Sentiero Italia 2023

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....

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