBJjiVG9MixlUhP16_YZXXxPo8QfaqXg-nzkNFYcASzOMnbd205maEC6fDT5c2w3q8_Rwdbv_wG3u-AKLngY5/s320/9.jpg" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: right;">Unfortunately, over the past few years, gale force winds and forest fires had seriously damaged the forest, with many of its trees reduced to charred trunks, the paths blocked and hidden by fallen branches. The partial collapse of some of the dry-stone walls had also contributed to the problem, rendering the whole area a veritable obstacle course.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: right;">Confined by Covid regulations to his local council area, Giovanni Visetti decided that he would combine getting some much needed and welcome exercise with something useful and so, together with a few volunteers from the local walking group Camminante, he began a new project, retracing and mapping the trails and making a start at clearing them wherever possible. Now, after just a few sessions, nearly 3 kms are already accessible (the trails marked in red on the map) descending roughly 120 metres from the ridge and the CAI300 path. Any trees still blocking these paths can easily be by-passed or climbed over.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: right;">The idea is to restore the area as much as possible to how it was, thus recreating a perfect, natural "gym" for anyone who wants some exercise out in the fresh air without going too far. That said, you can make it as long and as steep as you wish, go as fast or as slow as you fancy and all this without the slightest possibility of getting lost, since all you need to do is follow one of the paths uphill and you will come back to the ridge and therefore to the road. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccj50QUwm3AY16sjzFd5Qks1wJhEyjHtlVwbOQZ7Da54VTKExLcwZvD0sNJmppf5rQUrW2fy9f2LabBHslSZXe1i-Nm-RZkaVfkPHvqAXq4-ZRzalDypeBDoi0HFgSB3HwwrNc1P1XVkr/s640/bozza14dec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="640" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccj50QUwm3AY16sjzFd5Qks1wJhEyjHtlVwbOQZ7Da54VTKExLcwZvD0sNJmppf5rQUrW2fy9f2LabBHslSZXe1i-Nm-RZkaVfkPHvqAXq4-ZRzalDypeBDoi0HFgSB3HwwrNc1P1XVkr/w640-h440/bozza14dec.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D-DKuXHokOOKLthv6PKewPMsK0beGvAdA4UPqLvyDZiVY-OBAXz4qqtiVw6VFCbqhdZ_xh6BpKbZOQRyir711nzrAsJ6LdyRlKEC01F2_Ik3sNvReTK-F1KxWac9A1hQYMVixJnZB2Sk/s200/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="134" data-original-width="200" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D-DKuXHokOOKLthv6PKewPMsK0beGvAdA4UPqLvyDZiVY-OBAXz4qqtiVw6VFCbqhdZ_xh6BpKbZOQRyir711nzrAsJ6LdyRlKEC01F2_Ik3sNvReTK-F1KxWac9A1hQYMVixJnZB2Sk/w640-h429/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />photos courtesy of Giovanni Visetti's <a href="https://discettazionierranti.blogspot.com/2020/12/sentieri-della-pineta-di-s-costanzo.html" target="_blank">Discettazzioni Erranti</a></span><p></p></div></div></div>SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-69110426702719591622020-11-16T21:18:00.000+01:002020-11-16T21:18:44.080+01:00Here we go again - lockdown 2 <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><br style="font-family: arial;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvDI9v8ZnIT4O8C5yDhFu3iVoZ4KdBgZvgE4A37VfqW4GdEmFChPOhthnDQSfoYfwh1Anz736OIL-wAvjgeAwLiYqVCEPXiQLrDLq_1QXtiaeCzy7iDJC-H-fPEtTcYTbKLGn0WKPVY-Q/s2048/IMG_6744.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvDI9v8ZnIT4O8C5yDhFu3iVoZ4KdBgZvgE4A37VfqW4GdEmFChPOhthnDQSfoYfwh1Anz736OIL-wAvjgeAwLiYqVCEPXiQLrDLq_1QXtiaeCzy7iDJC-H-fPEtTcYTbKLGn0WKPVY-Q/s320/IMG_6744.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">So yesterday was Day 1 of our second lockdown following Campania's sudden but unsurprising leap from the fairly lenient yellow tier to the much more severe red one. Now we can no longer go out of our local council area unless we have a valid and documented reason and are unable to go for a pizza or eat at a restaurant </span><span style="text-align: left;">(unless take away),</span><span style="text-align: left;"> sip an espresso at the local bar, visit our family and friends or go walking in groups. Curfew is at 10 p.m. so we have also had to stop wandering the streets at night....</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34iPJ_dl6k4iah8Gh7qQbwNjUFwcAPaIytrM3XXpMYR3pb0YbVCzLRBUnFQR10s02QS6nsya_ymOXWQJarIL7sXmSKj7YvSPOtbdq2WLLV-m2Ycgt5HDBvN5YojNZUc7p6JJ-ZfmiWN3v/s2048/IMG_6752.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="2048" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34iPJ_dl6k4iah8Gh7qQbwNjUFwcAPaIytrM3XXpMYR3pb0YbVCzLRBUnFQR10s02QS6nsya_ymOXWQJarIL7sXmSKj7YvSPOtbdq2WLLV-m2Ycgt5HDBvN5YojNZUc7p6JJ-ZfmiWN3v/w320-h163/IMG_6752.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhpLcGEGgNmOB7BhNOYzQBc_zq7DccoJgiL-Vt9Z461t-IUWhMVTT2zo17UZRV0fS0WYrAyuPoJNwqqYitsY2vDnAoAi1f3Qp4mAXeSBQKa3P2joHHftWmEaNHZBsYesWZ6jh4KmXzYkO/s2048/IMG_6749.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhpLcGEGgNmOB7BhNOYzQBc_zq7DccoJgiL-Vt9Z461t-IUWhMVTT2zo17UZRV0fS0WYrAyuPoJNwqqYitsY2vDnAoAi1f3Qp4mAXeSBQKa3P2joHHftWmEaNHZBsYesWZ6jh4KmXzYkO/s320/IMG_6749.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">It is not quite as bad as the first time round. </span></span>A few more shops and businesses have been allowed to remain open and we can even go to the hairdresser's should we want to.<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"> Physical exercise is permitted at any time of the day,</span></span> provided you stay near your home. "Near" however hasn't actually been quantified, so it is pretty unclear, (and I hope it stays that way), whether this means 200 metres, a kilometre or several. I prefer to think the latter. Back in March we couldn't exercise outside at all for weeks on end. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">So yesterday afternoon, when the morning's heavy cloud and grey skies had given way to sunshine , I chose my itinerary and set off down the road to the village of Nerano, and then on to Marina del Cantone and round the headland to Recommone. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I chose to walk along the road rather than cut down through the lanes, partially to avoid slipping, but mainly to make the walk a little longer!</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Marina del Cantone was a far cry from the previous week when the place was heaving, the restaurants full to bursting and the bay dotted with motor boats of various size and importance. This time there were no more than a handful of evidently local cars in the car park and a solitary couple sitting on the pebbled beach gazing out to sea. The restaurants and bars were all closed and nobody and nothing was at sea. The path to Recommone was equally deserted and the only sounds were the lapping of the waves and the seagulls' cries. It was incredibly peaceful and it struck me how fortunate I am to live in a place like this. The dark cloud of Covid lifted momentarily leaving me more optimistic that sooner or later all will be well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I just wonder when.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: right;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLw1OaVq_5YEYhSUPSSYyf-Hks8vVJPwjLywtZZVGPpvqqAP_oJSw4BFSTGsMVXW_fc3rorPJP-YeUkq23O572pdwrFGVIkVPT7WIW7wCV6q3lzQMOI0pxE4Gm1AiTRPZpJp7zAOjtccQO/s522/51H751ILetL._AC_SX522_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="522" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLw1OaVq_5YEYhSUPSSYyf-Hks8vVJPwjLywtZZVGPpvqqAP_oJSw4BFSTGsMVXW_fc3rorPJP-YeUkq23O572pdwrFGVIkVPT7WIW7wCV6q3lzQMOI0pxE4Gm1AiTRPZpJp7zAOjtccQO/w640-h340/51H751ILetL._AC_SX522_.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span>SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-35387427329066077602020-09-01T18:43:00.005+02:002020-09-01T18:43:28.374+02:00The Path of the Gods<div class="separator"><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="2040" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzz1ASxOWwuS_438vPyzdfnWyibRlIlkxK70KJ3YAGKEVA6Wn8MYMhIgMwJe9MyIrXhHL-TiALRt_hBhQnC8TS4_m18kfpb2k5zRALPABexPaHB4h4xV0D5-vzM5P02Y4sw1tz7XTOA-lP/s640/117762465_3275856269206449_7818569940437633868_o.jpg" width="640" /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="2040" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7RP2ti-b-SDHpK0QGSi77wigADrMpJA7BJV-9jTfjTSxsyHHN4aaD5rLbhHbJLO9RlmdSy0iXF65oOcZywLnGI4w9efotyvi-mRkTGbQ6yQtulYlbt-NY0NqAd_LpTxMC5AyHyH8UDgT/s640/118630905_3275854355873307_79728751678958291_o.jpg" width="640" /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator"><span style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="2040" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNulOCI5wXjnw9nSGJGSd2UWFXD8nf_rD5Lra9I6SvZOMZNb4b2f4B8zbKY64e-sC68TKpqtntVCJySb_KaJxz4Ye8LuO2MLLUr_s0oEe79GFl0Kqw_O3SYMtT3OqjTzEg6LbQ19A_wufY/w641-h481/118702702_3275853395873403_4260429124712134968_o.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="641" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;">This weekend, with the forecast of strong scirocco winds and very high temperatures, arsonists</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;"> hit the Amalfi Coast once again, timing their attack with the onset of dusk to</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;">prevent </span><span style="text-align: justify;">any possibility of a rapid intervention by air. </span></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The effect was devastating, the flames quickly climbing the hillside between Positano and Praiano, going perilously near to the hamlet of Nocelle, the Convent of San Domenico and the houses at Colle Serra before racing over the Path of the Gods towards Paipo. It was only thanks to the usual group of volunteers, working throughout the night and beyond, that the damage wasn't even worse. At long last during Sunday morning two helicopters and a Canadair plane arrived to quench the flames.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The terrain has been stripped bare and so of course rocks and burnt vegetation are coming down. The road </span><span style="font-family: arial;">between Positano and Praiano</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">has been closed since Sunday late afternoon to all but emergency traffic, causing havoc to people trying to go home at the end of the weekend or their summer holidays. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Path of the Gods is also off limits whilst the damage is assessed and it is m</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ade secure. Fabio Fusco's amazing photographs tell it all (many thanks Fabio!).</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">2020 was already going down in history as a year to be forgotten. We really didn't need this as well. </span></p>SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-58953822770113237522020-05-08T21:08:00.002+02:002020-05-09T08:21:28.709+02:00REFLECTIONS ON THE PRESENT TIMES<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFSIE-1dqIiwtCI-ZPcpBEReTGKWQNvUaHP-ONnfXUQH33cqbLTDUsMSqHR2a5dA1jqfsccSTUoXR_mpShe2ONBvp0aajapgjBoXee2ELCiqGmvwrsSzSkpH5u0ekqMQXnLWbnSNtPOen/s1600/IMG_2688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFSIE-1dqIiwtCI-ZPcpBEReTGKWQNvUaHP-ONnfXUQH33cqbLTDUsMSqHR2a5dA1jqfsccSTUoXR_mpShe2ONBvp0aajapgjBoXee2ELCiqGmvwrsSzSkpH5u0ekqMQXnLWbnSNtPOen/s320/IMG_2688.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't think that anyone could have imagined the events of the past few months and the impact that it has had on all our lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Living in Italy, we have had to respect one of the longest and strictest lockdowns in the world and for someone who is happiest outside and walking the trails, this for me was extremely hard.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabW3yfKDOtNLONVpc6IQX2uX9p7YvOaFupmn-aXE0XfI7Mxe-ZSqr5NfJgWCKiP96Hcmj_z4mVcuuBVj-NFQq7k2E_KaTfCOfI5EpeJ3uHmIhxRZu0qz6SucJFZKCUioCLuB9YfIWyuPK/s1600/IMG_2801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="1600" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabW3yfKDOtNLONVpc6IQX2uX9p7YvOaFupmn-aXE0XfI7Mxe-ZSqr5NfJgWCKiP96Hcmj_z4mVcuuBVj-NFQq7k2E_KaTfCOfI5EpeJ3uHmIhxRZu0qz6SucJFZKCUioCLuB9YfIWyuPK/s320/IMG_2801.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Considered a person at risk I started isolating at home at the very beginning of March and for weeks my nighttime 50 metre walk to the rubbish bins was my only excursion and the high point of my day. My family even banned me from going to do my shopping.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fortunately I have a large terrace overlooking the sea, so it could have been much worse. I cannot imagine what it must be like for anyone with no outside space. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PLvHvuZ_fGhBqNLlpOFkCsfDjwQTR0ovghMNyKtsMPDSGl3dYbKzg1OxRWbZ1xiIUWG3XRmw870c4Sany9Pho6ljP52UHCmv_fY9C6n3XhFHj5gqB1pPi_q_IMVRR-_zY0HTuYCiKVjs/s1600/IMG_2902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PLvHvuZ_fGhBqNLlpOFkCsfDjwQTR0ovghMNyKtsMPDSGl3dYbKzg1OxRWbZ1xiIUWG3XRmw870c4Sany9Pho6ljP52UHCmv_fY9C6n3XhFHj5gqB1pPi_q_IMVRR-_zY0HTuYCiKVjs/s320/IMG_2902.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was lucky in that I was still working, so the days passed fairly quickly, and then when my hours were reduced, I started doing things that I had been putting off for years: sorting out drawers and paperwork (25 years of salary slips for example), cleaning the tops of cupboards, spending a lot of time tending the plants on my terrace and doing quite a lot of chilling out. I resuscitated a book of enigmatic crossword puzzles </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and read novels </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">that had lain dormant on shelves for decades.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Only too aware that I could quickly become seriously unfit, I started skipping (don't laugh!), doing short bouts of stepping and making sure that I hit my daily target of 5,000 steps even if it meant walking up and down the apartment corridor. I found that by staying at home I actually moved more than when I went into work (in spite of the walk from the car park to the office) and even lost a little weight.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6Sm9F0U15X1zCCrVjkEabOvM1BH5ozR-LOw1s1c4H9l8CWbJgdhknyBL_Tw5Yhzdg4TBAVpoxCRq5UKIgbjwncWdfShatJd6zjpMfBWZC-MP0PdBAwNEKIQnZ_ZUeZC5mKyWCZTFD4pi/s1600/IMG_2987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6Sm9F0U15X1zCCrVjkEabOvM1BH5ozR-LOw1s1c4H9l8CWbJgdhknyBL_Tw5Yhzdg4TBAVpoxCRq5UKIgbjwncWdfShatJd6zjpMfBWZC-MP0PdBAwNEKIQnZ_ZUeZC5mKyWCZTFD4pi/s320/IMG_2987.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My car's battery went flat. So a few weeks ago, I had it recharged and started taking it out for a weekly drive, strictly on my own and armed with my mask and documents, taking a circular route of roughly 6 kilometres. The first time I did this I couldn't believe my eyes. I had left the countryside in its relatively drab winter attire and now found it clad in a riot of colours.The trees were in blossom, the roadsides were a botanist's dream and it was all so, so green. It was overwhelmingly beautiful.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieL_vfMUX7p7ff5SEQtqzysukwYg0Lwdg3kR6gu4cbIgkvQTocIjcmIN_XsiJbTS_X2RYD3y2sHYYBtW-1Jl7dIiTwANZIsnf2sNP8eVZ5aZaMb7n1-1nxmDwl-JKBxuy2B56rm04a2Kfe/s1600/IMG_2991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1518" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieL_vfMUX7p7ff5SEQtqzysukwYg0Lwdg3kR6gu4cbIgkvQTocIjcmIN_XsiJbTS_X2RYD3y2sHYYBtW-1Jl7dIiTwANZIsnf2sNP8eVZ5aZaMb7n1-1nxmDwl-JKBxuy2B56rm04a2Kfe/s320/IMG_2991.JPG" width="302" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On 27th April we were at last allowed out for physical exercise, f</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">or limited hours (6.30 to 8.30 and 19.00 to 22.00)</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, strictly alone and with our masks. It was like being let out of jail. That morning I was out of the house at 6.35 and over the following days created various circuits more or less within the allowed distance from my home. I missed just one morning (it was raining) and would go both morning and evening whenever I could. I counted myself very lucky to live in such a lovely part of the world where even a walk along a road could provide such an abundance of flowers and so many amazing views.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4th May marked another step (literally) towards some form of normality. We were now allowed out for physical exercise at any time of the day and could go further afield. This is when the advantage of working reduced hours hit home: I could take myself off for lengthy afternoon walks on a weekday, something that would have been impossible normally. So since then this is what I have been doing.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was keen to check out the wild orchids, so my first walk was the Giro di Santa Croce, up behind Termini, where I knew I would be sure to find them. I was pretty gutted to see that the butterfly orchids had </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">already</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> disappeared and that the orchis italica (naked men orchids) were over their best. They must have been spectacular a week earlier because there were vast colonies of them fading along the hillside. I was however compensated by myriads of tongue orchids, less "showy" than the others, but incredibly delicate. I also found some bee orchids.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since then I have also walked up the CAI300 trail from Nerano to Monte San Costanzo, yesterday along the Sirenuse Trail and today to Recommone. Apart from some pretty high grass in places, the trails are remarkably clear in spite of their lack of use over the past few months. The flowers continue to amaze. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In conclusion, a few observations of this period:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- bird song. I have never heard so many birds singing away. Is this because there is less traffic noise, or are there actually more around than before?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- traffic noise (including marine traffic and those awful power boats that roar up and down the sea in the summer) - none for weeks, road traffic is unfortunately now on the increase .</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- it is perfectly feasible to shop once a week. It just takes organisation and a weekly menu planned before the shop. I still don't go.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZrP0HWbbQgndYhriE2TpxBGRbpvNUd2JZYEHSedEOsBKhWQuBOJ5k3lJNsjgHTuebPTCzMYh9TkM-GZZagitslPCdLjqCsozqfhhHzMofHei55Sx9h2sCvGhqBKUdOtt5bxwsgGWra9r/s1600/IMG_2999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZrP0HWbbQgndYhriE2TpxBGRbpvNUd2JZYEHSedEOsBKhWQuBOJ5k3lJNsjgHTuebPTCzMYh9TkM-GZZagitslPCdLjqCsozqfhhHzMofHei55Sx9h2sCvGhqBKUdOtt5bxwsgGWra9r/s320/IMG_2999.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- a return to the land. Terraces that had been abandoned for years have been tilled and sown and are already bearing the fruits of labour: peas, fennel, lettuces, broad beans, artichokes and all manner of greens, all ready for consumption, rows of tomato plants, peppers and zucchini just planted in preparation for the summer. Is this because a lot of people now have more time on their hands and it gets them out of the house (we were allowed to work the land before we were let out for physical exercise) or is it an underlying concern of what the future holds? Probably a combination of both. It is however good to see.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- masks: they are nasty but necessary. They are hot, they are smelly (keep away from the garlic) and they make your glasses steam up. However they have become the new norm and it is actually pretty disconcerting to see anyone without one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We are now waiting in trepidation for the next 10 days to pass, praying that the situation continues to improve and that we won't be locked away again. That would be pretty hard to digest.</span><br />
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SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-30318326643553822342020-01-11T23:38:00.002+01:002020-01-11T23:38:31.058+01:00THE SORRY STORY OF JERANTO AND THE PADLOCKED GATE<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-4FzBOZD9OCqfWj4lUsCBFF6vhmEKGYRBrRMSlvkgYNI5JcyKx4mX8F42BHeo_zHfNy6OEqjapmO0-_08uhOhKFzQjMC9HQQopyN62wZuMaK44ZriC5nttz5UekELTX6D6Y7PN7bWs3b/s1600/81244913_1499534726870708_1526117247385337856_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-4FzBOZD9OCqfWj4lUsCBFF6vhmEKGYRBrRMSlvkgYNI5JcyKx4mX8F42BHeo_zHfNy6OEqjapmO0-_08uhOhKFzQjMC9HQQopyN62wZuMaK44ZriC5nttz5UekELTX6D6Y7PN7bWs3b/s320/81244913_1499534726870708_1526117247385337856_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just before Christmas, 29th December to be precise, I decided to walk down to Jeranto from Nerano since it was some time since I had been there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All was well until I tried to access the area of the ex quarry. Here I found the gate locked by a large padlock and with the notice you can see in the photo: "closed for safety reasons".</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsq4-KzVFXEb1UnUMpkU3fpNz9ts1VvEWwN89JGmDCFfullgR7W3gFw4dsSpiudQ3xgNA_0xYXGjDDiTHAS87dVP5Sm-DTe7q8mZ8VPh90VNMt9gdDuzbiuVZ_cTWbUstbE2AbfPt3FZm/s1600/IMG_1489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsq4-KzVFXEb1UnUMpkU3fpNz9ts1VvEWwN89JGmDCFfullgR7W3gFw4dsSpiudQ3xgNA_0xYXGjDDiTHAS87dVP5Sm-DTe7q8mZ8VPh90VNMt9gdDuzbiuVZ_cTWbUstbE2AbfPt3FZm/s320/IMG_1489.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I peered through the bars of the gate and all looked pretty normal to me. Admittedly we had had a spate of dreadful weather with gale-force winds and torrential rain, but I couldn't see any evidence of damage from where I was. Rather annoyed that access was being denied, I squeezed through the railings to the side of the gate and proceeded along the path. Although there were indeed a couple of fallen branches further in, there was nothing else that I could see to warrant the closure.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYImpcc-XHOYksXnNxVy6UpHo7s-De6Tx79MTxWDCcgEXqI2okUzmGs-X6HfO2Cz6Vl8L3GJPW11a5K3AG-BHVjluIgNOOsju-TLRs9UhFJYoiQInAPzKIQIeYgIPMlz1A5iSALXFjHc8/s1600/IMG_1492-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYImpcc-XHOYksXnNxVy6UpHo7s-De6Tx79MTxWDCcgEXqI2okUzmGs-X6HfO2Cz6Vl8L3GJPW11a5K3AG-BHVjluIgNOOsju-TLRs9UhFJYoiQInAPzKIQIeYgIPMlz1A5iSALXFjHc8/s320/IMG_1492-001.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Maybe I am a little suspicious by nature, but it all seemed rather strange, so in the end I posted the photo with the simple question WHY on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sorrentoamalfiwalkwithus/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">SorrentoAmalfiWalkWithUs Facebook page</a>, little imagining the reaction it would get:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2652 views (which might not seem many, but on average I get around 150 to 200 for a "normal" post), 8 shares (from other hiking groups and hikers) and 12 comments. The shares generated yet more shares and more comments.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiKtaup47Ik6oJku1VsW4vCsx3-r5J9H-vPMTAB1xbqTlKRKtvWI6cO1Aa4tCbYmBmTOAmha4Hf5Q9GN5uCI3kqvkEjOJN_jc2mzk_1Za1jZylXXZisIx73tFybo1RreRM8T5p34T2lc8/s1600/IMG_1497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="1600" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiKtaup47Ik6oJku1VsW4vCsx3-r5J9H-vPMTAB1xbqTlKRKtvWI6cO1Aa4tCbYmBmTOAmha4Hf5Q9GN5uCI3kqvkEjOJN_jc2mzk_1Za1jZylXXZisIx73tFybo1RreRM8T5p34T2lc8/s320/IMG_1497.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This was 3rd January. The following morning the FAI (who are responsible for the maintenance and management of this area) put their own post up on their Facebook page, evidently in reply to the general indignation caused by mine, stating that the TEMPORARY closure was necessary due to the complexity of the damage both to the trees and to the buildings caused by the bad weather in mid December. Evidently other people were just as sceptical as myself and also went down to take a look, confirming that apart from a couple of branches that could (and should) already have been removed, there was nothing untoward.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Requests to the FAI to produce photos of the damage were consistently ignored which of course just fuelled more and more disquiet about the possible reasons behind the closure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">For anyone who is unfamiliar with the FAI, its Wikipedia definiton is as follows: the Fondo Ambiente Italian is an Italian </span><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">non-profit </b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">foundation, founded in 1975 with the aim of acting for the protection, safeguard and enhancement of the Italian artistic and natural heritage through the restoration and opening to the public of historical, artistic or naturalistic assets received by donation, inheritance or loan. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The FAI received this area in donation in 1987 and in 2002 </span><a href="http://www.massalubrense.it/convfai.htm)," style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">an official agreement</a><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> was signed between the FAI and the Comune of Massa Lubrense. This agreement states as follows:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">- article 1: <b>FAI undertakes not to prevent the free public use of the paths and areas identified</b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-M74JnvY-4DU4EM9w-4hal_Px3UenfbykYGUKjeBcfnr44vYY5XjwZu8GS-BnZC_QhjXgMkN8Qt0doPZPGWRV7sgVMo3tOO7qpSIk5ubAWX88gq7QLAgdfAIGsToqemYYy7lzh9GomYWa/s1600/IMG_1462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1600" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-M74JnvY-4DU4EM9w-4hal_Px3UenfbykYGUKjeBcfnr44vYY5XjwZu8GS-BnZC_QhjXgMkN8Qt0doPZPGWRV7sgVMo3tOO7qpSIk5ubAWX88gq7QLAgdfAIGsToqemYYy7lzh9GomYWa/s320/IMG_1462.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">- article 2: the routes and areas will be frequented by the public at their own risk... with the FAI having the only task of reporting any dangers to the users with specific reference to the type of danger... and with the exclusion of signs limiting the free use of the routes and areas covered by this agreement.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">- article 3: the parties agree that the access and free use of the routes and areas must not be prevented or reduced. <b>The FAI is required to eliminate the closures and check that no impediment to access and free use is put in place by personnel of the organization or by third parties.</b> In the presence of such impediments the Municipality is required to remove them without notice, providing for the recovery of the expenses incurred to the detriment of the FAI.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OeJK8_rKSqxzWzIsjl3AsViHwqPu39NJmp5-AIpzzWxlB1q6pdkmIV64AcVPOw9Uz0DBiss6U3tp4c7rL9p2HiPyi1fs02dBs-1nicNZBAncYqVeLp40XSWjoMCKR1kaNw9QVA0Z_2Nm/s1600/IMG_1475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="997" data-original-width="1600" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OeJK8_rKSqxzWzIsjl3AsViHwqPu39NJmp5-AIpzzWxlB1q6pdkmIV64AcVPOw9Uz0DBiss6U3tp4c7rL9p2HiPyi1fs02dBs-1nicNZBAncYqVeLp40XSWjoMCKR1kaNw9QVA0Z_2Nm/s320/IMG_1475.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In other words, the closure of the gate was in complete violation of the above agreement, whatever the motives, and the fact that the local authorities had not been informed of the situation in the 2 weeks following the storms, certainly still makes one wonder if there was actually more to it than meets the eye. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">It took a lot of pressure on the local authorities before they finally sent someone down to verify the situation. As a result the FAI has been given 10 days to take the necessary actions and re-open the gate. Reading between the lines, the damage was not nearly as complex as they were making out, so hopefully the deadline will be respected and everything back to normal before we know it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">We shall see.</span><br />
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SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-56253546314852040222020-01-03T19:00:00.000+01:002020-01-03T19:00:11.915+01:00WINTER DAMAGE TO THE TRAILS ALONG THE AMALFI COAST<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_vPWY0LAMx5liV8Qavs8bm1q8NY38xjvY6-X6bea1tkQ4sPXMrfh2vWOuwDk7rLjMvOyPXWporvBXos8B6GY0doL7slkfMksZ-6cSabOQXDas99MGO4i5mMRgeXLSnMpZcjoF6yItIFW/s1600/IMG-20200101-WA0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_vPWY0LAMx5liV8Qavs8bm1q8NY38xjvY6-X6bea1tkQ4sPXMrfh2vWOuwDk7rLjMvOyPXWporvBXos8B6GY0doL7slkfMksZ-6cSabOQXDas99MGO4i5mMRgeXLSnMpZcjoF6yItIFW/s200/IMG-20200101-WA0015.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Following the unprecedented period of bad weather we had in December with its high winds and days on end of torrential rain, which caused numerous rockfalls and landslides along the Amalfi Coast roads, we were expecting damage to our trails and now the first reports are coming in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So far one of the worst affected seems to be the Valley delle Ferriere and the Valley of the Mills.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luigi Esposito, well known professional hiking guide, has sent a series of photos which show the affected areas and which have been published by<a href="https://discettazionierranti.blogspot.com/2020/01/cattive-notizie-dai-sentieri-della.html" target="_blank"> Giovanni Visetti in a recent blog</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgweu0io6n28BpRQViYxlZ0-FGThF9t9-COhKVjBn1Ey-NmREyrvexpgHQRkDVemtJCIUP6mOARwpkcHXROn3bZY2oYLWWdTbVhZ_Bt4y5tdimo9Nb5z5wNyToaXnE3S8vnKCGPF6YRIUyD/s1600/IMG-20200101-WA0014a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgweu0io6n28BpRQViYxlZ0-FGThF9t9-COhKVjBn1Ey-NmREyrvexpgHQRkDVemtJCIUP6mOARwpkcHXROn3bZY2oYLWWdTbVhZ_Bt4y5tdimo9Nb5z5wNyToaXnE3S8vnKCGPF6YRIUyD/s200/IMG-20200101-WA0014a.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first two photos show a landslide along the path leading from Pogerola to the Valle delle Ferriere shortly before the first stream. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> A</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">s you can see, t</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">his has, significantly narrowed the path making passage tricky and</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">potentially impossible </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">should</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> more earth come down</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Further along, at Fic' 'A Noce, there has been another bigger landslide bringing down large trees and earth mixed with pumice stone. Here it is still possible to pass without great difficulty.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSqBVcRY9HGnVCP_H4hKaUh7xT9nYU9swWNH7cEZJ0fWRsMRDtQCvqnLoD5XHNJ9er8rV2yccY63HT8qbiFc8y-pnJJGwy8rl7lpCMN1H-W3oUszZvjZZuR9Z3OzDx-5QXGzWFEhrfyMa/s1600/IMG-20200101-WA0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="277" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSqBVcRY9HGnVCP_H4hKaUh7xT9nYU9swWNH7cEZJ0fWRsMRDtQCvqnLoD5XHNJ9er8rV2yccY63HT8qbiFc8y-pnJJGwy8rl7lpCMN1H-W3oUszZvjZZuR9Z3OzDx-5QXGzWFEhrfyMa/s320/IMG-20200101-WA0010.jpg" width="277" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The large landslide that has hit Pontone prevents the connection between Punta d'Aglio and Pontone, so to reach the Upper Ferriera it is necessary to deviate through the wood of San Marciano. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luigi refers to a landslide that has made impractical the CAI 323 path which leads from the center of Pontone to the upper path of the Valle delle Ferriere CAI 357, intercepting it near Punta d'Aglio.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The interruption is right at the entrance to the village therefore those who come for example from Fic' 'A Noce and want to reach Pontone can only walk the first part of CAI 323 but then have to deviate through the San Marciano wood - black dotted path on map below - going to the 323a at altitude 308m, the highest point of the Ferriera.)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8rNgWfjusmmEOhKUeJ8hzkJeqllOulJo8kvjxZ5R_rjQWL6QqUewVeRysDdU7X-hmGkGIgiV9SjeWftFDzaC8LfqzQwBWKMPpEr9ioiiMWmF0ZuvPZNzxGEmCORWLahR7ZjZ8l5RapiI/s1600/IMG-20200101-WA0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">, </a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To continue.. the wooden bridge between the Ferriera and the hydroelectric power station has collapsed and there is another large landslide near the second paper mill (going down) plus sporadic rock falls here and there as you descend towards Amalfi.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are just the first reports coming in. There will doubtless be more as hikers gradually return to the trails. Hopefully, by the time spring arrives, the situation will improve and enable you and ourselves to continue hiking without unpleasant surprises along the way.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Oj1U_X1CyvpcgLRdXPbWHgFdeH3zLTfzAXD6f3P5-yZmJXG7FKdPW-v8WATp7rI3HxBZv5TnZy5tCnQKSgq1Z79h9iPVQKp41uCn0MKqzY3iMjbXLzUMJ5lAJSrPISaZG8wUCmg7nvGK/s1600/IMG-20200101-WA0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Oj1U_X1CyvpcgLRdXPbWHgFdeH3zLTfzAXD6f3P5-yZmJXG7FKdPW-v8WATp7rI3HxBZv5TnZy5tCnQKSgq1Z79h9iPVQKp41uCn0MKqzY3iMjbXLzUMJ5lAJSrPISaZG8wUCmg7nvGK/s320/IMG-20200101-WA0006.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7f31JCwMANox-Arq6otJHrnQ2YxZFz8q-wYv8e4baVaFWVl3_2T5pp2LcZK15HanMaPnc2bbVi-Z2Azud89lxY9ABYNaa9INhV4YFgw3g8lRU3DZH6rbJ73MVxbTgurfyX8EVBwJD_A9/s1600/IMG-20200101-WA0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7f31JCwMANox-Arq6otJHrnQ2YxZFz8q-wYv8e4baVaFWVl3_2T5pp2LcZK15HanMaPnc2bbVi-Z2Azud89lxY9ABYNaa9INhV4YFgw3g8lRU3DZH6rbJ73MVxbTgurfyX8EVBwJD_A9/s320/IMG-20200101-WA0007.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-79675671874711089062019-08-26T19:00:00.000+02:002019-08-26T21:06:33.570+02:00TREKKIDEA ... Amalfi - Sorrento (and maybe Capri) April 2020<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In one of his latest <a href="https://discettazionierranti.blogspot.com/2019/08/trekkidea-amalfi-sorrento-e-forse-capri.html?fbclid=IwAR1whosFFuCdCQrha7WfF17p0UsForhhRAwmjoTFdOx_5G_ElizFEVOaY84" target="_blank">Blogs</a>, Giovanni Visetti outlines his plans for a 7 day trek to be held in April 2020.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The probable start date would be either Friday 17th or Saturday 18th and each day's hike would cover approximately 20km. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As highlighted in the map below (a rough sketch, just to give everyone an idea), the trek commences with three circuits (or almost) from Agerola, the fourth day is the crossing from the Amalfi Coast to the Sorrento Peninsula, and over the last 3 days there will definitely be hikes to Punta Campanella, San Costanzo and Jeranto, as well as a circuit from Sant 'Agata including the Sirenuse Trail. If the weather permits, the last day would be on the island of Capri. The order of the excursions in the above two areas will be decided virtually last minute, based on the weather conditions; the only "obligatory" excursion is the Agerola (Bomerano) - Colli San Pietro, on the fourth day.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzKlgCyWiXKbsOc-OhrkF8PFNgPzBI_6KXF-sHChaDPlEDl5LLMRTxpntBzhpyBKpvMQ4zyuofDrfnlgeDdHskmJTk3k1VK_ftYTP5hAjaOE9zX9BqdAXZBushPhFFj51oL8z9jm3ym_B/s1600/trektut20.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="640" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzKlgCyWiXKbsOc-OhrkF8PFNgPzBI_6KXF-sHChaDPlEDl5LLMRTxpntBzhpyBKpvMQ4zyuofDrfnlgeDdHskmJTk3k1VK_ftYTP5hAjaOE9zX9BqdAXZBushPhFFj51oL8z9jm3ym_B/s640/trektut20.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is a summary of the itineraries, although these may change slightly:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Day 1-3: 3 loops from Agerola, dates to choose based on weather conditions</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A: Agerola - Amalfi or Pogerola: ... Acquolella, Fica Noce, Pontone, RNO, Ferriera - Pogerola via Amalfi or Tavernate (18-20km, possible dinner + private transfer upon return)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">B: tunnel - Mustaculo viewpoint - S. Maria Monti - Monte Carro - Cervigliano north - Acqua Fredda - Palommelle - Crocella - Capo Muro - Tre Calli - Bomerano (possible Catiello ascent) (18-20km)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">B1: (shorter, but more challenging than B) - ascent to Crocella - CAI 329e Catiello north - Catiello peak - Capo Muro - Tre Calli - Bomerano</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">C: tour Faito: Macello (2km from Bomerano), Crocella, Palmentiello, Castellone, Cerasuolo, Molare, Conocchia, forest, Casino di Paipo, Bomerano (20-22km)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Day 4:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">D: Bomerano - Path of the Gods - Nocelle - Forestale - S. M. Castello - Monte Comune - M. Vico Alvano - Colli San Pietro (19km, choice between Nocelle and Capodacqua via Montepertuso and Dragone)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Day 5-6:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">E: Sant'Agata - Termini - Campanella - San Costanzo - Nerano - Jeranto - Penna - Nerano (return by SITA bus) (18-20km)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">F: Sirenuse from Sant’Agata + countryside hike (18-20km)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Day 7 (possible extra):</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">G: tour of the island of Capri including Guardia, Migliera, Cocuzzo, Solaro, Anginola, Scala Fenicia, Arco Naturale, ... (20-22km)</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWRBV-5t_aQqfhGqHB9FjnAzjO5hWOBq2g9pkjpnHjIuvoi3upXT-YggjkBbzdSDmSXuGLqd1aQqB7eMxWAUb1Y0DxlHMNqrl9Tuyl00rpoO9v_G1-HiCBrD1g0VOR-A_KVvAplKRI__s/s1600/2589lu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWRBV-5t_aQqfhGqHB9FjnAzjO5hWOBq2g9pkjpnHjIuvoi3upXT-YggjkBbzdSDmSXuGLqd1aQqB7eMxWAUb1Y0DxlHMNqrl9Tuyl00rpoO9v_G1-HiCBrD1g0VOR-A_KVvAplKRI__s/s640/2589lu.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Conditions and recommendations are as per previous editions:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- participation is completely free; costs and reservations for transport, board and lodging and any other expenses are yours to cover and arrange;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- it is of fundamental importance to be absolutely independent and self-sufficient ... no type of guide or assistance is provided;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- those who want to take part must be able to walk at least 20km a day with over 1,000m of elevation gain;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- the paths have varied and often rugged surfaces, some steep climbs and descents, many steps and short exposed sections and some are classified as difficult or EE.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To the above recommendations, courtesy of Giovanni, I would add another: punctuality. It is no good turning up even 1 minute late at the departure point. Nobody will be there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is the plan at the moment, although there may be changes if natural events or fires, (hopefully not), affect the proposed routes. In case of unfavourable weather conditions, excursions may be shortened, varied or even canceled altogether.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I personally have participated in several of Giovanni's treks in years gone by, not necessarily doing all 7 days, but choosing the itineraries most suited to my level of fitness or preferences (I am not keen on steep loose-stoned descents...). I can highly recommend them, however do not underestimate the level of fitness required. The pace can be pretty brisk at times for the average walker and it really is essential to be completely self-sufficient.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_S0VQi2UYH6zQLrkee7CV6aKvWo0Dpieg6QZjbktGm6oFotqUjEJ5Um3jN-w5GstGoV0EnjsyPapaAwCtqoeGfnkkfiofR61TigXM2jOkA-pHq5kQ1YBkvZzsHmRD-kZvnvhS3vJ1zsW8/s1600/IMGP6398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_S0VQi2UYH6zQLrkee7CV6aKvWo0Dpieg6QZjbktGm6oFotqUjEJ5Um3jN-w5GstGoV0EnjsyPapaAwCtqoeGfnkkfiofR61TigXM2jOkA-pHq5kQ1YBkvZzsHmRD-kZvnvhS3vJ1zsW8/s640/IMGP6398.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">nb all but last photo, courtesy of Giovanni Visetti</span>SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-34812199166124889102019-06-17T20:34:00.004+02:002019-06-17T20:34:48.490+02:00Massa Lubrense - the state of trails<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hate having to be negative, however unfortunately, and not for the first time, I have to have a rant about the state of the trails in Massa Lubrense. I do so this time on the back of a <a href="https://discettazionierranti.blogspot.com/2019/06/la-perfetta-manutenzione-dei-percorsi.html" target="_blank">blog recently published by Giovanni Visetti</a>, ironically (or rather sarcastically) entitled "The perfect maintenance of the hiking trails of Massa Lubrense".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whilst I can just about accept a certain lack of maintenance over the winter months when there are not so many hikers out and about, and rain and high winds can cause situations to change from one moment to the next, I really do not feel that there is any excuse at all for the present state of affairs, evident to all, and this at the very height of the hiking season.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The photos that probably best illustrate this sorry situation (just 2 of many possible examples) are these:</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pPh_zRLp8xEt1e92ba6r6Q4ouAYeISkbrMfiuIQZM_9Lb8VzS65g5k3uXQbFxKuOGO5toGMvwPK4ZKvCfQrFl76vfeVYGxma5tf3NLJ7PIODA0Ad836f3oVtcB8KoGhB-gCuQIzhFSi4/s1600/IMG_8152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pPh_zRLp8xEt1e92ba6r6Q4ouAYeISkbrMfiuIQZM_9Lb8VzS65g5k3uXQbFxKuOGO5toGMvwPK4ZKvCfQrFl76vfeVYGxma5tf3NLJ7PIODA0Ad836f3oVtcB8KoGhB-gCuQIzhFSi4/s320/IMG_8152.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: start;">- the first is the gazebo at the foot of the steps leading up to Monte San Costanzo which is a path trodden by many, locals and tourists alike. This blew over in gales 7 months ago. Yes, 7 months ago! </span><span style="text-align: start;">To leave the gazebo lying there for so long is frankly just shoddy, independently from being an eyesore</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">- the second is again on the path towards San Costanzo, but there are many other places where fallen trunks litter the paths , hampering or entirely blocking transit.</span><br style="text-align: start;" /></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7dYJzZIEfn0VHu6IiRTKRD-FdsIlOkpM-Lzh6JsQDFz6e5XnBbU0fF8P4YVlB6a9dm-jOJvJKGQ0jaMi0qy3RvlrfSwAiJdggdDbG5IlwflX-trdle7NUcw4AtE5XdKJkEMk0ex7j_EL/s1600/0576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7dYJzZIEfn0VHu6IiRTKRD-FdsIlOkpM-Lzh6JsQDFz6e5XnBbU0fF8P4YVlB6a9dm-jOJvJKGQ0jaMi0qy3RvlrfSwAiJdggdDbG5IlwflX-trdle7NUcw4AtE5XdKJkEMk0ex7j_EL/s320/0576.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">We were told that tens of thousands of euros had been assigned to the maintenance of the trails and the improvement of the signage, in recognition of the growing importance of trekking here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">What they forgot to say was that this included the roadsides which apparently is where most of the money has been spent, and ridiculous amounts of it too and with pretty scarse results.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">We have even been told (in spite of the evidence) that the paths are clear and perfectly viable. I would invite some of these people to put on their trainers and come along to see for themselves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since Giovanni published his Blog, the "scandal" of the paths has hit the local press also reaching the ears of the local "Opposition" who, in true opposition style, have jumped on the bandwagon to express their disdain and ask a few pertinent questions.<br />It will be interesting to see if this jogs the local Authorities into action, or whether it will end up once again being left until some exasperated group of volunteers does the job for them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That is all well and good (and maybe that is what they are hoping for), but you have to wonder whether it might be time that they start practicing a little more of what they preach. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oh, and whilst we are at it, how come the much publicised new Tourist Office in the centre of Sant'Agata, opened less than 2 weeks ago with great municipal trumpet sounding, has already closed its doors? Rumour has it that they hadn't realised that it would be a little too hot in there under the summer sun, so are now having to find a way to ventilate it! I give up..</span><br />
<br />SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-39592402558822269122019-03-06T10:08:00.001+01:002019-03-08T09:10:58.594+01:00The Path of the Gods and sensible hiking.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4CuZG1Koe3JgUFWF0yRtJ0mOARd3ffgF2CU2mJm7Qu3wnF_csr19pc6F6_HCmcjrBR0_sXYY_OGMIZAgnpIMTDbHo_fMPjYegsa8JgIF_9vMERceXVBh_Th_e4Xz6X3axU0D3N7zpGX-/s1600/IMG_6156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4CuZG1Koe3JgUFWF0yRtJ0mOARd3ffgF2CU2mJm7Qu3wnF_csr19pc6F6_HCmcjrBR0_sXYY_OGMIZAgnpIMTDbHo_fMPjYegsa8JgIF_9vMERceXVBh_Th_e4Xz6X3axU0D3N7zpGX-/s320/IMG_6156.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All of a sudden it feels like springtime. The sun has come out, temperatures are rising and </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sorrento is slowly emerging from hibernation ready for the new season and its accompanying invasion of tourists.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Over the past couple of years, anyone who lives here will have noticed the sharp increase in visitors. The reasons are manifold, not the least the impact of </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">low cost</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">airlines, Airbnb and relatively cheap alcohol. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The fact that we have </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius, Capri and the Amalfi Coast on our doorstep no doubt helps!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjOj4d5PnHZQphT802_lSINAAJmMsed5C93W5rWamY_b5nxcEG2OF_VpHm7Ve5nbCmY3eBKVGPLe0PKzBzXpmiEec99V90uYZB6CMu8mPJw02sFkd1gAqXEkaNZ3-Zg17M_OnxnxgfkSQ/s1600/IMG_6188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjOj4d5PnHZQphT802_lSINAAJmMsed5C93W5rWamY_b5nxcEG2OF_VpHm7Ve5nbCmY3eBKVGPLe0PKzBzXpmiEec99V90uYZB6CMu8mPJw02sFkd1gAqXEkaNZ3-Zg17M_OnxnxgfkSQ/s320/IMG_6188.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are also far more "hikers"</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> walking our paths. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I say "hikers" because unfortunately </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"> </span>the vast majority are not true hikers at all, but one-off walkers and all here for the same reason: The Path of the Gods. Second of Trip Advisor's Top Attractions of the Amalfi Coast, i</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t has become The Thing To Do.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRMsPjyFdxO8EhVTqj_2YC8f-Cn8bPPrBZHn-RppCpu32SVHt0aEPQLg0viTQo84zNzsJWMH4m7J67NCdyjxLbPncpO58bbSIMHw1SoMMxJLFoa82xZkI2u3cs7oU3n16Ew2a9wzPTWSQ/s1600/IMG_6178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRMsPjyFdxO8EhVTqj_2YC8f-Cn8bPPrBZHn-RppCpu32SVHt0aEPQLg0viTQo84zNzsJWMH4m7J67NCdyjxLbPncpO58bbSIMHw1SoMMxJLFoa82xZkI2u3cs7oU3n16Ew2a9wzPTWSQ/s320/IMG_6178.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you have a look at Trip Advisor and Viator there are numerous guided tours on sale covering a range of prices and services. what is disconcerting is that many of them do not think to warn potential customers of the nature of this trail and the need for appropriate footwear and a strong head for heights, often rating the walk as easy to moderate.To do Viator justice, in its covering description of the walk, they do mention both the sheer drops and the need for appropriate walking shoes, but the people actually offering these tours generally miss this out. In fact on Viator, of all the tours on sale, just one contained this information. Trip Advisor fared a little better. Strangely enough they all had "Entry/Admission" to the Path as included.. nice one considering that it is free!</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGasgW-irZo98OEWO74VH7BKT532aLgYseFVFNF1OihR2Yed4u12rdWdAAHHXu7sHcEGO8uvqsq3Bml5GM874jExLQWViWrPDkesSWKHMIpwHBo8brrGlRu6ZR55tCdg1g_UmWuVotetmv/s1600/IMG_6168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1600" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGasgW-irZo98OEWO74VH7BKT532aLgYseFVFNF1OihR2Yed4u12rdWdAAHHXu7sHcEGO8uvqsq3Bml5GM874jExLQWViWrPDkesSWKHMIpwHBo8brrGlRu6ZR55tCdg1g_UmWuVotetmv/s320/IMG_6168.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A couple of weeks ago we decided to go there for our Sunday hike, thinking that, being February and pretty cold, we might be lucky and have it to ourselves. We didn't, although in all honesty I can't say that it was crowded. There were however far more people than I had expected, the majority evidently not regular walkers . A lot of photographs were being taken, including selfies, and that is fine and perfectly acceptable, however apart from blocking the path until they were satisfied with the shot, they would then amble along at snail's pace, a bit like Sunday drivers! I dread to think what it will be like in a few weeks' time and over the coming months. If the Amalfi Coast has problems with traffic congestion, The Path is no better.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSriiCT-ckoQUWuiHIC3llBJnli76oMPBXDDp6xRxoEqcVQCackg5CvB5PgWwZ9SBgab-Xrh4qLWBAnuAHN7Oy2FYg1AizCjujOsCc2CElscOFPSQ6XC8IR6Wy7bLTZnKE5uxlGg9V2ym/s1600/IMG_6165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSriiCT-ckoQUWuiHIC3llBJnli76oMPBXDDp6xRxoEqcVQCackg5CvB5PgWwZ9SBgab-Xrh4qLWBAnuAHN7Oy2FYg1AizCjujOsCc2CElscOFPSQ6XC8IR6Wy7bLTZnKE5uxlGg9V2ym/s320/IMG_6165.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">More worrying was the fact that many were wearing shoes more suited to city pavements than a rough hiking trail. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And this brings me on to the second point of this blog. Two days ago the local press reported two separate emergencies on our trails. The first regarded a couple who had got lost up in the hills behind Agerola. The second referred to a minor injury along the Path of the Gods. Not wanting to be pessimistic, I am sure that there will be many more this summer, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the majority of which will be due to the incompetency of the individual "hiker" who ventures forth unprepared and poorly equipped. After all, i</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">f the very people selling hikes omit basic and essential information, what hope have we? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Accidents can happen, especially on the kind of terrain that we have here. However wearing ballerina shoes or flip-flops is tempting fate, as is staring into the screen of a phone as you are walking along the trail or stepping to the edge of a precipice to get a better shot. If you are venturing into unknown territory, take a map, let people know where you are going, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">or even better hire one of our excellent local guides, rather than tempting fate and ending up on the front page of Positano News!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUsLDptwhgdBSGH4BkAScvV4_eFZNsTw3ACNE3gvChLZ1Yhu82ZpH5kIPeVFsRreC243vdhY6vaA2k_ZbuFlZ4YnxcCVDYHKN_KnjCJc68g9piEY3WxLAYjXEObvR6qnHdB-rElJCE34B/s1600/IMG_6159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1600" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUsLDptwhgdBSGH4BkAScvV4_eFZNsTw3ACNE3gvChLZ1Yhu82ZpH5kIPeVFsRreC243vdhY6vaA2k_ZbuFlZ4YnxcCVDYHKN_KnjCJc68g9piEY3WxLAYjXEObvR6qnHdB-rElJCE34B/s640/IMG_6159.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-1492285113132399302018-08-13T22:09:00.001+02:002018-08-13T22:09:14.287+02:00THE REOPENING OF THE PATH OF THE GODS<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyNWh0atdVIQEYpHxnEHOMRWdvQbkuXGCtafuiiY_XKKCxWq5MQUucK6YOGb_GVM5TDsD40a6pGGMIljT5Aq_dA1pGiVP03x8uc9Kpk3ShHD-PyzNA9I7p6HOYP_psuXV36hFFXTcZ1DZ/s1600/38967980_1003652806480981_5379970232192335872_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyNWh0atdVIQEYpHxnEHOMRWdvQbkuXGCtafuiiY_XKKCxWq5MQUucK6YOGb_GVM5TDsD40a6pGGMIljT5Aq_dA1pGiVP03x8uc9Kpk3ShHD-PyzNA9I7p6HOYP_psuXV36hFFXTcZ1DZ/s320/38967980_1003652806480981_5379970232192335872_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today the Path of the Gods was officially re-opened following its "closure" by the local authorities last November when part of it collapsed after heavy rain. </span></div>
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I say "closure" for two reasons:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKgzsZHIxm0NNC4lBNlqrNVg5vaN8tzzASJVXr6xIdaI-laRG3SlpwiChyphenhyphenu3DuhAYp4IIljkAeE2NhwjJyC6p31YfZSZ-3W6O7OO-O1N2iZYxfEeZJw12LpVaMixZMLUVbeVvR3qgTSvC/s1600/IMG_8341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="800" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKgzsZHIxm0NNC4lBNlqrNVg5vaN8tzzASJVXr6xIdaI-laRG3SlpwiChyphenhyphenu3DuhAYp4IIljkAeE2NhwjJyC6p31YfZSZ-3W6O7OO-O1N2iZYxfEeZJw12LpVaMixZMLUVbeVvR3qgTSvC/s320/IMG_8341.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- firstly, it was never ever really closed. There was never a proper barrier to prevent people passing and even the official notices were affixed as discreetly as possible, almost as an apology.There was no control. The distinct impression was that "yes, it is risky, however we have done our bit by putting up a little notice and a bit of red tape, so if you do have an accident, you only have yourself to blame, and you won't get a cent from us".</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqdNqRg1iqYDMr89uZ2cdptpJJ3CSb70h43N4wG8tYbxVvyFcYN9fzUbpiof59FaPwJ6C9-YBZFs7Iosf1iE7RE8xUFeFesf2xP9mbEKaYGQyPeQWA-OJPBGwgxnrUBN3NZjS39H7KdiO/s1600/IMG_8324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqdNqRg1iqYDMr89uZ2cdptpJJ3CSb70h43N4wG8tYbxVvyFcYN9fzUbpiof59FaPwJ6C9-YBZFs7Iosf1iE7RE8xUFeFesf2xP9mbEKaYGQyPeQWA-OJPBGwgxnrUBN3NZjS39H7KdiO/s320/IMG_8324.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- secondly, although </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">tour companies and truly </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">professional guides respected the ban, adapting other itineraries which enabled their customers to enjoy the beauties of the path without taking unnecessary risks, there were still thousands (yes, thousands) of walkers who ventured along the forbidden stretch, some probably out of ignorance, others accompanied by unscrupulous, money-driven "guides", or alone, probably convinced that everyone was making a big fuss about nothing and proud of making it to the other side unscathed.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNStw9A1RaM9NHoRnHdCQFLnNhYVjIHxwY6qNBywYriQif0do4fRt8FCBsD3F1BazFLn6QPAkgl7wfzM9JoluY53Uy_6iYOAte8AdA7qP-WTuZPo_q4ZyUrxGt69Kbd8B6P1F58AbemAB_/s1600/IMG_4213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNStw9A1RaM9NHoRnHdCQFLnNhYVjIHxwY6qNBywYriQif0do4fRt8FCBsD3F1BazFLn6QPAkgl7wfzM9JoluY53Uy_6iYOAte8AdA7qP-WTuZPo_q4ZyUrxGt69Kbd8B6P1F58AbemAB_/s320/IMG_4213.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So all is back to normal now, although I do find it rather odd that there is no mention at all of the second landslip, near to Cisternuolo, which I considered equally as dangerous if not more so than the first, but which, if I am not mistaken, never had an official ban slapped on it. At the time, a little by-pass had been created round it. Maybe that has developed into a secure stretch of path and I am worrying about nothing, but..</span></div>
What I would like to reiterate, and here I go back to one of my early blogs <a href="http://sorrentoamalfiwalkwithus.blogspot.com/2015/08/the-path-of-gods-suitable-for-everyone.html" target="_blank">"The Path of the Gods - suitable for everyone?"</a>, is that this path is definitely NOT for everyone. It is not flat, it is not well surfaced and there is very little shade.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTEnEgl_V40kU5OKnO07zJBhJQi4PFh9U-4Ar4gQVxOeD09larM_jVxbXpPD43o2iio3unQgIUxDT62XnkbsEhucDWIlwXB_REN58M5t20y8s6E_loF-CWw488M3lpmNo48nsdI0LQvXl/s1600/IMG_1249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTEnEgl_V40kU5OKnO07zJBhJQi4PFh9U-4Ar4gQVxOeD09larM_jVxbXpPD43o2iio3unQgIUxDT62XnkbsEhucDWIlwXB_REN58M5t20y8s6E_loF-CWw488M3lpmNo48nsdI0LQvXl/s320/IMG_1249.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is rocky, there is a lot of loose stone that makes it easy to lose your footing, the bigger flatter rocks have become so worn and shiny that they are equally as slippery dry as wet, there are rough, broken, unstable and crumbling steps, steep ones too; some parts of the path are very narrow (so single file only which can be frustrating when it is crowded and you have snail-pacers in front of you), other parts have sheer drops to one side, so beware sufferers of vertigo. It is hot in summer, very hot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please do not think that it is a piece of cake. It isn't. Make sure you have proper footwear - trekking boots or trainers with an excellent grip. Leave your sandals and flip-flops for the beach. Take a walking pole if your balance is not spot on. It will be a great help along the rougher parts. Wear a hat. Put on your sunscreen. And take water, lots of water, since there are pretty long stretches where you will find none at all. Best of all, hire a guide. There are some excellent ones out there and not only will you have the security of a professional looking after </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you, but you will also learn so much more. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SRhAyKBbpQnCDaKezWI08Z3NHKuTDlxhT2ZAqPV9cav-fHQ5KEtFlOt4FHZpIWq0HLSRRjpqRbqUXQ_WkYmjM3C5LtAevi3EU_RLy4zVh5ZRrwuyaXKcmxwb4312k-JN8oxuQcaEcoOD/s1600/IMG_1257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="800" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SRhAyKBbpQnCDaKezWI08Z3NHKuTDlxhT2ZAqPV9cav-fHQ5KEtFlOt4FHZpIWq0HLSRRjpqRbqUXQ_WkYmjM3C5LtAevi3EU_RLy4zVh5ZRrwuyaXKcmxwb4312k-JN8oxuQcaEcoOD/s640/IMG_1257.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-74126162070474145602018-07-24T21:30:00.001+02:002018-07-24T21:30:29.307+02:00UPDATED HIKING MAP OF THE SORRENTO PENINSULA TRAILS - PART 2 - THE MAIN CHANGES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MMj4eg48PgrMyaxAXEQGAgFuh3bFtn-BAeEwoVAD28GgedzEYp55ygq7h9FRiqPnfZQW2o_fCrF2P20ux_nAJmkZUmlt28jU3VPX6_oZUKXyGS4IwuN7Cf3fOtZ68vvt1dig7pVXVeXh/s1600/GiroSCnew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="524" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MMj4eg48PgrMyaxAXEQGAgFuh3bFtn-BAeEwoVAD28GgedzEYp55ygq7h9FRiqPnfZQW2o_fCrF2P20ux_nAJmkZUmlt28jU3VPX6_oZUKXyGS4IwuN7Cf3fOtZ68vvt1dig7pVXVeXh/s320/GiroSCnew.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Giovanni Visetti's updated hiking map of the tip of the Sorrento Peninsula, (the territories of Massa Lubrense and Sorrento), is now also available online, as always for free. You can download it in HD (5300x5000 pixels) in both .jpg and .gif format (the latter is lighter and better quality, but not all smartphones handle it well).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As already mentioned in my previous post this map has various innovations, not only compared to the 2013 edition (</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">until a few weeks ago </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">still in distribution and probably still available here and there) but also compared to the 2016 version you can see on the boards in the villages and along the roads.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The main updates are as follows:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Variants</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrDVSPTUhW1kRPXVnqeKwnDhQphUAZ9PdPdGoCmm5JXZTgMlo5Okag7MJyQFRjMa5ebuhFkS9G-_qbbLfBkyIpCHrJIGDmYCOU0qm2w2ymQpbEzFLEQ5NgTV4-O3Zs-Heq9bqJ-rKJt09/s1600/IMG_2391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrDVSPTUhW1kRPXVnqeKwnDhQphUAZ9PdPdGoCmm5JXZTgMlo5Okag7MJyQFRjMa5ebuhFkS9G-_qbbLfBkyIpCHrJIGDmYCOU0qm2w2ymQpbEzFLEQ5NgTV4-O3Zs-Heq9bqJ-rKJt09/s320/IMG_2391.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Giro di Santa Croce</b> (map on the right) - the nearby Selve and Vuallariello (already present on the 2016 boards, but not on the 2013 map) have been included and together with the previous Termini to San Costanzo route form the aforementioned circuit. This is one of the suggested itineraries although signage is still lacking. The original route was Via del Monte - Belvedere Mitigliano - Vetavole - CAI300, with the ascent and descent via San Costanzo. Now the route goes to Cercito - Selve - Vuallariello and, once you get to Vetavole, back via Belvedere Mitigliano, thus forming a loop and avoiding having to go there and back. </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Obviously, you can still go to San Costanzo via the CAI</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUU-ELh-WPqea3dWnAJ9Wlw1cBR_oGhJ-2-nmbi98Ytm6OoZTnPvuAbdfPBTC5HCLQgUA4IC2SLM8e1koBOOLgjmJZmeoq30M0icbR_D1ihJmMhKNJS3zeHU-D8Uf_IfuLXMILGQhsImI/s1600/IMG_9878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUU-ELh-WPqea3dWnAJ9Wlw1cBR_oGhJ-2-nmbi98Ytm6OoZTnPvuAbdfPBTC5HCLQgUA4IC2SLM8e1koBOOLgjmJZmeoq30M0icbR_D1ihJmMhKNJS3zeHU-D8Uf_IfuLXMILGQhsImI/s320/IMG_9878.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">300 trail (directly towards the pinewood) or via the CAI 00, going up the ridge and then down past the VOR fence (mistakenly called "radar").</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Casa Perella - Olivella - Acquacarbone - Lamia</b> replaces Li Schisani. In effect the itinerary between Sant'Agata and Sorrento varies only between Pagliaio di Santolo (the upper entrance of the Hotel Iaccarino where the new and hopefully provisional sign has been placed), and via Crocevia, (crossing Li Schisani, a few tens of meters from the church of Santa Maria del Toro); the remaining parts remain the same.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabpfqD-x-DRmE20t7gUpP6srDLIGKtBCrTYkT4fjXOjkwh5o0xe0uEIiSAZevK7JGEtL4Q0VE1C6RS94A_oFQ7iaxdgCVT8REQGAiv7jahall_kGlYb50JCN7YnJdstkR0or-qP3tMmfK/s1600/IMG_2785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabpfqD-x-DRmE20t7gUpP6srDLIGKtBCrTYkT4fjXOjkwh5o0xe0uEIiSAZevK7JGEtL4Q0VE1C6RS94A_oFQ7iaxdgCVT8REQGAiv7jahall_kGlYb50JCN7YnJdstkR0or-qP3tMmfK/s320/IMG_2785.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Spina</b> - this dangerous and very rough stretch of the CAI 300 - Alta Via dei Monti Lattari trail between the pinewood of Monte di Monticchio and Recommone has been marked on the map with a series of red "xxx"s, meaning "path in poor condition" - " trail in very poor condition ". The alternative proposed (and created by the CAI) is the vic. Monti, which connects the pine grove to Via Spina. The path represents the initial part of the new CAI 355 route - Variante Spina, and is therefore highlighted as a CAI path.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Landslides</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The main ones are evidenced with a red diagonal grid.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Among these we have:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Li Schisani </b>(itinerary S. Agata - Sorrento) - consider that there is little hope that this will ever be repaired and that the Acquarbone path has now been cleared.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Fontanella </b>(itinerary Massa Lubrense - Sorrento) - the biggest and one that despite multiple promises of a quick resolution, is unlikely to be sorted in the near future. However, take note that in practice you can actually pass over the landslide quite safely, at least when the terrain is dry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Sant'Anna </b>- a couple of years ago the project was planned and approved, but then, finding the situation more complicated than expected, further geological investigations were considered necessary and so here too it is going to take a long time.This is an extremely interesting route, running parallel to the only perennial water course of Massa Lubrense, and thanks also to the presence of an ancient mill (theoretically open to visitors).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The map does not include the landslide at via Fontana di Nerano (which you can get round with a slight deviation) nor the one at via Pantano. It seems that work on the latter will be imminent because, being small and close to the main road, it is easily accessible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are many more historical paths </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">that have been abandoned and that have fallen into oblivion although </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">still technically classified as municipal thoroughfares.</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> These deserve more attention and better care, representing as they do a potential added value to rural tourism and hiking in this area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The above is a loose translation of </span><a href="http://discettazionierranti.blogspot.com/2018/07/principali-novita-sulla-nuova-mappa-del.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Giovanni Visetti's recent blog</a></div>
SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-19014925320230428042018-07-19T21:54:00.002+02:002018-07-19T21:56:58.653+02:00UPDATED MAP OF THE HIKING TRAILS IN THE SORRENTO PENINSULA<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4cN3_CVM9k1o9vPEfqc1oYJS0dkrPYiKz_oh9rNva8Wxr6B8Z5oavOZIUyrvY4w6WHGlm5UQD2IZH18bG3KGYreDunYA53890d8gcntFeGJHbGXABPYAJaH06TKV8DBos-TCtWTGtJ0z/s1600/acquacarbonex2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="640" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4cN3_CVM9k1o9vPEfqc1oYJS0dkrPYiKz_oh9rNva8Wxr6B8Z5oavOZIUyrvY4w6WHGlm5UQD2IZH18bG3KGYreDunYA53890d8gcntFeGJHbGXABPYAJaH06TKV8DBos-TCtWTGtJ0z/s320/acquacarbonex2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Good news! A new edition of Giovanni Visetti's map of hiking trails in the Sorrento Peninsula has just been published and distributed, not only updated by him to include the two more recent "new entries", Acquacarbone (S.Agata to Sorrento via Olivella and Acquacarbone instead of Li Schisani) </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1f497d; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and Giro di Santa Croce (instead of Termini - San Costanzo via Belvedere Mitigiliano), but also highlighting pre-existing paths that are no longer viable (most of </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGwJw0H7wd3zbw8XheYGW1toXHf8f-lGcPcOWNGwaCrA1VBPLT5Bc7ZlE8k9vwjCXflfAh3_VGXhes-IqDQNOHjXkLMZ7atLpmO4oB4UjQRwgtOlMK-MXpPdd05aZNdmPwpIRowQiT1WA/s1600/004131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGwJw0H7wd3zbw8XheYGW1toXHf8f-lGcPcOWNGwaCrA1VBPLT5Bc7ZlE8k9vwjCXflfAh3_VGXhes-IqDQNOHjXkLMZ7atLpmO4oB4UjQRwgtOlMK-MXpPdd05aZNdmPwpIRowQiT1WA/s320/004131.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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them which have been closed for years and are unlikely to be re-opened any time in the near future). They are available in the local tourist offices and they are free.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This map is definitely a must for anyone intending to hike in this area. It is by far the most accurate and, whilst unfortunately the state of the trails does not necessarily match the quality of the map, you will at least stand a good chance of not getting lost and be able to enjoy our spectacular countryside.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZK3ReeayruN2w04b2GU5RVEXliAYnAgOm38Iti8JFPMST-MvBU4GJwjd6g0CUTnvxH1bgJQzcJMzwNFqDfrvK4WjQBtJ59q3ph0CzeX15ETuUAg9q45e5iazIZnuYBCDpNRN90Auc7D4/s1600/37161437_677422365935648_6299138257678499840_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZK3ReeayruN2w04b2GU5RVEXliAYnAgOm38Iti8JFPMST-MvBU4GJwjd6g0CUTnvxH1bgJQzcJMzwNFqDfrvK4WjQBtJ59q3ph0CzeX15ETuUAg9q45e5iazIZnuYBCDpNRN90Auc7D4/s320/37161437_677422365935648_6299138257678499840_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Which brings me onto another point, and a sore one at that: the woeful condition of many of our paths. Just the other week the Deputy Mayor of Massa Lubrense was talking enthusiastically about how they were spending the money from the Tourist Tax: on a better bus service for the summer months,<b> on </b><b>the paths</b>,<span style="color: red;"> </span>on<span style="color: red;"> </span>new playgrounds (including one with a swing for the disabled), on road maintenance and special summer events, and all this without asking for a cent from the local residents!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whilst not wanting to discuss the state of our roads or enter into the merits (and cost) of the numerous concerts, book presentations, culinary events and festivals which are hopefully delighting visitors and locals alike, maybe it would have been better had she kept the paths out of it. If it wasn't for groups of volunteers and a few local associations, most of the more popular itineraries would be completely off limits, overgrown by vegetation and thick with brambles or blocked by fallen trees, and this notwithstanding the fact that there is a position within the local government specifically dedicated to the local trails and their maintenance. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Take the Santa Croce loop... the sign at the start of Via Cercito has slipped right down the pole and is virtually out of sight, the ceramic tile marking the start of the track has completely disappeared, and until a couple of weeks ago when volunteers stepped in, it was getting increasingly difficult to pass at all. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let us also talk about signage. New routes require new signs. Where are they? </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Take Acquacarbone.. the local Proloco tourist office took matters into its own hands the other day and put up a rudimentary sign indicating the way. Not professional looking admittedly, but highly effective and better than nothing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What the powers that be don't seem to realise is that although this area is richly endowed with splendid scenery and a myriad of trails, it all needs maintaining. You cannot just rest on your laurels, confident that people will keep on coming just because it is beautiful, has good food and is on the TV weekend after weekend. Word will get around that the traffic to get here is appalling, parking tricky and expensive, public bathrooms generally nowhere to be found, trail maintenance non-existent or minimal, signage poor or out of date, and so I could go on. There are numerous areas elsewhere, both in Italy (go to the Dolomites and you will see what I mean) and abroad, that are much better organised and equipped and which make the effort to keep it that way, probably realising that this kind of investment is more valid and durable than a thousand one night stands. Probably cheaper too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That said, please do not be put off from coming here to hike. It is a truly wonderful place, and we will do our best to keep it that way. It is just that so much more could and should be done by the local authorities. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As Giovanni says in his </span><a href="http://discettazionierranti.blogspot.com/2018/07/sentieristica-se-ne-parla-tanto-ma-si.html" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">latest blog</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, " there is a lot of talk and very little action" and that is what needs to change.</span><br />
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SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-78639622698271041662018-05-12T19:12:00.002+02:002018-05-12T19:12:59.639+02:00PUNTA CAMPANELLA - THINGS I DIDN'T KNOW!<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dU_x6eZtMzxkBWWSpnpcVnKfk_CHq2FY87dqpw7sjIoUER2_lT3PW4wmXNUpYwNBA6bLx3XHq8YzESr-ZesgSHpB5doFI0XZPUkUp7yufv187sw5Ja-VPhCws_p3Hu8iywlG-FOQ59zm/s1600/IMG_7739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dU_x6eZtMzxkBWWSpnpcVnKfk_CHq2FY87dqpw7sjIoUER2_lT3PW4wmXNUpYwNBA6bLx3XHq8YzESr-ZesgSHpB5doFI0XZPUkUp7yufv187sw5Ja-VPhCws_p3Hu8iywlG-FOQ59zm/s320/IMG_7739.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Over the past few weeks, Giovanni Visetti has published a series of blogs regarding Punta Campanella and although I have been living in this area for decades and have walked there on many an occasion, I can sincerely say that I had never heard of either of the events described.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoBCO0b4ffv0RmVNwW5nIlTMG-URWDf_IEiuzOthQim6OcSglyIgodo3n9dwIaJoBKK8hKnv6SJlewQ7qEzRCff1PnSfuzsafUWbOFm3rUb_jR5lQOBzUrcm2YMN1u2felqPfdgEN85AL/s1600/acquistoMatt27feb2003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1416" data-original-width="954" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoBCO0b4ffv0RmVNwW5nIlTMG-URWDf_IEiuzOthQim6OcSglyIgodo3n9dwIaJoBKK8hKnv6SJlewQ7qEzRCff1PnSfuzsafUWbOFm3rUb_jR5lQOBzUrcm2YMN1u2felqPfdgEN85AL/s320/acquistoMatt27feb2003.jpg" width="215" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let's start in 1998 when during one of his walks Giovanni found workmen erecting a 2 metre high metal fence, topped with barbed wire, as well as a heavy metal gate ready to bar all access to the final part of the promontory. The person seemingly in charge said that it was private property and that from now on nobody would be allowed to pass. Giovanni ignored him and marched on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks to his research into the local pathways for the project Tolomeo (where he marked and mapped over 100km of footpaths in the Sorrento peninsula), Giovanni knew for a fact that </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">apart from two areas to the side of the path which belonged to the Maritime authorities, the actual path </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">was municipal, and therefore public. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On return from his walk, Giovanni immediately snapped into action, spreading the word about what he had seen, but even more importantly delivering </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> a letter to the local authorities </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">the very next day</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">denouncing the situation. Luckily it was taken seriously and the work was stopped.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This marked the beginning of a lengthy and very public legal battle between the local authorities of Massa Lubrense and the Ministry of Defence and the Naval authorities who had intended auctioning off an area of 11,000 square metres with related buildings including the tower of Minerva. The scandal hit the press, not only local but also national and as the days passed, new associations joined the plethora of opponents as did personalities from the political and artistic world. Even when the Regional Administrative Court (TAR) ruled in favour of the local authorities at the end of 1998, it took another 5 years for them to be able to assert their right of first refusal on the sale and buy the entire disputed area. Three more years passed until </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> finally, in 2006, the contested area at long last became part of the municipal heritage of Massa Lubrense and the spectre of a private cement ridden resort receded.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2IJNxvam6CLLyCyrO9PvYiVFidv41HnLsCbJyId15uS8MbcvOCifOLxRBfDlMCJOl3mDet6nAQCJaQqjP9G6aX6e9AjWJojy-mGBhrR6I_gi03CxtnF-9NQtdXMuf0BEKI0cgIFejbyg/s1600/FaroCampanella3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="516" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2IJNxvam6CLLyCyrO9PvYiVFidv41HnLsCbJyId15uS8MbcvOCifOLxRBfDlMCJOl3mDet6nAQCJaQqjP9G6aX6e9AjWJojy-mGBhrR6I_gi03CxtnF-9NQtdXMuf0BEKI0cgIFejbyg/s320/FaroCampanella3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChG5fjHCnbqstcR5Th6Bng0UWGV2SKnBsFVmCHkolXMKIm0gGp-A4YmmB6spxg4EEEDV80ls0KNykDOs24lU0LlbiPKdDIS9pVJsVcZXSvXvzUB9PLGzGsz3Vr3ivY1v1hs4gcUyhWwFn/s1600/CasaFaristarid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChG5fjHCnbqstcR5Th6Bng0UWGV2SKnBsFVmCHkolXMKIm0gGp-A4YmmB6spxg4EEEDV80ls0KNykDOs24lU0LlbiPKdDIS9pVJsVcZXSvXvzUB9PLGzGsz3Vr3ivY1v1hs4gcUyhWwFn/s320/CasaFaristarid.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The second interesting fact dates further back and <a href="http://discettazionierranti.blogspot.it/2018/05/mercoledi-6-agosto-1969-scoppio-del.html" target="_blank">r</a>egards the lighthouse. Anyone who has walked as far as the tip of Punta Campanella will have seen that nowadays there is a metal pylon by the side of the tower with a light on top.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was not always like this. As you can see from the photos, there was once a two storey building in front of the tower with the light on its roof. According to information supplied by the splendidly named "Command Zone of Lighthouses and Maritime Signalling of Naples", this light was first installed on the roof of an existing building during the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in 1848. Even more interesting is the fact that the whole structure was destroyed by an explosion probably on the morning of Wednesday 6th August 1969. I say "probably" because this is the date given by the Maritime authorities. </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">However when Giovanni spoke to some of the older villagers there was some confusion as to the exact date and even year.</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> Likewise, nobody seems to know exactly how it happened. The official and probably more reliable version says that there was a fire which then caused the explosion, others say that it was hit by lightning or even that it was caused deliberately by the lighthouse keeper. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the years immediately following the destruction of the original structure, a temporary light was attached to the tower. This was then replaced in 1972 by the pylon that we see today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All interesting facts, some well documented and certain, others less so..</span><br />
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<i>Links to Giovanni's Blogs <a href="http://discettazionierranti.blogspot.it/2018/05/mercoledi-6-agosto-1969-scoppio-del.html" target="_blank">"Mercoledì 6 agosto"</a> and <a href="http://discettazionierranti.blogspot.it/2018/05/spesso-accade-che-la-memoria-inganni.html" target="_blank">"Spesso accade che la memoria inganna"</a></i><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; text-align: start;">Black and white photos of the lighthouse from </span><span style="font-family: Open Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><i><a href="http://www.massalubrense.it/fotodepoca.htm" target="_blank">http://www.massalubrense.it/fotodepoca.htm </a>or Ludovico <a href="http://www.ludovicomosca.com/immagini/punta-campanella-torre-minerva/" target="_blank">Mosca's Ludo Blog </a></i></span></span></div>
SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-64964892770234466522018-04-19T23:56:00.000+02:002018-04-20T10:29:29.145+02:00The Path of the Gods - Open or Closed?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCQJuXyonKgdTl2xfuZgfJOCuHha1Spajl6n-_4EN6fyZ0lI16KuKcQohgmWvf3QAfg4o9vFh_B7uPbEJ640pNzcAsommDczy9Rnb-ODQwxx1BnwCXZDyYf0m38IV8Rf6QDqOZPvupbn_/s1600/IMG_2147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="800" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCQJuXyonKgdTl2xfuZgfJOCuHha1Spajl6n-_4EN6fyZ0lI16KuKcQohgmWvf3QAfg4o9vFh_B7uPbEJ640pNzcAsommDczy9Rnb-ODQwxx1BnwCXZDyYf0m38IV8Rf6QDqOZPvupbn_/s320/IMG_2147.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Path of the Gods has been appearing in the local press rather frequently over the past few weeks, which is hardly surprising when you consider that the hiking season has now started in earnest and that the most famous and popular route of this area is still officially off limits. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7KacYiyXJ6rw7fuBSalVMq5rWZFDJuqAYhl0-bgYTH1E7ZkpvzCmp7QAvK2AdDm4cKBqW89QFaQ-eckxdraCPciU88_07QzW-ZGP0RuvA3BKRVpDzxdtgOMF-V5fupItyCWRRIvCC7Uk/s1600/Ord.ChiusuraSentDEI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7KacYiyXJ6rw7fuBSalVMq5rWZFDJuqAYhl0-bgYTH1E7ZkpvzCmp7QAvK2AdDm4cKBqW89QFaQ-eckxdraCPciU88_07QzW-ZGP0RuvA3BKRVpDzxdtgOMF-V5fupItyCWRRIvCC7Uk/s320/Ord.ChiusuraSentDEI.jpg" width="177" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, for anyone who has still no realised this, the trail has been "closed" to the public since 17th November 2017, when the local authorities of Positano issued an ordinance banning access to a part of the Path which had collapsed following heavy rain. Since then, another small stretch disappeared over the edge elsewhere, but as far as I am aware, this one was never the object of any prohibition, although in my opinion just as risky, if not more so, than the first.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In spite of the "closure", </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">to start with </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">there was very little clamor and certainly not much publicity. People continued and continue to walk the trail, sometimes in considerable numbers and often accompanied by guides - there is no control and little to warn people of the situation. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCHG4Qe3PaJyW8hRBKznvTeNjxq7G4jj4CVNcq-h693Y8zh6VHqqDO8sKSv24F8nkjSXbs8zD6SedaPnXXiU0-M7SE1XDVghvU6zQAd7SbE0_jphyh8s0RDdXOaZNeOiwfKMpNcX9m1T6/s1600/IMG_2140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCHG4Qe3PaJyW8hRBKznvTeNjxq7G4jj4CVNcq-h693Y8zh6VHqqDO8sKSv24F8nkjSXbs8zD6SedaPnXXiU0-M7SE1XDVghvU6zQAd7SbE0_jphyh8s0RDdXOaZNeOiwfKMpNcX9m1T6/s320/IMG_2140.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was only recently, as the start to the hiking season approached, that the first murmurings of discontent were heard. Various foreign Tour Operators, warned by their conscientious local guides, became aware of the situation and began cancelling or re-organising their walking tours. In fact, as any true professional guide knows, if there is an official ban on a path, then you do not take groups along it. No discussion. Since should an accident happen, not only will the Insurance people laugh in your face, but you yourself and your Company will be liable and likely to end up in a lot of very expensive legal trouble.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Unfortunately not everyone seems to realise this, or prefers to ignore it, and the walk is still being promoted and guided by unscrupulous people with very little respect for the law or the safety of their customers. Moreover, t</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">he Path of the Gods is often still being mis-sold which is something I have complained about before. I read a tragi-comic post today on Facebook where a lady who had been inquiring about this hike was astounded to hear that it wasn't the simple stroll she had been led to believe: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>"But what do you mean...? They told me that the Path is for everyone, that it is open to everyone and anyone can do it, that I can even bring children, that you do not need specific equipment and that I can do it with gym shoes or running shoes and that - if I want to - I can also bring the dog, and now you are telling me that precautions are needed ...?".</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It has to be said that the authorities have a lot of to answer for with regard to the present situation. In 6 months not only have they failed to make the necessary repairs, but they have also done absolutely nothing to make sure that the ordinance is respected. About a week ago, there was at long last an inspection carried out by various members of the local authorities, civil engineers and Regional Parks people to start evaluating and planning the work needed. It is said that the Regional Government has promised the funding, so technically the money is there. The problem is that this is 6 months too late. As anyone who lives in Italy knows, bureaucracy is incredibly slow and there are multiple hoops to jump through before anything tangible gets done. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hopefully I will be proved wrong but I doubt it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However all is not lost. Although the "cowboy" guides continue to take their blissfully unaware customers along the traditional and more usual Bomerano to Nocelle linear route,(probably because they know no other), there are other options which will still allow you to get more than a taste of the spectacular nature of this walk. You can set off from Bomerano and walk a circuit following the upper path from Colle Serra and returning via the lower one, or you can walk from Bomerano to Praiano (or vice versa) either via San Domenico or via the 327B, preferably using the services of one of our excellent and reliable local guides!</span><br />
<a href="http://discettazionierranti.blogspot.it/2018/04/guide-divieti-e-controlli-sul-sentiero.html" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;" target="_blank">And here is the link to the recent Blog published by Giovanni Visetti on the same subject</a><br />
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SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-18579499788653315562018-04-11T20:42:00.000+02:002018-04-11T20:42:25.277+02:00PUNTA CAMPANELLA - TIME TO ACT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wEdKEXVFj_FqtarOeOVYCV6Lle3uNUi4CAr9gRbmOs928K78X_0A_TgHwjd_FQbTVwYq7yhMM32DeyK1l8aVfRqLwBpXJRWkq2GoposVSCUp2s0yhQRcnUmnqiGisv3WXyZMpFjEDdPX/s1600/28175626_10156152170970948_1739751802_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wEdKEXVFj_FqtarOeOVYCV6Lle3uNUi4CAr9gRbmOs928K78X_0A_TgHwjd_FQbTVwYq7yhMM32DeyK1l8aVfRqLwBpXJRWkq2GoposVSCUp2s0yhQRcnUmnqiGisv3WXyZMpFjEDdPX/s320/28175626_10156152170970948_1739751802_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The footpath to Punta Campanella has been the subject of several of <a href="http://sorrentoamalfiwalkwithus.blogspot.it/2017/09/punta-campanella-good-and-bad.html" target="_blank">my blogs</a> since it was restored 2 years ago, officially in order to make it accessible to all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the very start I and others raised our concerns that the initial lack of any form of barrier was an open invitation to all forms of motorized traffic and it was not long before mopeds, motorbikes and small cars started making their appearance along the path, in spite of a sign forbidding this at its start.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In time, and after considerable pressure on the local authorities, a barrier appeared. The padlock lasted a few days and since then I have never, ever found it closed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More recently, during the winter, a new road sign appeared, slightly more visible than the previous one and in three languages. Such a pity that it is full of mistakes! When I pointed this out to the local authorities (the Comune), I was told that it was the remit of the local police and nothing to do with them. I find it extremely difficult to accept that nobody thought to check it first but once again it is not for us to wonder why!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whatever, the total lack of respect and the total lack of any form of control, sporadic or not, has now turned the path into a freeway, especially at weekends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Giovanni Visetti in his latest blog: "<a href="http://discettazionierranti.blogspot.it/2018/04/percorso-cross-di-via-campanella-altro.html" target="_blank">Motocross along the Punta Campanella path, so much for the disabled</a>!" paints a pretty dismal picture of the present situation, having himself found a group of motorcyclists right down at the tip of the trail last weekend. Not one to stay silent, he asks how come the many people who criticized, denounced and opposed the project at the time now remain silent in front of the havoc that is being wrought along the final stretch of the trail.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1c1MXL2006Q4OjK-XvJIiTpcWz8eRjPPiWak5iYLBCfjDg7KTDpUyQ1oVXzRsd3fodAIlg___R75ZQ3LxZVOvq5OZxpwjCrQz2t2JbvpGOD7KDktsvXbEclOJeKw-y66Hzl7-GSkA1NB/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1c1MXL2006Q4OjK-XvJIiTpcWz8eRjPPiWak5iYLBCfjDg7KTDpUyQ1oVXzRsd3fodAIlg___R75ZQ3LxZVOvq5OZxpwjCrQz2t2JbvpGOD7KDktsvXbEclOJeKw-y66Hzl7-GSkA1NB/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you can see from the photos, it is in a pitiful state and, in just 2 years, virtually back to what it was before its restoration. Even worse, what was once a peaceful and relaxing stroll in the fresh air is fast becoming polluted by the noise and smell of motorbikes ridden by their uncivilized owners who also expect the walker to get out of their way (and fast) to let them pass. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0i6WKPQuXzZPaR_RQdIJdfKBW_1vgaMdw_r9FgdaOHC_uG1eFKFWbKH8oRTHqydLZJ9E8p99YG8Mw9z-FgdzSy8cRAszAp8lZNHn7BBe53SyPp4mSPf4i2-yt4ri-UYx7TU0jF4JnJ_Cz/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="133" data-original-width="200" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0i6WKPQuXzZPaR_RQdIJdfKBW_1vgaMdw_r9FgdaOHC_uG1eFKFWbKH8oRTHqydLZJ9E8p99YG8Mw9z-FgdzSy8cRAszAp8lZNHn7BBe53SyPp4mSPf4i2-yt4ri-UYx7TU0jF4JnJ_Cz/s320/7.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The local Council has been talking a lot recently about the importance of our paths, having woken up to the fact that they are an excellent incentive for tourism in our area. There are even projects for Associations to adopt and maintain a path. All very laudable, but what about this one which is probably the most important due to its historic value alone?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that the tourist tax has been doubled for the coming season I can only hope that some of the money is used to take the necessary measures here: and that means instigating an efficient and effective way of ensuring that access is limited to those on foot. Start with finding a way to keep that barrier down. Put some cameras in. And if that is all too difficult, maybe send the traffic wardens down for a walk at key times to raise a few fines (extra money for the Council after all!). </span></div>
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SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-25216382552704605032018-02-12T22:06:00.000+01:002018-02-12T22:06:05.782+01:00HIKES IN MASSA LUBRENSE - SANT'ELIA FROM TORCA<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9RWe3eZBBWFhZT8hAjZw8aFbJiplpm6HpMQtZ8wpFzzt7eCxFu4X6dMsKO-jauB3IFSwXjSsO2qLBRz0umg0xgWpwiIFFHzOmmv4ULVapqb4MY53W0tIr9TOFbCeQ3Rbf5DkKgxGpw1C/s1600/IMG_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9RWe3eZBBWFhZT8hAjZw8aFbJiplpm6HpMQtZ8wpFzzt7eCxFu4X6dMsKO-jauB3IFSwXjSsO2qLBRz0umg0xgWpwiIFFHzOmmv4ULVapqb4MY53W0tIr9TOFbCeQ3Rbf5DkKgxGpw1C/s200/IMG_0056.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The last time I walked the trail to Sant'Elia was back in 2010! Although very panoramic, it was never one of my favourites, mainly due to the fact that it was there and back, since the one and only gateway making a loop possible was always locked and completely impossible to climb around, over or under. In addition the path had on all accounts become very overgrown and difficult to negotiate,</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">probably through lack of use</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EO7cLVlgeTgRVT4QBKFnyUtcxKpiVCo_yQJoC2ovWTTq_I0K8nAdvN5OG0baXsUF_sABXlQSwPv2MqxilCxFjjP8oWOUIKHY31cn83oysrDW-MRLV-jI3zmm15rOgOoeottzOX9tYJ4m/s1600/IMG_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EO7cLVlgeTgRVT4QBKFnyUtcxKpiVCo_yQJoC2ovWTTq_I0K8nAdvN5OG0baXsUF_sABXlQSwPv2MqxilCxFjjP8oWOUIKHY31cn83oysrDW-MRLV-jI3zmm15rOgOoeottzOX9tYJ4m/s200/IMG_0059.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So when I saw that it was reappearing on the programmes of other weekend hiking groups, I asked around and discovered that not only had volunteers from the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) cleared it, but that it was now possible (be it with the maximum caution) to get around the side of the gate and therefore walk it as a circuit.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlmafLKro7LLnq65u3UeAiQAGL-CFL6MumlwnLyXFFbCeaJ31ZNLExjjYMQmFGXN2BUAkFxz7lednAbnHz3PjXhaXuHW3tzsCSzjy855Y1oBD_2YXa0ADwnlYvlgX3IP8GBetQQ8vTOgz/s1600/IMG_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlmafLKro7LLnq65u3UeAiQAGL-CFL6MumlwnLyXFFbCeaJ31ZNLExjjYMQmFGXN2BUAkFxz7lednAbnHz3PjXhaXuHW3tzsCSzjy855Y1oBD_2YXa0ADwnlYvlgX3IP8GBetQQ8vTOgz/s200/IMG_0066.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We set off from the village of Torca, walking down from the square along Via Botteghe di Sotto, turning into Via Monticello and then going steeply down Via Rivolo before passing through some olive groves and down an even steeper cement road which led us to the start of the actual trail to the left of some metal fencing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were already enjoying the stunning views of the coastline, the 3 peaks of Marina del Cantone peeping out to our right from behind the hillside, the Vetara and I Galli Islands straight ahead. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5CvcHvxeI8_8IzzzxV9blGlUDmIlceWoRV8KRokYTPSt96DospAakXBoDxsepdmfI4f14amcOLQTjy40plLsIf_DNHfgeW3YKMd2zvgYOmINh6edtEJcRNJ2rcpjidwUw1k6E-2T0pJE/s1600/IMG_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5CvcHvxeI8_8IzzzxV9blGlUDmIlceWoRV8KRokYTPSt96DospAakXBoDxsepdmfI4f14amcOLQTjy40plLsIf_DNHfgeW3YKMd2zvgYOmINh6edtEJcRNJ2rcpjidwUw1k6E-2T0pJE/s200/IMG_0078.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Having negotiated the first uneven, rocky steps and subsequent fairly sheer descent along a narrow dirt path, we started enjoying the sight of the typical Mediterranean vegetation showing the first signs of spring: bright yellow gorse, pink asphodels, delicate purple anemones, scented rosemary, a clump of fragrant flowering stock and a pink cistus or two. We continued along our way hugging the coastline high above the sea. It is definitely not a path for anyone with vertigo, but it was completely clear and pretty easy to navigate, sometimes uphill, sometimes down and at times even nice and flat. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lX4tBC2tr5WxDVXz1U08-5UHndFm9IXi1-xRQqFTH5bTfnub6F7hvkc5L0XY5gy466q0-o4is0ph-rfc61agzS2juUJQSPI9ZMcB6gV-8XQICoCfxhh6sw3HT2w2VOkC9X29RupKr1zd/s1600/IMG_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lX4tBC2tr5WxDVXz1U08-5UHndFm9IXi1-xRQqFTH5bTfnub6F7hvkc5L0XY5gy466q0-o4is0ph-rfc61agzS2juUJQSPI9ZMcB6gV-8XQICoCfxhh6sw3HT2w2VOkC9X29RupKr1zd/s200/IMG_0109.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHH1bg96VOVzaytxoRsdhFwxemizLNlTx3piFNk_yo7FRV6xZWDygljBTXZcDQS_zGV0K8BmfZZgDYhDsU4aRobo_L8aCrPwdP74uONbRN6SglX_HeVaafZB_Y8rKq-nSJrHWR-33EuPz/s1600/IMG_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHH1bg96VOVzaytxoRsdhFwxemizLNlTx3piFNk_yo7FRV6xZWDygljBTXZcDQS_zGV0K8BmfZZgDYhDsU4aRobo_L8aCrPwdP74uONbRN6SglX_HeVaafZB_Y8rKq-nSJrHWR-33EuPz/s200/IMG_0095.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We passed the pinnacle, worn by the rain and the wind, but still standing. The views got better and better as we proceeded along the hillside, the Amalfi coast now in sight, Vettica di Praiano sparkling in the sun which had at last decided to grace us with its presence. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After about an hour's walking, we came to the ancient farmhouse, no longer inhabited and falling to bits, but now with padlocks on its doors (in 2010 the doors were hanging off their hinges and you could go inside). The millstone in the little forecourt was still there, as was the water tank and a few fruit trees (the oranges, alas, small and unripe). Taking the path downhill to the right we soon reached the watchtower just above the sea. This has been restored but is locked, as is the ancient chapel, dedicated to Sant'Elia, hidden in the vegetation along the track to the right. It is a good place to stop and take a break.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicWtZSVHAMmwh7iZGPRCd6qtZTiJoRXe6lf-H3qQdR3EPPiKkrBak3M-I1Dw_A4ZEfWys3FE5Ll8qvqOhV74O4MZdGAIxs2rkJACEtE_7yzoLJ233eKAgHVcCbvE158qP9labd3hXPhdh/s1600/IMG_0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicWtZSVHAMmwh7iZGPRCd6qtZTiJoRXe6lf-H3qQdR3EPPiKkrBak3M-I1Dw_A4ZEfWys3FE5Ll8qvqOhV74O4MZdGAIxs2rkJACEtE_7yzoLJ233eKAgHVcCbvE158qP9labd3hXPhdh/s200/IMG_0113.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Having walked back up to the house, we went to the right, eventually coming to the infamous gate. You have to be really careful getting around it since not only is there a bit of a drop but also some rather nasty barbed wire. It is not an ideal passing point, (and who knows how long it will be before it gets blocked off), but until the owners of the land and the house are convinced to grant right of passage, it is the only way to proceed without turning back.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSE4Kc35Q0jbVdEFn8GOyqtD8MfKwU8pLeyKcZMmZg4qDAgaOPWrZ3NBxP9bXJA-cvozpg2wu9nPCf3gt3ssYtfUsddY4YfgOrccvxMFcEP4C_ggScloQe5qKIouO7khTm1G1QoGWoIC09/s1600/IMG_0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="800" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSE4Kc35Q0jbVdEFn8GOyqtD8MfKwU8pLeyKcZMmZg4qDAgaOPWrZ3NBxP9bXJA-cvozpg2wu9nPCf3gt3ssYtfUsddY4YfgOrccvxMFcEP4C_ggScloQe5qKIouO7khTm1G1QoGWoIC09/s200/IMG_0145.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From there it is about another 2 kilometres to the Colli Fontanelle, the path meandering round the hillside in an extremely pleasant fashion (be it very steeply uphill at times, something I had conveniently forgotten..), dipping in and out of woods and along sunny and open terraces, at one point taking you under a picturesque stone archway. We came to a quaint wooden bench, one of its legs a rock, in front of what seemed to be another pinnacle concealed behind the trees. This was in fact the western pillar of the Arch of Sant'Elia, or the "Queen's Arch", which spanned the gorge a couple of centuries ago before it collapsed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once we reached the village of Colli Fontanelle, we decided to walk back to Torca via the pinewood of Le Tore rather than take the more panoramic Sirenuse Trail. Either route is perfect for completing this highly satisfying loop.</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a hike well worth the effort, however if you decide to go, please be aware that you may find the gap by the gate blocked and have to return the way you came. Even then, I am sure you will enjoy it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPXxApKyhdbHuLE1c8y3FSOcg2ZbG1mP4peDo5weL1LwplrIKspYEpuEuRU-8OiMf8bkfApCwtLHYE_7PfpSN_yZVSgQMo0T6fNN-Fi7uLelDaICymJY0txzkaPKoHUU6EzzIOBMBvEU0/s1600/IMG_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPXxApKyhdbHuLE1c8y3FSOcg2ZbG1mP4peDo5weL1LwplrIKspYEpuEuRU-8OiMf8bkfApCwtLHYE_7PfpSN_yZVSgQMo0T6fNN-Fi7uLelDaICymJY0txzkaPKoHUU6EzzIOBMBvEU0/s640/IMG_0134.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXrrrBeRuJKNtD1mkQtQqNOpH-354wX7xOStIQfOXsNgV-l4-gItLPlVFze3jVd_xCbmw_6fwD3OE8ecoWzNviXpOPaMmSWuussuJnR60Yv8k1GIkTW8WIgvVJkVlK_zqxkKjAJT4XOEt/s1600/IMG_0138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="800" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXrrrBeRuJKNtD1mkQtQqNOpH-354wX7xOStIQfOXsNgV-l4-gItLPlVFze3jVd_xCbmw_6fwD3OE8ecoWzNviXpOPaMmSWuussuJnR60Yv8k1GIkTW8WIgvVJkVlK_zqxkKjAJT4XOEt/s640/IMG_0138.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604790299724188815.post-38495555960283095502017-11-06T22:22:00.001+01:002017-11-06T22:22:52.175+01:00NO SURPRISES..<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkuTgK6gqYhCzbwOedI85oxCFmXNT7zLonDJJKO41jTWsg0xbNzJgDzm9m10Nx4x7leykB4wtIARUWO1FagWXiCwxa1QalYJoZgice5AJoYO-xrvr5td7MOOrlIPmBmny2P58lHqMQ-pG0/s1600/positano-maltempo-6-nov-2017-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkuTgK6gqYhCzbwOedI85oxCFmXNT7zLonDJJKO41jTWsg0xbNzJgDzm9m10Nx4x7leykB4wtIARUWO1FagWXiCwxa1QalYJoZgice5AJoYO-xrvr5td7MOOrlIPmBmny2P58lHqMQ-pG0/s320/positano-maltempo-6-nov-2017-03.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last night it started raining, not that pleasant gentle drizzle that we are good at in England, but the heavy stuff, bucketing out of the sky in solid sheets of water.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You didn't need to be a genius or have a crystal ball to predict what would happen with rain like that. We had already had a foretaste some weeks ago. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This time it was much worse. It hit harder, for longer and was more widespread.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNc1rw4GPOuKbV6bzKMR_JbJwYaXQX4DJYvtfsCjhoi20EWvdiQGd4hX92nHuexwn9EsTC0TxxgG2XZHWnBcdgTQnq0tqzTPD1wRScpHoBq6tV4jtsJ0HMXLLrYqgTCsbYh2x-iyKnpY_/s1600/positano-maltempo-6-nov-2017-04-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNc1rw4GPOuKbV6bzKMR_JbJwYaXQX4DJYvtfsCjhoi20EWvdiQGd4hX92nHuexwn9EsTC0TxxgG2XZHWnBcdgTQnq0tqzTPD1wRScpHoBq6tV4jtsJ0HMXLLrYqgTCsbYh2x-iyKnpY_/s320/positano-maltempo-6-nov-2017-04-1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Positano was one of places worst affected, the road down to the centre turning into a fast flowing river carrying sludge, stones and debris right down to the beach. The mayor sensibly decided to close the schools for the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The village of Nocelle was once again isolated, the road having to be bulldozed clear not once but twice during the course of the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the Sorrento side of the coast, Faito was completely cut off and still is, thanks to </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> mud and rock slides invading the main road. Tomorrow they are going to reactivate the cable car, which had just stopped for the winter, to allow some access to residents and visitors stuck up there.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHIlhHTquQzhE8Jrz-OIba4tL-802eNrkwQBlt-6AMOwN0Zf6P2wCeCfN8FOqDKTZQm6jLuMhXJT4a1wnbpVztNTTSwXMkgNNS_1tU2RnNUsLcDFewnRpM_vmB2_Slgcae-lm4hob2FV3/s1600/positano-maltempo-6-nov-2017-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHIlhHTquQzhE8Jrz-OIba4tL-802eNrkwQBlt-6AMOwN0Zf6P2wCeCfN8FOqDKTZQm6jLuMhXJT4a1wnbpVztNTTSwXMkgNNS_1tU2RnNUsLcDFewnRpM_vmB2_Slgcae-lm4hob2FV3/s320/positano-maltempo-6-nov-2017-07.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so I could go on. Tramonti, Ravello, Amalfi, there have been problems all over.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This morning the local news was full of dramatic headlines. "</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Positano News" in particular is pretty good at those and its </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: "è terrore!" did not disappoint</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, in all honesty, the photos circulating, (thank you Fabio Fusco for allowing me to borrow some of them!), do not paint a reassuring picture at all.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIah2gXAnXgW-8RjqjPiOgmJ8KlYuTmqZYxpzbmAbsb-v7aMldBuz_tV_MhV08rDQH8b0zMnSWuSNKMERqb2xQBdw5yy1jKS8Uq_5UGmwXIjRptxS_kGpmqwmc98HSv_2eA9Hnj6HIUDgh/s1600/img_0273-300x169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="169" data-original-width="300" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIah2gXAnXgW-8RjqjPiOgmJ8KlYuTmqZYxpzbmAbsb-v7aMldBuz_tV_MhV08rDQH8b0zMnSWuSNKMERqb2xQBdw5yy1jKS8Uq_5UGmwXIjRptxS_kGpmqwmc98HSv_2eA9Hnj6HIUDgh/s320/img_0273-300x169.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(this photo from Positano News)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are used to the occasional rock falling onto the roads despite the metal netting designed to hold them back. Now however, thanks to this summer's fires, there is little or nothing that anyone can do to prevent a repetition of today. The slopes are too high and too steep and there is nothing left to hold it all back</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I very much </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">fear that</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> this is just the beginning of what is going to be a long and difficult winter, and all thanks to the criminals or demented minds who caused this to happen in the first place.</span></div>
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<br />SorrentoAmalfi WalkWithUshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09944277839460110407noreply@blogger.com0