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Sentiero Italia 2023
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Sentiero Italia 2023

Sentiero Italia / Va Sentiero with a dog ( 2023 - Nobo)
We start in Sicily the Via Francigene di Sicilia to Trapani first.
https://sentieroitalia.cai.it
https://www.vasentiero.org
https://lighterpack.com/r/263eia Read more
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  • Trip start
    March 22, 2023
  • Dog WalkerSentiero Italia 2023Traveler

    On the way to Udine

    March 22, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    We take the train from Klagenfurt to Udine and have half a day in the city. Shopping...
    We'll take the night train tonight to Rome and further heading in the morning hours to Messina (Sicily). First time high speed train for Lupo and me.Read more

  • Dog WalkerSentiero Italia 2023Traveler

    Messina

    March 23, 2023 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 14 °C

    30h since leaving home we finally arrived with the train and ferry in Messina. A short walk along the sea was necessary with the dog and 1 hour later, we've catched the completely crowded train to Lentini, our real hiking start location.Read more

  • Dog WalkerSentiero Italia 2023Traveler

    Lentini - hiking start

    March 23, 2023 in Italy

    Finally we've reached Lentini at 18:00.
    We needed to do grocery shopping and started to hike the trail in the darkness. I think we've hiked about 3-4 hours in the darkness and have found a nice spot to sleep (unfortunately close to the wind wheels) and feel asleep immediately.

    35000 steps - 24km    Read more

  • Dog WalkerSentiero Italia 2023Traveler
    1
    Mount Etna in the distance11my favorite biscuits on the trail...and yes...Lupo loves them too

    Day 1 - thru wind park and orange fields

    March 24, 2023 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 12 °C

    Fantastic day. Very nice sunny day, but cold wind. So many wind wheels around. You easily can count 50 looking in one direction.
    Picked the 1st orange in a yard. Yummy. Lots of olive trees and finally...some blooming almond trees. Until noon it was easy to hike. Afterwards we got tired. Especially Lupo, who is really exhausted. Time to sleep.

    56000 steps - 42km    Read more

  • Dog WalkerSentiero Italia 2023Traveler

    Hiking - Day 2 - hilly and remote

    March 25, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Yesterday evening we started to get a little bit into trouble. Already hiked a lot and the Refugio, which is down in the map doesn't exist. And this on top of the hills, where all the wind wheels are around. About 850m high. Chilly wind. Lupo needed a real break. So we did... But too short. Before darkness we still wanted to walk further down. Lower it gets much warmer and less windy. Finally, just before darkness, we have found a small hut which we occupied. But we have been 10km more tired. 20 o'clock we've slept already. Until 4:30.
    Lupo recovered not too bad and we walked further. Beautiful morning. After 12km we've reached a small village. Shops still closed. But the bakery has already opened and we've enjoyed it a lot! One Croissant with pistachio and one like a cheesecake. So yummy! Also the Baguette tasted different. Less salty and sweeter. A little bit like corn added. And.... Fresh! Wow! Delicious!
    The owner saw Lupo and gave him 2 older pieces I guess. Looked like "hot dog" with a sausage inside. Took him just a second and it was gone.
    So we hiked further. Downhill. Rugged 4 wheel roads and paths. There is no steady fast hiking on these trails. About km 18-20 Lupo started to show down a lot. Needed a break. We did, but short. We wanted to get before 1 o'clock to the supermarket in the next town. Just having 5km left, I have realized Lupo needs the break. It was too much the day before. We need to slow down and walk in the morning hours. Probably at night again. So I will slow down the next day and keep an eye on him. ... So far... Still only 14:00 now.
    30500 steps done... About 23km.... But we will not do much today anymore.

    19:00 .... we've left the picnic spot about 15:30. Suddenly 500m further from a house far away the dogs spotted us and ran 200m over a field to us into the forest. 5 dogs...2 huge ones and done medium ones. 3 attract Lupo immediately. But him in the neck and back. Me... shouting and trying to find how to help. The biggest dog wanted to fight, all the other stayed away 3m. Me shouting again and again. From far away the owner shouted a little bit .. The dogs did not care. So the owner too. We've catches the right moment and went further inclusive shouting. The followed us for about half a km. Then left finally. Wow ...

    We've reached the town, drank a cafe lungo, charged the phone and headlamp, got some food at the supermarket, and left town again. Lots of barking dogs everywhere. Unfortunately some stay dogs too. Sometimes why, sometimes aggressive. But shooting helped a little bit a little bit outside the town, just before the next town starts again, we sleep on a field. It is dark already and everywhere dogs a barking far away. Some houses have garden lights switched on all the time. Lupo feel asleep immediately.

    43700 steps - 32.4km    Read more

  • Dog WalkerSentiero Italia 2023Traveler

    H-Day 3 - heat & tiredness (handicapped)

    March 26, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    This was a tough day. Not regarding hiking. It was more about getting further with Lupo. He didn't want to get up in the morning, nor could he walk easily. I think he has had a tough time with sore muscles and what I realized later, that the dog bite from yesterday influenced his right back leg.
    So handicapped we strolled to the next town. Unfortunately towns are often built into the hill here. So many long and steep stairs. Sometimes I carried him up.
    The next problem has been water. During the day it is hot and 2l have been gone fast. Everything was closed and the fountains have been still dry. It took us long to get further.
    On the other hand we've had luck at the butchers. We asked for leftovers and got really a lot. So Lupo has had at least a nice meal.

    35500 steps - 24.5km    Read more

  • Dog WalkerSentiero Italia 2023Traveler
    resting cause of the heat & waiting for a colder afternoon/eveningdaily drying of the equipment. it gets wet during the night because of condensea long and straight walk thru the plain, right before hitting the seaolive treesstorksartichokes

    H-Day 4 - the walk to the sea

    March 27, 2023 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 14 °C

    A very interesting day all in all. We've had a worse night. Cold and lots of condenser water everywhere. I think it has even rained at night and I have not realized it. We've been cowboy camping. The forecast was dry. The tyvek around the sleeping bag was wet. The down sleeping bag also, but not too much. Everything around... Hmmm not dry.... So I stuffed everything together and we headed for an early start. Well.. It was 6am already. Summer time now!

    Nevertheless Lupo has had a chilly night and a tough last day, he started much better than I thought. Thanks god, we have not met so many aggressive dogs like the day before. That's really annoying that so many owner do not care about their dogs. They attack other dogs without reason. Anyway. The trail was super good most of the time. Thru hills and fields. At the beginning downhill, then really flat; often compact sand. We both speed hiked and have had lots of fun. Such a nice morning. Even a bed of flowers were layered down for us. I double checked, but this flower path was really our hiking trail. Wow!

    After awhile, it got much warmer again and we approached the next (ugly) city. Traffic. Lupo slowed down. Too warm! So we went for food shopping, and headed into the center. What I have realized, like the days before, that it doesn't matter which week day or time you have, you see always groups of older men (50-80) standing around. Everywhere. Most times they are more unfriendly. You see rarely women. Kind of strange. In some towns there have been really many men groups. Anyway.

    We've charged the phone in a bar, got a strong Espresso (the coffee here in the south is really dark roasted) and headed further into the plain to the sea. Standing on a platform of the higher elevated town, you could overview the valley and follow the road to the sea.

    Lupo slowed down immediately. Too hot and lots of wind. So we took a break to dry the equipment.
    And headed further after awhile. Luckily there has been a not fenced pond at the beginning of the valley. After a swim and having a wet dog, Lupo started his speed gear again and we speed hiked further thru the lonely heated valley. Sandy four wheel roads... Cactus here and there.... And the wind kept going...even got stronger.

    So, we got closer to the city and there are gas fields asking the way (I guess). You can see the industry and the pumps. And just before, we have passed a flooded pond. Great bath again for the dog. Suddenly surprise! Störche! So many... Sitting in the pond and starting as they heard us. Wow!
    A little bit later I have seen an Artischocken field. Never seen before.
    Because of the very strong wind now, we decided to hike into the center, get some water and find a sleeping spot behind the city in there darkness.

    Gela...an ugly city. And again.... Everywhere men. We've payed a horrendous price for a chocolate bar and 2l water. And headed further. I know Lupo wanted to stop, but there is no other solution. We've followed busy roads in the night and walked thru suburbs. Until finally the path headed into nature again and we pitched the first time our tarp! Finally day over....

    55.900 steps - 41km    Read more

  • Dog WalkerSentiero Italia 2023Traveler
    already hot in the morning with a strong cold breeze23a twin melonview from the camp spot...just above a long sandy beach

    H-Day 5 - beach walking and no water

    March 28, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    First beach walking day! Sunshine! Nice!
    We've started a bit later again and it took not long and we entered the first long beach. Unfortunately it was high tide and not much compact sand. So we took a break and enjoyed breakfast. Dried everything and headed further. The scenery changed always from Sandy beach, scratchy bush walking and busy roads. Hot, lots of wind... Like always. And always from the front.
    After awhile I realized that Lupo is tired. Everything was closed either, and thus we got short on water and food. But this time I decided to stop 7 km before the city. Without water. It is a good overnight place and shops will open tomorrow at 8:30 or 9. So we have plenty of time to rest. I stop earlier for my dog. We rest.

    32.000 steps - 23.7km    Read more

  • Dog WalkerSentiero Italia 2023Traveler
    21purple cauliflower ! :)1they are huge!1big bell pepper!111

    Hiking - Day 6 - Licata

    March 29, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C

    We've had a long and good night. A building kept us protecting from the wind. The night was warmer. A little bit at least. Lupo got up earlier than expected. So we directly started a beach walk for 5km and have seen some fisherman in the darkness at the beach. Fishing, having had a fire spot in the sand, sitting around it and haven't really realized me passing. I walked without light and greeted. They haven't stopped starring on their cell phones. Busy. Socializing. Mobile signal at the beach was at least pretty good 😊
    We headed further to town. Some dogs were barking again. Behind fences. Still everything closed. To early start. Suddenly again a group of taller stay dogs next to the road across the shopping mall. One dog jumping up and running barking and teeth showing to Lupo. I shoot immediately at him. Luckily after awhile it showed results. But too risky to leave my dog in front of the supermarket and risk that they approach and fight while I am inside. So we walked into town for a cafe to charge the phones. And wait for the opening hour. ...

    Just passed a frutta e vedura shop. There are some of them in town. Finally I see yummy fruits and gigantic vegetables.

    Next stop...MD supermarket. Oh... Now the backpack is heavy. At the fruit shop he gave me an Artischocken salad for free. Interesting to try. In oil and done spices. So after stroking further mostly on roads (no traffic) I stopped early cause of the midday heat. A very nice beach but not cleaned yet. Smells a bit of sea grass. Beautiful, looks almost like Asian beaches. Just be crowded in main season.
    I've taken the only hit at the beach and started to cook the 2 minutes pasta from the shop, spiced with Italian herbs from Austria and my garlic, olive oil, chili mix. Not too bad actually. Next to it the gifted veggie salad. As a dessert I've found a high protein chocolate. I needed to try. Not too shabby, but probably a bit healthier right now. 24g protein in one bar. Sounds not too bad to me.    Read more

  • Dog WalkerSentiero Italia 2023Traveler
    1

    Hiking - Day 6_2 - dream beaches

    March 29, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Unexpectedly some small beaches appeared. Almost no people at all. Such s nice fantastic scenery.

    After the last beach we headed inland in the late afternoon. We rushed thru the town to get some water and cookies from the supermarket outside town. 5 min before closing time we entered the store. Left the place in the darkness and searched s but out of town for a sleeping spot. Unfortunately there is s road not so far and we can hear the cars. But not much traffic at 9pm. So it hopefully will be less soon.
    Tomorrow we probably reach Agrigento. I think it is famous for the fruits and almonds. So many plastic fields we have seen today from above.

    51.000 steps - 37.7km    Read more

  • Dog WalkerSentiero Italia 2023Traveler
    2

    H-Day 7 - on the way to Agrigento

    March 30, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Not that spectacular as before, but still nice. Also road walking. The dog got slower at 10am. Since then we make more breaks than walking.
    There is less shadow too. And right now busy roads.
    But next to the trail lots of flowers are blooming and I the colors a lot.
    We've met many big white stay dogs. Always 2 or more at a time. But we could handle it well. 2 dogs also followed us for about 3km.

    Today w so in a forest just before Agrigento.
    I feel my right ankle. No idea why. And today I am not in the mood to have stress thru town and searching a good sleeping spot in the darkness behind the city (looks not ready on the map).

    The forest here has good spots to sleep and was quiet. Only 2 hikers passed. Unfortunately 5 min ago, a music from down the hill started. Like pub music. So I have a good night sound running...

    40.000 steps - 29.5km    Read more

  • Dog WalkerSentiero Italia 2023Traveler
    4
    1Open pitched tarp... Most convenient so far11

    H-Day 8 - Agrigento at a different time

    March 31, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    Good morning Vietnam....ehh Agrigento...

    Agrigento.... The end for us on the Via Francregina Fabria. 225km I guess.

    Early morning at 4:30 you get a different view of the busy city. Quiet morning. First we needed to climb up the hill in the forest and entered immediately into town on top of the hill. Everything calm. No people and dogs around. Only sometimes we see a cleaner doing his job. We stroll along the narrow alleys and infinite and everlasting stone stairs. Street lamps create a warm light and interesting flair.
    15°C ... Nice to stroll around.

    The further day was not that spectacular. I've bought a creme in the farms pharmacy for my ankle (Bosart-Dol - from herbs like Arnika etc). It's fine for the muscles too. Until now, I can not feel any difference.

    44.300 steps - 32.3km    Read more

  • Dog WalkerSentiero Italia 2023Traveler
    View from the overnight stay
    2blooming gets more and moreFarmers changed from veggies to olive trees. They are easier to care and create more incomeUnfortunately trash is all around. Crazy sometimes. Still lots of work to do to educate peopleEaster is close

    H-Day 9 - on the way to Sciacca

    April 1, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    We've had a good night, far away from the town. An hilly area between the inland towns and the sea. For a good tent spot we've searched for a place not too low and not on the top of a hill. Not next to the water and probably wind protected. Even ground with trees covered if possible. Normally more difficult to find here. But this time we left the trail, hiked a bit uphill. From the road, we've seen higher trees on the hill and the map showed a more flat area. Reached the top, looked pretty good... And such s surprise, we could view the sea and a lighted sandy beach on the other side. Dogs were barking down there. Same at night. Hard to figure out, how far these dogs are really away. I am a bit scared if these stray dogs smell Lupo or food and appear at night... well... Not all of them are actually aggressive to other dogs. For me as a human, it has been rarely frightened.

    Let's see what the day will bring. Weather gets more cloudy. Higher temperatures will be a bit lower compared to the last days and lower temperatures a bit higher. Sounds not too bad.,. promising    Read more

  • Dog WalkerSentiero Italia 2023Traveler
    Cafe Lungo!Easter in ItaliaCornetto con pistachio... He filled it fresh for me! :)2First time ZicCaffè. (Common) - mild!

    H-Day 10 - Sciacca and to Porto Palo

    April 2, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    A night full of ticks and some mosquitos. We've stopped at 19:00 already. 10k before Sciacca. We didn't want to come too close to the next town. Spotted a uncut meadow with olive trees. Mistake! Further on there have been plenty of other good places and this meadow was full of ticks. I took at least 30 ticks from the dog. And scratch myself all the time in panic to have some by myself. I've found some running, but not yet blood sucking.
    Thus... We started early. Moon get fuller too and it is really bright if not cloudy.
    Today, Palmsonntag, the city was quiet until 8:30. Only some old women walking to church and done flower sellers for the Christian cult.
    Unfortunately it was not easy to find an open cafeteria. And an open supermarket.

    Afternoon the forecast predicts cloudy and a bit rain.
    Hopefully not too much.    Read more

  • Dog WalkerSentiero Italia 2023Traveler

    H-Day 10_2 Porto Palo

    April 2, 2023 in Italy ⋅ 🌧 13 °C

    The trail has not been spectacular today. Lots of road walking with short beach sections. Sometimes expensive resorts in the way and holiday homes. The gps trail does not fit always. 2 times I have been in front of closed gates. And harder to find a way to get going.
    Mostly flat. Sometimes overgrown. I think this boss Francigena is pretty new and not signed. Who knows if it ever will be signed. Also not that interesting as the trail to Agrigento.
    Around 15:30 it started to drizzle. No problem and we speed up. But 1h later it got stronger and colder. And so much traffic at these backroads. Probably Sunday everybody has been at the beach.
    No fun to walk anymore. And Lupo and me have been cold and wet. So we stopped at 18:30 in Porta Palo, or just before relatively close to the road. But huge trees protect us a little bit and the ground was soft and not drenched.

    56.000 steps - 41.3km    Read more

  • Dog WalkerSentiero Italia 2023Traveler

    H-Day 11 - rain & wind - Triscina

    April 3, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Tough start today. Alarm clock rang late. 5:30
    Actually to start at 6am at dawn.
    I left the spot at 6:20.

    It's hard to pack all the wet stuff together and get into these wet and cold socks and shoes. I'm starting in shorts.

    Like yesterday, the given gps track is a bit strange. It is hard to find the way, if there is one. Lots of private property signs, gates and signs of cameras. Posten you can see holes in the fences etc., where people walk through. Even the grass is often stepped down. You have no clue if it is okay to go further or not. Probably a lovely dog will greet you behind that fence.
    Anyway.

    We entered a beach again. Immediately you realize on the path that everything gets slippery. The clay sticks at your shoes like crazy. They get heavier and heavier.
    The beach degrades down to the water a lot. This makes walking much harder for me. Above is the sand so soft that walking is hard. Closer to the shore it gets first water soaked and this is even tougher to walk. Second, the sand gets compact, and thus fast to hike. My problem is my ankle. It degrades always to the left side and I feel my right outer ankle. The shoe presses into my feet. And it does not change, cause I do not switch direction.
    Additionally the sea water is chasing you on that hard sand. You often sprint, because the water is approaching fast. A bit tricky.

    This beach changed from sand to rocks and vice versa. Some parts are through dense bush. Nice to get wet and cold led l legs. You get this additionally to the light drizzle. Absolutely enjoyable. But at least, very far away, you can already see the next stop. Some house pretty tiny on the horizon. This must be Selinunte. I hope the Pasticeria is waiting with a Caffé Lungo for me.
    ...
    The day has been very windy. Blowing from inland. Not from the sea direction like the last days. In the afternoon or started to rain again. Sometimes more, sometimes less. After one stronger shower we've passed a sport track.a sandy piste which friend a circle I guess. Lots of banks standing around for people watching the event. Nobody there and protected by trees. And a small hut. So I decided to stop and dry my stuff in the wind. Cool done noodles and wait.
    The weather forecast predicts even more wind and also rain. Lupo feel asleep immediately. So I decide to stay. It is early, but we take some rest.

    29.000 steps - 21.4km    Read more

  • Dog WalkerSentiero Italia 2023Traveler
    1
    They cut branches of the olive trees.Mazara centerHuge tree! Lots of shadow if sunny.

    H-Day 12 - the plains (Mazara)

    April 4, 2023 in Italy ⋅ 🌬 17 °C

    We've left 5:20am the stall at the motor sport area. Luckily the wind and rain has gone the evening before. So we've had a quiet night, except once, Lupo were barking. Seems to me, a stray dog has passed by. I haven't seen anybody and haven't heard anything.
    In the morning I decided to skip the Lidl supermarket at the next town, because of the early time. We would needed to wait until opening. If we take the direct way to Mazara, it is s long way, but I need to carry only a very lightweight backpack and buy new food and water there. And we can use time much more efficient.

    The first 10k have been fine and easy.. Then slowly it got harder and harder. The whole way has been flat. A plain with olive fields and later Vine yards. Some higher and lower plastic fields (no idea what's grown inside. The plants are still small.)
    Finally we've arrived in town and we needed to cross next to the beach a big bridge over a river (Fiume Arena). I think it is not our lucky day. The bridge was closed and a too late arrival. The workers already began to work. No way that I could discuss with them too cross. There has been security too. Not Italian style at all. It was easy and no problem to cross, but because of the time, they did not let me cross. That's the moment I got angrier and angrier. The next bridge is by foot quite a bit away. And I really got hungry. We wanted to arrive after 21km at the supermarket. No way. So I decide to put the shoes off and walk with Lupo thru the shallow (20-30cm) beach water. But it was full of seagrass, which the sea wash ashore. 50-60 cm of dark sea grass. Smelling a bit. Me barefoot in the water and also walking on that sea grass. Lupo swimming behind. The bridge next to me. The water had been fresh. But not ice cold.
    After this crossing, the supermarket on my map hasn't been at that location we expected. Frustration set in.
    So I've looked for another one. Another 1.5km. okay.... Let's walk.
    And like always... Stray dogs were waiting for us in front of the supermarket. Cool. Some shouts and freighting gestures of myself to these dogs and they started to hide.
    Shopping, feeding, eating, packing.... And hike further into the center. Busy on the roads. But not too many people around. It got chilly, cause the wind got more again. Clouds appear more. So we've looked for a cafe to charge the phones. I think to the next town it will take awhile. Looks far away on the map and probably only holiday honey on the way. Thus, stores can be closed in of season.
    35.000 steps so far.... Lupo rests. And I enjoy the coffee.

    ---
    58.800 steps - 44km    Read more

  • Dog WalkerSentiero Italia 2023Traveler
    Salinas
    from green to red pin....445km - 13 days...perfect

    H-Day 13 Marsala - end of Via Mazarese

    April 5, 2023 in Italy ⋅ 🌬 14 °C

    We've reached Marsala. The west side of Sicily.

    445km so far.

    The last 10km it was mostly walking on a busy small street along the coast. 10k before, we were hiking on a sandy piste next to the sea. The really strange thing yesterday evening had been that it has been quiet for awhile. At about 19:00 it started that more and more small cars appeared on these roads. Driving slowly, and people starring quiet strange. Driving fore and back. In circles. Actually I was looking for a sleeping spot and then this strange thing. My only guess was that these are tourists in cheap rental cars looking for the best location to view the sunset. But still after sunset, there have been quite a few of them around. Much more busy as usual. But we've finally found an old half constructed building to get some protection from wind and rain.

    The idea had been to get up at 4:30 and start walking 12k to the next town, before it starts raining and having thunderstorm. I got up, packed everything together and wanted to start. But Lupo refused. He couldn't walk well and I think he has seen the lightning far away on the horizon. He is afraid of thunderstorms. So I decided to unpack everything again, have breakfast and lay down. And the thunderstorm arrived 2h later. At 10:30 I woke up again and the sun was out. Even the forecast has predicted rain until 13:00.
    Now it was time to leave. It took awhile until Lupo got warm and could walk almost normally. Always if he is cold he limps more or less. Scary.
    But it worked out and we could make the boring road to Marsala. Actually not so far away you can see two islands. Both mountainous. From the map, it must be Favignana (Isole Egadi) and Isola di Marritimo.

    Now we try to find a wind protected place and rest.

    Actually here our trip on the Via Francregina Mazarense ends. Normally it is heading inland now to Palermo. But we will stay at the beach (road) hiking to Trapani. It is the western starting point in Sicily for the Sentiero Italia, which we actually want to hike. A long distance joining path through Italy from the CAI (Club Alpino Italia).. It got famous singer years ago where there young people have created this idea. But then it got forgotten until 3 years ago. Where since other young people created a project called Va Sentiero. A crowd funding project. They've hiked in groups the whole trail, documented a lot and I think they've also marked a bit. It is not always 100% identical. But mostly they have a nice webpage which is made like a travel guide.
    www.vasentiero.org
    You can watch there some YouTube videos about the different areas of Italy. Short clips.

    Now, walked huge parts of the via Francigena Fabaria and Mazarense I can conclude that the Fabaria is much more worth to hike. Better signed, much more interesting and scenic. More variations.
    The Magna Via Francigena from Palermo to Agrigento should be a nice but more "crowded" one. It would be possible to combine it with the via Fabario and hike to Mount Etna. Probably a nice solution too.

    But our intention is the mountainous SI. Which will be more demanding and remote. Unfortunately now in April also colder. But that's something we can not really influence.

    37.300 steps - 28.3km    Read more

  • Dog WalkerSentiero Italia 2023Traveler
    Full moon in the morning
    Full moona further long distance trails thru Sicily.. On the way up to EriceTrapani from above1SI sign next to CAI EriceThe "beginning" of SI Sicilyfrom Erice downan Asini farm on the way down

    H-Day 14 to Trapani / Erice

    April 6, 2023 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 10 °C

    We've slept pretty comfortable in a seller stall next to the sea and a one way road. Traffic was like nothing after 22:00. And we have been nicely protected from the strong wind and rain. The start in the morning was still fine. On the road and cycling path directly next to the sea. But after a short while we needed to head inland to Trapani. A long and boring walk along very busy roads. Lupo has had problems with his right front leg again. And it is normally not good on rough gravel and sealed roads. He needs soft ground. But we slowly made our way further. Stopped in a gasoline station cafe only briefly. For a short part back from the road on a trail a sheep herd passed us. Normally no problem. But one of the 4 white big dogs got more aggressive to us. The sheltered just called only a little bit. You are most times alone with the situation. We managed it and soon we've been in the city. Hard to find a good way to the supermarket and back out of e city again.

    From here the first climb to Erice begins. A tourist village on a hill next to the city. Nice view from up there. We've tried to make breaks in the sun on the way up. But most times it has been just too windy. Ice cold wind. After one break we've started again and accidentally Francesco hiked next to us. A nice guy from Torino. CAI member too. We've chatted in English up the hill and enjoyed in the famous and tourist busy Pasticceria Maria Grammatico some cookies and a coffee.
    Time flied and it got even colder in the shady stony streets of Erice. One tourist shop after the other. Prices raises. So I haven't taken any photos and headed the SI down immediately. Overgrown path... Oh... Strange that the trail is not so we'll maintained at the beginning.
    Looking for a sleeping spot, I've seen on the signed map two chapels and one shelter on the way down. The chapels have been too old and not really nice. So I looked for the shelter. But I've found a donkey farm. So many paddocks with single and grouped donkeys. Brown ones and medium to taller size. Where I expected the shelter has been a big stall for further Asini. We wanted to stay somewhere there, but we've realized that in the stable are probably the male donkeys. And a female donkey escaped somehow and the males got really loud and nervous of she passed. And she did often. So we went further in the darkness and found a better spot a bit later. Finally.... Cause I realize my legs are a bit better, but Lupo needs more rest. We need to slow down and make a longer break somehow.
    Not that easy, cause shops get much less now. We'll walk more remote and the next days Easter is approaching. The rare supermarkets have will be closed I guess.

    51700 steps - 38 km    Read more

  • Dog WalkerSentiero Italia 2023Traveler
    1

    H-Day 15 - second stage on SI

    April 7, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    After a night with lots of donkey sounds we started at darkness walking slowly down the hill back to the sea. Aleays along the shore, mostly on a cycle path. Some joggers around.

    Actually, since Erice I realize that more people start to great. Interesting. And additionally the villages look cleaner and more renovated houses. You get a nicer view of Sicily.

    Now we just stopped in Custonaci for a coffee and heading to the supermarket afterwards. Slowly. I will look today more for Lupos condition and will give him more breaks. It is easier if we are not on so big roads anymore and if the weather is fine. Let's see what the day will bring.    Read more

  • Dog WalkerSentiero Italia 2023Traveler
    121

    H-Day 14_2 nice sunny day

    April 7, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    The day got gorgeous. Sunny, not much wind, friendly people on the way and an interesting rocky path above a little pass. Noticable that everything next to the trail is blooming nicely and colorful. And great views today.Read more

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