Day 199: A Little Bit Of Fighting

San Pietro Avellana to Castelpizzuto

Distance: 50km


Despite camping right next to the cemetery, no ghost was visiting me last night. Or at least I didn't notice. My sleep was wonderfully deep.


Well rested I hit the trail on a chilly, foggy morning. The first 20km are along quiet roads. Unspectacular. Highlight: a fox being chased by a cat. Somehow, I don't really find my rhythm and going is a bit rough. Anyway, I make good progress, only slowed down when leaving the road, following, or trying to follow hiking paths. Whenever I do so, it's a struggle. No marking, no visible path at times, muddy. I waste time and battery using GPS to navigate. With each of these experiences, I'm inclined to choose road walking when I have the choice.


I pass through busy villages, trying to talk with locals, who wonder what I am doing. With hands and feet I try to explain and sometimes I have the feeling people actually understand.


As the hours are passing by, I still feel a bit powerless. At least the wonderful views towards the end help me to keep going. After 50km, I feel my energy level drop to zero. Mentally and physically exhausted. Time to pitch my tent. Luckily, I find a suitable, well actually perfect, spot right beside the road. Flat, sheltered, decent view. I cook and eat my porridge, brush my teeth and as soon as I have finished the blog, I will call it a day. Time to recharge my body. 

Morning mood
Morning mood
Caution bears
Caution bears
Sheppard, who asked me whether I am from Kosovo or Albania after looking at me 😅
Sheppard, who asked me whether I am from Kosovo or Albania after looking at me 😅
Big church. A Chinese tourist bus was there as well. So I guess it must be a bit famous.
Big church. A Chinese tourist bus was there as well. So I guess it must be a bit famous.
Above the treeline again
Above the treeline again
Great views
Great views
Done
Done

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Comments: 3
  • #1

    Rob (Saturday, 10 June 2023 20:27)

    Tenā koe Sandro. It certainly seems a tramp of mixed everything. Undulations. Smooth. Rough. Known. Unknown. Interspersed with random entertainments, oddities, and amazements. Is it the oddest part of your entire walk? It seems a section, testing your ability to find your wave and rhythm. It almost feels like you're playing in a band, and everyone's playing their own tune and then by chance everyone strikes the right note, and its music to your ears. Yet, something keeps the band together. Friendship. Determination. The want to get a #1 ... but most of all, is the sheer joy of comraderie. The inner selves wanting to prove "it can be done"
    For many successful. Bands (& musicians) it wasn't an overnight success. For many, they asked the question "why???" ... and they returned the same answer time and time again, sayng to themselves "I want to succeed! I want to succeed" ... and so to find that single pathway, they had to take many that they did not know, where it would take them. Eventually it would happen! And then success after success would follow.
    Success is already yours Sandro. You are the lead in the band. There are many here with you. The leader of the band has to be a bit of a trail blazer. They have a map! They have a goal. But to get from A to B is all part of that bands journey. The map doesn't give you that journey. You must make and create. Such is the beauty of the artist. Behind you, is left the long trail of notes � ... and long ahead of you, are many more notes for you to create. By Trails end (wherever that may be), will this song be done.
    Meantime, continue to make your own music. Beat your own drum, Write your own lyrics! Hear your own sounds.
    Sing like no one is there ...and ENJOY!
    It is happening ... and you are making it happen.
    I'm liking your music! I'm hearing your sounds. I'm very much liking what you are producing.
    You, me, and our band ... as eclectic as we are - WE'RE MAKING MUSIC! and I'm loving this journey we're on ...
    � � � � � � � � �

  • #2

    Rob (Saturday, 10 June 2023)

    ... I forgot to mention,in your hands and feet attempts of explaining your purpose do you get your little "follow me" man out and show them? I think that will fill them with amazement. It may even test their knowledge of geography.
    The end should never be as important as the journey getting there ...
    They are helping you create your music. To write your song � �

  • #3

    Fredy Koster (Saturday, 10 June 2023 21:20)

    You certainly have earned your porridge after this long day. I think the people which you meet are not so used to see a little wild looking thru hiker ::)).
    What beautiful clouds and sky.

© SANDRO KOSTER 

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