We were glad to be able to give Jenny this grand day's hike. We have been up Monte Croce already this winter, but with the lack of snow this dry year, it proved to be perfectly climbable even as early in the year as 26 February.
It was a stunning day, and, very unusually, we met many people enjoying it. Firstly, the river in the valley was busy with anglers - we foud out that it is the first day of the trout fishing season. Then, on the hill, small groups people were to be seen all around on the paths - we presume it was a spring climb of the CAI (Club Alpino Italiano).
The climb is characterised by a spectacular rock gully where the path gets rather steep and narrow - a chain has been provided to give a bit of extra security and confidence.
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| Roadside snowdrops on the way to the village of Palignana and the start of the climb |
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| Near to the Foce delle Porchette, from where the Med can be seen for the first time |
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| Barbara and Jenny on the approach to the gully |
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| Barbara emerges from the gully into the sunlight |
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Jenny points to the very satisfying sign which reads
"This route for experienced hikers only"! |
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Magnificent view from the summit showing the peak of the Pania della Croce. The white patches on the hills to the left are the Carrara marble quarries
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| At the top - not too pecked! Camera looking North - Pania della Croce in background |
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| Jenny was there too ... |
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| The view to the South |
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Crocuses basking in a sun-trap beside a wall
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| No caption needed ... |
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| Nearly down to the road, then half an hour of hairpins before we reach the car! |
how beautiful, how sweet the two of you, Bill and Barbara, on top of Monte Croce!
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