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Ha det bra! Moi moi! Hej då! Hej hej! Tschüss! Ciao!

Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. 7 Countries. More than 8000 kilometres, 219 days, 4 summers (and 1 winter).

E1 in a nutshell.

 

From the Far North to the Deep South. From the tundra in Finnmark to the steppe like landscape on Sicily. Through the vast Swedish forests, never ending corn fields in Germany, across the Alps and into the unknown, rugged Apennine and along coasts up north and down south. A trail scattered with milestones. Completing the Scandinavian peninsula, spotting the Alps, while still deep in the black forest, arriving home, seeing the Mediterranean near Genova and many more.

 

What a ride it has been. I have no idea, where I should start with the summary of my E1 adventure. I'm not even sure if I should call it E1 or simply my hike across Europe. While I was following E1 for most of the 7 months, I created my own hike here and there. Namely in the southern part of Sweden, Denmark and then again in Campania and Calabria. Up north because I was enjoying my hike so much and wanted to add some more regions, down south because E1 was either not defined or I didn't want to risk getting stuck in overgrown or non-existing tracks. A completely differing, everchanging hiking experience as I make my way south.

 

I still remember my first day on E1 like it was yesterday. Fog, briefly lifting, letting the sun through, creating a mystical atmosphere, as I leave Nordkapp at three in the morning. Embarking into a new adventure. Little would I know how unforgettable it is going to be,

 

Norway is wild. Sparse. With long stretches where neither paths nor markings are existing. Mosquitoes, snow, river crossings the unforgivable weather add to the challenge. So does the solitude. Long stretches in between civilization. Food for 300 kilometres leads to a heavy backpack. Yet, I love my time up there. Each and every day. Days, which are long. Never-ending. Walking in the midnight sun is an unforgettable experience.

 

As I enter the Sweden with its forest, the hiking changes. The trees give me the comforting feeling of being sheltered. Yet, they have a confining effect. I miss the views. However, basically every day a vindskydd (a shelter) is awaiting me. Generally, idyllically nestled to a lake. Surprisingly, I have them for myself. Many evenings, I spend swimming in these lakes, before warming myself up in front of the campfire. A wonderful ending of a hiking day. More often than not, these evenings where the highlight of my day. Even when I hit the coast in Skane, leaving the forest behind. If there is something like thru-hiking romance that's probably as close as I ever get. I feel light-hearted. Happy. I am hiking and living in the here and now, An unforgettable feeling. After exactly 100 days, I reach Sweden's southernmost point, completing the Scandinavian peninsula.

What follows next is Denmark. In November. A good idea? Well, until today I am not sure. Yes, it is cold, windy, wet. And dark. The days are short, many hours I walk in the darkness. Nevertheless, walking the deserted beaches and huge dunes, hardly able to withstand the wind, passing through towns with their Christmas decoration, spending the evenings in the vindskydds, reading my book by candlelight, trying to stay warm, gives my time in Denmark a special touch. An experience I have not had before.

The following summer, it's time to leave Scandinavia. Germany is calling. Honestly, I do not have high expectations. Lots of forest, flat terrain, cocky Germans. Things I thought would be awaiting me hiking Germany.

As a result, I don't feel overly enthusiastic when I resume my hike in Flensburg on a wet and cold spring day. But my not too optimistic mindset is helping me to be positively surprised more easily. By the trail, the scenery and by the people. In fact, I very much enjoy my hike across Germany. 

Yes, the terrain is flat for most of the first three weeks. A hill of more than 200 meters is the exception. A highlight even. Yet, the walk from Eckernförde to Kiel along the Ostsee is one to remember. Wonderful late spring weather, along a beautiful, deserted stretch of rugged coastline

 

The lakes disappear, the temperatures are getting higher as I make my way south. The heat. A new phenomenon on E1. Something to get used to. Walking E1 in Germany is fairly civilized. Plenty of resupply points, plenty of ice cream. I am surprised by the German's hospitability. More often than not I can camp in people’s backyard or even in their homes. They offer me food and plenty of beer. Not a single night I spend on a campground or in a hostel or hotel, And I must admit, once I cross the border into Switzerland, I feel a bit guilty. Germany has proven me wrong. In hindsight, Germany has been a refreshing hiking experience.

 

The next 250 kilometres across Switzerland are so different to Germany. First and foremost, they are on home Turf, then the terrain:  mountainous with lakes every couple of kilometres. The way I like it.  Furthermore, there's the great company of Fredy and the wonderful surprise of meeting Klaus and Gisela. This all adds to a lovely 10 days in Switzerland. Yet, I am happy to reach the Italian border. My feet feel tired and the hot weather too, has left its marks.

 

After a well-needed break, I tackle Italy a couple of weeks later. Resuming E1 in Porto Ceresio. From the very beginning, it is somewhat of a struggle. The three-week break is too short to fully recover from the previous stint across Germany and Switzerland, yet long enough to throw me out of my thru-hiking rhythm. Additionally, the first week, leading me across the Po flat, is mentally demanding: flat out boring through a desolate landscape with the odd dirty, smelly village thrown in between. Dogs keep barking at me. For most of the time, hiking trails are often non-existent and thus plenty of the first 250 kilometres on asphalt. The cycle tracks along the Ticino River are okay while the stretches on roads are, thanks to the terrible Italian drivers, not a lot of fun.

Things change dramatically once I enter the Ligurian Mountains, where proper, well-marked hiking trails are popping up. With the clearer air and the higher altitude, the views are getting better with every day. When I spot the Mediterranean, I must shed a tear of joy as I start to realize how far I have come on my E1 adventure. Mentally, this helps me a lot. And I need this extra motivation as the trail is getting physically demanding as I head into the Apennine. Lots of ups and downs, sometimes on technically demanding trails. Never dangerous or extremely exposed though. E1 becomes surprisingly remote at times, meaning my backpack is generally rather heavy with food for up to six days and plenty of water. However, my effort is rewarded with spectacular ridge walks, breathtaking views and lovely camping spots (while officially not allowed) wild camping in Italy is absolutely doable. Especially in the Ligurian Mountains and the Apennine I never struggle to find a spot). It's exquisite hiking and one of the best so far on E1. After pausing near Firenze for the winter, I continue in 2023, where I have left the trail a couple of months earlier.

I am mentally fighting with myself, making my hike harder than it should be. Around the earthquake destroyed area of Amatrice, I reach a personal low. Never in my thru-hiking career did I struggle with myself so much. I am close to giving up. I'm glad for all the support I receive from home and overseas. It helps me to change my attitude, accept certain things the way they are, even see the good things in them. Like the rain. 

Italy is a long country. Walking down its spine seems never ending. Until I hit the coast.

Different walking. No more rain. Sunny and hot. Very hot. Mostly enjoyable walking. Having the deep blue sea to my right, always available for a swim, gives me good feeling. It feels like I am flying down the boot and across Sicily towards Italy's southernmost point and southern terminus of E1.

 

Of all countries hiked, Italy is by far the most challenging. Physically, with the heat and the mountainous terrain until reaching the coast but especially mentally. 

 

 

To cut a long story short:

On E1 in Norway, the trail, the journey is my destination. The spectacular, mountainous scenery, the solitude, the remoteness, the untouched nature, the hospitality of its people is simply unbeatable. But also extremely challenging is adding to the positive experience. 

 

In Sweden, after hiking through forest most of the time, the amazing shelters or vindskydd (as they call them), which were usually nestled close to pristine lakes and provided firewood and comfortable sleeping possibilities, were undoubtedly the highlight, my destination of the day. Germany was, what I would consider, comfort hiking. A country able to really surprise me. In a good way. Getting close to Switzerland, home, was the driving factor for most across Germany. Switzerland, well, that is home. Unique, different. Not much to add. Then Italy with its ups and downs in so many ways. Being so far into my adventure there is really no turning back or giving up. My motivation. So I continue. And knock the bastard off.

 

It's only on my way home, cruising just below the speed of sound at 30'000 feet, looking down at Italy and areas I have been walking, when I fully realize how far I have come. What I have achieved. It gives me the comforting feeling of fulfilment. At this very moment I feel complete. Happy to have decided to tackle and finish E1.

 

So what now? Honestly, I don't know. Scandinavia maybe. Probably. At least I don't have another big adventure lined up. For the time being I simply enjoy reminiscing.

4 Comments

Section 4 - Midlle and South Italy. Some thoughts.

I knocked the bastard off. And a bastard it was for sure - this last stretch of E1. 

But I will come back to that a bit later.


Mid-June, I prepare myself for Italy, where heavy rainfall is causing death and destruction. The weather settles just as I continue my journey on Passo della Giogo. A good start. Dry, not too hot, not too cold a good track.

Things quickly get a bit more challenging with overgrown tracks, ticks and afternoon  thunderstorms. Some fabulous stretches, like one a bit northeast of Perugia, the area around Castelluccio or the Abruzzo mountains are able to keep my hiking spirit from plunging. Stretches which by far exceed my expectations. Also the endless beech forestes are a pleasure. Overall I am mentally fighting with myself, making my hike harder than it should be. Around the earthquake destroyed area of Amatrice, I reach a personal low. Never in my thru-hiking career did I struggle with myself so much. I am close to giving up. I'm glad for all the support I receive from home and overseas. It helps me to change my attitude, accept certain things the way they are, even see the good things in them. Like the rain. 

So I carry on. However, shortly afterwards I start to realize: the route I have planed to hike across Campana and Calabria (along Sentiero Italia) is out of my league at this time. Too long, too many vertical meters, the uncertainty if the tracks are walkable.

In my head, I am mulling different option. The most appealing and realistic one is simply follow the coast from Salerno the Villa San Giovanni. The ferry terminal for Sicily. Yes, it would involve a lot of road walk. But by then I am tired of missing markers and getting lost, so I opt for the coast. With the beach calling, I can gain new momentum and I have some great hiking days.

Nevertheless, I then extremely spontaneously decide to take a couple of days off anyway. Head home, leaving the trail in Sulmoma. Waiting for the weather to improve, plan my new route.

Is it the right decision to take a break? Or should I have used the momentum. On the train home, I question my own decision keep on doing so during my 6 days off trail. What I can certainly say is that they help me to sort my thoughts and hit the trail well motivated and mentally recharged. A different hiking experience. Like in the good old days. And after a few days inland (where I also meet Umberto, who, with his amazing hospitality boosts my hiking spirit and therefore adds a lot to my achievement!) I hit the coast. Different walking. No more rain. Sunny and hot. Mostly enjoyable walking. Having the deep blue sea to my right, always available for a swim, gives me good feeling.


And following a flat, fairly straight route, obviously is flushing my down the boot towards the end of the mainland, compared to the inland route. Together with the lovely company of my friend and future TA, Maria, I tackle Sicily. Leaving the coast, leaving the road. Yet another completely different hiking experience. Remote, wild, hilly. And a volcano. No more water to cool down makes walking in the heat challenging. People I talk to think that I have lost my mind walking in this heat. With my goal so close, I am able to ignore it. Push all the was to Italy's southernmost point. Yet enjoying every day. Completing Italy, completing E1. 


Of all countries hiked, Italy has been by far the most challenging. Not just this year but also last year. Physically, with the heat and the mountainous terrain until reaching the coast but especially mentally. 

Many hours have I thought about it. Trying  to figure the 'why'. Why the mental strugge? Is it the 'walking away from home', the difficulty to connect with the locals, the barely existing hiking culture? Or not knowing if the tracks I walk on are really existing. The uncertainty. The missing identy of E1 in the middle and south of Italy. Maybe a combination. Maybe also the fact that E1 has been consuming me a lot for the past 4 years and I am somewhat tired. 8000 kilometers is a big number to walk. 


Anyway. I made it. I knocked the bastard off. In the end much faster than I anticipated. Better this way than the other way round. 

As I am typing this, I am sitting on a pebbly beach near Taormina, still on Sicily. Enjoying Pizza and Ice Cream. Feeling fulfilled. Proud. And despite all the challenges, I don't regret hiking it a single bit. 

My flight back is on July  4th. Maybe by then, or when I look down from the aircraft, I will have fully realized what I have achieved. 


I already mentioned my gratefulness for the support I received from family back home and friends overseas. Namely Fredy, George and Rob. Also a big thanks goes to Pierangelo from Bernate Ticino and Umberto from Bologna. Your hospitality meant so much to me. And last but not least Maria, who joined me for a couple of days, enduring me and my stubbornness. She is still recovering from her blisters. I hope you can keep your toenails and also hope you could gain some experience for Te Araroa. 


So that was Italy. Most probably, I will also write a quick summary about my whole E1 experience in one last (I promise) blog entry. Stay tuned. 



Erecting a small cairn to honor the end of my E1.
Erecting a small cairn to honor the end of my E1.
Time to leave. Heading north.
Time to leave. Heading north.
Syracuse
Syracuse
The view from my hostel in Taormina Giardin
The view from my hostel in Taormina Giardin
Enjoy the Dolce far Niente
Enjoy the Dolce far Niente
7 Comments

Day 219: The Last One!

San Lorenzo to Isola della Correnti

Distance: 20km


I take a slow start into, what I hope would be, my last day. I watch the sunrise, go for an early morning swim, before continuing following the coast along beaches and rocks. A pleasant start. In Marzamemi I stop for a Cappuccino and some chocolate bread. It's hazy. A strong contrast with the deep blue see. Eventually, I go for another swim before reaching Capo Passero, the last town before the end. It is also where I have to walk back tomorrow to catch a northbound bus. Destination unknown. I still have to figure that one out. Not now.


After a resupply I am tackling the last six or so kilometers. Initially along the road, then the beach. After a so far surprisingly unemotional day, the emotions hit me once the Statua del Cristo Redentore, the southern terminus of E1 comes in sight. Spontaneously, I have to think of my first day on E1. I remember it like it was yesterday. 

The beach is packed. A causeway takes me to the statue and a plaque, indicating the terminus of Sentiero Italia (which strangely doesn't go here, but it gives a nice touch anyway).

People are surrounding the statue, taking photos of the "punta più a sud d'Italia" - -engravement. Italy's southernmost point. I walk right past the statue, taking a seat on a grassy spot. I can't hold back a tear or two - torn between "happy I made it" and a bit overwhelmed of the big void. E1 has been consuming me for the past couple of years and suddenly it's over. They are the same feelings I have had after Te Araroa. Feelings I guess many thru-hikers can relate to. 


While sitting there, I notice Isola della Correnti, the island of the currents right in front of me. People are crossing the water. Since two of my trusted followers put some very gentle pressure on me to finish my hike on the island, I put my phone and tracker in a dry bag and head for the sea. Leaving my pack behind on the last few steps feels awfully wrong but observing the people crossing, it would be a terrible idea crossing it with my pack. Crossing the 100 meters of sea is straight forward. Yet, I am in the water up to my throat. Once across, I head straight for the southernmost point. That's definitely it. In fact, I'm on a more southerly latitude than Tunis, Africa. Crazy! 

So until here and no further. I go for a swim. Right where the Ionian and the Mediterranean Sea meet. It's rocky, the waves are throwing me around but it feels amazing. 


I don't hang around too long. It might sound weird but I feel a bit sorry for my pack, left behind on the other side. So I cross back. Back to the statue, where I just sit for another hour or so until it's getting a bit warm. I head to Camping Captain. Located just a few steps away. I check in, pitch my tent in the shade. All the emotions made me feel a bit exhausted. The right moment for a siesta. Now that I finished my hike, I can do that without any urge to carry on. 

Somehow, it feels like someone pulled the plug and all the air is out. I guess it's the combination of the relieve to have arrived and the last couple of long days. Doesn't matter. Until I fly home on July, 4th, I take it easy. Plenty of swimming, maybe a bit of running. Time to process what I have just achieved. 


I'll end the blog entry for today at this time. By the end of the week I'll try to write a summary of E1 in Italy and the whole thing. So stay tuned! 


What a start into my last day
What a start into my last day
Following the sea
Following the sea
Marzamemi
Marzamemi
Time for a swim in the clear water
Time for a swim in the clear water
Approaching Capo Passero
Approaching Capo Passero
34 degrees Celsius. And it's not yet 10:00.
34 degrees Celsius. And it's not yet 10:00.
Isola de Correnti
Isola de Correnti
Done!
Done!
Done and dusted!
Done and dusted!
From the far north to the deep south
From the far north to the deep south
4 Comments

Day 218: Saved By A Naked Dutchy

Pantalica Solarino to San Lorenzo

Distance: 50km


Most probably my second to last day. Mentally it has never been an easy day. Lots of things going through my head. But then again, the beach is calling and that will boost my motivation for sure.


The day starts with 25 kilometers of road walk. Not much to say about that. It's still dark when I encounter a pack of wild dogs on the road. Before hiking in Italy, it would have freak me out but after so many experiences, I just 'shhhhh' them away.

Without taking off my backback, I cover the 25 kilometers in one go and only stop at the first beach for a swim. Gosh, it feels great. Azzurro water, extremely clear. 


From then it's partly beach, partly road. The hike only gets interesting, once I enter

Riserva naturale orientata Oasi Faunistica di Vendicari. Following the official E1 (no markings though), I have to climb over walls and fences. On my left side, the cliff steeply drops into the sea. Eventually, I have to find my way down as well. To steep to descend with my backpack, I have to throw that poor thing down first, me climbing down behind.

I follow a beach and then another one. That's where the naked Dutchy comes into play. Because I stand in front of a estuary, with no plan where to cross. On satellite images it looked harmless enough. In reality not so much. The Dutchman sees me cluelessly standing there at the nudist beach. In German he explains that he has observed several other people crossing from that tree to that small pole than to the big pole, where it will get more than waist deep. So I'd have to hold my pack above my head. Wow, what a description and super accurate. I do a "dry" run without pack and it's exactly as described. So I put everything into drybags and tackle the crossing. Somehow funny that on my second to last day I have my deepest river crossing on E1 and possible of my whole thru-hiking career. 


From then on, walking gets easier and I have time to enjoy the lovely coastal walk. Being a nature reserve and due to turtles laying eggs there, access to the beach is heavily restricted. I was planning on camping there but no chance. So I keep on going, leaving the reserve. Once the next town is only a few hundred meters away, I finally spot a promising looking place. I am waiting until shortly before sunset before pitching my tent. Just to be save. Not that I expect any troubles. 

Some people are passing by, all friendly smiles. 


Having walked further than planned leaves me with a rather short day tomorrow. No need to hurry. I'll enjoy sunrise, go for a coffee into town before tackling the last few kilometers to Sicily's southernmost point. 


One horse and lots of cars in the morning
One horse and lots of cars in the morning
Getting close to the sea, leaving the mountains behind
Getting close to the sea, leaving the mountains behind
These colors!
These colors!
The rather interesting flag of Sicily
The rather interesting flag of Sicily
Climbing fences...
Climbing fences...
... crossing rivers
... crossing rivers
Finally time to enjoy the views
Finally time to enjoy the views
Another hot day
Another hot day
Cooling down every now and then
Cooling down every now and then
Prime location
Prime location
3 Comments

Day 217: Rubber Melting Hot

Catania to Pantalica Solarino

Distance: 60km


Walking through a big city at 03:30 in the morning gives me a somewhat uneasy feeling. Night owls are still roaming the streets but besides a hooker asking for a cigarette, it's an uneventful walk. An hour later I hit the beach. Dawn is approaching and looking back at Catania with Etna majestically rising behind is simply spectacular. I go for a quick swim before joining a long road walk along a state highway taking me inland. While the shoulders are surprisingly wide, rubbish and the stark smell of rubbish make it slightly unpleasant. The roads are getting quieter and cleaner, the views of the dry, sparse landscape much better. It's actually a very lovely walk in the heat. I can cope with it just fine. Better than the soles of my sandals for sure, which get really soft. As a result, gravel on the road easily penetrates the soft rubber. Every now and then I need to scratch the gravel out of the rubber. They are in a good shape anymore. Fingers crossed they will last another two days 


Walking is a breeze and before I know I arrive in Sortino. Remote and authentic. I like the village. After a second Gelato, I am descending into a valley. Orange and lime trees left and right. It's like diving into another world. Much greener and cooler. By this time, I already have 55 kilometers in my leg and I start feeling tired. Time to look for a spot to camp. I knew it wouldn't be easy so I marked some spots on the map yesterday (thank you Google Street View). With that and a bit of improvising I find a suitable spot amids orange trees. Super tired but super happy after a unexpectedly nice day.


Catania at night
Catania at night
Etna looking spectacular during dawn
Etna looking spectacular during dawn
Complete change in scenery
Complete change in scenery
Hot and dry
Hot and dry
Time for Gelato
Time for Gelato
Sortino
Sortino
Peeking at the sea through the cactus
Peeking at the sea through the cactus
Greener again
Greener again
My poor sandals after a day on hot roads
My poor sandals after a day on hot roads
Amidst orange trees
Amidst orange trees
3 Comments

Day 216: 1 Day, 2 Worlds

Bivacco Poggio to Catania

Distance: 35km


Once the sun went down, so did the temperature. In fact, I was lighting a small fire.


The temperatures dropped even more overnight. I am surprised how far they dropped when I go out to do my morning business.

My hands and toes feel cold as I continue my halfway round the mountain track. Yet, the views of Etna and the now flatter landscape around are magnificent and make me forget the cold. It feels like it's just me, the volcano and some birds. A very tranquil atmosphere. 


It takes a while until the sun appears from behind the mountain. For once, some warmth is highly appreciated. By then I am already nearing Nicolosi. From there, the hiking experience changes drastically. Busy roads, terrible drivers, drivers throwing garbage out of their window right in front of me and as I descend hot and humid conditions. Without taking a break a push on towards Catania, where I have booked a hotel. The last couple of days have been long and I need some time to plan my last days on the trail.


At exactly 15:00 I arrive at my hotel. Super small room but the view of Catania and the sea from the 16th floor easily compensate for that.

After spending the last 3 hours on busy roads all I need is a bit of rest to wind down. Then it's time for planning upcoming days. 3 maybe 4 more days hiking. I sure am getting close.


Then it's time for some sightseeing. I ask Google what to see. Nothing in particular is standing out. So I just head out, strolling around the busy streets. After a while I have enough of the hustle and bustle, buy some cheese and ice cream and head back to my room, where I have my dinner for one, enjoying the fabulous view. 

Etna in the early morning
Etna in the early morning
One last look back before the peak is fully engulfed by clouds
One last look back before the peak is fully engulfed by clouds
Looking towards Catania
Looking towards Catania
Preparing myself for the city
Preparing myself for the city
The view from my room on the 16th floor
The view from my room on the 16th floor
2 Comments

Day 215: Back Solo

Torrente Zavianni to Bivacco Poggio

Distance: 50km


A quiet night on the river and a good sleep. The highlight: Elon Musks satellites forming a long glittering chain on the sky. First time I see them!


Once more we start early, following the river bed to Villafranca, where it is time to say goodbye to Maria. She is heading home to Switzerland from here. Since I am not good at goodbyes, it's quite an emotional affair. As a hard core solo hiker, the last days have been challenging. However, I very much enjoyed the experience and the great company of Maria. Thank you joining me!


I leave her at the bus station. I want to have a closer look at Etna, so I start climbing its northern slope. Not all the way but up to 1900 meters. The beginning of the climb is tough and somehow I manage to get lost, adding some kilometers. Initially, there's a road and a hiking trail. The former seems to be popular with motor bikers. They use the road as their race track, making the road super dangerous to walk. So I opt for the hiking trail. As I get closer to a refugio where I turn east and the road turns west, I spot a biker lying on his back besides the road. He must have hugged the wall. It's not looking good. His buddies are there. Still, I offer my help, which they decline. So I continue, leaving the road and follow the Pista Alto Montana. A wide, sandy and gravelly road leading through forest and lava fields. Super nice to walk, super busy in the beginning. I share it with hikers, bikers and even a Lama trekking group. As I carry on, the track gets more quiet. Clouds were rolling in during the day, engulfing the top of Etna. Yet, the views down the valley are lovely.


At Bivacco Poggio, I decide to call it a day. The cute little two-bunk hut will be my home for tonight. Being at 1900 meters I expect it to be a pleasantly cool night with hopefully another good night sleep. 

Maria following the river bed of Torrente Zavianni
Maria following the river bed of Torrente Zavianni
Breakfast
Breakfast
Castiglione
Castiglione
Etna is in sight
Etna is in sight
Lama trekking
Lama trekking
Lava fields
Lava fields
More of them
More of them
Fantastic tracks
Fantastic tracks
Bivacco Poggio with Etna smoking quietly in the background
Bivacco Poggio with Etna smoking quietly in the background
0 Comments

Day 214: One Step In Front Of The Other

Acqua Menta to Torrente Zavianni 

Distance: 25km


Overnighting at 1000 meters above sea level meant considerably lower temperatures and therefore a rather good sleep.


Overall it's similar hiking to yesterday. 4WD tracks and initially great views which eventually disappear completely as low clouds are rolling in from the west. Luckily though I manage to catch a glimpse of the Etna volcano, with what seems to be a bit of snow and smoke at the top. But it's barely visible and I can't make out the detail. Hopefully, the weather will improve a bit until tomorrow.


At least the clouds mean pleasant hiking temperatures. While it's humid, it's not particularly hot. Since Maria is still fighting with her blisters, progress is slow. It's interesting that a slower hiking pace is actually pretty tough on my body. I certainly wasn't expecting that.


Anyway, in proper thru-hiking style, Maria keeps putting one foot in front of the other and so we get closer to Torrente Zavianni, our today's goal (deviating a bit from E1 which makes a detour inland). I try keep her hiking spirit up. 

During the last descent, the weather improves drastically, opening great views of the volcano again, which has gotten much closer since the morning. But not only the volcano but also the wide, dry riverbed of Torrente Zavianni far below looks interesting and I am looking forward to following it.


It takes a while to kill the 600 vertical meters. I don't mind as there is more time to enjoy the view. 


We make it to the river just before 18:30. Well, it's more of a stream. Easily crossed. On the other side, we quickly find a place to pitch the tent. Not perfect but for Maria it's been enough hiking.


I'm quite proud of her achievement. The temperatures, the tough pebble beach walk earlier this week and continuing despite hurting toes. Tomorrow, she will head back to Switzerland. I really hope the time on E1 helped for her Te Araroa preparation. 

Morning clouds
Morning clouds
Nice views along the way
Nice views along the way
Some more views
Some more views
Maria in front of the Etna
Maria in front of the Etna
My hands vs proper hands of someone that is hand milking several dozen sheep and goats twice a day
My hands vs proper hands of someone that is hand milking several dozen sheep and goats twice a day
Torrente Zavianni
Torrente Zavianni
At least my feet look somewhat masculine
At least my feet look somewhat masculine
River view tonight
River view tonight
3 Comments

Day 213: Off The Beaten Track

Torre Faro to Acqua Menta

Distance: 45km


I have never been to Africa. But somehow it feels like Africa when I take my first steps on Sicilian soil. Beige sky, hazy. Sand must be in the air. The sun barely able to shine through. And it's hot. Very hot already as I walk back towards Messina, where I took the bus earlier this morning to Torre Faro. Yes I know, thru-hikers do weird stuff. But it's what E1 wants us hikers to walk.


After a long day yesterday and a short night, I feel a bit exhausted. Especially in combination with the heat. A quick swim fixes the problem and I feel like a new person. Eventually, I leave the coast near Messina and head up into the hills, where I meet Maria, who took the bus.

From there, the walk gets extremely pretty. Initially on a tar-sealed road then on more or less rough 4WD tracks with phenomenal views left and right and some proper hiking track in the end. It's hazy but clear enough to see the mainland. 


The trail stays in between 800 and 1000 meters above sea level. Not too much up and down which is especially appreciated by Maria. While it is hot it's also windy, actually making it not too unpleasant to walk. At least for me. I don't think Maria would agree :D


So Ww take it easy, leaving enough time for breaks. 

Water supply is challenging. Luckily  just an hour before pitching our tent, we find Aqua Lima - a fountain. Without this one, I fear we would have run into problems tomorrow. It's already 18:00 but we (Maria ;) decide to carry on. While that last bit on a hiking trail offers more spectacular views it's also slow going. With no suitable camping spot, we walk and walk and walk. Then, just when the sun is about to set, we reach a gravel road and some great camping spot. A long, but fulfilling day. And obviously I am very happy to see Maria up and running again. 


First day in Sicily complete. While I was initially a bit worried about the heat, it wasn't as bad as I thought. And then there were the views, an absolute highlight. I am now really looking forward to hiking across the island in the coming days. 


Saying goodbye to the mainland
Saying goodbye to the mainland
Torre Faro
Torre Faro
Urban hiking
Urban hiking
Wonderful scenery as we leave Messina
Wonderful scenery as we leave Messina
Good vibes
Good vibes
Looking westwards
Looking westwards
Finally some markings again. But not E1 markings.
Finally some markings again. But not E1 markings.
Approaching the end of the day
Approaching the end of the day
Good night
Good night
2 Comments

Day 212: Teamwork

Mimosa Campground to Villa San Giovanni (Sicily Ferry Terminal) 

Distance: 60km


While eating tomato and cheese wraps at the beach, watching the sunset, we decided that a Zero Day for Maria would be the most sensible thing. No sense in making things worse by road walking the whole day. 


I leavy early today. Very early. With the heat wave in full swing and temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius, I am on the trail before 04:00 to have at least a few hours with pleasant temperatures. And I want to make it to the Ferry Terminal today - finishing mainland Europe. 


The gate of the campground is locked, so I am forced to leave it via the backdoor and onto the beach, which I follow for a couple of hundred meters. Two dogs roaming around the beach in the dark scare me. After that encounter, I am definitely awake. Eventually, I rejoin the road, walk past a village and a port. As it is getting brighter I can see all the shipping containers. MSC, HamburgSüd, Maersk,... One of the few constant things on my hike. Since south Sweden, I spot them on ports and highways. 

The air smells of sewage and burned rubber. A terrible combination and something I don't need in the early morning. Until late morning, the walk is fairly underwhelming. Depressing at times,  as I make my way through dirty cities and villages. Things improve once I get closer to Bagnara. The views are excellent, in fact I can clearly make out Torre Faro, a decommissioned tall high voltage power line pylon, on Sicily, the trail head of E1 in Italy. 


The Strada Stato 18, the road I have been following on and off since Salerno is not overly busy. Fruitstands left and right of the road give it a somehow non-European feeling. 


Maria is waiting for me in Bagnara where we swim in Crystal clear water. Surrounded by high hills it feels amazing. While I am continuing my walk, Maria is planning. Arranging the ferry crossing, booking accommodation. It's wonderful having someone taking care of background. Thank you! 


After another quick rendezvous in Scilly, I walk the final 10 kilometers to the ferry terminal, my end point of mainland Europe. 

Literally 10 meters before reaching the terminal, I stand in front of a fence. I must have myself navigated into a dead end. I squeeze through somehow. It's a somewhat typical ending of my hike across mainland Italy. 


The arrival is far less emotional than I thought it to be. Maybe it's the crowded, dirty location. Maybe the fact there's still some stuff to do. Mainly resupply. Which is not easy. Once more, shops on the map do not exist, a walk through the messy city of Villa San Giovanni unavoidable. Not exactly what I need after 60 kilometers of hiking. I meet Maria in the shopping center. I feel a bit sorry for her, as she has to deal with my temporary frustration. She tries her best to keep my hiking spirits up. It helps and once we board the vessel the earlier struggles are slowly forgotten. 


The sail across the straight is amazing. Heading straight for the sun, which is setting behind the mountain range I would be walking tomorrow.





For once not a nice sunrise photo but the reality. A common sight for the last 10 or so days.
For once not a nice sunrise photo but the reality. A common sight for the last 10 or so days.
The view I prefer sharing like this one of the Costa Viola.
The view I prefer sharing like this one of the Costa Viola.
Fruit stand along the way
Fruit stand along the way
Crystal clear water
Crystal clear water
The picturesque village of Scilly
The picturesque village of Scilly
Ice cream time
Ice cream time
A look back
A look back
On the ferry. A bit annoyed but generally happy to have finished the mainland.
On the ferry. A bit annoyed but generally happy to have finished the mainland.
Smooth sailing into the sunset. Sicily: here I come!
Smooth sailing into the sunset. Sicily: here I come!
2 Comments

Day 211: Sicily Calling

Vibo Valentia to Mimosa Campground

Distance: 35km


The long day yesterday left some marks on Maria's feet. Not the beach walk but on the last 10 kilometers on the road she caught some blisters.


So we take it slow today as we leave Vibo Valentia. The surrounding of first few kilometers to a place called Aeroporto looks rather depressing with many buildings that were never completely finished. A landscape of concrete skeletons.


The scenery improves as we follow a quiet, windy road towards Nicotera. People are greeting us. I can imagine not many tourists, especially hikers, find themselves in this area, located a few kilometers inland. While walking the road and coming around a corner, we notice that the hills of Sicily are visible through the hazy air. An extremely emotional moment for me. A moment I have been waiting for a long time.


Every now and then we stop so Maria can treat her blisters. In Nicotera we treat ourselves with an ice cream. While eating it and admiring the scenery two South Tyrolean cycles that we briefly met on Falerna campground two days before, come around the corner. Super friendly people who are cycling the length of Italy. We have a nice chat and then they carry on. Their goal today: Sicily! But they don't get far. A couple of hundred meters later, they surprise us with a few beers. How cool is that! 


Some more interesting talk follows. They sure are enjoying their retirement. 


It's then definitely time to say goodbye. We carry on down to the beach, walk in the pine forest behind it all the way to the campground. A big one. Certainly the biggest I stayed so far in Italy. With a swimming pool, bar and restaurant, it brings back childhood memories from our camping holidays on Italy's east coast. 


As I am writing this, I am sitting in a comfy beach chair, looking at Maria swimming in the sea. The sea breeze keeping me cool. A great feeling after a day in southern Italy's summer heat. 


A common sight in the morning
A common sight in the morning
Nicotera
Nicotera
The view down the coast with Sicily visible on the horizon
The view down the coast with Sicily visible on the horizon
Beer break with the South Tyroleans
Beer break with the South Tyroleans
On the way down to the beach
On the way down to the beach
Sunset over Stromboli
Sunset over Stromboli
1 Comments

Day 210: Hardcore Beach Walking

Falerna to Vibo Valentia

Distance: 40km


A leisurely stroll along the beach. That's what I am hoping our day to be like when we leave Falerna. 


Well, it starts quite okay but eventually the  sandy beach turns into a gravelly then into a pebbly one. Initially, we are able to walk along promenades and the road. However, due to the lack of alternatives once past the Lamnezia Airport (which was surprisingly busy and which I like of course), it is 10 kilometers of tough going in the mid-day heat. Luckily the water keeps us cool and for the last 5 kilometers, going gets easier again. Otherwise, I don't think we would have made it. 


The struggle of walking the beach are quickly forgotten once we enjoy a delicious Tortufo Ice Cream in the Tortufo capital of Pizzo. After a final climb to Vibo Valentia we decide to take a B&B for the night. With unpacking and showering complete, we had out at 20:30 and head straight to the closest pizzeria. Way too late for dining for me as a Swiss but hey, we are in Italy and do it Italian style. 


It's a fantastic pizza  that we enjoy and a great way to end a challenging day. Out there on the balcony on a warm summer evening. 


I am super proud of Maria. The day with the beach walk was much harder than I expected. Yet, she did amazing. I told her, that 90 Miles Beach is a piece of cake compared to what we have done today. 

Hopefully, she won't be to exhausted tomorrow. 





Morning on the beach
Morning on the beach
When water and sky are melting together
When water and sky are melting together
Interesting river crossing
Interesting river crossing
Treating ourselves to an ice cream
Treating ourselves to an ice cream
And Tortufo Ice Cream
And Tortufo Ice Cream
Leaving Pizzo
Leaving Pizzo
Delicious Calabrese Pizza to end the day with
Delicious Calabrese Pizza to end the day with
1 Comments

Day 209: The Beach It Is Again

Paola to Falerna

Distance: 45km


As I was lying in my tent last evening, my tent was vibrating with every train passing through. I was thinking "oh no, that is going to be an uncomfortable night"


However, 10 minutes later I was fast asleep and remained so until nearly 04:00. Wake-up time anyway.


With my headlamp on, I pass through the tiny tunnel and hit the promenade. I follow it and also walk on the beach for a couple of kilometers before going inland. The beach is too soft to cover longer distances and with no more promenade, I take a back road to Amantea. I planning on doing resupply. I pass several big stores but want to do the shopping at the last store. Mistake. Google Maps is inaccurate and there's nothing but a pharmacy. I curse. There's literally no more food in my pack.

So I eat a big ice cream at a Cafe. Keeps me going. And then, after walking past hundreds of fig trees, finally a tree with some ripe figs. I take a couple of them. Jeeps me going again.


Several times I do swim stops. The water is getting clearer the further south I get. Once I get lucky when I spot a secluded spot from the road. Swimming between the rocks in the clear water. Amazing.


I keep on going. Trying my luck once more with beach walking. And finally, the ground gets firmer. A pleasure to walk on.

I'm also happy for Maria, a good friend from the Engadin and future Te Araroa walker, who is joining me for a couple of days. She will have a bit of nice beach to start her hike with.


After finally doing my resupply, I meet Maria at the bus station. Great to see her again! We hit the beach immediately. It's 18:30 already with still a few kilometers to go. Feels great having some company! 


The sand gets softer with every step so we are both happy, when we reach our campground, more or less right in time for sunset, which is once more spectacular. 

Morning fun
Morning fun
The making of
The making of
Ready for the sun bathers
Ready for the sun bathers
Crystal clear
Crystal clear
River crossing under the bridge again
River crossing under the bridge again
Spectacular sunset
Spectacular sunset
3 Comments

Day 208: Beach Hopping

Fiume Lao to Paola

Distance: 55km



A quiet night if it wasn't for a couple of idiots lighting a firework at the beach in the middle of the night. But I fell asleep rather quickly. 


The friendly security guard is already waiting, when I approach the gate. I was told yesterday, he would open it for me.


After some small talk, I am on my way again. I am doing more road walk than I was planning because the gravelly sand is very slow going. So after a kilometer I give up and follow a mix of promenades sidewalks and roads.


In Diamante, I get invited for a coffee by the owner of a Cafe. In return I pose for photo for the Cafe's Facebook page. Seems like I get some local fame :D


In the next village, I stop for some pastries. One of them a chocolate croissant. Nearly bursting because it's stuffed with chocolate. Exactly the way I like it. Unlike these pathetic ones with just a trace of chocolate. 

This one is keeping me full for a while. 


Overall, it's a good day walking. I eventually stop counting my numbers of swimms today. The beaches are so plentiful and accessible, I can't resist. Especially, around lunch time and early afternoon, when the heat is my biggest enemy.


As I try to avoid wild camping in this rather busy area, I Google a campground in Paola. Missing language skills on both ends make check in a challenge. Eventually, it works though. Super basic,but enough

Everything I need (water, electricity and a hot shower). 20 meters from the railway line connecting Calabria with the north. The boulder beach is accessible via a narrow tunnel beneath the tracks. I'm sitting there as I am writing this. Enjoying yet another lovely sundowner.

Morning at the beach
Morning at the beach
Shortly before giving up walking the beach. Very tiring to walk.
Shortly before giving up walking the beach. Very tiring to walk.
A little bit famous
A little bit famous
Leaving Diamante
Leaving Diamante
Delicious pastry
Delicious pastry
Urban hiking. River crossing under the railway bridge.
Urban hiking. River crossing under the railway bridge.
The Mediterranean always in sight
The Mediterranean always in sight
Campsite with the tunnel on the left
Campsite with the tunnel on the left
See you tomorrow!
See you tomorrow!
3 Comments

Day 207: Azzurro

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. 


The view towards Matarea
The view towards Matarea
Looking back towards Sapri
Looking back towards Sapri
Relaxing at the beach
Relaxing at the beach
Going places. Capo Nord. 4701km. A bit more for me.
Going places. Capo Nord. 4701km. A bit more for me.
The one and only
The one and only
New Zealand vibes are the Lao Beach
New Zealand vibes are the Lao Beach
Good night!
Good night!
2 Comments

Day 206: A Long Way I Go Over The Hills And Along The Coast

Torrente Fiumicello to Sapri

Distance: 60km


Finally a night with some decent sleep. Therefore, getting up and starting my hike goes quite easily. It's a clear but extremely humid morning. It feels like you could cut the air with a knife.


Initially, I follow the coast but the big chunk of today's hike is further inland. I follow quiet roads, pass through, what I would consider as very authentic Italian villages. I stop for coffee and ice cream but generally keep moving. Only in Bosco, my favorite town of today, I take some detour. Such a picturesque place with amazing views. It's also where my feet need some attention. Blisters.

I am then descending back to the sea. Walking down here, along busy roads, is not much fun. However, swimming in the sea and the costal views (that remind me of Norway) are well worth it. My body feels excellent. I probably could go on much further. The sun is setting however, and I pitch it where I had intended to (I checked the place out beforehand with Google street view).

I pitch the tent and end a long, fulfilling day with some delicious smoked cheese. 

Morning coastal walk
Morning coastal walk
Inland. Old and new train bridge.
Inland. Old and new train bridge.
Bosco
Bosco
Looking towards Sapri
Looking towards Sapri
And Sapri up close
And Sapri up close
Last kilometer of the day
Last kilometer of the day
Camping with a view
Camping with a view
2 Comments

Day 205: Blue Sky Ahead

Vatolla to Torrente Fiumicello

Distance: 35km


Müesli with melons and apricots, scrambled eggs, bread with homemade marmelade, fruite juice and two capuchino. I take my sweet time today.


After saying goodbye to my wonderful hosts, I hit the trail just after 09:00. The rain has stopped and the sky looks rather friendly as I make my way through picturesque villages along quiet roads. A pleasant walk. Eventually, I am leaving the hills for the coast again. Busier, generally uglier looking. Still, the sea is nice and I go for a quick swim. As the coastline is steep, the road climbs again. According to Google maps it's closed. I am slightly worried because if couldn't walk the road, it would mean a looooong way round. An additional day at least. The road is closed indeed. Big concrete blocks blocking the way. But on foot, easy to navigate through.

Since it's already 18:00, I decide to use this quiet stretch of road to camp. Unfortunately, a heavy rain shower is passing through just before I want to start pitching my tent. I wait. I get soaked. I curse. Such an unlucky timing. However, I am glad I waited. To soil is hard as rock. I am not able to hammer my pegs into the ground and need to improvise. In the end, after hard work and getting bloody fingers, the tent is standing. Nothing more. If there's going to be wind... That won't be fun.


Anyway, for now, I am happy to have found a spot. Not an easy undertaking when following the coast here. And I am also happy and relieved that the weather should finally improve. No more rain, no more thunderstorms. And it should already be like this from tomorrow onwards! Fingers crossed it will really happen! 


Village impressions
Village impressions
Bright sky towards the sea...
Bright sky towards the sea...
... dark sky inland
... dark sky inland
Again... Left dark, right bright. I head left :/
Again... Left dark, right bright. I head left :/
Improvising... Pot and hiking poles do the job.
Improvising... Pot and hiking poles do the job.
3 Comments

Day 204: Hike And Swim

Salerno Camping to Vatolla

Distance: 45km


As the previous night, my sleep is not good at all. I stay awake most of the time. And I can't really figure out why. 


I hit the beach shortly before 05:00. Everything goes well until I want to cross a first river. On the satellite image it looks like a harmless enough crossing. In reality... Not so much. I do a trial run without backpack.  I make it across but I am in the water waist deep. On the way back, I get swept away by the current. It needs quite an effort to swim back ashore. And this all happens before 06:00. What a start into my day. 


Crossing with the backpack is a clear no go. Since the beaches are mostly private, there's no access to the road. I backtrack. A 30 minutes detour. Not what I need. I cross the river via the bridge and rejoin the beach. But only for a wee while. A small port is blocking my way and again no way out. I squeeze under a gate. Rejoin the busy road. Narrow, no side walk. A terrible walk. My hiking spirit reaches a daily low. Not what I expected my beach walk day to be like.


But I don't give up. Rejoin the beach once more. This time it's a wonderful beach walk all the way to Agropoli. Several times, I go for a swim. The beaches slowly but surely become busier. I wonder what people think of me walking the beach with a big backpack. I come to the conclusion they probably think I am just another guy trying to sell fake clothes or watches. Totally fine with me. 


I leave the beach at Agropoli, head inland again. Spontaneously, I decide looking for a dry roof. The weather forecast for tonight and tomorrow morning is getting worse by the minute. I get lucky, find a very affordable bed and breakfast close to the trail. A short backtrack but I am used to that already. 


I arrive 30 minutes after making the reservation. The hosts, a outgoing Austrian couple, welcome me their lovely place with great views. They offer to cook me dinner. I am glad I accepted because it's delicious. After some nice talk and self made liquor, I excuse myself and head to my room. I'll take it slow tomorrow. The last 6 days have been rather long ones and I don't feel like heading out into the rain that early. 


What I imagined my day to be like
What I imagined my day to be like
But it turned out more like this pier. You gotta expect challenges and improvise.
But it turned out more like this pier. You gotta expect challenges and improvise.
E12 sign. So I am not completely off track
E12 sign. So I am not completely off track
The beach is eventually becoming lovely to walk
The beach is eventually becoming lovely to walk
Anti Pasti
Anti Pasti
The view from the B&B back towards the sea
The view from the B&B back towards the sea
2 Comments

Day 203: Getting Wet By Choice

Ospedaletto d'alpinolo to Camping Salerno

Distance: 50km


I wasn't able to find the apparently best chocolate in Italy while strolling around the town yesterday. A shame but life goes on.


After a light sleep I pack and leave my room just before 05:00. As I stumble through the lobby, half asleep, the night portier (yes, I am as surprised as you that there's one) offers me an espresso. What a nice surprise and lovely start into the day.


A hiking day, which begins with walking some quiet back roads through hazelnut plantations. As I learnt yesterday, Nutella is made out of hazelnuts from this region. As I get closer to Salerno, the area gets more densely populated, the roads busier. Initially, it's interesting walking through all these busy villages, observing the locals. Eventually, as the I approach the suburbs, it's not too much fun anymore.

Therefore, I am relieved once I arrive in Salerno and full of joy once I see the sea. It's been a long time on E1 since I have walked the beach. In the region of Kiel in Germany if I remind correctly.

It's drizzling. What else would you expect. Nevertheless, I head straight for the beach, go for a swim. Feels so good. All the struggle of this morning forgotten. I continue walking. Not on the beach. Soft terrain and private beaches make it impossible. So I walk on the road towards Salerno Lido Campground. While doing so, the weather improves dramatically. I go for another swim.

I wouldn't consider the beach, nor the shore as particularly pretty. Dirty, run down, lots of deserted buildings. But I don't care. As long as there's beach access every now and then, I am happy.


I arrive at the campground at 18:30, get placed next to a girl cycling Italy. It's a decent campground with direct access to the beach, where I enjoy another swim and a spectacular sunset. My second night on a campground on E1. The first one was day 1 on E1. It's been a while! 


Dawn just after leaving the hotel
Dawn just after leaving the hotel
Nice morning mood once more
Nice morning mood once more
Looking back at the Sanctuary on top of that hill, where I got drenched yesterday. Hazelnut trees visible in the front.
Looking back at the Sanctuary on top of that hill, where I got drenched yesterday. Hazelnut trees visible in the front.
Selfie time
Selfie time
Walking the streets towards Salerno
Walking the streets towards Salerno
Settling in
Settling in
Sun set. The famous Amalfi coast visible in the background.
Sun set. The famous Amalfi coast visible in the background.
2 Comments

Day 202: Drenched

Taburno to Ospedaletto D'alpinolo

Distance: 45km


After a very peaceful night I continue my walk through the beech forest. The scenic views are rare but the once I have are wonderful. Fog swapping over the hills below. A special sight.

Once down in the valley, I enter the city of Montesarchio. Utterly depressing in its appearance I think. Things are not getting better as I follow a busy road. 

Things change once I enter San Martino. A cute town, perfect for a break. I then enter  Parco Partenio. The only road through the is closed and I am a bit worried I might have to turn around. But I don't. It's a lovely walk. At Lago Maggiore (not the big one in Switzerland) I meet Donato and his nice family. They offer me a pannini, which I gladly accept. During our conversation, dark clouds are rolling in, the smell of rain in the air. They offer me a ride. As much as I would like to accept, I can't. No cheating. So I continue and shortly after get into a nasty thunderstorm. Heavy rain leaves me soaked within seconds and coffee bean sized hailstones hitting my head hurt. Dripping wet I enter the Cafe at Santuario Di Montevergine. Quite a famous place. While I sip an espresso, the thunderstorm keeps raging right above the sanctuary. I'm a bit clueless what I should do. It doesn't seem like the weather is changing anytime soon. 


I don't really feel like camping tonight so I check for hotels. There's one around 10 kilometers away and it sounds and looks luxurious! At 40 Euros quite a bargain. I pull the trigger. 


With a hot shower waiting for me, I am flying down the steep but well maintained track. Still raining, still thunder and lightning. It's amazing how my mindset has changed over the last couple of days. I don't mind the rain. I accept it and see the positive side. Makes my trail life so much better. 


Freshly showered and dry now. I'll finish the blog then head out to explore the town. I heard they are famous for their chocolate. As good as the Swiss one or even better. Let's see! 


What a view to start my day with
What a view to start my day with
San Martino
San Martino
I very much like the village
I very much like the village
Some slips along the way but no problem to walk the road
Some slips along the way but no problem to walk the road
Lago Maggiore
Lago Maggiore
Finding shelter from the rain in a Cafe
Finding shelter from the rain in a Cafe
The Sanctuary
The Sanctuary
Rain radar. The usual.
Rain radar. The usual.
Flying down towards my hot shower
Flying down towards my hot shower
At least some views
At least some views
2 Comments

Day 201: A Plane In The Sky

Bocca della Selva to Taburno

Distance: 50km


A wonderful evening and suitable ending of Day 200 with a little bit (too much) local Liquor. 


I feel like a train wreck, when I pack my stuff. It's only 04:30 when I have coffee with Umberto, who kindly gets up early to say goodbye.


The day starts with a steep descent, with spectacular views of the foggy valley below, followed by a mostly flat middle part, walking through vineyards and the odd olive trees. I am listening to music, with my eyes chasing a bright orange easyJet Airbus lazily descending towards, what I assume, Napoli. It's at this very moment I somehow feel fully at peace. Happy. Maybe the combination of these factors make me feel this way. This feeling comes quickly, unexpectedly. And as quickly as it came, it disappears again. And it's definitely gone, once I am stuck in a massive construction site. New highway or rail road it seems. A déjà-vu. Happened to me just south of Hamburg. 

The site is fenced in, I throw my backpack over the fence, then climb under it. Twice. I don't like doing it. Feels wrong. But walking back feels even more wrong.


I reach buzzing Solopaca in time for the daily lunch time downpour. Just before it starts bucketing, I have a chat with some local kids playing football on the main piazza. Then we all seek shelter. Once more I use the time wisely. Writing the blog for my trusted followers ;)


Then it's up again. Back above 1000 meters above sea level. As always, these last kilometers are tough. It's drizzling but nothing dramatic. The forest left and right of the road is full of picnic areas. Finding a place to camp is super easy.


I settle in. Perfectly flat spot within beech forest, no cell phone reception. A welcome change. 

Once more beautiful morning views
Once more beautiful morning views
Fog in the valley
Fog in the valley
Now that's something I didn't expect here!
Now that's something I didn't expect here!
Olive trees
Olive trees
Lively village
Lively village
Getting quiet during the rain
Getting quiet during the rain
Tranquility in a stretch of beautiful beech forest
Tranquility in a stretch of beautiful beech forest
4 Comments

Day 200: 200!

Castelpizzuto to Bocca della Selva

Distance: 50km


I haven't reached my destination for today. I'm halfway through the day, 30 kilometers down and at 20 kilometers to go. Since I am currently stuck in Campitelli Matesi, a skiing field, due to a heavy downpour, why not using my time wisely and write a bit for my blog.


200 days! Day 1, my start at Nordkapp, is still present. It feels like yesterday. A wonderful day, leaving the cape just as the sun rays break through the fog. One of my, if not my most favorite, days on the trail. Then Day 100, reaching Smygehuk. A mostly sunny day, even though I got caught in a rain shower. The first one in two weeks. Gosh, that was some stunning weather I had back up there in southern Sweden.


These memories, in situations like this, being stuck under a tiny roof from a deserted restaurant, which help me keep going. Yes, I might be unlucky with the weather right now, but I also had the pleasure to enjoy some fabulous weather along the way. In fact, looking back, I was incredibly lucky. Also this bad weather period will eventually dissappear. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow. But it will change.



I have a good sleep. Only disturbed by a passing tractor and some light rain in the morning. Rain always feels respectively sounds worse when inside the tent, than it actually is. So when I get out of my tent, it's not nearly as bad as I have feared and I can pack without getting to wet. After a bit of a rough 4WD track in the beginning, going is easy. Up and down but never too steep. I decide on following roads. Adds kilometers but better for my nerves. The light rain eventually stops only to start again, this time heavy, just as I reach Campitelli Matesi, where I luckily find some shelter. Sooner than later, the rain stops and I am on my way again. Following a scenic road, closed for vehicles. The views improve as I go. It's a pleasant walk, if it wasn't for the live stock guard dogs (or however you call them), acting quite aggressively as I pass by cows, goats and sheep. Obviously, they just do their job, nevertheless, I feel a bit uncomfortable.


Day 200. Not as spectacular as the previous "anniversaries", yet an overall pleasent day on the trail. But wait... 

I have just passed the 50 kilometer mark, when someone is waving from me from a porch, inviting me for a cafe. Gladly I accept. A bit of socializing is exactly what I need. Once dark clouds are rolling over the hills, Umberto, a very friendly police officer from Bologna invites me to spend the night at his place. Trail magic! 

While it's pouring down outside, I enjoy a hot shower, a delicious meal and a good time in front of the fire place. Well... after all a day to remember! 


And what about day 300? Unsless I turn into a snail, day 300 won't happen. My optimistic plan is that I will finish within the next 30 days. But that's still far away. Until then, I take every day as it comes. Step by step. 

Roccamandolfi
Roccamandolfi
Descending through the village
Descending through the village
Hello there!
Hello there!
Rain break
Rain break
Dark clouds rolling in
Dark clouds rolling in
My place for the night
My place for the night
Feels so good
Feels so good
5 Comments

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
3 Comments

Day 198: Whatever The Weather

Sulmoma to San Pietro Avellana

Distance: 50km


Only thanks to a sprint across Milano Centrale train station I made the connection. The train was already pulling out of the station, when the train staff is showing me my private "suite". If I hadn't made the connection, it would have been a miserable 9 hour wait in Milano.


I got offered linen and a free snack, then made myself comfortable for the 6 hour ride to Pescara. 


While I didn't sleep much, it is still a very pleasant experience on board the sleeper train. I get off at 04:00 in Pescara and take a bus to Sulmoma. Shortly past 06:00 I am on the trail again, walking through a Sulmoma, which is waking up. Cafés are opening, old men gather around Tabacchis, reading newspapers. It's a lively city and also a pretty one. Nonetheless, I keep walking, just stopping for a couple of photos. The urge to continue is immense. 


So I walk and walk and walk, mostly roads initially. It's 12:00, I am close to Pescoconstanzo, when I feel the first rain drops. I say to myself "there won't be a lot of rain" and I keep walking. Then out of nowhere it starts pouring down. I find some shelter under roof, watching the road turning into a river. As the rain eases, I continue. With my changed attitude towards rain, walking in it goes easier. Nevertheless, when it gets too strong, I seek shelter. 

People that I meet along the way are all smiling at me. It seems like thru-hikers are a rare sight and the people seem genuinely interested. Once past Roccacinquemiglia, the tracks are getting terrible. Overgrown, muddy (it literally feels like the Northland forests on Te Araroa), not a single marker. Rain keeps coming. Ticks and mosquitoes join the party as well. I start feeling tired. Strangely, I manage to most3keep my hiking spirit up. Shortly before 20:00 I make it out of the mud hell. Pitch my tent at the first possible location right behind a cemetery. Nothing amazing but practical. My first campspot with a water source since Firenze! 

My suite
My suite
Morning views
Morning views
Village views
Village views
Destination unknown
Destination unknown
Moooo
Moooo
Some more village views
Some more village views
Ready for the night
Ready for the night
2 Comments

Relaxing, Recharging, Replanning

Last week, I spontaneously decided to take a couple of days off trail. I wouldn't call them zero days but people I stayed in regular contact with knew, I was struggling a bit mentally on the trail in the beginning. Eventually, I got into the flow. Nevertheless, I then spontaneously decided to take a break. Mainly because of the weather but also to gather my thoughts. I'm still not sure whether it was the right decision or not. In the end it shouldn't matter I hope. 


Now, four days later I am sitting in a EuroCity train inbound Milan, where I will board a night train to Pescara. If everything goes according to plan, I will be back on trail by 06:30 tomorrow morning.

The weather has been amazing over the last few days and I spent my time, when not planning, running and swimming in the lake, where I could completely forget the challenges my Italy-thruhike is throwing at me.

Tomorrow, I will start facing then again. The weather hasn't improved that much but I tried to mitigate the other challenges by amending the route, mainly following roads, avoiding hiking tracks. It took time to do so and I have no idea how it's going to play out. I will see tomorrow. For now, I sit back, relax some more and enjoy the ride. 

A stretch of E1 running along Lake Lucerne that I walked last summer. A motivating view.
A stretch of E1 running along Lake Lucerne that I walked last summer. A motivating view.
2 Comments

Day 197: A Change Of Plan

Nucleo Area Artiginale (Raiano) to Sulmona

Distance: 10km


Sleeping in a recording studio means absolutely no outside noise. Good sleep? Well, not really. My head is spinning. But I'll come back to that later.


At 06:00, I leave my Airbnb, bound for Sulmona, where I would catch a train to Pescara for a quick beach getaway. It's flat, straightforward.

On the way there, I rewind my overnight thoughts. Should I take a couple of more days off trail than just a day? The daily thunderstorms, which commence around noon, and the not better looking outlook make me think that way. Obviously, the trail is still walkable but it's also a bit of a pity always getting tense as soon as I tilt my head up and look at the clouds, never knowing if I get into a storm. 


In Sulmona I board the train, taking me to Pescara. Still not sure what to do. As soon as I arrive in Pescara, I head straight for the beach. Walking in the sand feels amazing and so does the quick swim in the warm water. As soon as I come out of the sea, I decide to take a week or so off trail. It's not an easy decision since I just recently found great pleasure again in walking. This will certainly disrupt the flow but my respect of  thunderstorms and plenty of time on my hands outweight it.


Spontaneously, I book a train north, back home. Stable weather and better options to recharge.

Already now, as I am sitting in the Eurocity Train, I am looking forward to rejoining the trail. That's the way it should be. I'll be back! 

Leaving the recording studio
Leaving the recording studio
Olive trees along the way
Olive trees along the way
Pescara beach
Pescara beach
Feet in the sand!
Feet in the sand!
1 Comments

Day 196: Down Into The Heat

Castelvecchio Calvisio to Nucleo Area Artiginale (Raiano)

Distance: 35km


No church bells, no barking dogs, no rain. After an uneventful night, I leave for lower lands. Mostly along back roads and farm roads I make my way towards Popoli then Raiano. There really is not much to write about today. After spending the last couple of days generally above 1000m, today I spend most of my day between 250 and 350m. The sun is shining relentlessly, going is though as I pass plenty of vineyards and olive trees.


I booked an Airbnb for tonight. Nothing fancy. Just practical. With internet, a small kitchenette. Nothing more.


After a bit more than 35km I arrive there at 15:00. Settle in, dry my wet tent and start my planning for the next few days.

As of now, I intend on roughly following Sentiero Italia/E1 until the vicinity of Napoli but then, instead of going inland again, follow the coast. Yes, it's going to be plenty of road walk. But honestly, I have seen enough of the hilly Italian inland. I miss the sea breeze, the beaches, the swimming in the sea. It's still a couple of days until I will reach the sea. Until then, I continue the up and down inland.


Tomorrow I want it to be a bit of a different day. I will start at 06:00, walk to Sulmoma, where I am planning on boarding a train to Pescara. A short getaway from the trail. Just for a few hours. Just to stand with my toes in the sand, before returning back to the trail later tomorrow. Beating the heat and hopefully the thunderstorms which are still making my trail life a lot more complicated. 

Overlooking the valley I am going to spend my day in
Overlooking the valley I am going to spend my day in
Farmland
Farmland
Typing views along the trail
Typing views along the trail
Cherries!
Cherries!
Home "cooking": Fior di Latte from Abruzzo with tomato and basil for dinner
Home "cooking": Fior di Latte from Abruzzo with tomato and basil for dinner
My room/recording studio
My room/recording studio
2 Comments

Day 195: Wide Open

San Pietro della Ienco to Castelvecchio Calvisio

Distance: 35km


03:33 - in a Big Ben fashion, the little church's bell start playing a melody. My pulse goes from 50 to 150 bpm until I realize, what is happening. From that moment on, the bells are announcing every quarter of an hour. That's it with sleeping.


Everything is still damp and it's an uncomfortable start into my day. The weather looks nice though. Only some high stratus like clouds. I continue along the road and eventually join Sentiero Italia, which I didn't want to follow yesterday due to weather and possible snow along the way. The walk today is on high plains, predominantly above the treeline. The views therefore spectacular. Despite Corno Grande, the highest peak of the Appenine, engulfed in clouds, I still get some decent views of the snow covered mountains.


As I make my way down, as usual, cumulonimbus clouds are building up. They are not an immediate threat though. I pass by two middle age looking villages. Pretty spectacular in fact. I decide to have a coffee in the second. Bad decision. The second village looks like a ghost town though. No coffee no nothing. At least I find some water in the cemetery. Like in good old Germany.


Shortly after having filled my bottles, I find a sweet spot to pitch my tent. Sheltered, yet still some good views. A rare combination. It's only 16:00 but my body says: enough! So I pitch my tent. Good decision. Shortly afterwards, a heavy rain shower passes through. With plenty of time left, I start planning the next couple of days. It's straight forward. Only the continously unsettled weather is worrying me a bit. 

Looking back to San Pietro della Ienco
Looking back to San Pietro della Ienco
Lovely Butterblüemli
Lovely Butterblüemli
These views!
These views!
Again...
Again...
Exploring the village
Exploring the village
Dark clouds looming overhead
Dark clouds looming overhead
Enjoying the view
Enjoying the view
1 Comments

Day 194: Straying

San Tomaso to San Pietro della Ienca

Distance: 50km


How does one say: the higher you climb, the harder you fall?


After the previous two amazing hiking days with plenty of highlights, today is a tough day. It already starts when I wake up to the sound of rain. A sound I dislike a lot in the morning, in a tent. Reluctantly, I pack my wet tent and leave my campspot. The rain makes me feel cold instantly. By the time I reach Amatrice, yet another village basically completely gone, I feel very uncomfortable. After a quick resupply in a temporary barrack, the sun quickly comes out as I walk a muddy, rough trail towards Lago di Compotosto. The first lake in 10 days! I can't resist and jump into the water before continuing my walk. The weather turns bad again. Along the road, I meet three straying dogs. Initially, they make me feel a bit uncomfortable as they are following me but I soon recognize they are really friendly. Once the weather goes from bad to worse, I find shelter in a ruin next to the road. The dogs join me and together we hold a who-looks-the-most-miserable-competion. Eventually, I carry on, leaving the dogs behind. I look back over my shoulder several times, secretly wish they'd follow me, as I really start to enjoy their company. In fact, it's this encounter was my today's highlight.


I think the weather can't get any worse. But it does. It pours. Heavy, heavy rain. I feel exhausted. It's just too much rain. A try to change my mindset. Seeing something good in the rain. It's not easy but it makes it a bit more bearable. 

Eventually, I reach a small settlement. I pitch my tent. I do it in front of the church. Probably highly illegal but I couldn't care less. 

It's still raining. My tent is barely coping with the water. From above and below. I really hope it will eventually stop. 

What's left of Amatrice
What's left of Amatrice
But there's hope
But there's hope
Ready for a swim
Ready for a swim
Me vs...
Me vs...
... The dogs in our "miserable" competition
... The dogs in our "miserable" competition
Scary clouds
Scary clouds
It's going to be a heck of an uncomfortable night
It's going to be a heck of an uncomfortable night
1 Comments

Day 193: Spotted!

Poggio di Fonte Chiusa to San Tommaso

Distance: 40km


A cold night. Therefore, my sleep wasn't that good. 


I wake well before 04:00 and eventually get ready to leave. The walk is continuing as it ended yesterday: spectacular. After 3 hours I reach Castelluccio. A bit of a detour but worth every extra step.

While the village itself got mostly destroyed by an earthquake and thus is off-limits, the view down a massive flat area are breathtaking. And then there's the live webcam of Castelluccio. While I initially stand at the wrong place, too close to the camera, I eventually move into the picture and get spotted by some of my most trusted followers.

Since the cumulus are towering again, even earlier than yesterday, I keep on walking. Thunderstorm cells everywhere. Just as one comes very close, I enter the temporarily relocated village of Accumoli, where to my surprise, the Cafe is open. Inside I meet Francesco, a wonderful hiker and firefighter from Trento. He's doing a hike connecting different areas, all affected by earthquakes. As it turns out, we both are avgeeks and spend probably 2 hours talking about aircraft. It feels great to have a longer, deeper conversation with someone after hardly talking to anyone for over a week. By the time we say goodbye, the rain has stopped and I continue my hike. The last couple of kilometers are rough and the trail not always easy to find. Luckily, it's surprisingly well marked. Which I appreciate because due all the earthquake damage, the maps I am using are not always accurate.


Good places to pitch my tent are rare and before getting into populated areas again I pitch it just a short distance from a farm in the forest. The farm dog is barking and I have already spotted four boars. I'm not convinced I'm going to have a peaceful night. 

Morning mood at 1795 meters
Morning mood at 1795 meters
High above the fog
High above the fog
The flat area below...
The flat area below...
... Castelluccio
... Castelluccio
I have been spotted
I have been spotted
Walking the flat
Walking the flat
Power food from Rob and George. Kia Ora!
Power food from Rob and George. Kia Ora!
Hmmm...
Hmmm...
Plenty of damage everywhere
Plenty of damage everywhere
Coffee time
Coffee time
And sleeping time
And sleeping time
3 Comments

Day 192: A Little Bit Of Luck

Colfiorito to Poggio di Fonte Chiusa

Distance: 40km


A barking dog wakes me up shortly after 3 in the morning. I close the window. Quiet. But I can't fall asleep again. Bugger. Instead of just lying around, I pack and hit the trail at around 05:30 on a chilly Monday morning. A bit of road walk (I follow the road a bit longer and join E1 a bit later) before I continue following grassy ridges again. Especially the second part of today is spectacular. Great trails, even better views with snow covered peaks now slowly appearing. 


Today, it is more up and down though. From 1200m down to 500m and up to 1400m again and then some more up and down. My body feels well and I cover the vertical meters without too much hassle.

What causes me some headache is the weather though. Cumulus clouds are towering quickly and soon enough I am surrounded by Cumulunimbus clouds. But I am lucky. First there's a big cell ahead of me. Thanks to the north easterly winds it gets blown away from me. Then there's one behind me, catching up quickly. Since I marked some sheltered spots on the map yesterday, I know it's not far anymore to one of them and decide to camp there despite only being 16:30. The next sheltered spot is 8 kilometers away. Too far to make it today and don't really feel like getting into storm in the middle of it.

I'll start early tomorrow again, trying to beat the thunderstorms.


But for now I made myself comfortable in my tent. The thunderstorm disappeared and all that was left of it were some rain drops. Nevertheless, it was the correct decision for me and in the end I am happy I didn't end up all miserable in the middle of a thunderstorm. 

Steel blue morning sky
Steel blue morning sky
One of many somewhat untidy looking villages
One of many somewhat untidy looking villages
Dark skies ahead
Dark skies ahead
But with a little bit of luck...
But with a little bit of luck...
... I make it through safely
... I make it through safely
Sheltered spot for the night
Sheltered spot for the night
1 Comments

Day 191: The Shower Is Calling

Passo del Termini to Colfiorito

Distance: 20km


Rarely have I sleep so well in my tent. 1 only wake up once and therefore hit the trail well rested. It's a straightforward walk today. Not too many vertical meters and mostly along roads.

I am taking it slow, timing my arrival time in Colfiorito at 10:30 - the check-in time at the hotel. After some long, physically and mentally challenging days, I decided to treat myself with a hotel. To relax a bit, collecting my thoughts. And of course: take a shower. I'm not too picky when it comes to not washing myself for a couple of days but after 7 days in the heat, sweating like a bull and without any lake or river to wash myself in, I'm in desperate need of a shower.

Besides the mentioned things, I will resupply and plan my next couple of days (the Abruzzo mountains still look like off limits to me because of the snow). Also the weather is worrying me a bit as daily afternoon thunderstorms will make my trail life a bit harder. 


Other than that, there's really not much to here in Colfiorito other than just Dolce far niente without feeling guilty of missing out on something. 

Golden morning light
Golden morning light
Bagnara
Bagnara
50 shades of Grey or the Italian way of fixing roads
50 shades of Grey or the Italian way of fixing roads
You know you are off the beaten track when you pay 6 Euros for a Pizza
You know you are off the beaten track when you pay 6 Euros for a Pizza
Dolce Vita or Carbo loading
Dolce Vita or Carbo loading
2 Comments

Day 190: Flower Power

Punta Sassopecoraro to Passo del Termini

Distance: 40km


It was very windy yesterday evening, when I pitched my tent. I was sure, the wind would decrease, once the sun sets. I was wrong. It kept rocking my tent throughout the night, making a good sleep impossible.


Not surprisingly, I wake up early. Tired from the noise of the wind I start packing. Quickly, as the wind chill is unpleasant.

Soon after I hit the trail, which starts with a steep climb up Monte Cucco. It's not on the E1 but despite adding some vertical meters, it is quicker than walking around. And the views: fantastic. However, I can only enjoy them for a couple of moments, before the clouds are engulfing the mountain. Without tracks nor markings, finding my way down is a bit tricky. Eventually, I make it and continue my way south. Markings are mostly non-existent and I have to rely on my phone. With a few exceptions, the tracks are generally in good condition. It's a continuous up and down and I am amazed with what my body can achieve.


Highlight of today: the walking along shallow, grassy ridges. In fact, they are so shallow it feels like on a high plateau. A bit like the stretch between the Nordkapp and Kautokeino in northern Norway. It's a spectacular walk through Alpine spring with millions of flowers in all different colors and sizes. It's a pleasure to walk and I wish it would never end. My plan camping up there gets literally blown away by the wind. So I make my way down, where I quickly find a spot for the night.


Tomorrow is a comparably short day to Colfiorito, where a hotel room with a hot shower is awaiting me. 

On my way to Monte Cucco
On my way to Monte Cucco
Just before the clouds roll in
Just before the clouds roll in
Curious horse
Curious horse
Springtime in Umbria
Springtime in Umbria
As close to a beach it gets. The white thing is not sand but concrete, the lake a water source for cows.
As close to a beach it gets. The white thing is not sand but concrete, the lake a water source for cows.
Walking through the grass
Walking through the grass
Some more flowers
Some more flowers
Snacking
Snacking
Tenting within spring flowers
Tenting within spring flowers
0 Comments

Day 189: The Road It Is

Monte Castellaccio to Punta Sassopecoraro

Distance: 45km


After yesterday's experience, I am a bit weary when it comes tracks leading nowhere. So today when, shortly after leaving my camp, a sign posts shows directly into the undergrowth, without any clear path visible, I decide on taking back roads instead today. Adds a bit of distance but it saves my nerves. Therefore, there's really not much to tell about today's hike. A mix of forest, farmland and small settlements. All of them looking run down a bit. While roadwalk means good progress, it's also hard on the body. I feel stiff, when I reach Scheggia. After 11 hours in the hot sun, I treat myself to an ice cream and refill 5 liters of water, before tackling the last climb, leading me into the Monte Cucco Regional Park. As I climb higher, the views become spectacular. I find myself a spot to camp. Not many suitable places but eventually I get lucky. It's windy though but after being on the trail for 13 hours, I walked enough. Enough water but too much wind to cook. Oh well, so a cold dinner it is. Anyway, the views easily make up for it. 


Camping with a view
Camping with a view
Pretty landscape
Pretty landscape
Italian road signs - made to confuse
Italian road signs - made to confuse
Big cow shed
Big cow shed
Great views towards the end
Great views towards the end
The finish
The finish
Good night!
Good night!
2 Comments

Day 188: Lost And Found

Bivacco Paolo Massi to Monte Castellaccio

Distance: 35km


As expected, I leave the bivacco well rested. It's a magnificent start into day, as I follow a beautiful track through Beech forest, wild garlic on both sides and great vistas every now and then. Soon enough though, the track gets steeper and overgrown. Hiking gets tiring. After Bocca Trabaria, the track eventually completely disappears in the forest. I check the map, GPS. Should I return to Bocca Trabaria and find another route or should I just push on, bush bashing. I decide for the latter, which in hindsight turns out to be one of the worst decisions taken on any of my hiking trips. Long story short, I end up in steep slope and dense bush, legs bloody, shorts torn. I make it out obviously, otherwise I wouldn't be writing this blog, but the experience broght me close to my limits. Especially mentally. Being completely lost or stuck in the bush. The ticks didn't help. 


Anyway, after being back on terra firma, I completely undress, check for ticks and need a couple of minutes to wind down. 

From there it's mostly forestry roads and farm tracks all the way. Muddy at first, firm and rocky later. The hike actually turns out rather nice. 


Best experience however, and a well needed motivation booster, was in at Bocca Serriola, where I an old man, sitting in front of Bar La Cima, approaches me with some beans. Despite not speaking the same language, we somehow manage to understand each other. As I am running out of water (water supply h really is challenging, with no water source for nearly 80km) I asked him if I could refill my 3  bottles. He leads me into the bar, fills them up and even hands me out a 4th 1.5l bottle. Very kind! 

While having a coffee and ice cream, I have a lovely chat with the (I guess) owner's son attending the bar.  Well rested, I continue my hike. The terrain is changing. Drier, less dense forrest. A welcome change. Since my feet start hurting and I shortly after a nice camp spot, I decide to call it a hiking day. An intense day. Which tought me a lesson. When in doubt, better retreat your steps. I know, easier said than done. But the next time I will be in such a situation, I will certainly remember this day. 

Good morning, Italy!
Good morning, Italy!
Lovely track through Beech Forest and wild garlic
Lovely track through Beech Forest and wild garlic
Battered legs and shorts
Battered legs and shorts
Change in landscape
Change in landscape
The bar with the lovely old man
The bar with the lovely old man
Beans 😋
Beans 😋
A farm
A farm
Settling in
Settling in
3 Comments

Day 187: Coffee And Cake For Motivation

Passo Serra to Bivacco Paolo Massi

Distance: 35km 


Rain, thunder, rain... It was pouring down well into the night. While my tent kept me from getting soaked, all the water still left my stuff damp. Once the rain stopped, I got woken up by a "sniff, sniff, sniff" sound. Sounded like a cow eating grass. I'm quite sure it wasn't a cow. Probably a wild boar. Maybe a bear... I will never know. After a "shhhh" from my side, the animal ran away into the night. 


After this eventful but not very restful night, I hit the trail shortly before six. The trail is a mess, as I make my way down towards Verghereto. Fallen trees, mud, slippery clay. Rough. Not exactly what I like to start my day with. 2 hours and 5 kilometers later, I finally reach the bottom. From then onwards it's a mix of road and (more pleasant) tracks. I pass several villages, some busy, some completely deserted. 

After the rough start, I'm not able to fully recover for most of the day. I feel stiff, powerless. Still, I keep on going. Fredy, with whom I exchange a voice message, suggest me to stop for a coffee. While I initially dismiss the idea, I quickly change my mind as I pass by an inviting looking Café on Passo di Viamaggio. 

While enjoying an espresso and a piece of cake, I check for places to stay for the night. Google maps shows a bivacco not to far away and right along E1. Perfect! 

Well rested and motivated, I tackle the last 500 vertical meters climb to Monte dei Frati. After an initially quite rough and super steep part, the track through Beech forest becomes a pleasure to walk, I'm flying toward the top. 

Like yesterday evening, the sky looks grim again, smell of rain is in the air. Therefore, I'm delighted, when I spot the cute, little hut. 2 beds, a table. My favorite kind of hut. 

It's just before 1800. An early finish. Plenty of time to make myself comfortable and enjoy the hut. 


Early morning sun
Early morning sun
Verghereto
Verghereto
Interesting landscape
Interesting landscape
Flowers
Flowers
More flowers
More flowers
Enjoying the weather
Enjoying the weather
Motivation booster
Motivation booster
Ciao bella!
Ciao bella!
Wee little hut
Wee little hut
Getting ready for the night
Getting ready for the night
0 Comments

Day 186: Ticks And Thunder

Fiera dei Poggi to Passo Serra

Distance: 40km


Right after finishing writing yesterday's blog and putting my phone away, I fell asleep. A deep, well needed sleep. A bear could have eaten my food supply and I wouldn't have noticed it.


Well rested, I pack my stuff and hit the trail just after 06:00. Weather wise another picture perfect hiking day. Also the tracks I walk on are an improvement compared to yesterday.

I spend the day mainly walking through beech forest. Yet, sometimes I can catch some nice views of the scenery around. To my surprise, I bump into several other hikers, who apparently also make use of the lovely weather.

Progress is good. While checking for ticks regularly slows me down, bending down to check is also a good stretching exercise. Well, at least I try to think that way. Stay positive...


For this stage, I don't really have a plan where to spend the night. Once past Badia Prataglia I start looking for suitable camp spots. A challenge! I keep on walking for more than 10 kilometers until I find something more or less suitable. Basically on the trail. Doesn't matter. There won't be anyone passing through. Just after I finish pitching my tent, it's starts dripping, then pouring. A massive thunderstorm out of nowhere. Good timing!  Unfortunately, no time for cooking dinner. 


The thunderstorm cell seems stationary right above me. Lightning and thunder keep making me flinch while writing this blog. Not exactly pleasant but not much I can do. It will pass. Eventually. 


Something coming out of the bushed
Something coming out of the bushed
Slips every now and then
Slips every now and then
Looking towards Florence. Hidden somewhere beneath the fog.
Looking towards Florence. Hidden somewhere beneath the fog.
Nothing beats fresh, ice cold water directly from the source
Nothing beats fresh, ice cold water directly from the source
The view towards Rimini
The view towards Rimini
Out of the forest for a couple of minutes
Out of the forest for a couple of minutes
Walking through Beech forest most of the day
Walking through Beech forest most of the day
Right before the downpour
Right before the downpour
1 Comments

Day 185: Here We Go Again

Passo del Giogo to Fiera dei Poggi

Distance: 30km


40 hours without sleep. I'm so, so ready for bed, or sleeping bag I should rather write. Hence, I will keep it short.


The bus ride to Florence has less delay than expected. After an uneventful ride, I get off the bus only 15 minutes late. With the tram ticket already on my phone, I can hope right into it.  Destination: Florence central train station. There, I board a train to Sieve San Piero. Again a 10 minutes delay. My 10 minutes connection to my bus to Passo del Giogo is basically gone. Luckily, this bus is also delayed by a couple of minutes, so I barely make it.


Just before 0900, I'm back on the pass. Already exhausted from all these delays. In hindsight, it might have been a bit less stressful if I arrived a day earlier. 

The pass with its ristorante is still looking deserted. Good for me, as I can use one of the tables to quickly repack.


Then I'm back on the trail! After exactly 8 months. It's perfect hiking weather. Sunny, around 20 degrees Celsius, a light breeze.

The trail: well it continues as it ended last year. Plenty of forest, overgrown in parts but generally easy to walk. This time though it's a lot wetter, muddier. And then the ticks. While I was lucky enough not to encounter any last year, today, well, I wasn't so lucky and got my fair share of ticks. A bummer, really, as they somewhat ruined an other wise quite nice day. 


9 hours of walking. 30 kilometers. My body feels ready, fit. My mind... Not just yet. My thoughts kept wandering around aimlessly. Anyway, I'm too tired to go into detail. I rather catch up on some sleep. Getting my priorities straight. The camp spot I picked is nothing fancy. Nicely sheltered inside a picnic area,hopefully allowing for some good, well needed sleep. 

Me 8 months ago
Me 8 months ago
Me today - let's go!
Me today - let's go!
A last look back at Passo del Giogo
A last look back at Passo del Giogo
Springtime
Springtime
Done for the day
Done for the day
2 Comments

Here We Go Again

8 hours until I will board a local train to Zurich. I just came out of the shower. Probably the last one for at least 10 days. As always before embarking on a new adventure, a certain tension becomes noticeable. The psychological and physiological challenge, the unknown,... It's always the same,uncomfortable feeling. I don't think I will ever get used to it. 


In Zurich, I will catch a Flixbus to Florence and then 2 other overland busses to Passo del Giogo. If everything goes according to plan, I should be back on the trail tomorrow Monday before lunch time. 

If... I'm not very confident I'll be making it there on time. Maybe I should give the Italian public transport system a bit more credit. But I am realistic.


Despite reading through trail notes and checking maps, I honestly still don't know what exactly to expect. How well marked and maintained will the tracks be? Do they even exist? What about animals, like wild dogs, bears, ticks, water sources? The snow situation in the Abruzzo mountains? Many open questions... Also in regards of the recent floodings just northeast of where I will be walking. 


Luckily, I was able to gather some hiking experience in the Appenine last autumn. Still, as I make my way down south, still following the Appenine (sometimes along E1, sometimes along Sentiero Italia), I'm quite certain that the characteristics of the hike will  keep changing.

For this stage, I have not set a goal. It's a rather quick stage though as I have to be back at work early July. That leaves me a bit more than a month to walk. 30 kilometers a day seem realistic. Add 2 maybe 3 zero days and you'll end up with 1000 kilometers. Just a rough estimate. The many unknowns... It would take be down somewhere slightly northeast abeam Naples and leave me with another 1000-1500 kilometers to Sicily. But that's the future. Thinking too much about it doesn't really help my tension.


For now, I'll enjoy the sunny and mild Sunday afternoon as good as I can, maybe watching a movie, and then eventually hit the road to Italy later tonight. 

Some relaxing days in Wetzikon before continuing my hike
Some relaxing days in Wetzikon before continuing my hike
4 Comments

Day 184: Tutto Posto

Croce di Geppe to Passo del Giogo

Distance: 35km


A freezing cold night. But after eating a lot of food yesterday and wearing everything I have, I wasn't feeling especially cold. In fact I had such a wonderfully deep sleep. A rare thing when camping.


Getting out of my sleeping bag and especially packing the dripping wet tent is a different story. Highly unpleasant as my fingers are getting numb. Anyway, eventually I am on my way. Similar to yesterday, trail wise. But unlike yesterday, I feel highly motivated. At least mentally. Physically, well not so much. My body needs some rest. 


My last day on E1 this year. From the German-Danish border well into Italy. While walking, memories keep crossing my mind. Many wonderful places, encouters. It has not always been a walk in the park though. Especially during the last part across Northern Italy, I was struggling finding my motivation at times. 

Time flies and after 10 final, surprisingly demanding kilometers, I reach Passo del Giogo - the end. For now at least. How do I feel you might wonder? Emotionless, really. I guess I am just tired, the sun already low on the horizon. The emotions probably will follow later. As it's getting cold, I quickly continue for another kilometer up Monte Altuzzo, where I am planning to camp - and it is a lovely site to camp. A flat, grassy top and fantastic views. A worthy place for my last night.

As I watch the sun slowly disappearing while eating my porridge with an extra serving of chocolate (somehow I have to celebrate, don't I?), the nice feeling of satisfaction overcomes me. Tutto posto - all good! 

Morning mood
Morning mood
Deserted places like this is something I will remember of my hike across Northern Italy
Deserted places like this is something I will remember of my hike across Northern Italy
This road certainly isn't getting too much attention
This road certainly isn't getting too much attention
WW2 memorial on Passo Futa: More than 30'000 German soldiers are buried here
WW2 memorial on Passo Futa: More than 30'000 German soldiers are buried here
Some nice views every now and then
Some nice views every now and then
Creepy, yet fascinating
Creepy, yet fascinating
Passo del Giogo!
Passo del Giogo!
I made it
I made it
Lovely campspot
Lovely campspot
And a wonderful sunset to end this dsy
And a wonderful sunset to end this dsy
4 Comments

Day 183: Ready To Call It A Thru-hiking Year

Pracchia to Croce di Geppe

Distance: 35km


A single stag kept roaring throughout the night. Yet, overall I got quite a descent sleep.


There's really not much to write about the trail today. Plenty of 4WD and ATV tracks in the first half of the day, proper hiking trails with more Ups and downs than in the morning. Most of the hike is in the forest. Only the last bit leading over a rocky slope, offers some decent views. It's also where I pitch my tent. In fact, I even go a bit off track until I find something that pleases me.


After the last couple of days, which have been a bit like fireworks, today, in contrast, has been a pretty down-to-earth day. Also my body feels like a deflated balloon. No energy left. I felt it especially during the climbs. It was hard work. 

So it fits nicely that, two weeks ago, I made the decision that tomorrow Thursday (maybe Friday if I am too slow) should be my last day on the trail this year.  183 days so far on E1 all together. Hald a year. However, there are other things in life than hiking. In fact I will meet up with a friend in Firenze and do a bit of sightseeing and other stuff that I

missed out on the trail. Like eating my first Gelato in Italy. I know, unbelievable. Isn't it.


But let's not get carried away. Tomorrow's another day. And it's a tough one. 


Very limited views for most of the day
Very limited views for most of the day
No more mountains but trees instead
No more mountains but trees instead
The fountain of Pluto. One of the few springs that actually still have water. Good for me. I will have a warm dinner tonight.
The fountain of Pluto. One of the few springs that actually still have water. Good for me. I will have a warm dinner tonight.
Some views at last
Some views at last
Happy with my spot
Happy with my spot
See you tomorrow
See you tomorrow
0 Comments

Day 182: Libro Aperto - The Open Book

Picnic Area Abetone to Pracchia

Distance: 25km


Despite being rather anxious about today's demanding hike, my sleep was deep and long. No wind, not cold, dry and a flat surface. Perfect condition for a good night's sleep.


Libro Aperto - the name of the first of many mountains I will climb today. It is a steep, long climb. But so early in the morning and with well rested legs, the progress is good. Libro Aperto means the "open book". Apparently, because it looks like an open book. Whatever that means. While climbing I try figuring it out. But it seems I am lacking the imagination. All I see are some horses grazing at the very top. They look wild, without any tags or other markings. It's still too early for a break and I want to keep on going anyway, so that's what I am doing. Down on the other side. It's steep, dangerously steep down over a 5 meter vertical drop. I have to go down backwards because of my backpack. I'd consider this the most difficult part of any thru-hike I have done so far. With legs as rubber I continue once I master the challenge. But the direction seems odd, I check the GPS that saves the day and tells me I missed a V-turn on top of Libro Aperto. So that hole climbing stint was for nothing. Stupid. Annoying. At least I can avoid it and skirt below the summit as I head back to the right side of the peak.


Back on track I follow a ridge for three hours. It's a spectacular walk. Some technical demanding parts but I never feel outside of my comfort zone. The views are fantastic and I would consider this stretch as another of E1. Right up there with some of my favorite stretches in Norway and Northern Sweden. And that means something!


And then there's the weather. It's incredible, how lucky I have been with the weather so far. Since starting E1 two years ago, the weather God has been very kind with me. No exception today. 


Eventually, I leave the ridge and the trails are getting busier. I meet three lovely ladies from Bologna. Together, we chat and walk for 30 minutes before I start my long descent to Pracchia. As I get closer to the treeline, I start feeling a bit melancholic. After three wonderful days in a surprisingly spectacular, mountainous part of the Apennin (I was extremely surprised by how beautiful these mountains are - and I say this as a Swiss, who is spoiled by the Alps) , the trail takes me into the forest again. Gone are the sweeping views, the lovely mountain trails. Did I enjoy the views enough? Did I make the most out of my time on these mountains? I sit down, soak up the scenery for one last time. I look back at what I have achieved today. And now, finally, I think I recognize Libro Aperto! 


As the show must go on, it's then back into the forest. My plan: to camp somewhere before reaching Pracchia. I gamble, ignoring several good spots hoping to find something closer to the village. But there is nothing. I loose. So I continue through the depressing village, feeling exhausted. And there's nothing suitable to camp in sight. Unti the road I am following suddenly stops because of a landslide that must have happened years ago. Luckily there's a narrow path and after the path a flat spot. Directly on the road - thru-hiking style. Perfectly fine to pitch my tent. There's definitely no risk of getting hit by a car. 


On the way to Libro Aperto
On the way to Libro Aperto
High altitude horses
High altitude horses
The view from Libro Aperto
The view from Libro Aperto
The ridge that I am following. The path visible on the left slope.
The ridge that I am following. The path visible on the left slope.
Some technical demanding stretches
Some technical demanding stretches
As I make progress, the ridge flattens. Going is easier.
As I make progress, the ridge flattens. Going is easier.
Until the ridge is slowly fading away
Until the ridge is slowly fading away
E1... Never fails to impress
E1... Never fails to impress
A different view
A different view
A last look over the Apennin. At least for now.
A last look over the Apennin. At least for now.
The Open Book. Maybe... I'll let you decide.
The Open Book. Maybe... I'll let you decide.
Camping on the road. Thru-hiking style.
Camping on the road. Thru-hiking style.
1 Comments

Day 181: Keeping On Going

Bocca di Massa to Picnic Area near Abetone

Distance: 35km


The wind was challenging my tent tonight.  Gusty, from all directions. Sleep? Hardly. At least the wind helped against low temperatures. 

Yet, I am surprised how well my tent was holding up against the wind. Surprised I am as well that I find myself surrounded by fog when I am struggling to pack my tent in the gusty wind.


The clouds soon lift and lead to some wonderful morning light effects. It's fast progress. Up and down, yes, but generally on better tracks than yesterday and not as steep. There is a bit of an airy, exposed ridge walk but other than that straight forward. However, as the clouds increase, I skip Monte Rondenaio. This allows me to reach Abetone today, do resupply and tackle the last mountainous section this year straight away tomorrow. My legs, especially my knees, feel the many vertical meters of the last couple of days. They are not hurting, yet they are getting tired. Still, I am in a good flow at the moment and I feel like keeping on going. Maybe I should take it slower but it's easier said than done. 


After the scenic but windy camp spot yesterday, today's spot is perfectly sheltered, flat and even has a water source. Hopefully, I get some good sleep in order to be fit for the demanding stretch tomorrow. 

Morning mood
Morning mood
Mystic forest
Mystic forest
Sky on fire
Sky on fire
Sun in the morning
Sun in the morning
Clouds later in the day
Clouds later in the day
Lovely little food market
Lovely little food market
Hoping for a good night's sleep
Hoping for a good night's sleep
2 Comments

Day 180: Up High

Bivacco I Ghiaccioni to Bocca di Massa

Distance: 25km


Dinner was finally served at 22:30 (it was well worth the wait). After two glasses of red wine and some strong liquor, I finally made myself comfortable on the bench, were I fell asleep rather quickly.


5 hours of walking, less than 10 kilometers covered. The trails this morning rough and steep, the progress painfully slow.

Especially the climb up to Monte Nuda is so steep I have to stop several times. I use the breaks to pick blueberries, which there are millions of.


After Monte Nuda, the trail and scenery changes. For the better. Much smother, faster tracks and the view... Exquisite. It gets better every day. Again, the air is crisp and clear. I can see all the way to Piz Bernina, home, on the other side of Milan. Quite crazy and a bit emotional.


Thanks to the fast track, Monte Prado, with more than 2000 meters the highest mountain so far in Italy, is reached earlier than expected. As the wind picked up again on the climb, I don't spend too much time up there but rather head down, looking for a spot to pitch my tent. Not easy as there's hardly a spot without wind. Eventually though, I find a lovely spot, still in the sun, not too windy and with a great view. I decide to call it a day. My legs are toast. The last two days have been demanding.


I prepare myself for a cold night. Temperatures just above the freezing point are awaiting me. As I only have my thin sleeping bag, I put on most of the clothes I carry with me. Hoping but not expecting they will keep me warm. 

First pass
First pass
Frozen blueberries
Frozen blueberries
These views
These views
Hills and mountains
Hills and mountains
Wonderful hiking
Wonderful hiking
But not always easy
But not always easy
The view towards Switzerland
The view towards Switzerland
Blueberries...
Blueberries...
High altitude horses
High altitude horses
Highest point on E1 Italy so far
Highest point on E1 Italy so far
Camping with a view
Camping with a view
...
...
Good night
Good night
0 Comments

Day 179: What A Ride

Passo della Cisa to Bivacco I Ghiaccioni

Distance: 30km


Same bus, same driver. But he nearly misses me standing there at the stop in the dark. I wave like a maniac and luckily he finally notices me as he is directly abeam.


At 07:00 sharp, he arrives at Passo Della Cisa and wishes me "Buon Camino" - happy trail.

The weather is surprisingly okay. No wind, no rain as I start into my hiking day. It feels good to be back on track.

Soon enough, the weather changes. First from okay to bad with gale force winds then from bad to worse when rain joins the party. As I climb higher, I start getting uncomfortably cold, I push hard on order to stay warm. Yet, slowly but surely I start worrying about hypothermia once I become completely soaked. Oh the misery. Not often have I suffered like this on E1. I say to myself  "keep moving and everything will be alright" 

At around noon, I approach the ridge, the highlight of the day. However, the wind blows me right back down. It would be plain stupid to continue. So I retreat, follow a shitty but sheltered trail parallel to the ridge. It's where, out of nowhere and only the way it can happen in the mountains, blue sky appears above me. Magical! I take the next link up to the ridge. Still windy as shit but with the sun bearable. With parts of the mountains still covered in clouds, the mood is mystic. Once these remaining clouds evaporate, the views are becoming fantastic and slowly my clothes start drying. The storms must have cleaned the air. Even Corsica's mountains are visible.


Walking the ridge is a big highlight on E1. Despite the wind I thoroughly enjoy this exquisite hike. Demanding but rewarding. Amazing how close misery and happiness can be.


As all good things come to an end, so does the ridge walk. The rest of the day is pretty mediocre on very rough trails. No views, slow progress. My feet tired. More than once I hit roots and rocks. A sign that it's time to finish the hike. After a last crazily steep descent, I reach the hut, that I eyed to spend the night in. After such a day I don't feel like pitching my tent. Being weekend it's full, as expected. But I find a spot on the floor. Good enough.


The fire is going and the four Italian keep on talking about food while they are cooking their dinner (which takes hours. It's now 22:00 and they are still cooking. So Italian). Even though I understand just a fraction it's quite interesting to listen to their conversation. I'm curious how their meal turns out. 

The clouds are lifting
The clouds are lifting
Apennin
Apennin
A highlight of E1
A highlight of E1
It is still windy
It is still windy
The view towards La Spezia
The view towards La Spezia
Lovely ridge ahead
Lovely ridge ahead
Let's tackle it!
Let's tackle it!
The hut
The hut
4 Italians discussing food
4 Italians discussing food
It sure is tasty
It sure is tasty
Let's tackle it
Let's tackle it
Good night!
Good night!
1 Comments

Day 178: Zero Day 2 Pontremoli / Riomaggiore

Second rest day with a side trip to the Cinque Terre region at the Mediterranean. After a good night's sleep, I board a delayed train to La Spezia and on to Riomaggiore. The second train is awfully busy and so is Riomaggiore. It's crawling with tourists but then again, it's a charming little seaside village indeed.


Eventually, I make my way back to Pontremoli. I'm feeling a bit restless. The next stretch on E1 is going to be mountainous, technically challenging as I am heading deeper into the Apennin. Exciting but I also have a lot of respect for this section, especially with the changeable weather that is expecting me. 

All heading for the Cinque Terre region
All heading for the Cinque Terre region
But it's well worth it
But it's well worth it
Relaxing at the beach. No swimming though.
Relaxing at the beach. No swimming though.
But good food
But good food
The train station
The train station
Back to Pontremoli
Back to Pontremoli
1 Comments

Day 177: Zero Day 1 Pontremoli

Seven sharp the bus emerges from the mist. Somehow I doubted it would but luckily I was wrong.


I'm the only passenger all the way to Pontremoli, a lovely medieval village.

As it is pouring I head straight for a cafe. Then at 10:00 I am able to check into my airbnb room, which has everything I need. Internet, plenty of power outlets and a bed.


The rest of the day: sightseeing, resupplying and eating. It continues to bucketting down with the occasional thunder in between. I feel relieved not being up in the mountains. Tomorrow, on my second zero day, I'll head to Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre for a day trip before resuming the trail on Saturday. 


Me, right in the middle
Me, right in the middle
Exploring the town
Exploring the town
I love it
I love it
Rain vs Sun (a brief moment of sunshine on my way back from resupply)
Rain vs Sun (a brief moment of sunshine on my way back from resupply)
Il Centro
Il Centro
1 Comments

Day 176: Wind Of Change

Passo del Lupo to Passo della Cisa

Distance: 35km


At precisely midnight, wind gusts started hitting my tent and the trees behind. Not that I was worried it might damage my tent but they robbed my precious sleep. Windy nights in a tent is never fun for me.


Anyway, also a sleepless night eventually is over and I set off into a damp, foggy and windy morning. It's the first day since the Black Forest that I have a wet hiking day. Crazy how lucky I have been so far on E1 weather wise! 


Inside the beech forest it's dark and my headlamp helps quite a bit. Still, navigating is tricky: the poor visibility makes the markers hard to spot, the leaves on the ground hiding the trail. It takes some effort not to get off track.

Eventually, I pass Zum Zeri, a mini ski field. Even though, it looks like a scene from a horror movie, it's a welcome change. From then on it's mostly along forestry tracks. I don't mind as it needs way less concentration. Still, parts of these tracks are in terrible shape and hard to walk. So not as easy as I initially thought. One short, airy ridge walk, which pops out of the blue, makes a nice exception. Shame there's zero visibility. Then it's back into the forest mostly all the way to Passo della Cisa, the wind staying with me all the way. Especially the last bit is zigzagging without a reason. Tiring, unnecessary after a long day.

As I approach the pass, I look for a place to pitch the tent. Not easy in the wind. Then I spot a little hut with the light on. It says "Capanna Twin" on it. There's a French girl there and I ask her if one can just stay here. Apparently one can, just leave a 20 Euro bill on the table. Electricity, a shower and... Sheltered from the nasty weather. A great deal.


It's only a short 2 minutes walk from the bus stop, where I will catch the bus to Pontremoli for two Zero Days. Firstly, I need to resupply, secondly my legs need a break and thirdly, with the unfavorable weather forecast for the next two days and the scenic stretch up ahead it would be shame to keep on pushing. 

Wayfinding made difficult
Wayfinding made difficult
Finding my way through a rock field
Finding my way through a rock field
Weird to see that in the forest
Weird to see that in the forest
Ski field
Ski field
Mini apples
Mini apples
Nice ridge walk
Nice ridge walk
A bit of rock scrambling. E1 is clearly marked.
A bit of rock scrambling. E1 is clearly marked.
In Norway they were green, in Sweden blue, in Switzerland yellow and here the signs are red.
In Norway they were green, in Sweden blue, in Switzerland yellow and here the signs are red.
Below the clouds
Below the clouds
My hut tonight
My hut tonight
I call it luxury
I call it luxury
2 Comments

Day 175: Norway? New Zealand? Italy!

Near Passo delle Lame to Passo del Lupo (Monte Bertola)

Distance: 40km


Getting up certainly is not getting any easier. Yet, today I have a good motivation: Monte Aiona. With 1701 meters above sea level highest point in Italy so far. And looking at the map, the area up there seems attractive.

And it sure does not disappoint. After a long stretch of beech forest, I emerge from the forest and step into an open, wild landscape. No paths only markings leading the way across the partly rocky, partly grassy plateau of Monte Aiona. It's an immediate Norway flashback and a reminder why I loved hiking the Scandinavian country so much. I take my sweet time, visiting the northern and southern summit. The latter offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean.


No other soul around, I enjoy every minute up there until I start my way down, where it gets busier. Mushroom picking season has started and from experience (from the Engadin), Italians go crazy when it comes to picking mushroom.


I deviate slightly from E1, cutting two corners and leaving out Monte Zatta, which is starting to be covered in clouds and thus would only end up in disappointment.


The second part of the day is completely different to part one. Open dairy country. A New Zealand flashback! The walk is offering good views, despite the clouds, which took over control of the sky. Flatter terrain, swift progress. Progress, which is appreciated as I want to cover as much distance as possible since the weather turns sour tomorrow and will stay like that until Sunday.

Therefore, I decide to walk to Passo della Cisa, where I should arrive on Thursday morning, take the bus to Pontremoli and take a Zero Day on Friday before returning to the trail on Saturday afternoon. Nothing is booked yet but food and batteries are running out. So there's some action required.


Other than that, well, today as I was hiking across the dairy country, it felt like I finally arrived in my hiking mode. I hope the feeling stays. It took me awhile but good things take time. 

On the way up
On the way up
Happy me reaching the top
Happy me reaching the top
Spectacular views
Spectacular views
Looking south
Looking south
Time for a snack
Time for a snack
One last look
One last look
Nice chapel but it's the sign on the left that turns me on
Nice chapel but it's the sign on the left that turns me on
Not wild horses
Not wild horses
Looking back at Monte Aione
Looking back at Monte Aione
Part two of the day. Dairy Country.
Part two of the day. Dairy Country.
Here they are
Here they are
Special evening light
Special evening light
My campspots right of the turbines
My campspots right of the turbines
Good views
Good views
Good food
Good food
1 Comments

Day 174: Ups And Downs

Monte Lavagnola to near Passo delle Lame

Distance: 35km


I'm lacking the motivation to get up this morning. Rather do stay in my cozy sleeping bag, looking down at the glittering lights of the coastal town Sestri Levante. Eventually, I find the courage to deflate my mattress, which makes it all instantly uncomfortable.

Packing is a breeze and by 06:30 I am on my way. First stop: Barbagelata where Massimiliano told me I would find a fountain. And after a bit of looking around, I find it near the refugio. 

 

After Barbagelata things go wrong. I take a wrong turn. Looking at the map I should be able to follow the road, than taking a hiking trail back to E1. 

Well, that hiking trail does not exist anymore. I'm furious, somehow my nerves are a bit tense. Backtracking 3km or continuing along the road, adding another 6km? As I hate backtracking, I go for the latter. Surprisingly, I find another hiking trail connecting Priosa with Ventarola. It's a lovely, fast hiking trail. With 4km extra, I make it back to E1, which then climbs incredibly steep up Monteramaceto. Beautiful views, which certainly boost my motivation. The track then gets rough as it follows the ridge. While the views keep being spectacular, I have to keep my focus on the rocky ground. Progress is slow on the way down too. 

Eventually, the trail gets smoother, as I climb to my designated camp spot. It's a huge horse paddock on sloping terrain. Luckily, there's one, just one, flat spot. Perfect to pitch my tent. Prime location with views of what must me the costal town Lavagna. 

Emotionally, it was quite a ride and also physically, the trail with it's up and down remains challenging. Yet, the views that keep getting better each day, are well worth the effort. 


Morning mood with what must be Sestri Levante in the background
Morning mood with what must be Sestri Levante in the background
Monte Lavagnola, my camp spot, in wonderful early morning light
Monte Lavagnola, my camp spot, in wonderful early morning light
Spectacular views
Spectacular views
Challenging trails
Challenging trails
But it's rewarding work
But it's rewarding work
Setting up camp
Setting up camp
Bye bye sun
Bye bye sun
More views
More views
3 Comments

Day 173: Mediterranean Moment

Monte Telegrafo to Monte Lavagnola

Distance: 35km


Fortunately, I didn't wake up with a third leg. So the radiation from the nearby antenna wasn't all that bad.


It's a chilly morning and for the first time I wear my merino long sleeve as I start into a new hiking day, which is a constant up and down. Gentle in the beginning, rougher towards the end. I'm fighting with the vertical meters, the heavy backpack and the temperature. Yet, the effort is well worth it and I get rewarded with spectacular views throughout the day. 


For the whole day I follow the Via Alta Monti Liguri (and the E7 that runs from Lisbon to the Balkan), which is well marked and in good shape for most of the time. Yet, there are some exposed parts, where I need full concentration. 


I was mentioning the views before. While not the most spectacular, the most emotional sight I have in the morning, when I spot Genova with the Mediterranean behind. I pause for a view minutes and I can't hold back some tears. Yes, it's just another sea you might think but still, it makes me realize once more how far I have come on my E1 journey.


Shortly before starting my last steep descent to Passo della Scoffera, I meet Massimiliano, a very friendly hiker from Genove. We get into a conversation and he gives me some valuable tips (like water sources) for the next few days. We are hiking together for a while until our paths split. It felt good having had my first conversation after staying with Pierangelo a couple of days ago. 


Well motivated, I tackle the last climb of today. While nothing is hurting, my body feels exhausted. The trail is really taking its toll. Once settled in for the night, I do my planning for the next couple of days and it seems like the trail will keep me challenging. 


Morning views
Morning views
Hello Mediterranean
Hello Mediterranean
A closer look
A closer look
Sharing the path with E7
Sharing the path with E7
... and horses
... and horses
Great vistas
Great vistas
Hard but rewarding work
Hard but rewarding work
My camp
My camp
My feet
My feet
... And my food
... And my food
Good night Italy
Good night Italy
0 Comments

Day 172: The Hills Are Calling

Near Monte Ronzone to Monte Telegrafo

Distance: 45km


A nice morning, an even better late afternoon. Everything in between is to forget. That sums up today pretty much.


The day starts with a bit of up and plenty of down. I leave E1, which is not really marked anyway, and follow the trail 203 to Vignole. Saves me a 4km roadwalk. No idea, why E1 is not taking this route.

Vignole is down in the valley, where I cross the Scrivia to Arquata Scrivia. Another depressing town but it's full of supermarkets. Being Saturday morning, they are crawling with people. Being Italy, people combine shopping with socializing in the aisles. It's a mess. Two hours and two supermarkets later, I am finally on my way again. With food for six days and six liters of water, my pack is painfully heavy. 


There's not much along the trail when it comes to food. When I run out of it, I have to go off trail for resupply. I consider six days worth of food as a good amount. Gives me some time away from the hustle and bustle and after six days I need to recharge my battery pack anyway. 

And for the water, well, I rather play it safe in the beginning. Running out of water with these temperatures is not that cool. 


Anyway, with a heavy pack I fight my way back up into the hills of the Apennin. Overall it's a pleasant hike through bushland and forest on nice, sandy trails. Only the markings are inconsistent and unreliable for most of the time. 

Some of the hill tops offer spectacular views. The best view is definitely from Monte Alpe. 


My plan is to set up camp around 18:30. However, as there are no spots I like too much, I keep on going and going and going. At 20:00 finally, I reach Monte Telegrafo. The sun has long gone, there's a nice flat grassy area and the views are beautiful. Only a mobile phone and some other antennas a couple of meters away are scaring me (well their waves do). But I am done. My body is aching. Physically, it's been the most challenging day so far. So I pitch my tent and eat my pasta while looking at a spectacular evening sky, looking forward to exploring more of the Apennin tomorrow. 



Good morning world
Good morning world
Wild fig morning snack
Wild fig morning snack
Lovely trail. Seen here skirting above some erosion
Lovely trail. Seen here skirting above some erosion
It's a complicated relationship
It's a complicated relationship
The climb up Monte Alpe
The climb up Monte Alpe
Nice views
Nice views
Getting ready for the night
Getting ready for the night
Some skyporn to finish the day
Some skyporn to finish the day
1 Comments

Day 171: Contrasts

Po River to near Monte Ronzone

Distance: 45km


No thunderstorms but the heat once more made sleeping difficult.


Since the road is closed and I don't have to worry about cars I leave just before dawn, leaving the Po behind for good. It's hazy, humid and the visibility poor. The first half of the day is depressing walk. A mix of gasoline and the foul smell of rubbish fill the air. 

All together somehow reminds me of my vacation in Laos. In fact, I don't feel like being in Europe anymore.

I don't envy anyone who is living here. And it shows me once more how lucky I am to live in one of the most beautiful regions in Europe. 

Obviously, the people here have their reasons why they live here. Yet, it kind of makes me sad.


The trail, well, beside two random signs, it's not marked at all. Sometimes overgrown, sometimes hard to find. And plenty of roadwalk until Tortona, yet another sad looking town, which I cross as quickly as possible.


Then, the surrounding changes dramatically. The terrain gets hilly, the air clearer and drier and vineyards replace the rice paddies and corn fields.

It's harvesting season and the vineyards busy. Together with the sweeping views, there's a lot to see. Quite the contrast to the morning. A pleasant, most welcome change. The undulating terrain and yesterday's long hike make me finish early today. With a bit of luck I find a neat spot, overlooking the Po flat with the Western Alps clearly visible behind. As it's only 18:00 there is plenty of time to plan and organize the next few days, which mark the beginning of my Apennin adventure. 

Glowing bridge
Glowing bridge
Nice sunrise, the corn seems to be in bad shape
Nice sunrise, the corn seems to be in bad shape
Typical morning view
Typical morning view
The only E1 sign I spot today
The only E1 sign I spot today
Keeping myself busy with some stretching
Keeping myself busy with some stretching
Vinyard
Vinyard
The sun is shining relentlessly
The sun is shining relentlessly
Nice views
Nice views
Camp...
Camp...
... with a view.
... with a view.
Bye sun
Bye sun
Good night
Good night
2 Comments

Day 170: Long And Lucky

Bernate to Po River

Distance: 60km


A short but deep sleep. More or less well rested I make my way out of the studio and into the kitchen, where Pierangelo prepared breakfast for me the previous evening.


At 05:30, after some bisquits and an espresso, I am on my way. I do not have a certain place to reach but I want to stretch my limits today. So I try keeping a good pace, which is easy along the canal. As it's slowly getting day, I watch the small villages waking up and the path along the Canal Navagio Grande coming to life with people running and walking their dogs. My legs feel strong so I keep on going. Nearly 20 kilometers non-stop until my first break. Some bread with Pierangelo's delicious fig marmalade.

Even though I'm not following the "official" E1, there are E1 signs along the canal. No idea why. Doesn't matter. Eventually, I leave the canal, cross the Ticino River via a ponton bridge and make my way towards the Po River. It's hot and humid. Feels like Hongkong or even somewhere in South East Asia. Luckily it's all completely flat and walking doesn't require much effort.


Once I walk past a Kiwi fruit farm and a couple of minutes later find myself amidst rice paddies I realize once more how far I have come. Up north, where nothing but grass was growing. No tress, no bushes, no nothing. And now...


My legs wouldn't get tired, so by 16:00, I decide to keep pushing to make it across the Po River today. After a resupply in Sannazzaro di'Burgondi I walk past a sign saying Ponte Gerola is closed for maintenance. Shit. I completely missed that during my planning. So what should I do now? I was taken a bit off guard by the sign and I initially just keep on walking on the highway, which obviously is fairly quiet. No roadwalk from hell. But I have other things to worry. While walking the 5 kilometers to the bridge, I quickly run through the option. I'd definitely try to cross the bridge anyway. Being 19:30, the workers must have left for the day. And even if it was not possible to use the bridge, maybe I could ford the river, considering the little precipitation this summer. If that won't work either, well then it's either an additional day walking to the next bridge (if that is even possible) or hitch around. But I'd worry about that later.


As I approach the bridge, I get super nervous. The nervousness quickly goes away though once I realize, it's no problem crossing the bridge on foot. All they do is putting on fresh black top, while side walk is left untouched. With no cars at all, I cross the bridge, the sun setting to my right, the Apennin Range suddenly appring on my left. Magical. On the other side, I quickly find a good spot to pitch my tent.

What a lucky ending of my long day. Now all I hope is that the predicted thunderstorms won't actually happen. 

Bernate - I will miss it
Bernate - I will miss it
E1 markings where there shouldn't be any
E1 markings where there shouldn't be any
Fig Marmelade. Perfect energy booster.
Fig Marmelade. Perfect energy booster.
Overgrown trail near Ticino River
Overgrown trail near Ticino River
Ticino River
Ticino River
Cooling down
Cooling down
Ponton Bridge
Ponton Bridge
Hello!
Hello!
Rice Paddies
Rice Paddies
Feels exotic
Feels exotic
King of the bridge
King of the bridge
Fantastic mood
Fantastic mood
Good night!
Good night!
1 Comments

Day 169: Going With The Flow

Island near Tornavento to Bernate Ticino

Distance: 18km


First thunder, than the fisherman departing shortly before midnight than at the ungodly hour of 02:30 a series of departing aircraft. Most probably cargo planes. It was a noisy night, warmer than the one before so no sleep bag needed.


The day starts as it ended. Following the canal, the weather muggy. Yet walking goes a bit easier compared to yesterday and sooner than I anticipated I arrive in Turbigo for my first resupply in Italy. A first resupply in a foreign country generally takes a bit longer as I am overwhelmed by the different layout and the different choice. Which looks delicious indeed (well it's Italy) but does not offer the trail food variety I am used to. Doesn't matter as I only need food for two days and some fajita bread and bisquits do the job. 


After using the free wifi to download some  maps, I am off again along a rather busy canal. Planes approaching Malpensa keep me busy for a good part of the morning. 

I decide to follow the canal instead of the official E1, whose layout doesn't make too much sense for me. Weirdly enough I stumble across several E1 signs, despite being away from the official track. 

Anyway, eventually I approach the town of Bernate Ticino, where I chat with two Vespa riders. My first real conversation in Italy. Feels good!


A couple of steps further down the canal, still in Bernate, two people are calling me from the other side of the canal. Asking me where I am coming from and where I was heading. Kind of funny and typically Italian having a conversation with a canal in between. Anyway, they end up offering me lunch in an hours time after they finish their pottery lesson. My initial reply "I think I should continue, I still have a long way to go". They say if I decide otherwise, I should just know on their door.

Once they have left I say to myself "Sandro, don't be bloody stupid. Don't miss out on this opportunity. Being invited for lunch in Italy can only boost your motivation." 


Without further thinking, I backtrack, crossing the canal and heading back on the other side. Before I know, I have sit on the table, trying myself in pottery together with his friend and student Simona from Milano. Turns out my talent is rather limited. 


Lunch is delicious as expected. Homegrown peperoni with chicken and bisquits topped with homemade fig marmalade. And finish it up with an Espresso. 

While having lunch, Piereangelo offers me to spend the night in his art studio. Since lunch took quite a while and I am in no hurry I happily agree. After a tour around town we are back home for dinner. Pesto Piere aka Pesto al Genovese with potatoes and beans. Simply delicious. 


This relaxing afternoon away from the trail felt good. A well needed insight into the Italian culture and with Piereangelo a new  friend. What a wonderful person. 

I hope this experience will help to lift my hiking spirit for the next. 


Anyway, for now, I am a well fed, happy camper ready for some well needed sleep. A long day is awaiting me tomorrow. 

Autumn colors. The weather feels like being somewhere in the tropics though. Hot and humid.
Autumn colors. The weather feels like being somewhere in the tropics though. Hot and humid.
Somewhere along the canal
Somewhere along the canal
Maybe one of Klaus' apple ;)
Maybe one of Klaus' apple ;)
The Vespa guys
The Vespa guys
Homegrown peperoni
Homegrown peperoni
Biscuit with homemade fig marmalade
Biscuit with homemade fig marmalade
Hopeless me in pottery class
Hopeless me in pottery class
Touring around town with Piereangelo
Touring around town with Piereangelo
Dinner time
Dinner time
3 Comments

Day 168: Rivers, Lakes And Little Motivation

La Motta d'Ora to an island near Tornavento

Distance: 40km


The temperature last night was challenging me: too cold to sleep without sleeping bag, too warm to sleep in the sleeping bag. As a result I kept on waking up, slipping in and out of the sleeping bag. Otherwise, it was a peaceful, uneventful first night in Italy. Not that I expected anyone to show up in the middle of the forest.


Under the dense canopy of the chestnut forest, it is still pitch black when I leave and only gets a brighter once I step out of the forest and into the city of Gavirate. I navigate through the morning rush hour, take a wrong turn eventually, which takes me to Lago di Varese. I like it there and instead of turning back, I decide to follow the lake on a cycling path. As the trail notes are warning me about overgrown, impassable tracks further down, I continue along the cycling path even longer. I'm already lacking motivation (I'll get back to this shortly) and definitely don't feel like bush bashing my way through. Therefore, I follow Lago di Comabbio on its eastern side to finally rejoin E1 on the Ticino River.


Except for the first part along the river, where I have to walk on the road, the hike is rather nice. Easy to walk, straightforward to navigate and plenty of aircraft to admire flying in and out of Malpensa Airport. Only finding a suitable place to camp is not that easy. The first place, which looked promising on Google Earth is way too exposed. After checking Google again, I mark some possible locations. Luckily, the second place I marked seems to be a bingo. A hidden, quiet parking lot on a island near Tornavento. Only a single fishermen is around and I can't imagine he would bother. 


Coming back to what was bothering me today: my lack of motivation and enthusiasm. While the first days on the trail are never easy for me, this time is particularly difficult to motivate myself. To be honest, deep down I wish to have finished this autumn's hike already. And I am not sure why. Maybe it's the next couple of days laying ahead of me. Flat, boring, plenty of roadwalk, dogs. Maybe it's that stark contrast to the amazing hiking experience at the beginning of E1. Maybe I simply hiked too much lately and done with it for the moment. 


Having been barked at at least a hundred times and nearly been run over by two Fiat Pandas during the last two days doesn't help to boost my hiking spirit. 

But for the moment, I just keep on tracking. I'll give it a few days (when I will hopefully reach the Apennin) and then reevaluate. Many things can happen until then. 


Lago di Varese
Lago di Varese
Another Lake
Another Lake
The not so nice first part along Ticino River
The not so nice first part along Ticino River
Navigating through and under the canals
Navigating through and under the canals
Along the cycling path
Along the cycling path
Made it...
Made it...
... to my camp spot
... to my camp spot
Some sweet motivation while planning my hike tomorrow
Some sweet motivation while planning my hike tomorrow
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Day 167: Tackling Country Number Seven

Porto Ceresio to La Motta d'Ora

Distance: 30km


06:32, the packed Eurocity to Milan and Venice is slowly pulling out of Zurich. Buried deep in my thoughts, I don't really realize it. It's the unknown, which keeps my mind busy. Despite having done quite a thorough planning, I still don't really know what to expect in Italy. And it is something I don't like too much. 


Eventually, the train reaches rainy Lugano, where I connect to a local train to Capolago, where I board a post bus to Porto Ceresio. I get dropped off right in front of the pier, the starting point of E1 in Italy. While the town seems to be worth exploring, I am not in the mood to do so. I rather prefer to hit the trail as soon as possible. After the mandatory photo, I'm back on the trail. After a quick stop to turn on my tracking device (which I completely forgot), the trail soon leaves the road, climbing steeply away from the lake. With loose rocks and tree fall not very nice to walk and not a very nice first impression. Luckily, the trail improves quickly. Yet, my knees feel like jelly. I suspect that it is more of a mental thing than a physical thing. All that thinking earlier probably didn't help.


It's a permanent up and down. Mostly through forest, with the odd village and some places that would offer good views, if it wasn't for the poor visibility. Kind of sad because according to a info board, the  highest peaks in Valais as well as the Piz Bernina would be visible from Forte Orino on a good day. Yet, the view towards Milan is not too bad and gives me an idea what to expect. It's going to be flat... 


 It would be a fantastic place to camp up there at the Forte. And being 18:00 it sure would be more than suitable option. Yet, my feet feel more restless than ever and I decide to descend towards Gavirate. I take a shortcut here via the trail 13, risking to get stuck because of a massive tree fall visible on Google Earth. Luckily, the trees have been cleared, which must have been a massive effort. Thanks whoever did it. Saved me a detour and lifted my hiking spirits. Generally, the afternoon was much easier to walk, mentally. I guess it takes some time to be back in the thru-hiking mode. 


Nightfall comes surprisingly quickly. Gone are the days, where the sun was still up at 22:00. By 20:30, a couple of minutes after pitching my tent, it's completely dark here in the middle of the forest. 

My hiking days definitely will be shorter than in Germany. But more sleep isn't too bad either. 


My ride to Lugano
My ride to Lugano
Fast forward - Porto Ceresio trail head
Fast forward - Porto Ceresio trail head
The town. As close as I will ever get.
The town. As close as I will ever get.
One final look back at Morcote on the other side of the lake
One final look back at Morcote on the other side of the lake
The trail is surprisingly well marked
The trail is surprisingly well marked
Navigation is straightforward
Navigation is straightforward
Picturesque Italian village
Picturesque Italian village
Water out of a rubber tube in the middle of the forest. Sketchy as but I survived even without filtering it.
Water out of a rubber tube in the middle of the forest. Sketchy as but I survived even without filtering it.
A cairn leading the way
A cairn leading the way
The view towards the south. Sacro Monte in the foreground.
The view towards the south. Sacro Monte in the foreground.
The view towards Switzerland. No mountains visible today.
The view towards Switzerland. No mountains visible today.
Would be a nice camp for the night
Would be a nice camp for the night
Walking through a battlefield
Walking through a battlefield
Good night!
Good night!
2 Comments

And The Show Goes On

After spending a very busy August at work in the Engadin, I am lucky to have September and October once more available for my project. While I am initially debating whether I should continue E1 in Italy or do something completely different during the two months off, I end up to opt in favor of E1. It's my third summer on E1 and somehow I am ready to complete it next year. This however will only be possible if I hike some kilometers of Italy this year. Otherwise, Sicily would be out of reach next summer most probably.

A good motivation, a needed motivation. After hiking 2000 Kilometers this year already, my body's batteries are not as full as they could be anymore.

This does not sound like a great preparation and start into a hike, does it? However, the closer I get to packing my pack and head south, the more I am looking forward to the challenge. Not because of the apparently terribly marked and maintained trails, hair-raising roadwalks up north and strawing dogs. But because Italy something completely different again. Drier than Scandinavia, hillier than Germany and by looking at the map surprisingly remote in the Apennin, which I will follow nearly all the way to the bottom. Resupply needs a bit of planning though. But that's nothing new. 

E1 takes me along a part of Italy I'm not familiar with. Like so many other foreigners, all I know of Italy are some of its many cities like Venice or Rome and some of the most famous costal stretches. E1 is giving these places a wide berth as I stay up high in the Apennin. Yet, I hope there's the one or the other place to grab a Gelato or Pizza ;) 

Hitching a flight from St Moritz to Zurich for some last minute preparations in Wetzikon...
Hitching a flight from St Moritz to Zurich for some last minute preparations in Wetzikon...
... and some spontaneous last second relaxing in Garmisch
... and some spontaneous last second relaxing in Garmisch
2 Comments

Summer Memories

Let's be completely honest: I did not have high expectations. Lots of forest, flat terrain, cocky Germans. Things I thought would be awaiting me hiking Germany.


As a result, I don't feel overly enthusiastic when I start my hike in Flensburg on a wet and cold spring day. But my not too optimistic mindset is actually helping me to be positively surprised more easily. By the trail, the scenery and by the people. In fact I very much enjoy my hike across Germany. 


Yes, the terrain is flat for most of the first three weeks. A hill of more than 200 meters is the exception. A highlight even. Yet, the walk from Eckernförde to Kiel along the Ostsee is one to remember. Especially day two, in wonderful late spring weather, along a beautiful, deserted stretch of rugged coastline that I have all for myself.


After this highlight, things are getting back to normal as the trail is meandering across Schleswig-Holstein towards Hamburg. At least plenty of lakes are offering a nice change and with the warmer temperatures  inviting me for a swim. 


The temperatures stay high, however, unfortunately, the lakes disappear as I cross the Lüneburger Heide and make my way towards Frankfurt. All the dead forest caused by the previous dry summers and a bug killing the trees make the landscape look desolate and the heat unbearable at times. Sleeping places were sometimes hard to find. Yet with 1nitetent and basic shelters I am always lucky enough to have a somewhat okay place to overnight. 

Luckily, during this rather difficult period, I meet some wonderful people on my journey, who make my walk way more enjoyable. Great talks, plenty food and a dry roof over my head every now and then. Trail magic at work. 


Once past Frankfurt and the Odenwald, I enter the Black Forest. While physically challenging I get rewarded with one spectacular sunset after another. And once I spot the Swiss Alps in the far distance, my hiking spirit soars.


The good weather and the mostly easy trails across Germany make progress good and since I have plenty of time left I decide to continue to the Swiss Italian border. These last 250 kilometers across Switzerland are different to Germany. First and foremost, they are on home Turf, then the terrain:  mountainous with lakes every couple of kilometers. The way I like it. 

Furthermore, there's the great company of Fredy and the wonderful surprise of meeting Klaus and Gisela. This all adds to a lovely 10 days Switzerland. Yet, I am happy to reach the Italian border. My feet feel tired and the the hot weather too, has left its marks. 


To cut a long story short:

On E1 in Norway, the trail, the journey was the destination. The spectacular, mountainous scenery, the solitude, the remoteness, the untouched nature, the hospitality of its people are unbeatable. But also extremely challenging. 

In Sweden, after hiking through forest most of the time, the amazing shelters or vindskydd (as they call them), which were usually nestled close to pristine lakes and provided firewood and comfortable sleeping possibilities, were undoubtedly the highlight, the destination of the day. 


In Germany, well, dispite being quite charming after all, neither the trail, including the landscape, nor the overnight places are, as mentioned, able to completely blow my mind. Therefore I mainly considered the Swiss border, home, to be my destination.




0 Comments

Day 166: Switzerland - Done And Dusted

Monte Bigorio to Morcote

Distance: 30km


As during the previous two days, today starts with a hefty descent as well. Via an initially steep and rocky one, which is followed by a more shallow descent, I make my way towards Lugano. The sole of my feet are hurting a bit. The rocky Ticinesi trails have taken their toll. So I don't mind the road walk through Lugano and its suburbs, where the trail is not marked. I navigate by phone even though the way is quite obvious. Down to Lago di Lugano, then along the busy Promenade towards San Salvatore, Switzerland's version of the Sugarloaf, towering on the other side of the city.


The 800 meter steep climb in the noon heat is daunting. I take it slow. Sweat is dripping down. Never would I have imagined my body was able to sweat this much.

There were hardly any people stupid enough to do the hike up there. Yet, there is a heavily tattooed girl climbing it as well and we get into a refreshing conversation once we both took the wrong turn at an intersection. Turns out she's a Kiwi stripper, who got bored with New Zealand and thus moved to the UK. Obviously, I have to object to the "boring" part but she only shrugs and replies she might return once she's old. She asks me why the Swiss are so slow walkers. I say I have no clue but agree that we are indeed slow walkers. I also have to pass on the question, which city she can earn the most money with stripping. The questions keep coming until we reach the top of San Salvatore, where we say goodbye as she continues and I, as a slow Swiss, am enjoying the spectacular panorama from the top, which is reachable by cable car as well. I expected it to be crowded but luckily I am wrong. I have the observation tower all to myself.


Once I have soaked up the views, I continue along the ridge, passing through two lovely villages. I bump into the stripper again. Seems like she's not that fast of a walker at last. While she is staying, I continue along the shallow ridge, through a botanical garden and into the forest again. When only a short but steep descent is parting me from Morcote, and I spot the sand colored roofs, I start to realize how close I actually am to my goal of this summer's section. This makes me feel a bit overwhelmed. The well know being-torn-between-happy-and-sad-feeling. Sad that my wonderful time on the trail is over, happy to enjoy the amenities of the "normal" life. Proper food, more shade, a real bed,... But my hike is not over just yet. The last kilometer I descend via a steep stair, making me feel each and every muscle on my feet and legs. I look down at the emerald green Lago di Lugano. Knowing that I will be swimming in it in less than 15 minutes gives me a last energy boost.

After a quick stroll through the picturesque Morcote, I find a spot on the lake, taking off my shirt and jump in. I feel like a red-hot fire poker dipped into the water. It feels great. However, with a water temperature of 28 degrees Celsius it takes me a while to cool down. Doesn't matter. I've got 2 hours until my boat departs back towards Lugano.

I thoroughly enjoy my time on the lake. The happy-to-have-finished-feeling is now the prevailing one. Eventually, I make my way to the jetty. I feel like a "normal" person in a clean, good smelling set of clothes that I have been carrying across Switzerland.

At the busy jetty, the official ending or starting point of E1, I am looking for any kind of plaque honoring this fact. But there's none. Not even a sticker. Oh well, maybe I need to hike across the country again and take some stickers with me. 


The boat leaves more or less on time. To my left, I see Morcote slowly getting smaller and smaller. On my right I see Porto Ceresio. The starting point of E1 in Italy. But that's for another time. Now all I am looking forward to is an air-conditioned train carriage taking me back home. 


Monte Tamaro in spectacular evening lught
Monte Tamaro in spectacular evening lught
Last day on E1
Last day on E1
The one million dollar view of Lugano
The one million dollar view of Lugano
Lugano Piazza Grande
Lugano Piazza Grande
San Salvatore in background
San Salvatore in background
Leaving Lugano behind
Leaving Lugano behind
San Salvatore
San Salvatore
Enjoying...
Enjoying...
... the amazing panorama
... the amazing panorama
Picturesque village along the way.
Picturesque village along the way.
Morcote in sight!
Morcote in sight!
The last few steps
The last few steps
The stretch of death (at least that's what I think it means)
The stretch of death (at least that's what I think it means)
The end or beginning of E1 in Switzerland
The end or beginning of E1 in Switzerland
Switzerland - done and dusted
Switzerland - done and dusted
3 Comments

Day 165: Having The Legs

Corecco to Monte Bigorio

Distance: 45km


After a good night's sleep, I feel full of energy. Energy, which I will definitely need today.

Not for the first descent though. It's not as steep and rough and thus more pleasant to walk than I was expecting.


Once down at the bottom, I follow the Ticino River for 5 hours. There really is not much to say about this stretch. At one point, when I couldn't stand the heat anymore (temperatures reached up to 35 degrees Celsius by then), I jumped into the river, my clothes on. It will give an extra cooling effect. I sit on the river bank, admiring the massive mountains around me while drying. Therefore, I don't immediately notice the river rising rather quickly (probably one centimeter per minute). Only when my feet suddenly get wet again I realize it. I look at my backpack. It's sitting a few centimeters in the water. Shit. Out of my stupidity, I do an unplanned water resistancy test. It seems to work. The dry bags at the bottom of the pack are only a bit damp.


After a resupply and carbo loading in Giubiasco, I start my first climb of the day. Unfortunately, I over-ate and I have some discomfort in my tummy. This might sound a bit gross but with every fart and every burb I feel better again. And that's a good thing, because I can use all the energy for the steep, rough 800 vertical meters climb. At one point the trail, narrow and covered with dry leaves, puts me out of my comfort zone. The leaves are making it slippery and there's nowhere to hold on to. A small error, a slip and it's a long way down. I try not to think too much about it but rather focus on each and every step. After a couple of meters, going gets easier again. This must have been the most dangerous stretch of the whole E1 so far. 


On top, I enter the training area of the army. Plenty of signs state things like "Danger", "Do not enter", etc..

According to the email I received upon requesting the status of the area, they are not practicing today. With anyone else around, I enter it. Neither do I get arrested or shot. That's a welcome thing. 

Descending to Isone is much more pleasant than the climb before. Once in the village, I fill up my water bottles. There has been an abundance of fountains today, so water was never a problem. But this most probably will be the last opportunity to refill for today. With 3 liters I climb up the other side of the valley. Today, I already walked for 40 kilometers. Yet, my legs don't seems overly tired. So I keep on going. Way past the point I planned to camp. I check the map for places to stay and stumble across a promising looking place with nice views. I push hard as I want to reach it before sunset. And I succeed. A spectacular view of Lugano is awaiting me. Still not feeling too tired, I prepare my bivy, eat some bread with humus and then simply enjoy the view. I'm so happy to have found this spectacular spot. What a worthy place to spend my last night on E1 in Switzerland! 

Yesterday's night view of the Leventina
Yesterday's night view of the Leventina
Ticino River
Ticino River
A surprisingly nice river
A surprisingly nice river
The leaf covered trail. Hard to see and slippery.
The leaf covered trail. Hard to see and slippery.
Horses with a view
Horses with a view
Looking south with Lugano in the background
Looking south with Lugano in the background
View to the north
View to the north
Happy about my stamina today
Happy about my stamina today
My last night on E1 in Switzerland. What a location to celebrate it!
My last night on E1 in Switzerland. What a location to celebrate it!
1 Comments

Day 164: Buongiorno Ticino

Gotthard Pass to Correco

Distance: 45km


Instead of the car noise, I fell asleep to the calming sound of a nearby stream. Albeit not warm, the night is not as chilly as expected and overall I had a decent sleep.


Gisela is already boiling water for her morning tea or coffee when I find my way out of the tent at 05:15. As usual, I skip breakfast, pack my tent and get ready to hit the trail. Now it's time to way goodbye to Klaus and Gisela. It's been a wonderful couple of hours with them and I'm still quite impressed how they managed to surprise me!.


More or less along Via Tremola, the old cobblestone road over Gotthard Pass, I steeply descent towards Airolo. My legs feel full of energy and I hardly notice the nearly 1000 vertical meters. One in Airolo, I follow La Strada Alta di Leventina, a continuous up and down, sometimes along roads, sometimes on hiking trails. Some of the quite rough with some exposed parts.

I hiked in the Canton of Ticino many times before and therefore, I am familiar with what to expect. Yet, I always find it interesting, how drastically the look of the villages change, once you are crossing the boundary. Less wooden houses, more houses made out of stone. Narrow alleys and generally a bit of a taste of italianita. 

There's a lot to see and hence time passes by rather quickly.


After 45 kilometers I approach the spot I decided to stay. There really aren't any other options as the trail will soon start a steep descent into the valley. And after 1600 vertical meters climbing and 2800 descending I don't feel like walking anymore. Luckily, it's a wonderful, flat, grassy spot, overlooking the Leventina. There are houses behind me, but they seem empty. And even if there is someone around, I don't think they care too much. There's no road going here. Only a hiking trail. Therefore, I don't think they have many people passing through. 


I am not really looking forward for tomorrow. There's the mentioned descent, which according to the map and Fredy is steep and rough. Then there's a 20 kilometer walk along the Ticino River. It will be stinking hot down there. Hopefully, there's a place to swim. Also there's the uncertainty if the military shooting ranges are active. I was told they would not be but this might change. A detour would add another day. Not what I am looking for... 

Last but not least it most certainly (depending on the military) will be my second to last day in Switzerland. Per default I will have difficulties to keep my hiking spirit up.

But hey, let me worry about these things tomorrow. 


There's a beautiful view to enjoy!

Following the Via Tremola
Following the Via Tremola
Early morning sun versus the mountains
Early morning sun versus the mountains
Breakfast! Thanks to all involved 😊
Breakfast! Thanks to all involved 😊
Ambri Aerodrome
Ambri Aerodrome
Plenty of water along the way to cool down my feet
Plenty of water along the way to cool down my feet
A typical village scene. Fountain with flowers, a bus stop cobblestone roads
A typical village scene. Fountain with flowers, a bus stop cobblestone roads
Part of the exposed trail today
Part of the exposed trail today
Looking down to Leventina from Corecco
Looking down to Leventina from Corecco
Super flat
Super flat
Good night!
Good night!
2 Comments

Day 163: A Wonderful Surprise

Meitschligen to Gotthard Pass

Distance: 30km


The stream of cars continued throughout the night. Yet, I get a good night's sleep, without paying the noise too much attention. 

After a somewhat late start I continue my climb up to Gotthard Pass. Initially, the trail follows the highway. Not very enjoyable with all the traffic. I pass the time looking at the number plates. Mostly Dutch, German and Belgians, who probably drove through the night. In Wassen, I buy breakfast and lunch. I overhear two locals complaining about the traffic, which makes it hard for them to sleep. Completely understandable in my opinion.


Once past Göschenen, I enter the Schöllenen Gorge. A stunning stretch of walk. One of the, if not the most interesting walk on E1 so far as the trail is making its way up, past the Devil's Bridge and military defense bunkers towards Andermatt.

Andermatt is well known to me as I spent several weeks in the village during my time in the air force. So I skip sightseeing and only do a quick resupply for tomorrow. Soon I am on my way again. Shortly after leaving town, I notice two hikers sitting in front of a shed. They look familiar. Might it be... No, it can't be. So I continue. But I look again. They stand up, looking back at me. Then I clearly recognize Gisela. And Klaus! Two very good friends and hiking companions from South Tyrol. They were following my hike and decided to surprise me. Well, they sure were successful. It's an absolutely wonderful surprise. It feels so good to see them!


After a long hug and a beer, we continue to Hospental together, where they have parked their car. We agree to meet later on top of the Gotthard pass and camp up there together.


The following three hours to the top are special walk. Not only because of the sparse, rocky landscape but also because I am looking forward to meeting Gisela and Klaus on the pass again. My motivation for the last 500 vertical meters is high. Obviously... 


Gotthard pass is super windy and busy. People from all over Europe are enjoying the views on their way to Italy, where they will spend a week or two on the beach. 


At 16:00 I meet Gisela and Klaus again. After a drink we start looking for a place to camp. The wind is limiting the options. Yet, compared to Germany, there's an abundance of great spots. We settle in near Lago dei Morti. A bit more than 2000 meters above sea level. By far the highest point I have camped on E1 so far. Great views. A tranquil place away from the hustle and bustle. 


What a wonderful day it has been with this unexpected surprise. Trail magic!


05:00 and the roads are already busy
05:00 and the roads are already busy
Waterfall between Wassen and Göschenen
Waterfall between Wassen and Göschenen
Some disused military defense tunnel
Some disused military defense tunnel
One of many bridges
One of many bridges
Fjordland feeling
Fjordland feeling
Crossing the devil's bridge
Crossing the devil's bridge
Another perspective of Switzerland's most famous bridge
Another perspective of Switzerland's most famous bridge
Impressive engineering
Impressive engineering
Local cheese, bread and pastry
Local cheese, bread and pastry
Pralinato
Pralinato
Auckland... Still a bit to go
Auckland... Still a bit to go
It's windy
It's windy
Crossing into the Italian speaking part of Switzerland
Crossing into the Italian speaking part of Switzerland
First time drinking water directly from the stream since Norway
First time drinking water directly from the stream since Norway
Highest point of E1 so far. Very happy to be here with Gisela and Klaus 😊
Highest point of E1 so far. Very happy to be here with Gisela and Klaus 😊
Last rays of sun...
Last rays of sun...
... at Lago di Morti
... at Lago di Morti
3 Comments

Day 162: The Heart Of Switzerland

Holzegg to Meitschligen

Distance: 45km


A surprisingly chilly and windy night doesn't make me sleep well and, lying awake in my sleeping bag, I decide to leave with first light. 

The hiking day starts with a steep, 1000 vertical meters descent. It takes a lot of concentration. Dim light and after so little sleep. An unfavorable combination. Still, I eventually make it. A somewhat boring stretch follows. Up and down and up again. 3 hours after hitting the trail, Lake Lucerne comes into view again, far below me, shimmering in a wonderful Caribbean like emerald green. I take my first break, soaking up the view before descending steeply to Sisikon, from where I follow the Trail of Switzerland to Flüelen. The trail is notorious for being closed as this part of the lake is prone to rockfall and landslides. Luckily, I can walk it all the way. Sometimes along the busy Axenstrasse, through tunnels, along the lake or trails carved into the sheer rock face. All in all a great, diverse, enjoyable stretch with a lot of Swiss history in it. The Tellsplatte is right by the path, the Rütli on the other side of the lake. To my surprise there's hardly anyone on the trail. Good for me. 

Right before leaving the lake I pass by a gravel beach, especially made for swimming. Obviously, I can't resist the water and go for two swims. A great feeling with the walls of rocks around me. 

From there it's a quick hop to picturesque Flüelen, where I follow the Reuss River upstream. A flat, easy 20 kilometer walk along the river bank until Amsteg, where the valley is turning into a gorge and the trail is climbing away from the river. Yet, it remains easy to walk. I don't mind. The first half has been tiring.


Being a Friday afternoon and beginning of the public school holidays in many parts of Europe traffic is heavy. On the motorway as well as the adjacent the smaller highway. Dutch motor homes and cars with trailers are fighting with the climb, slowing down the traffic. I'm impressed how the engineers were able to fit two roads and a railway line into the narrow gorge. A technical marvel for me.


I pass by small mountain villages. The motorways visible and the cars noisy. It feels a bit weird. My camping spot is the same. The motorway and railway are to my right, the highway to my left. And there will be plenty of traffic throughout the night. But I don't mind. It's a suitable, honest ending to an interesting day. 

Twilight views
Twilight views
Early morning mood
Early morning mood
Looking back at the Mythen
Looking back at the Mythen
And forward at Lake Constance
And forward at Lake Constance
Separate tunnel for pedestrians
Separate tunnel for pedestrians
Well marked as alway
Well marked as alway
Photo bombing an otherwise nice photo
Photo bombing an otherwise nice photo
It's windy. Perfect condition to go sailing.
It's windy. Perfect condition to go sailing.
Flüelen
Flüelen
Paddle "Steamer" and the flags of Switzerland's cantons.
Paddle "Steamer" and the flags of Switzerland's cantons.
Looking like a model railway
Looking like a model railway
My hut
My hut
No great views but I can learn a lot about the trees
No great views but I can learn a lot about the trees
0 Comments

Day 161: The Mountains Are Calling

Wetzikon to Holzegg 

Distance: 45km


After two days of dolce far niente I hit the trail well rested. Leaving home is generally not easy and there's no exception this time. However, it's only a week to the Italian border and a big chunk of it through spectacular terrain. The icing on the cake one could say. Therefore, I am actually in a good mood as I make my way towards Rapperswil. It's an easy start, the trail gradually ands gently descending to the Lake of Zürich. The dramatic early morning clouds give way to the sun as I cross the lake via one of, if not the, longest wooden footbridges in Switzerland.

The first climb to Meinrad Monastery goes surprisingly easy. Only my arms feel a bit tired. Maybe too much swimming the previous two days. After another descent I pass by the Lake of Sihl. There's a free bathing place but it's crawling with people. Car and bicycles parked scattered on the pasture around. I give it a wide berth and find a nice bench a bit further down the hiking path. I have the place for myself. I jump into the refreshing water. With an air temperature of 30 degrees it really does feel good. A long, mostly flat stretch takes me past Einsiedeln with its famous monastry and onwards to Brunni. The mountains are getting closer with every step. After hiking in flatter terrain since Norway, it feels quite exciting but I do show a lot of respect. 

In Brunni the valley ends and I steeply climb towards Zwyschet Mythen, which offers fantastic views of Lake Lucerne and the Central Swiss Alps. It's windy up here. Yet, I enjoy every moment of it before making my way down in search of a good spot to camp. 


Dramatic sky with good views of the Alps ahead
Dramatic sky with good views of the Alps ahead
Rapperswil
Rapperswil
The wooden bridge across Lake of Zürich
The wooden bridge across Lake of Zürich
Lovely walk
Lovely walk
A sneak peek at the mountains again
A sneak peek at the mountains again
The Midget Hotel
The Midget Hotel
This very sign at the bottom is how it all started. I spotted it a couple of years ago, I got curious, googled it, planned it and now here I am again.l!
This very sign at the bottom is how it all started. I spotted it a couple of years ago, I got curious, googled it, planned it and now here I am again.l!
Sihlsee
Sihlsee
Monastery of Einsiedeln
Monastery of Einsiedeln
Last free water... Very helpful information!
Last free water... Very helpful information!
The view from Zwyschet Mythen
The view from Zwyschet Mythen
3 Comments

Day 160: Zero Day 2 With An Ode To My Backpack

I'm not in a rush. I have got to be back at work on the 29th. And it's only 250 kilometers to the Italian border. So I decided on taking another rest day.


To keep my blog alive, I thought I'd write a few lines about my old backpack. 


Spring 2016: in anticipation of Te Araroa, I am browsing the web for a suitable backpack. As it is my first thru-hike, I don't really know what I am looking for. The only criteria is to fit my full frame camera. That narrows my search down considerably. I stumble across a review of a photographer and thru-hiker. He praises a backpack of Seekoutside. The Unaweep Panel Loader. It's somewhat love at first sight and I pull the trigger. Buying it without ever actually wearing it. Naive? Probably. But my gut tells me I will have a good time with it. 


I pick my pack up while on vacation in Florida. I get rid of my suitcase and use the new backpack instead. Seems to fit perfectly. Yet, I'll have to find out on my training hikes.


The backpack fits. Its aluminum frame makes it rigid, which goes well with my hollow back and makes it feel lighter than it is. 

That's good because it's not exactly lightweight. Neither is my other equipment. 

It's not waterproof either. Not then and definitely not now. I learn it the hard way on one of my training hikes when I forget to attach a rain cover. Remember... I was a greenhorn back then. 


Te Araroa is rough. I fall dozens of times, mostly right onto my backpack, I have to bush bash, crawl beneath fallen trees, throw the backpack over fences. Many times. I am not treating it gently. Yet, nothing ever breaks or tears on the trail. The company usually builds hunting packs. They are made to withstand the beating. And so is mine. 

Many more hikes follow. A broken latch. Nothing else. 

So far it probably joined me up to nearly 15000 kilometers. It could do more kilometers. That I am sure of. However, wear and tear is getting a bit of a problem. The cushioning on hip and shoulder straps is hardly existing anymore. I have to use a cut up camping mattress around my waist to still be able to wear it comfortably. Also I am worried something might break, something that might not be possible to properly fix. And on a thru-hike this is not what I want. 


Therefore, I decided on purchasing a new backpack. Same company but this one is designed with thru-hiking in mind. Once more it is a bit of a gamble but the gut feeling is good.

The new pack is already waiting for me at home. Transferring my stuff from the old to the new one makes me feel a bit melancholic thinking of what I went through with it. All the ups and downs. It's become a part of me. A very important part. 

Even when retired, it always will keep a special place in my heart. 


It makes a first good impression. Sturdier than I thought (a good thing for me). The waterproof UltraPE fabric is not flimsy at all looks durable. The frame is familiar to my old one and it rides good even without the adjustments, which I still need to do. 

The following 250 kilometers will be a good opportunity to this and to get familiar with it. I am pretty excited!

Old and New
Old and New
1 Comments

Day 159: Zero Day 1

A typical Zero Day. Not much going on. Chores, planning, relaxing. Giving my body some well needed rest. 

Spending some time at the lovely Lake of Pfäffikon.
Spending some time at the lovely Lake of Pfäffikon.
Fredy at work 💪
Fredy at work 💪
Planning my hike across Switzerland. The free tools provided by the government are fantastic to do this.
Planning my hike across Switzerland. The free tools provided by the government are fantastic to do this.
0 Comments

Day 158: Home!

Gfellacher near Hörnli to Wetzikon

Distance: 20km


The sunrise does not disappoint. The early start was well worth it.

Looking east and south, a wonderful mountain panorama is nicely lit by the early morning sun. The mountains seem close. So close, it feels like I can touch them. With such a view, walking goes much easier than yesterday. It's familiar territory. Terrain I know, terrain I have been walking and running around for years. Thru-hiking it feels special. In Scandinavia and Germany I initially felt like an explorer in inkonwn territory. Here I feel at home.


As it's a short day to Wetzikon, the place I spent my years as a teenager, we are not in a rush. We take plenty of photos, soaking up the views. Yet, as we get closer to Wetzikon and the legs start feeling heavier, both of us are looking forward to putting our feet up.


I am feeling less emotional than I thought I would, when I finally arrive in Wetzikon and spot the house. Most probably it will take a while to really realize than I just completed a walk from Nordkapp. 6000 kilometers. Obviously, I split up the walk in three sections. Yet, it's still a bit of an effort. A rewarding one with a wast amount ofmemories. And these, mostly great memories, make we want to hit the trail again and head south as quickly as possible.


My itchy feet need to stay still for a day or two though as I want to savour the moment. Savour home. There won't be another "home" on E1.


However, it's business before pleasure. Laundry, resupply, exchanging backpacks,... . Especially the exchange of my backpack consumes a bit of time. The first impression of the pack is very good. Still, it's also different to my now retired pack, which I carried for roughly 15'000 kilometers and which I got so used to. Every strap, every pocket had its own purpose. I have to rearrange myself. I'm looking forward to it, but it will take a while to customize the pack until it fully suits my need. 


Eventually, I need a break. Time for an early dinner. Rösti with broccoli, eggs and Fredy's famous bean and Feta salad. My first real meal after nearly to weeks. I very much appreciate it. 


The rest of the day I do what I do best at home: feeling comfortable. Feeling at home. 

Morning mood with Säntis in the background. The mountain I spotted 10 days ago, far far away, is now a stone's throw away.
Morning mood with Säntis in the background. The mountain I spotted 10 days ago, far far away, is now a stone's throw away.
The view to the south
The view to the south
Double Trouble. 10 kilometers to go to Wetzikon.
Double Trouble. 10 kilometers to go to Wetzikon.
The panorama is breathtakingly beautiful. A view that means home for me.
The panorama is breathtakingly beautiful. A view that means home for me.
Also a common view. I'm optimistic Rob will mention the breed in the comments ;)
Also a common view. I'm optimistic Rob will mention the breed in the comments ;)
Fredy is tired. Fredy wanna go home.
Fredy is tired. Fredy wanna go home.
A waterfall 5 minutes away from home. I ran past it probably more than a 100 times.
A waterfall 5 minutes away from home. I ran past it probably more than a 100 times.
Made it!
Made it!
Dinner time
Dinner time
2 Comments

Day 157: A Tough Job

Lippoldswilen to Gfellacher near Hörnli

Distance: 35km


Do we make it to Wetzikon in two days or one day? That is the question. 

After the first couple of steps the answer is clear: two days. After the two long, tough previous days, my legs still feel tired and, after discussing it with Fredy, we have to admit another 55 kilometer day would put me close to my limits. And there's really no need to do hurry. And I have the impression Fredy is secretly relieved with the decision as well. 


The weather is muggy. Cloudy, warm with only light winds. The scenery a mix of farmland and forest. Nothing special.

As we get closer to the Hörnli, a 1100 meter hill located in the highlands of Zürich, the scenery gets more interesting, the terrain steeper. Also the clouds give way to the sun.


Progress is good but, despite the good company, it is a bit of a constant fight for both of us. Second to last day for me until reaching another milestone. Home. These second to last days have never been easy for me mentally. I made this experience on other hikes before. Once we arrive at our designated camp spot, I am mighty grateful. It's clear at first sight though that fitting two tents there will be a tight fit. As the forecast predicts a clear sky for the night, I decide to bivy. But until we can settle in for the night, it's still a while. We have a nice fire going, cooking dinner over it. At some point a family of four is joining us for two hours. It's something I got used to while sleeping in shelters for the last couple of weeks. For Fredy, the greenhorn however, it's mildly annoying. Completely understandable. 

Once they have finally left, a spectacular sunset follows. More or less right in front of it: Feldberg. The highest hill of the Black Forest. Feels great to see it again so clearly 5 days after watching the sunrise from up there. 


Slowly but surely we are getting ready for the night. Once in my sleeping bag, I realize how happy I am with the decision not to rush and split the hike into two days. Otherwise, we would not have seen this fantastic sunset. 


Tomorrow, it will be an early start. Watching sunrise from Hörnli. Hopefully as nice as this sunset. 


A rather unspectacular morning
A rather unspectacular morning
Using every opportunity for a swim
Using every opportunity for a swim
The monastery of Fischingen
The monastery of Fischingen
Sunset and camp fire. A winning combination.
Sunset and camp fire. A winning combination.
Fredy enjoying the view
Fredy enjoying the view
Golden hour
Golden hour
A bit crowded. Still, it's super cozy around the warming fire with the wind blowing the smoke away from us.
A bit crowded. Still, it's super cozy around the warming fire with the wind blowing the smoke away from us.
Cozy
Cozy
Good night 😴
Good night 😴
2 Comments

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