A Tutta Birra Verso Torriglia (Ii Tappa)

The Exhausting Climb and the Unforgettable Dinner

Fortunately, the hotel is not too far from the peak of Mount Chiappo, and although we arrived last night completely exhausted, they could hardly believe it. We had our heads on the plate during dinner. And what a dinner it was! A feast fit for royalty, with delectable first and second courses, and a mouthwatering dessert. This morning, we indulged in yet another extraordinary breakfast, filling ourselves up like little piggies. And now, we are ready to embark on another adventure.

Today's journey will take us 24 kilometers towards the sea, with a predicted 8 hours of walking. We hope to honor this challenge without surpassing it, unlike yesterday when we pushed ourselves beyond our limits. As for the terrain, the good news is that we are already descending. It's a drop of 1,500 meters downhill and a climb of almost 700 meters. We start our journey at 9:30 am, and the cool breeze suggests that it's best to get moving.

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The Uphill Battle and the Buzzing Swarm

And so, the climb begins.

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Off we go, with determination in our stride, as we ascend towards the heavens. But oh my, the mosquitoes! Good morning, pesky creatures. The beauty of staying in agriturismos when they're open is getting to savor all the local cuisine. It's truly worth every ounce of fatigue. Even a simple sandwich with cheese takes on a whole new level when it's crafted with local ingredients. It's like capturing the essence of the place in one bite, taking you to the edge of the world. But enough chit-chat, we're only halfway through the journey and have the entire afternoon to reach the outskirts of Torreglia.

Finally, we've picked the perfect days for this trek. The clouds above us are dark and foreboding, but they carry a benevolent energy. I doubt they'll unleash their waterworks upon us. Instead, we are encased in a buzzing cloud of mosquitos. They've become our loyal companions, following us wherever we go. If there were a superhero dedicated to insects, consider me the mighty Mosquito Man!

A Glimpse of Mount Antola and the Descending Path

Behold, the majestic peak of Mount Antola, the highest point of this leg of the journey. From this vantage point, picture yourself lounging on a simple yet charming bench, overlooking a garden outside your home. Close your eyes just for a second and imagine the serenity that washes over you in that moment.

But wait, as you turn your gaze towards the other side of the peak, you'll see a man-made lake. Nestled at the bottom of the valley, there lies a dam and a hydroelectric power station. We will be lingering in that vicinity, if all goes well, within the next two hours.

It's remarkable how the scenery changes as we descend from the heights. The air feels different, as if we are stepping into a whole new world. The journey ahead may be tiring, but the anticipation of what lies in store keeps us going. Every step brings us closer to our destination.

Reflections on a Day Well-Spent

As the day draws to a close, we reflect on the challenges we've faced, the beauty we've witnessed, and the delightful moments scattered throughout our journey. It's been a day of physical exertion, an exercise not just for our bodies, but also for our minds and souls. We've come to realize that the path to greatness is never straight or easy. It bends, winds, and climbs, testing our resilience and pushing us to our limits.

In the midst of exhaustion and the ever-present swarm of mosquitos, we've found humor, joy, and camaraderie. We've transcended the ordinary and entered a realm where adventure and self-discovery intersect. With each step, we've grown stronger, both physically and mentally.

Tomorrow may bring new challenges, but we face them with the same enthusiasm and positivity that has fueled us thus far. Mount Chiappo may have left us tired and famished, but it has also ignited a fire within us—an unquenchable thirst for exploration, for pushing boundaries, and for embracing the unknown.