Sapri to Fiume Lao
Distance: 45km
A warm night, but dry. Which is always appreciated since packing a wet tent is not much fun.
I take my time packing as I want to walk the road with enough daylight. It's a spectacular road, carved into a sheer rock face, winding its way to Matarea. Facing west, there's no sun, but there are no cars either. So I can pay all my attention to the views.
With the sun come the cars. But only for a short while since there are signs saying the road is blocked ahead. Waking the detour would mean nearly an additional day, so I push on, trying my luck. Walking into a possible cul-de-sac is not easy mentally. Once there, I see plenty of workers (on a Saturday! In Italy!) and a big "no access" sign. So I try Plan B: bush bashing. I get lucky, eventually stumble across a bulldozed track. After 3 or so kilometers I am back on the road. A bit of excitement.
At this point, I have been walking for 6 hours straight. Never took off my pack. So I treat myself with a swim, having a chat with Younes, a refuge from Marocco. He suggests to continue my hike across his country once I finish in Sicily. Well, never say never but it might be a tad hot.
Writing of the temperature: it's early afternoon, the heat is daunting. As I walk above the steep cliff again, I look down at the azzurro colored sea. So pretty. So inviting. I leave the road, head down. Find my self a spot beneath a rock. The beach is busy but I understand why. Feels secluded, yet easy to reach. After two swims and a bit of dolce far niente, I continue. Nothing too exciting to write about the last couple of kilometers. As I walk through Scalea, I do resupply. Resupply in Italy, always a pain. Somehow I find the stores so confusing. It takes me ages to find what I need.
Luckily, I have plenty of time and arrive at Lao Campground just after 17:00. It's just me. No other camper. And it's Saturday evening. Oh well, I don't mind. No need to be quiet tomorrow morning.
The waves are big, swimming not really possible. It's a wild but wonderful beach, reminding me of one of the many New Zealand west coast beaches. So I enjoy my quiet evening, just enjoying the atmosphere.
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Fredy Koster (Saturday, 17 June 2023 20:21)
Hiking Marocco after the E1. And then..... maybe to Cape of Good Hope:)
But before enjoying la grande Italia.
That's a beautiful sunset.
Good night and take care..
Rob (Sunday, 18 June 2023 00:39)
Tenā koe Sandro. Wonderful update. Lovely photos as usual.
Be careful with snakes seeking shade when it's really hot.
I am reminded with visiting the ancient ruins of Corinth (Greece) and sitting on a fallen pillar taking a break to eat some Pita, olive oil, and drink water. I didn't realise what a group of Germans were yelling and pointing at me. I thought they were telling me off, so I got off the pillar (wearing Greek sandals) and started to walk away. They continued yelling and pointing - this time with more desperation and pointing at the ground. I had been sitting right above a resting snake that was in the shade. As soon as I saw it - I RAN!!! I must've done a 100m in 5 seconds flat! Needless to say my reaction caused a raucous round of laughter with the other tourists.
So, be careful with snakes and the shade!