Sunday 12th June - To see the Sea

Up early again, for an uncertain day... I was to climb what is described as the last mountain ridge, before the coastal plain... And also I understood, I would be able to see the Sea!! 

As I wandered out of the parish hostel, to a busy local bar for breakfast it was showery rain... People couldn't decide whether to put their rain gear on... or not!! 
I decided not to, certainly initially as it was already hot and humid, and there were hills to climb!! 

The trail led up through the forests on the outskirts of Aulla, I was soaked... But not yet with rain - with sweat... And all before 8 am!! 
I got to a break in the woods, and could look down at the mist covered town below:

But I kept climbing, and dodging the showers... Although thunder was roaring round the mountain... With the occasional flash of lightning!
 
Another gap in the trees gave a glimpse of below...

Then that was it!! Rain stopped pictures, as the heavens opened above me, and I was forced to put my Poncho on - just in time as it happened... as the Lightning crashed, and thunder roared, I stood sheltering under a tree hoping to miss the worst of the rain... It was easing, and so I had to continue climbing up to the high point on the ridge... Where I was promised views of the sea... I didn't even know which direction to look! All I could see was misty cloud, and dark heavy rain!! My view had been thwarted!! 

I met up with Juliano in the forest as we both sloshes our way up, and then down off the ridge, trying to keep any way dry was futile, there was so much rain, the path was just like a stream, which we couldn't avoid...and I didn't bother trying to! 
I just literally ran down the flume!! 

On getting to the fiat lands at the bottom... Guess what?? - the rain petered out... And the sun shone, to help us heat up again??
 
We made our way into Sarsana for a nice treat of Sunday lunch, with a difference!!

A smorgasbord full of meats, cheese, and different sauces... To eat with hot oat cakes and washed down with cool wine... Whilst the boots, socks etc dried in the sun!!
 
We couldn't get anywhere to stay there, so went to the next town - Avensa, passing the mist covered hills where Carrera marble is mined... 
We made our way past the remains of the fortifications of the town and to the parish hostel of St Peter the Apostle (fitting actually)

where we washed and dried all our gear, before the 7 pm mass, and dinner, with another great local dish, at a nearby restaurant... Then to sleep in a peaceful spot just off the church square

 



















Not quite what I'd expected today, nonetheless still further in my pilgrim journey!!