tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55912770174678510562024-03-05T22:28:42.052+01:00KOKOPELLI CAMPINGKokopelli, is all about active ventures, simple pleasures. But, with some quirky self-catering options and rather special added extras, we're much, much more than just camping. You'll find us tucked away in the foothills of the Majella of south-central Italy - a raw wilderness and the perfect playground for hiking, biking, climbing & chillin. Beach bums will be spoilt for choice too, as the beautiful Adriatic Coastline is only a short drive down the valley.Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-44238340361386340602018-01-12T13:03:00.001+01:002018-02-11T09:05:56.163+01:00Kokopelli for Kids<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>"I love your site, but what is there to do for my children?" </b></i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Probably our most asked question, so, briefly summarised, Kokopelli Camping does seem to be loved by children of all ages, many of whom have been back a number of times. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zKWvYNSp5Yg/WliduJns3sI/AAAAAAAAFkU/cZoUdVwEgKwYyQB7-NgsyxvMdwegvzxFwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1287" data-original-width="1600" height="513" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zKWvYNSp5Yg/WliduJns3sI/AAAAAAAAFkU/cZoUdVwEgKwYyQB7-NgsyxvMdwegvzxFwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC01629.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making new friends at Kokopelli, collecting cherries and preparing tea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Firstly, it's important to understand that we’re in a relatively undiscovered and rural part of Italy, where there’s not much in the way of tourism or organised activities. That said, what nature has to offer is truly splendid and children seem to enjoy it as much as the grown-ups, particularly the freedom to just be children.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ta80FwP7ndI/WliduZfxIzI/AAAAAAAAFkk/habyK-Nzoq0BGxVgQSQuv0hrP78zAaUYgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC02074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="1600" height="556" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ta80FwP7ndI/WliduZfxIzI/AAAAAAAAFkk/habyK-Nzoq0BGxVgQSQuv0hrP78zAaUYgCEwYBhgL/s640/DSC02074.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning to slack line at Kokopelli</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One evening last summer, I saw a group of children, all different ages, all lying in the grass under a tree, clearly totally absorbed with something fascinating. It was a hedgehog, and they spent all evening just watching, chatting and laughing in the long grass. Other times, I've watched children running around with butterfly nets and overturning stones searching for lizards. We have rabbits that children can sit with, and chickens from which they can collect eggs. And we have a border collie called Lizzy, who adores the children as much as they her.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iojEmQZccdc/WliePQfQUJI/AAAAAAAAFk4/Mec_Iuw_jrwgA_rT_sbje-95wgRvrXoSwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1550" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iojEmQZccdc/WliePQfQUJI/AAAAAAAAFk4/Mec_Iuw_jrwgA_rT_sbje-95wgRvrXoSwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_6488.jpg" width="619" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gD8pdcGTfxs/WlieNLWThXI/AAAAAAAAFk4/5FUbdTX0TdU3LdbbJObCl3MfFtKulUkkQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1554" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gD8pdcGTfxs/WlieNLWThXI/AAAAAAAAFk4/5FUbdTX0TdU3LdbbJObCl3MfFtKulUkkQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_2137.jpg" width="619" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We have woods to wander in and explore, build dens, follow animal tracks, discover new paths.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We have old ruins, castles, rivers and waterfalls.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Many on our doorstep, some just a short drive away, all within one hour.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The beach is a 35 minute drive down the valley, and we can point you in the direction of some wonderful sandy beaches well off the tourist trail, or rocky coves perfect for snorkelling. We can suggest some fabulous places for a seafood lunch or to indulge in a wonderful Italian gelato.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Have a look at this link from our blog that explains a little more:</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://kokopelli-italy.blogspot.it/2015/07/as-abruzzo-scorches.html" target="_blank">Places to Swim</a></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Although tourist activities in Abruzzo are few, we do have a forest adventure climbing experience nearby, and a couple of waterparks.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You can also go on guided canoe trips down the Pescara river, or hire mountain bikes, etc.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> There are a</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> couple of links here to give you an idea:</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">http://www.ilbosso.com/</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">https://www.aqualandvasto.com/</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">http://www.parconaturalemajella.it/attivita/parco-avventura/</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRnHhgJN8eiWMFHeEYHzFgYXRH07tTLc0SqsKmfiLpvtALrWikne7chDMqYZ0SjJybuBbszNKr35b7D91MQWG_VOS2YIaSPYjiLyNapUDhzT1HyLGBoguPtYW_3ZSOtAuCCdPXQXZcBE/s1600/DSC02183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1207" data-original-width="1600" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRnHhgJN8eiWMFHeEYHzFgYXRH07tTLc0SqsKmfiLpvtALrWikne7chDMqYZ0SjJybuBbszNKr35b7D91MQWG_VOS2YIaSPYjiLyNapUDhzT1HyLGBoguPtYW_3ZSOtAuCCdPXQXZcBE/s640/DSC02183.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pasta making with Stefano</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If you like, you can even learn how to make pasta with Stefano, our local chef who runs the restaurant in the village.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">With the campsite, our facilities are pretty good and very well equipped, but we don't have a children's play area.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Our showers and toilets are modern and clean and more than sufficient - even at the height of our season when we have a full campsite (absolute maximum of 35 adults and 15 children), there are never queues.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We also have outdoor cooking stations (gas and charcoal), a barn with three large fridge freezers, books, games and a gas oven.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Another link here that you might find useful that explains our facilities: </span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://kokopelli-italy.blogspot.it/p/facilities-booking.html" target="_blank">Facilities</a></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Where accommodation is concerned, you will either be coming in your own tent (or small campervan), or you will be hiring one or two of ours. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You could have either two Bell Tents (pitched next to each other), or perhaps one Bell Tent and one of our €1 per night standard tents, which seems to be a favourite option for families.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This link here, explains a little more about our €1 tent hire scheme: </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://kokopelli-italy.blogspot.it/2015/03/tent-free-travel.html" target="_blank">€1 Tent Hire</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WnGkT1Y78uc/WliduDbBHII/AAAAAAAAFkk/IvWHc7JrZ9ER_swU0uzP7FTwqOChYl5zgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC02081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1600" height="234" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WnGkT1Y78uc/WliduDbBHII/AAAAAAAAFkk/IvWHc7JrZ9ER_swU0uzP7FTwqOChYl5zgCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC02081.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bell Tent in the background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I hope this all helps, but do get in touch if you have any questions. We're always happy to chat through options with you over the phone or on skype, just let us know and we'll give you a call.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dapssxgz6tc/WliegxWVvqI/AAAAAAAAFk4/Pe4xhlVaqA4efSeN-WCgZEB-Xf_f3WVTgCEwYBhgL/s1600/P7240058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dapssxgz6tc/WliegxWVvqI/AAAAAAAAFk4/Pe4xhlVaqA4efSeN-WCgZEB-Xf_f3WVTgCEwYBhgL/s400/P7240058.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stealing the grapes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LURhuUFsS3g/WlieAQG4sUI/AAAAAAAAFkk/ZTU3hG8APlIACshkhqxav44wfgB0hDc8wCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC03480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1600" height="229" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LURhuUFsS3g/WlieAQG4sUI/AAAAAAAAFkk/ZTU3hG8APlIACshkhqxav44wfgB0hDc8wCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC03480.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yoga</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sqFXrL9DT7E/Wliee_Gd60I/AAAAAAAAFk4/MV8iOKFfHG8wdQRNKRZmZWP1NSMZ92XRACEwYBhgL/s1600/P7170542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sqFXrL9DT7E/Wliee_Gd60I/AAAAAAAAFk4/MV8iOKFfHG8wdQRNKRZmZWP1NSMZ92XRACEwYBhgL/s320/P7170542.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk/">www.kokopellicamping.co.uk</a></span></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><a href="mailto:jaqs@kokopellicamping.co.uk">jaqs@kokopellicamping.co.uk</a></span></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<style type="text/css">
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica}
p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px}
span.s1 {font-kerning: none}
span.s2 {text-decoration: underline ; font-kerning: none; color: #0069d9}
</style>Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-56997807083383896952017-05-14T12:15:00.001+02:002017-05-14T12:15:59.019+02:00Wild camping in the woods<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">...well, sort of.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">For those who want their camping to be even more back to nature and tucked away, we have a lovely little woodland spot where abandoned cultivated terraces are rewilding in their truest sense. Trophic cascading has already begun with the return of the wolf, and the wild boar, deer, polecats and foxes are plentiful. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We have changed nothing or altered anything, it is as nature dictates. All we've done is set up a <a href="https://humanurehandbook.com/" target="_blank">humanure</a> toilet to ensure things are kept clean and our impact minimal (and we will have a good supply of compost in a year or two!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Numbers will be strictly limited, you can come in your own tent or you can hire one of ours for €1 a night (<a href="http://kokopelli-italy.blogspot.it/2015/03/tent-free-travel.html" target="_blank">€1 tent hire</a>). You can give hammock camping a try, we have a couple of those, or you can stay on the campsite and have a night in the woods. Whatever you like. If you'd like to know more, drop me a line: <a href="mailto:jaqs@kokopellicamping.co.uk">jaqs@kokopellicamping.co.uk</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QRCZIl9KQtg/WRgr1VOpFoI/AAAAAAAAFeo/IU-vVMNeT30UzmHTOKAAz-j5lpr8d5h1gCLcB/s1600/DSC03313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QRCZIl9KQtg/WRgr1VOpFoI/AAAAAAAAFeo/IU-vVMNeT30UzmHTOKAAz-j5lpr8d5h1gCLcB/s640/DSC03313.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFw2BkM_fQRdYLF5SEVbG6oKMt6ToZ-cPrgykxPB0CBl1j4MIY7FAG0ZuO71VYdEhHJIJsknUHWu2VTUTfrQvgBt2EW6J7MFHHJAJbb1dsKW1qf9d2DlHoN2zy-GfQai_DscaAsmI0njM/s1600/DSC03305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFw2BkM_fQRdYLF5SEVbG6oKMt6ToZ-cPrgykxPB0CBl1j4MIY7FAG0ZuO71VYdEhHJIJsknUHWu2VTUTfrQvgBt2EW6J7MFHHJAJbb1dsKW1qf9d2DlHoN2zy-GfQai_DscaAsmI0njM/s640/DSC03305.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O6m-HmXh2G8/WRgr_Ml5acI/AAAAAAAAFew/QRbGwT9IyNEDO1sN7UwaiHo3TIYzecxEQCLcB/s1600/DSC03308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O6m-HmXh2G8/WRgr_Ml5acI/AAAAAAAAFew/QRbGwT9IyNEDO1sN7UwaiHo3TIYzecxEQCLcB/s640/DSC03308.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d4-N1RdYQ6g/WRgsF7XbcZI/AAAAAAAAFe0/KRl-uSneyRAUaKd83W4yUKHE8RT7boikACLcB/s1600/DSC03309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d4-N1RdYQ6g/WRgsF7XbcZI/AAAAAAAAFe0/KRl-uSneyRAUaKd83W4yUKHE8RT7boikACLcB/s640/DSC03309.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuIbUso_f91z_ltj3Xnj3xFyuDJPctsKAYvvofOoQ6nT_1KlKH_XuECAvNfUKwCQEWlVvk3toZ6spymHAgEU3bEC6C3IF8AE3UqLptgxoAUNVhoq6pWq04G-ePvsDTjlS9hai-gSCiP4/s1600/DSC03311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuIbUso_f91z_ltj3Xnj3xFyuDJPctsKAYvvofOoQ6nT_1KlKH_XuECAvNfUKwCQEWlVvk3toZ6spymHAgEU3bEC6C3IF8AE3UqLptgxoAUNVhoq6pWq04G-ePvsDTjlS9hai-gSCiP4/s640/DSC03311.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ODON9udpz-Q/WRgsMrn55II/AAAAAAAAFe8/9IUu6BHMG4I5IjEs5BuyFFO4g-fXmSuBgCLcB/s1600/DSC03303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ODON9udpz-Q/WRgsMrn55II/AAAAAAAAFe8/9IUu6BHMG4I5IjEs5BuyFFO4g-fXmSuBgCLcB/s640/DSC03303.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk/">www.kokopellicamping.co.uk</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l_feELHPiII/WRgtY1tEazI/AAAAAAAAFfI/XIgs3WTRbSMzs0mCYlM9-LHpXmo6zaOswCLcB/s1600/55a374d9a4e67_thumb900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l_feELHPiII/WRgtY1tEazI/AAAAAAAAFfI/XIgs3WTRbSMzs0mCYlM9-LHpXmo6zaOswCLcB/s200/55a374d9a4e67_thumb900.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-90734923564886851982016-06-22T08:44:00.000+02:002018-06-19T14:11:13.515+02:00Hiking the Majella (2)<span style="font-size: large;">Eremo San Giovanni, Vall'Orfento, Parco Nazionale Della Majella</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Undoubtedly the most evocative, spectacular and least accessible Celestinian sanctuary of all the hermitages of the Majella. A place to just sit and think and wonder.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AT3itO3nwL8/V2owJGpauWI/AAAAAAAAE-k/10Q_jlrUPOMZvzKQjahrRZWsBaXTtcbGgCLcB/s1600/DSC01733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AT3itO3nwL8/V2owJGpauWI/AAAAAAAAE-k/10Q_jlrUPOMZvzKQjahrRZWsBaXTtcbGgCLcB/s640/DSC01733.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SV47VxRhE-k/V2owEu8p87I/AAAAAAAAE-c/_G4A2O5LE38DH8LZRB8FFKcl-kV2NcTDQCLcB/s1600/DSC01736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SV47VxRhE-k/V2owEu8p87I/AAAAAAAAE-c/_G4A2O5LE38DH8LZRB8FFKcl-kV2NcTDQCLcB/s640/DSC01736.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXJIextgshBSDxK15tAUFexmEizeaouXrweTjOqpbhG9R6jaGKsiXo7x2X0zSiiW-JuQCVjtVIuJ1DrfeVzneCxvfhN9TJtrwtIIFvlSBaajga2c5NFyFqn1Ge3Ys21WSZ4fqBy96nks/s1600/DSC01738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXJIextgshBSDxK15tAUFexmEizeaouXrweTjOqpbhG9R6jaGKsiXo7x2X0zSiiW-JuQCVjtVIuJ1DrfeVzneCxvfhN9TJtrwtIIFvlSBaajga2c5NFyFqn1Ge3Ys21WSZ4fqBy96nks/s640/DSC01738.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXvc12zASsA/V2owWH3YVzI/AAAAAAAAE-8/vdBOak0WQg8IGzOJupCRRaJm78alnhVYACLcB/s1600/DSC01747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXvc12zASsA/V2owWH3YVzI/AAAAAAAAE-8/vdBOak0WQg8IGzOJupCRRaJm78alnhVYACLcB/s640/DSC01747.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-chAUMgEyTV0/V2owWsK30-I/AAAAAAAAE_A/SygmU0LAtS027vjnvX3Tsn1CnQsGi3k3wCLcB/s1600/DSC01749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-chAUMgEyTV0/V2owWsK30-I/AAAAAAAAE_A/SygmU0LAtS027vjnvX3Tsn1CnQsGi3k3wCLcB/s640/DSC01749.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_onKptuiL4s/V2owWxFEsrI/AAAAAAAAE_E/NPt9G6w-bHU-j8xK-ocLnHg5UyYBn4t9wCLcB/s1600/DSC01751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_onKptuiL4s/V2owWxFEsrI/AAAAAAAAE_E/NPt9G6w-bHU-j8xK-ocLnHg5UyYBn4t9wCLcB/s640/DSC01751.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IlAm6bWMbyo/V2owdBpwM6I/AAAAAAAAE_Q/juPQXWCNaO8-ACQFG8pxmK71yFGU0h6wQCLcB/s1600/DSC01753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IlAm6bWMbyo/V2owdBpwM6I/AAAAAAAAE_Q/juPQXWCNaO8-ACQFG8pxmK71yFGU0h6wQCLcB/s640/DSC01753.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eZACqFHzVdI/V2owht3ZOBI/AAAAAAAAE_c/ButEuIMbJjAdQrMhnVFP7TKfl2Dc2gxZACLcB/s1600/DSC01757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eZACqFHzVdI/V2owht3ZOBI/AAAAAAAAE_c/ButEuIMbJjAdQrMhnVFP7TKfl2Dc2gxZACLcB/s640/DSC01757.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RC5gu9ohuTM/V2owk59FEbI/AAAAAAAAE_o/I1JqOYWczxcIw3LNLpoj2Zitq8Vipz0YQCLcB/s1600/DSC01761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RC5gu9ohuTM/V2owk59FEbI/AAAAAAAAE_o/I1JqOYWczxcIw3LNLpoj2Zitq8Vipz0YQCLcB/s640/DSC01761.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WZCeCE4qHNJmFk2_mh7Y8bup522rYek5cuQ4gH-YgvutAcWwS1QP8i_Alzl_DkA8R1LmW_Vwh3p39kdGUvZiWZBqVaQB0HD6-tVBNTqsMyW_pmUrVWEsDqKYFiA0z5IqQhPqed8vZ_8/s1600/DSC01762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WZCeCE4qHNJmFk2_mh7Y8bup522rYek5cuQ4gH-YgvutAcWwS1QP8i_Alzl_DkA8R1LmW_Vwh3p39kdGUvZiWZBqVaQB0HD6-tVBNTqsMyW_pmUrVWEsDqKYFiA0z5IqQhPqed8vZ_8/s640/DSC01762.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGw329TfhtRYnzpjmvesInNtEDwD2HInHeqqd41F7Bb4_n4bckKgHVEkeQhyPuCZrXL13ExGQccNVf96LtNWs3ynqalC6Apun-qwQC9xnaVV2aCU6Tbjjx3HouSLGvk-VXeg3wmnJ5OlI/s1600/DSC01768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGw329TfhtRYnzpjmvesInNtEDwD2HInHeqqd41F7Bb4_n4bckKgHVEkeQhyPuCZrXL13ExGQccNVf96LtNWs3ynqalC6Apun-qwQC9xnaVV2aCU6Tbjjx3HouSLGvk-VXeg3wmnJ5OlI/s640/DSC01768.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fJO7Filalik/V2owwPLULdI/AAAAAAAAFAA/-jUugfiaX3klpebFq5U4oQlj9j4ZTmQ-wCLcB/s1600/DSC01772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fJO7Filalik/V2owwPLULdI/AAAAAAAAFAA/-jUugfiaX3klpebFq5U4oQlj9j4ZTmQ-wCLcB/s640/DSC01772.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--unCV3ZA-34/V2owzsMPF3I/AAAAAAAAFAI/s_E1ZO2A_S814IbRL78y9GwCXjCr8xa_QCLcB/s1600/DSC01777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--unCV3ZA-34/V2owzsMPF3I/AAAAAAAAFAI/s_E1ZO2A_S814IbRL78y9GwCXjCr8xa_QCLcB/s640/DSC01777.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TNAFQN4VPpA/V2ow15FP5AI/AAAAAAAAFAQ/5c1AbAeQHXIKLTu47Eu0HJIePXppT5XWQCLcB/s1600/DSC01782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TNAFQN4VPpA/V2ow15FP5AI/AAAAAAAAFAQ/5c1AbAeQHXIKLTu47Eu0HJIePXppT5XWQCLcB/s640/DSC01782.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pf9xD1nWC3A/V2ow2TdecvI/AAAAAAAAFAY/f4hV5VRYhtkk6bR5LrYZQZmdUcgyHm5twCLcB/s1600/DSC01784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pf9xD1nWC3A/V2ow2TdecvI/AAAAAAAAFAY/f4hV5VRYhtkk6bR5LrYZQZmdUcgyHm5twCLcB/s640/DSC01784.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7gpRS_KK2SY/V2ow609zk8I/AAAAAAAAFAk/RJA0v6sUpJ8liOjFKMVJWNyf1L_T7FQZACLcB/s1600/DSC01790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7gpRS_KK2SY/V2ow609zk8I/AAAAAAAAFAk/RJA0v6sUpJ8liOjFKMVJWNyf1L_T7FQZACLcB/s640/DSC01790.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRrXAjuCTJxU47hYN8dMq3Klknqu4c57tNs0s9RN0GdtyHRHu31ne-YZVax23-kM7tMUse0tkDb0PgBFIXcHPZb7J13NCCddc_989lHf43Q3zFifBmXNRG1GzVrBXEdyTa4KSqj7-ySo/s1600/DSC01792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRrXAjuCTJxU47hYN8dMq3Klknqu4c57tNs0s9RN0GdtyHRHu31ne-YZVax23-kM7tMUse0tkDb0PgBFIXcHPZb7J13NCCddc_989lHf43Q3zFifBmXNRG1GzVrBXEdyTa4KSqj7-ySo/s640/DSC01792.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Eremo San Giovanni: <a href="http://www.parcomajella.it/visita-il-parco/da-non-perdere/dettaglio/eremo-di-san-giovanni-allorfento/" target="_blank">Parco Nazionale Della Majella</a><br />
<br />
Sentiero dello Spirito: <a href="http://kokopelli-italy.blogspot.it/2014/10/the-spiritual-trail-journey-through.html" target="_blank">Multi-day hike through time & wilderness</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.it/">www.kokopellicamping.it</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-66978677561647164102016-06-18T09:50:00.002+02:002016-06-18T09:50:43.536+02:00Hiking the Majella<span style="font-size: large;">A few snaps from a recent romp up the hill to the Tavola dei Briganti, Majella National Park (17/06/2016).</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hAKEX0p94_w/V2T7FS5aoKI/AAAAAAAAE7o/f2isd0Z6vNoiZVVV2NS-8t-7-hyy-_-0ACLcB/s1600/DSC01703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hAKEX0p94_w/V2T7FS5aoKI/AAAAAAAAE7o/f2isd0Z6vNoiZVVV2NS-8t-7-hyy-_-0ACLcB/s640/DSC01703.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2lDGYBVoRZt0SUjQjyRCDgRORVJIMklg1l95py1gBBP9fkpku_vUSA5jAbKl9zUznOdK_l48jrOlV-VMzCBYnQswIcXkZMtroHs8wXv78Qwawlhv8UfAwNmAcl8qe5eEydVcyzNJ3ic/s1600/DSC01706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2lDGYBVoRZt0SUjQjyRCDgRORVJIMklg1l95py1gBBP9fkpku_vUSA5jAbKl9zUznOdK_l48jrOlV-VMzCBYnQswIcXkZMtroHs8wXv78Qwawlhv8UfAwNmAcl8qe5eEydVcyzNJ3ic/s640/DSC01706.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1k2k6_JbWQ/V2T7FBRgwsI/AAAAAAAAE7g/wHw7lDiW-mQdWmcWbguET41GSpWPnLGmACLcB/s1600/DSC01711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1k2k6_JbWQ/V2T7FBRgwsI/AAAAAAAAE7g/wHw7lDiW-mQdWmcWbguET41GSpWPnLGmACLcB/s640/DSC01711.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aPJnxL60kdE/V2T7UJ0gm5I/AAAAAAAAE74/8ixE2Rl5phQJRlLOFfEXEcetSelZ13JswCLcB/s1600/DSC01712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aPJnxL60kdE/V2T7UJ0gm5I/AAAAAAAAE74/8ixE2Rl5phQJRlLOFfEXEcetSelZ13JswCLcB/s640/DSC01712.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C3yretNdQBM/V2T7RryD8hI/AAAAAAAAE7w/Hlff1m3YQR8-YPY_GVODVCK9En6TjqQzQCLcB/s1600/DSC01715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C3yretNdQBM/V2T7RryD8hI/AAAAAAAAE7w/Hlff1m3YQR8-YPY_GVODVCK9En6TjqQzQCLcB/s640/DSC01715.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-86rTop2whGw/V2T7UAaZAzI/AAAAAAAAE78/svRxxUz1oqU50TPR1nUZjMwN2j00iSmzQCLcB/s1600/DSC01716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-86rTop2whGw/V2T7UAaZAzI/AAAAAAAAE78/svRxxUz1oqU50TPR1nUZjMwN2j00iSmzQCLcB/s640/DSC01716.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bHWOxJoKVyQ/V2T7flj1E4I/AAAAAAAAE8I/5yAqueD38Os0upJTu4Eg_Q__PsR0GU-WQCLcB/s1600/DSC01717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bHWOxJoKVyQ/V2T7flj1E4I/AAAAAAAAE8I/5yAqueD38Os0upJTu4Eg_Q__PsR0GU-WQCLcB/s640/DSC01717.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5pm_3MQTh4s/V2T7g7qSQsI/AAAAAAAAE8U/2BsDofFe5s03n0jbO3r3mo0csFYwanTWACLcB/s1600/DSC01718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5pm_3MQTh4s/V2T7g7qSQsI/AAAAAAAAE8U/2BsDofFe5s03n0jbO3r3mo0csFYwanTWACLcB/s640/DSC01718.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy3ggN-_IwU/V2T7gzveFNI/AAAAAAAAE8Q/p_hXEn2NMdsPSCh6aIDEDCcSu0yXCFwDwCLcB/s1600/DSC01720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy3ggN-_IwU/V2T7gzveFNI/AAAAAAAAE8Q/p_hXEn2NMdsPSCh6aIDEDCcSu0yXCFwDwCLcB/s640/DSC01720.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVuo95k29Wk/V2T7tRKcBNI/AAAAAAAAE8w/Gnwo-xIhReQNht2uINplGFtSzUP4H8xowCLcB/s1600/DSC01722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVuo95k29Wk/V2T7tRKcBNI/AAAAAAAAE8w/Gnwo-xIhReQNht2uINplGFtSzUP4H8xowCLcB/s640/DSC01722.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IkeIo3y2vTk/V2T7s-IzCkI/AAAAAAAAE8s/ZxGqXckIduMLzA_vWRI9oTERbLfCcJh7wCLcB/s1600/DSC01723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IkeIo3y2vTk/V2T7s-IzCkI/AAAAAAAAE8s/ZxGqXckIduMLzA_vWRI9oTERbLfCcJh7wCLcB/s640/DSC01723.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JClgOZAQDjE/V2T7owbpj6I/AAAAAAAAE8g/m1bebSrdAPIY1WoIn3C0c6mG4_KO2WopQCLcB/s1600/DSC01726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JClgOZAQDjE/V2T7owbpj6I/AAAAAAAAE8g/m1bebSrdAPIY1WoIn3C0c6mG4_KO2WopQCLcB/s640/DSC01726.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love this place</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.it/">www.kokopellicamping.it</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-76429881310674869032015-12-05T11:26:00.002+01:002019-11-01T07:25:54.239+01:00Cachi, the sweetest treat of the winter<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Winters here are full of splashes of bright orange dappled throughout the countryside, the cachi (persimmon) stunning against the snow. But there are just so many, and what to do with them with them all? Tragic not to make use of such sweet abundance.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hxCo2aR5JHU/VmKsUNiNztI/AAAAAAAAEfE/OBI-XT85Wvk/s1600/100_3001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="481" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hxCo2aR5JHU/VmKsUNiNztI/AAAAAAAAEfE/OBI-XT85Wvk/s640/100_3001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Eaten raw, they leave a strange furry matting to the roof of your mouth, cooked they just go to mush, and there's only so much mush you can eat. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And here's the trick.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Dry them.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">They crystallise and become the most delectable candied fruit. A very naughty, but very very nice, sweet treat without a single additive or grain of sugar in existence. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pM9qMqQLAWw/VmKv83QedLI/AAAAAAAAEfM/kc9vEgXLgLc/s1600/100_3578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pM9qMqQLAWw/VmKv83QedLI/AAAAAAAAEfM/kc9vEgXLgLc/s640/100_3578.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">They can be chopped and mixed into your warming winter porridge; add a spoonful of cinnamon and you have the food of the gods. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">You can make a fruit cake out of them, a tart, or a loaf, coat them in chocolate, or just simply pop them in your mouth when you get the munchies. And not so much of a whisper of a furry mouth. Win, win, every time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">So here's how:</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Pick the fruit with some stalk still attached (you'll need this for hanging them).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Peel the fruit, leaving a small disc of peel top and bottom.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Hang them somewhere dry and airy, leaving space between each one.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">4. Give them a squeeze every now and then to encourage the sugar to the outside.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">5. After about 3 months they're ready to be munched.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Couldn't be easier.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And they look very pretty too.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BdJAnJjYrDM/VmK4VkgTyFI/AAAAAAAAEfw/auDNx2WKb4M/s1600/DSC00101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BdJAnJjYrDM/VmK4VkgTyFI/AAAAAAAAEfw/auDNx2WKb4M/s640/DSC00101.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pick your cachi (persimmon) with a small length of stick still attached</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vQgSXQuS83Q/VmK3PPM28xI/AAAAAAAAEfk/dmuLUez2rFo/s1600/DSC00102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vQgSXQuS83Q/VmK3PPM28xI/AAAAAAAAEfk/dmuLUez2rFo/s640/DSC00102.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Peel them, leaving a small disc top and bottom</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WowO4eKzQSw/VmK3NYxHosI/AAAAAAAAEfg/pz8HhdreERM/s1600/DSC00105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WowO4eKzQSw/VmK3NYxHosI/AAAAAAAAEfg/pz8HhdreERM/s640/DSC00105.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hang them in a dry, airy space.<br />Don't forget to squeeze them, cachi's need love too</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AkRbQ0b0Bds/VmK5F38qhYI/AAAAAAAAEf4/fS_-gpOKbuM/s1600/thumb_100_3214_1024-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AkRbQ0b0Bds/VmK5F38qhYI/AAAAAAAAEf4/fS_-gpOKbuM/s640/thumb_100_3214_1024-2.jpg" width="638" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">After about 3 months they're crystallising nicely</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Simple pleasures</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.kokopellicamping.co.uk</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mOx-yKUpOEE/VmK7pafCiQI/AAAAAAAAEgE/qV_glq9f0SI/s1600/DSC00107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mOx-yKUpOEE/VmK7pafCiQI/AAAAAAAAEgE/qV_glq9f0SI/s320/DSC00107.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-68469026683531277602015-09-01T16:42:00.000+02:002015-09-01T16:42:03.691+02:00SMOOCHING WITH THE HIGHER PEAKS OF THE MAJELLA<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Late summer, the perfect time of year for exploring the higher peaks of the Majella. Today's summits were Monte Focalone (2767m) and Monte Acquaviva (2737m). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The plan was also to do the Cima delle Murelle (2598m) and descend via Monte Ugni (1350m), but time was getting on. On hold for another day. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0A39A521d4Q/VeW2C8wewoI/AAAAAAAADFg/tdZE-hBEm0k/s1600/P1013109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0A39A521d4Q/VeW2C8wewoI/AAAAAAAADFg/tdZE-hBEm0k/s640/P1013109.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3hhWrYqLQkw/VeW2ChK5GyI/AAAAAAAADFc/rePs9ww0bBU/s1600/P1013114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKUXKuclz5Q/VeW2Cvw8R5I/AAAAAAAADFY/U3nG4Q6UOUw/s1600/P1013118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKUXKuclz5Q/VeW2Cvw8R5I/AAAAAAAADFY/U3nG4Q6UOUw/s640/P1013118.jpg" width="640" /></a><img border="0" height="510" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3hhWrYqLQkw/VeW2ChK5GyI/AAAAAAAADFc/rePs9ww0bBU/s640/P1013114.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQbtfi3o9ic/VeW2S-3R0bI/AAAAAAAADGA/dFbDCvQ6Uoo/s1600/P1013120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQbtfi3o9ic/VeW2S-3R0bI/AAAAAAAADGA/dFbDCvQ6Uoo/s640/P1013120.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j05n9S1Btno/VeW2SVtbCiI/AAAAAAAADFw/ubPQgtKekUI/s1600/P1013124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j05n9S1Btno/VeW2SVtbCiI/AAAAAAAADFw/ubPQgtKekUI/s640/P1013124.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OX7dRwlet1E/VeW2SoL4TqI/AAAAAAAADF0/dXSoDJnko6A/s1600/P1013126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OX7dRwlet1E/VeW2SoL4TqI/AAAAAAAADF0/dXSoDJnko6A/s640/P1013126.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hGkY3SZt9l8/VeW2fjXrpXI/AAAAAAAADGI/FjBLLmtnF8E/s1600/P1013132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hGkY3SZt9l8/VeW2fjXrpXI/AAAAAAAADGI/FjBLLmtnF8E/s640/P1013132.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0h1Oy4WeCE0/VeW2jOb0z7I/AAAAAAAADGQ/Fx63zXzF2Lk/s1600/P1013134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0h1Oy4WeCE0/VeW2jOb0z7I/AAAAAAAADGQ/Fx63zXzF2Lk/s640/P1013134.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-10UqJ_nlcvU/VeW2juRRioI/AAAAAAAADGU/cvgzjDfPfdk/s1600/P1013135-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-10UqJ_nlcvU/VeW2juRRioI/AAAAAAAADGU/cvgzjDfPfdk/s640/P1013135-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-puNkX_rQfXs/VeW2tNmYIII/AAAAAAAADGg/x4GdDbcIFHo/s1600/P1013139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-puNkX_rQfXs/VeW2tNmYIII/AAAAAAAADGg/x4GdDbcIFHo/s640/P1013139.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5yxb7vUhG_Y/VeW2xeXs29I/AAAAAAAADGo/pf-PKugzBQk/s1600/P1013140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5yxb7vUhG_Y/VeW2xeXs29I/AAAAAAAADGo/pf-PKugzBQk/s640/P1013140.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hd7wfUnlOIc/VeW2znDmUFI/AAAAAAAADGw/tAsdIcdLfQc/s1600/P1013142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hd7wfUnlOIc/VeW2znDmUFI/AAAAAAAADGw/tAsdIcdLfQc/s640/P1013142.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwiw0pDoTWX-2m7_1RhhRhjw_CKi9uZ1EqgngLtFUkXni9WTNGktAgpgQv5pA9M4LukKfJPLYewf8m7LqNuEcJ9Z8-zKEhyphenhyphenQOp2_0lHsN6RdClrhJbTdTDW_Eb0uZ96m_2EgFzshboLs/s1600/P1013143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwiw0pDoTWX-2m7_1RhhRhjw_CKi9uZ1EqgngLtFUkXni9WTNGktAgpgQv5pA9M4LukKfJPLYewf8m7LqNuEcJ9Z8-zKEhyphenhyphenQOp2_0lHsN6RdClrhJbTdTDW_Eb0uZ96m_2EgFzshboLs/s640/P1013143.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ctsdkOikEY/VeW2-4nu7iI/AAAAAAAADHA/ic_pSQR_Mm0/s1600/P1013145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ctsdkOikEY/VeW2-4nu7iI/AAAAAAAADHA/ic_pSQR_Mm0/s640/P1013145.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SobCY5KscJUuPhWijpP4RtPDGRfNhVxxy8te4vHok5sA2sKfe1FABqOXWuvZlavOA9HoqR-NXiusmBVwgOKfBntTmCJZXBkoM7maocq3pKL6MpspqpQ6YDFW1gnJgkCLddDNi6YlnLk/s1600/P1013147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SobCY5KscJUuPhWijpP4RtPDGRfNhVxxy8te4vHok5sA2sKfe1FABqOXWuvZlavOA9HoqR-NXiusmBVwgOKfBntTmCJZXBkoM7maocq3pKL6MpspqpQ6YDFW1gnJgkCLddDNi6YlnLk/s640/P1013147.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhJ1tyUDPL8/VeW3I-2LOWI/AAAAAAAADHQ/I3dfcBJTSjw/s1600/P1013156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhJ1tyUDPL8/VeW3I-2LOWI/AAAAAAAADHQ/I3dfcBJTSjw/s640/P1013156.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lD7q56hoRvA/VeW3MWzSvwI/AAAAAAAADHY/1oyqWAp8-6Q/s1600/P1013158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lD7q56hoRvA/VeW3MWzSvwI/AAAAAAAADHY/1oyqWAp8-6Q/s640/P1013158.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vw9tUPt0oQQ/VeW3OpGsP_I/AAAAAAAADHg/_L8GGGqN1sU/s1600/P1013159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vw9tUPt0oQQ/VeW3OpGsP_I/AAAAAAAADHg/_L8GGGqN1sU/s640/P1013159.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl134cR-nJAhu4ELxtU4fWRqXjvlHPCAxVVprOdrCuMfkwUK65OPeK4ff-Hs-t7xpQjTrkpLZpGKrG7m3LtHX91Jqbi8YkBIE6elYg5HqbKr8AlrGNdJ2bGPxF0op_EuWl8WZBGbd8Kbo/s1600/P1013163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl134cR-nJAhu4ELxtU4fWRqXjvlHPCAxVVprOdrCuMfkwUK65OPeK4ff-Hs-t7xpQjTrkpLZpGKrG7m3LtHX91Jqbi8YkBIE6elYg5HqbKr8AlrGNdJ2bGPxF0op_EuWl8WZBGbd8Kbo/s640/P1013163.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk/">www.kokopellicamping.co.uk</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-147319563890891122015-07-19T10:31:00.000+02:002018-07-16T11:25:51.501+02:00As Abruzzo scorches... <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Come August, cool & rain are but a distant memory, as are shoes & sleeves. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The need to keep cool takes you to some of the most spectacular spots in Abruzzo, and all easily within reach, between a 5 and 60 minutes drive.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We've got beaches, rivers, gorge walks & waterfalls, none, ever, really crowded, even in mid-August. Here are just a few ideas:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1vMTogl3Qo/VatbEEKW_FI/AAAAAAAADDw/nmiMrmw1r0w/s1600/Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1vMTogl3Qo/VatbEEKW_FI/AAAAAAAADDw/nmiMrmw1r0w/s640/Beach.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tomato Beach (35 mins drive)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RG7eVcLnNWw/VatavaQnHAI/AAAAAAAADDg/l_y2PB-8kP4/s1600/dws%2B%25281%2Bof%2B2%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RG7eVcLnNWw/VatavaQnHAI/AAAAAAAADDg/l_y2PB-8kP4/s640/dws%2B%25281%2Bof%2B2%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cascata della Cisterna, Bolognano (40 mins drive + a walk of around 20 mins)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cLH7arm253g/Vata6GHstBI/AAAAAAAADDo/rFmRrkVCWVg/s1600/dws%2B%25282%2Bof%2B2%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cLH7arm253g/Vata6GHstBI/AAAAAAAADDo/rFmRrkVCWVg/s640/dws%2B%25282%2Bof%2B2%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fiume Orta, Bolognano </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">(40 mins drive + a walk of around 20 mins)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GujJWFAx_T0/VataOCd7RZI/AAAAAAAADC4/U63H8ozq_vA/s1600/P6142737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GujJWFAx_T0/VataOCd7RZI/AAAAAAAADC4/U63H8ozq_vA/s640/P6142737.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Orta Valley, St Tomasso </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">(45 mins drive + a walk of around 30 mins)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4JZWeXEakb8/VataO2Jt7wI/AAAAAAAADC8/FFE8iq1uVo4/s1600/P6142770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4JZWeXEakb8/VataO2Jt7wI/AAAAAAAADC8/FFE8iq1uVo4/s640/P6142770.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Orta Valley </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">(40 mins drive + a walk of around 20 mins)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jqbpwy2Wz04/Vatafoan-yI/AAAAAAAADDQ/OQ-7Ehhy5fo/s1600/P7120035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jqbpwy2Wz04/Vatafoan-yI/AAAAAAAADDQ/OQ-7Ehhy5fo/s640/P7120035.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fishing Trabocco, San Vito (45 mins drive)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRq3dtuRHGQ/VataeiB1DmI/AAAAAAAADDI/1QUyoo8JPLY/s1600/P7140050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRq3dtuRHGQ/VataeiB1DmI/AAAAAAAADDI/1QUyoo8JPLY/s640/P7140050.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Alento river, Serramonacesca (20 min walk or 5 minute drive)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22t2heKDfg8/WJWN6X3GGfI/AAAAAAAAFZQ/HL32-RMOITMQh2UaK2zP7a7pLro9Oz7QQCLcB/s1600/DSC01882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22t2heKDfg8/WJWN6X3GGfI/AAAAAAAAFZQ/HL32-RMOITMQh2UaK2zP7a7pLro9Oz7QQCLcB/s640/DSC01882.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fiume Alento, Serramonacesca </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">(20 min walk or 5 minute drive)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z_NRI-v0KmE/WJWN57YWcbI/AAAAAAAAFZM/Q0a3eg-0EssyPg1Y7JJcjECUiEYHbqrawCLcB/s1600/DSC01894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z_NRI-v0KmE/WJWN57YWcbI/AAAAAAAAFZM/Q0a3eg-0EssyPg1Y7JJcjECUiEYHbqrawCLcB/s640/DSC01894.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fiume Orta </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">(40 mins drive + a walk of around 20 mins)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O19FxrbaoBQ/WJWN6DardnI/AAAAAAAAFZU/xivIWaG3a74mK3ReWdur4LwdsNqaWUeKgCLcB/s1600/DSC02029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O19FxrbaoBQ/WJWN6DardnI/AAAAAAAAFZU/xivIWaG3a74mK3ReWdur4LwdsNqaWUeKgCLcB/s640/DSC02029.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cascate di Cusano, Abbateggio (35 minute drive, 40 minute walk)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9m2CH4lIwufU1IPXFZvv98xtCyK23UnsyxLBObuMS5MffVvNmGPjIQGhlMWyhkekR1x9h8O2v1SR9u9i8glF2JL7gnVbrjtKx_t6R8kNCeUN5tknOyxu17I3KMkEmRfA_EwRGU0aLras/s1600/DSC02030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9m2CH4lIwufU1IPXFZvv98xtCyK23UnsyxLBObuMS5MffVvNmGPjIQGhlMWyhkekR1x9h8O2v1SR9u9i8glF2JL7gnVbrjtKx_t6R8kNCeUN5tknOyxu17I3KMkEmRfA_EwRGU0aLras/s640/DSC02030.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">La Cascata di Cusano, Abbateggio </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">(35 minute drive, 40 minute walk)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DzGJI1iK018/WJWODUnWQ4I/AAAAAAAAFZc/9fmOag-qIEUBrlB2u6rb97aC_gcQqii7QCLcB/s1600/P7160066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DzGJI1iK018/WJWODUnWQ4I/AAAAAAAAFZc/9fmOag-qIEUBrlB2u6rb97aC_gcQqii7QCLcB/s640/P7160066.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fiume Orta </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">(40 mins drive + a walk of around 20 mins)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bLvp5-RBogQ/WJX83VSN8KI/AAAAAAAAFZs/J7Sw3ZYfI54Sauj57NiLtlDmneD2b0qkACLcB/s1600/DSCN0316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bLvp5-RBogQ/WJX83VSN8KI/AAAAAAAAFZs/J7Sw3ZYfI54Sauj57NiLtlDmneD2b0qkACLcB/s640/DSCN0316.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tomato Beach (32 minute drive)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZzOYh6Iscc/WJX8_4lkGTI/AAAAAAAAFZw/1fUTPAmxTUAIqJlcIkFO4a7C0iyQthhrwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZzOYh6Iscc/WJX8_4lkGTI/AAAAAAAAFZw/1fUTPAmxTUAIqJlcIkFO4a7C0iyQthhrwCLcB/s640/IMG_0977.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Punta Aderci, Vasto (1hr drive)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_rR2LvybXk/WJX9AOcgFCI/AAAAAAAAFZ0/yi-OMoqRuUMtZx3AnGWnPCrjLIKJIl4owCLcB/s1600/IMGP3014%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_rR2LvybXk/WJX9AOcgFCI/AAAAAAAAFZ0/yi-OMoqRuUMtZx3AnGWnPCrjLIKJIl4owCLcB/s640/IMGP3014%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Punta Aderci, Vasto (1 hr drive)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qalfb83uqeA/WJX9DM9jboI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/5NPm3knvslE4aPRSdohDm97KUaGnJTm6ACLcB/s1600/P6262932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qalfb83uqeA/WJX9DM9jboI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/5NPm3knvslE4aPRSdohDm97KUaGnJTm6ACLcB/s640/P6262932.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ripari di Giobbe, Ortona</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Tempted?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Spoilt for choice.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.kokopellicamping.co.uk</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-88572090100663755082015-06-26T15:41:00.001+02:002016-02-03T07:44:39.738+01:00A Micro-Escape to the Sea<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday evening, he said let's go and camp at the seaside. Within an hour we had packed a few bits, delegated the task of campsite monitor to one of our trustworthy campers, scooped up Finn the Dog and were trundling our way down from the Mother Mountain and along the valley that joins mountain to sea.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">You can do that in Abruzzo, you see. The land of fairy tales where you can be on the high, snow-clad peaks one minute and swimming in the sea the next. Well not quite that quickly, but almost.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We arrived and set up camp in time to watch the sun sink slowly into the sea, a crisp and cold glass of white wine the perfect accompaniment.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">A fish supper in the cove below, and then we were ready to snuggle up in the tent for the night. Not too late to bed as we knew dawn would be calling all too soon. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And so it was. Up at 5am feeling the fresh air and bird song and the changing colours of the sky. Breakfast on the beach was a must, as was a quick swim, before returning home once more.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Home and back to work by 9am, a <a href="http://www.alastairhumphreys.com/microadventures-3/come-on-a-microadventure/" target="_blank">micro-adventure</a> it may not have been (not a bivvy sack or motorway in sight), but a micro-escape it certainly was. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GnCWnMiyjYA/VY1QxuMq8fI/AAAAAAAADBI/DIFyqUvl5Oc/s1600/Morning%2BWorld%2B%25281%2Bof%2B10%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GnCWnMiyjYA/VY1QxuMq8fI/AAAAAAAADBI/DIFyqUvl5Oc/s640/Morning%2BWorld%2B%25281%2Bof%2B10%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Eating sea food and watching the sky change from red <br />to a deep, deep inky blue scattered with a million stars</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vY4zxvLZg1w/VY1QxhR9WdI/AAAAAAAADBM/-9PwWGOwr_s/s1600/Morning%2BWorld%2B%25282%2Bof%2B10%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vY4zxvLZg1w/VY1QxhR9WdI/AAAAAAAADBM/-9PwWGOwr_s/s640/Morning%2BWorld%2B%25282%2Bof%2B10%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Slowly awakening before the sun has risen</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YHUlUk6yAzE/VY1Q_v3o_iI/AAAAAAAADBc/SiqDI_n-Bi0/s1600/Morning%2BWorld%2B%25283%2Bof%2B10%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YHUlUk6yAzE/VY1Q_v3o_iI/AAAAAAAADBc/SiqDI_n-Bi0/s640/Morning%2BWorld%2B%25283%2Bof%2B10%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The joy of just sitting and waiting for dawn</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2QhF1hlyWZw/VY1RBbQrcDI/AAAAAAAADBk/kQ760dJmigE/s1600/Morning%2BWorld%2B%25284%2Bof%2B10%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2QhF1hlyWZw/VY1RBbQrcDI/AAAAAAAADBk/kQ760dJmigE/s640/Morning%2BWorld%2B%25284%2Bof%2B10%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">As the sun climbed higher, so the sky became redder <br />and the ships slowly crossed the horizon</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SeRWyv3uQd0/VY1RBe4FHeI/AAAAAAAADBo/vM1pDH5LTCQ/s1600/Morning%2BWorld%2B%25285%2Bof%2B10%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SeRWyv3uQd0/VY1RBe4FHeI/AAAAAAAADBo/vM1pDH5LTCQ/s640/Morning%2BWorld%2B%25285%2Bof%2B10%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Can there be a better way to take your morning coffee?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dEBH9gyBllM/VY1RPiOpe5I/AAAAAAAADB8/uPvrWsaeETg/s1600/Morning%2BWorld%2B%25287%2Bof%2B10%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dEBH9gyBllM/VY1RPiOpe5I/AAAAAAAADB8/uPvrWsaeETg/s640/Morning%2BWorld%2B%25287%2Bof%2B10%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Almost light and sunrise almost over, so nearly time to go home</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ywoogLTxfE/VY1RRKzpbRI/AAAAAAAADCE/jTqBy9crMuQ/s1600/Morning%2BWorld%2B%25288%2Bof%2B10%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ywoogLTxfE/VY1RRKzpbRI/AAAAAAAADCE/jTqBy9crMuQ/s640/Morning%2BWorld%2B%25288%2Bof%2B10%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">...but not before a quick swim before breakfast</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7v8u7QfsmDM/VY1RTeDNDFI/AAAAAAAADCM/bTU9aulvQgo/s1600/Morning%2BWorld%2B%25289%2Bof%2B10%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7v8u7QfsmDM/VY1RTeDNDFI/AAAAAAAADCM/bTU9aulvQgo/s640/Morning%2BWorld%2B%25289%2Bof%2B10%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to go home Finn.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tBerWz9yj_nByU0sxgMY1QO7L3D01MJW-f9mIU0wdte68_ldbqId6YYXJQDVbO62tvZWhXHp5LmqFJDzag2UVo56HELLWnb7NbCbl1e-FwQVLgMwVi5VrA410u0nMbmF2m0298R0PCc/s1600/Morning+World+%252810+of+10%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tBerWz9yj_nByU0sxgMY1QO7L3D01MJW-f9mIU0wdte68_ldbqId6YYXJQDVbO62tvZWhXHp5LmqFJDzag2UVo56HELLWnb7NbCbl1e-FwQVLgMwVi5VrA410u0nMbmF2m0298R0PCc/s640/Morning+World+%252810+of+10%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Until the next time.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk/">www.kokopellicamping.co.uk</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-63741315993349301612015-04-12T21:45:00.000+02:002015-04-12T21:45:48.340+02:00Absolutely yes! #microadventure<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We had our weekend planned. Saturday working, Sunday skiing. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">All things considered, not a bad weekend by normal standards. The working Saturday involved grass cutting, seed sowing, weeding, finishing the new kit room. The Sunday skiing was to be ski hiking back country. But, mid kit room organising, late in the afternoon, he said "let's go on a micro-adventure".</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So, instead of stacking the kit on the shelves, we shoved it into the rucksacks, the freezer was raided for a pre-prepared ready meal, the cupboards were sought for wooly hats, gloves and extra layers, and the thermals were put on under our jeans. We scooped up Finn the dog along the way.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We camped no more than 3 miles away from home, somewhere we pass so many times each week, either walking the dog or out running, but we arrived in a different world. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our tent was pitched in the woods that was a stones throw from a path we know so well, yet a million miles from our normal world. This is the surreal world of the Microadventure. And this is a pictorial account of how a very average weekend suddenly became the best weekend ever, and one that we'll remember forever. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--9dRV4Mb6HE/VSrAgqP9foI/AAAAAAAAC7g/LWkhFPwKNO0/s1600/P4111908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--9dRV4Mb6HE/VSrAgqP9foI/AAAAAAAAC7g/LWkhFPwKNO0/s1600/P4111908.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A walk up a very familiar hill, with a very unfamiliar objective</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1N19tLXQHKA/VSrAfQ73CcI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/vjdggCOTAnw/s1600/P4111911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1N19tLXQHKA/VSrAfQ73CcI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/vjdggCOTAnw/s1600/P4111911.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Quite a climb, but here's our secret spot in the woods</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TgoGh-Qi1JtrakessvoWdDIHA1jxQpHd_r-DowmhWwc7hkx6IgSW1CLW5IcTarjvU5NYC0xtYFxO27Sb5P-i_cJU16qiTVvLrwMzvGJeusi_TQTelkyJA6kBNBIrtyS0FNOdLxfOF-U/s1600/P4111915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TgoGh-Qi1JtrakessvoWdDIHA1jxQpHd_r-DowmhWwc7hkx6IgSW1CLW5IcTarjvU5NYC0xtYFxO27Sb5P-i_cJU16qiTVvLrwMzvGJeusi_TQTelkyJA6kBNBIrtyS0FNOdLxfOF-U/s1600/P4111915.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ready for anything the night may throw at me.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPijDjDjffA/VSrAoVui-tI/AAAAAAAAC74/zXgVDVvDSbg/s1600/P4111917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPijDjDjffA/VSrAoVui-tI/AAAAAAAAC74/zXgVDVvDSbg/s1600/P4111917.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Plastic beaker of wine in hand and time to watch to sun go down</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--yC3ZxpfyHo/VSrAoJoTTsI/AAAAAAAAC7s/14t0tPRXGMc/s1600/P4111924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--yC3ZxpfyHo/VSrAoJoTTsI/AAAAAAAAC7s/14t0tPRXGMc/s1600/P4111924.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The joy of just sitting and watching.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pdm0VvN5Clc/VSrAsT8zmTI/AAAAAAAAC8E/qYglXdglhLk/s1600/P4111927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pdm0VvN5Clc/VSrAsT8zmTI/AAAAAAAAC8E/qYglXdglhLk/s1600/P4111927.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">No hurry at all. Just enjoy.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Inz4qNwadW0/VSrAwvtc04I/AAAAAAAAC8M/MHFwbxTTB-c/s1600/P4111933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Inz4qNwadW0/VSrAwvtc04I/AAAAAAAAC8M/MHFwbxTTB-c/s1600/P4111933.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">But we needed to get warm and fed, <br />and eventually the fire was burning nicely</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_6huhwxCH3w/VSrA0QkU0VI/AAAAAAAAC8U/KNOZOw3tktg/s1600/P4111946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_6huhwxCH3w/VSrA0QkU0VI/AAAAAAAAC8U/KNOZOw3tktg/s1600/P4111946.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fed and warmed, think it's time for bed</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Kiaick2n0Q/VSrA1wYBp0I/AAAAAAAAC8c/9c7XKXF7kmI/s1600/P4121958%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Kiaick2n0Q/VSrA1wYBp0I/AAAAAAAAC8c/9c7XKXF7kmI/s1600/P4121958%2B(1).jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oh joy of joys. To be up for sunrise. It may have been too cloudy<br />to watch the run rise over the sea, but to emerge from a tent, bleary, sleepy eyed, <br />on a crisp misty morning, listening to the bird song, makes your heart<br />just want to lift and soar and sing.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bMYFP6Y8L6M/VSrA-H3ua0I/AAAAAAAAC80/BKFrDsjio30/s1600/P4121959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bMYFP6Y8L6M/VSrA-H3ua0I/AAAAAAAAC80/BKFrDsjio30/s1600/P4121959.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Feeling the warmth of the rising sun</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RexvmRANXz4/VSrA8qhBt3I/AAAAAAAAC8k/i5oWcBazA1g/s1600/P4121973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RexvmRANXz4/VSrA8qhBt3I/AAAAAAAAC8k/i5oWcBazA1g/s1600/P4121973.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Slowly the black & white world of the night became the<br />technicolour world of the day</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-McL5MDwAAFw/VSrBL07pPnI/AAAAAAAAC9M/NtiHoFSsNBE/s1600/P4121975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-McL5MDwAAFw/VSrBL07pPnI/AAAAAAAAC9M/NtiHoFSsNBE/s1600/P4121975.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A sleepy world, slowly awakens</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KpN2OZY-edM/VSrBLZvb3mI/AAAAAAAAC9E/p0_7jlGO3Ow/s1600/P4121980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KpN2OZY-edM/VSrBLZvb3mI/AAAAAAAAC9E/p0_7jlGO3Ow/s1600/P4121980.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5m2AA1pKJAQ/VSrBV0KsggI/AAAAAAAAC9U/M7nr-Hg80zE/s1600/P4121984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5m2AA1pKJAQ/VSrBV0KsggI/AAAAAAAAC9U/M7nr-Hg80zE/s1600/P4121984.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And breakfast calls! But what is a #microadventure<br />without a bubbling coffee pot first thing in the morning?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tS4rnh2zmGc/VSrBagZ35SI/AAAAAAAAC9k/vjPIvMwQot4/s1600/P4121995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tS4rnh2zmGc/VSrBagZ35SI/AAAAAAAAC9k/vjPIvMwQot4/s1600/P4121995.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">...and what is a #microadventure without a good old fashioned English breakfast</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vGxKfm395TM/VSrBYJcXJMI/AAAAAAAAC9c/x9EZfsytIKo/s1600/P4121996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vGxKfm395TM/VSrBYJcXJMI/AAAAAAAAC9c/x9EZfsytIKo/s1600/P4121996.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">of ham & fresh free range eggs cooked <br />in the great outdoors with cold noses & rosy cheeks</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qwRwI2ptaIo/VSrBlU8gMCI/AAAAAAAAC9w/82Bvw7AOaVw/s1600/P4121998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qwRwI2ptaIo/VSrBlU8gMCI/AAAAAAAAC9w/82Bvw7AOaVw/s1600/P4121998.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Someone is a little exhausted by his impromptu expedition</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWq4nOcok5KCRrzs0eX_FG-oLEpz1y2Vswz4QPg9y1Nr2tdPggBi7G0xjEVWi7ukrZcNT6jcjJdEkLCn67kVc0nhWO8MNS9_vTUePRemP6KsAho_XKxEBIlnxDH5scVbncI8MeXTHWrE/s1600/P4121999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWq4nOcok5KCRrzs0eX_FG-oLEpz1y2Vswz4QPg9y1Nr2tdPggBi7G0xjEVWi7ukrZcNT6jcjJdEkLCn67kVc0nhWO8MNS9_vTUePRemP6KsAho_XKxEBIlnxDH5scVbncI8MeXTHWrE/s1600/P4121999.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">...so maybe it's time to go home <br />and finish the jobs we'd put on hold</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwvnZxXr-1k/VSrBlfPVieI/AAAAAAAAC9s/WkGbRJVEB3M/s1600/P4122000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwvnZxXr-1k/VSrBlfPVieI/AAAAAAAAC9s/WkGbRJVEB3M/s1600/P4122000.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">#Microadventure.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk/">www.kokopellicamping.co.uk</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-54793117634523376282015-03-05T13:10:00.000+01:002015-03-06T21:23:00.927+01:00ANCIENT GRAINS OF ABRUZZO & THE SCOURGE OF MODERN WHEAT<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">WHY OUR BREAD IS MAKING US ILL</span></h2>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">I didn’t even know it was until I starting reading up on the ancient grains of Abruzzo, simply because they fascinated me. Then I started to dig deeper and to get angry and now it all makes sense. When I make my own bread I have always favoured spelt flour and never knew why. Now I do.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nkc4QkmaiOo/VPgwFEJNhxI/AAAAAAAAC5E/X5pZom0LeWQ/s1600/Bread-657x393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nkc4QkmaiOo/VPgwFEJNhxI/AAAAAAAAC5E/X5pZom0LeWQ/s1600/Bread-657x393.jpg" height="238" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">The wheat products we eat today may often look and taste totally delicious but they bear very little resemblance in their nutritional and genetic make up to those from merely 50 years ago. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Grains have been at the heart of our diet for thousands of years. They are easy to cultivate and store and are full of fresh life and nutrients. Bread. The staff of life. But not any more. Wheat has been subjected not only to some of the most intense cross-breeding efforts ever seen, but also to irradiation of wheat seeds and embryos with chemicals, gamma rays and high-dose X-rays to induce mutations.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QW6Pw8U6Fko/VPgw9JQwinI/AAAAAAAAC5M/Nn3Zcwgqm7g/s1600/wallpapers-wheat-fields-field-198393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QW6Pw8U6Fko/VPgw9JQwinI/AAAAAAAAC5M/Nn3Zcwgqm7g/s1600/wallpapers-wheat-fields-field-198393.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">The aim has been to produce a high yielding crop; one that is resistant to disease, pests and drought and has a long storage and travel life. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">All of this has been achieved, but wheat has now been hybridised to such an extent that it has been completely transformed from its prehistoric genetic configuration. It is now postulated that the protein structures have been changed so much that toxins have built up within the grain to the extent that they naturally repel insects and pests. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">An achievement of an aim perhaps, but if rats don’t touch these grains, do they know something we don’t? </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qEEPX-kWZFA/VPgxk9YfmZI/AAAAAAAAC5U/M7d9FGfMpV8/s1600/constable037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qEEPX-kWZFA/VPgxk9YfmZI/AAAAAAAAC5U/M7d9FGfMpV8/s1600/constable037.jpg" height="276" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Wheat doesn’t even look as it did just 40 years ago. Rather than the tall and elegant plant wafting in the breeze of Constable’s England, we now have a stocky little plant struggling to support its oversized high-yielding head that is made all the more productive by complimenting fertilisers and pesticides. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">And it’s safety for human consumption has never been questioned or tested. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">But the problem doesn’t end there. Not only do we have an unhealthy, modified, and hybridised strain of wheat, we have also removed and further degraded its nutritional value by processing. Modern steel roller milling methods may produce the purest and finest of white flour at low cost, but they also eliminate those portions of the wheat kernel that are richest in proteins, vitamins, lipids and minerals.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Buying “healthy” whole wheat flour isn’t quite the answer you’d expect it to be either. Sadly, “whole wheat" is often nothing more than white flour with some bran added back in. There’s nothing “whole” about it. Stoneground, “whole meal” flour is slightly better, the entire wheat kernel is ground and the germ is crushed into the flour, but you are still dealing with (in the most cases) a grain that has grown from a mutant seed in synthetic soil bathed in chemicals. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Is it therefore surprising that, in the last 40 years, cases of people “gluten intolerant” has grown by over 400%? Yet, many who cannot eat wheat seem remarkably fine with ancient grains, even when they contain gluten…</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">ANCIENT GRAINS</span></span></h2>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaq96bLUKHKXoMwS0_pql5rwLm2lm28vzvzL-gYdMFc0-8pjz_cMoxShY-ObxPhwjIm-Y8XSvDlBbdqdTp26s7ryWIIgsU2lAvP-yQfsFLF2Tl6nMMGa5357zB5VTYRafKbv9bB7dxM0/s1600/ancient-grains-you-may-have-never-tried.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaq96bLUKHKXoMwS0_pql5rwLm2lm28vzvzL-gYdMFc0-8pjz_cMoxShY-ObxPhwjIm-Y8XSvDlBbdqdTp26s7ryWIIgsU2lAvP-yQfsFLF2Tl6nMMGa5357zB5VTYRafKbv9bB7dxM0/s1600/ancient-grains-you-may-have-never-tried.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Ancient grains are virtually unchanged from what they were thousands of years ago. They are free of hybridisation and genetic modification and have a higher nutritional value than modern wheat. They are a simpler, purer food, just as nature designed them and you can supplement any of them for modern wheat flour in breads and other recipes, in any way you like. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Furthermore, many are still grown here in Abruzzo and what follows is a brief introduction to the more common ones (ie, easier to find).</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iZl1OzdcYvs/VPg0wHp09UI/AAAAAAAAC5s/rqd57ojMz98/s1600/Kamut.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iZl1OzdcYvs/VPg0wHp09UI/AAAAAAAAC5s/rqd57ojMz98/s1600/Kamut.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Firstly, however, we must start with Kamut®, for the simple reason that it is the better known ancient relative of modern wheat. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">It is important to know that Kamut® is not a grain in itself. It is the trademark of khorasan wheat, which is grown mostly in American and Canada and sold all over the world at high prices. The company justifies the cost with the fact that it is a high quality organic product, free of genetic modification. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">That as may be, but if you’re not in America and if you’d rather not add to transport miles, the following are all excellent alternatives, all displaying similar nutritional properties of khorasan wheat, all still intact with their ancient gene pool, and all grown in Italy, all grown in Abruzzo.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">THE ANCIENT GRAINS OF ABRUZZO</span></span></h2>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">The list of grains grown in Abruzzo may never end. Some of them have already been lost over the centuries, but many are still thriving with their cultivation and protection being jealously guarded. Here are just a few of the most popular and fairly easy to find:</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Grano Saragolla</span></span></h3>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UgrZXeKRKfU/VPg11qGXK3I/AAAAAAAAC54/CbjyfvYBIpw/s1600/Saragolla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UgrZXeKRKfU/VPg11qGXK3I/AAAAAAAAC54/CbjyfvYBIpw/s1600/Saragolla.jpg" height="400" width="206" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Saragolla wheat has been grown in Abruzzo since at least 400 AD and can be considered one of the founders of modern durum wheat. The remarkable quality of this cereal was highly sought after for pasta making in Naples as it was considered the best durum wheat available.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">In common with other ancient wheats, Saragolla contains a higher content of protein, lipids and minerals than modern wheat. The grain is still used today for high quality pasta distinguished by it’s beautiful yellow colour. Saragolla also has excellent cooking properties and is superb in many dishes due to it’s intense and spicy flavour.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Grano Solina</span></span></h3>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">This soft wheat is high in protein and is grown mainly in the mountain and foothill areas of Abruzzo, where it has been cultivated since at least 1500. It is particularly suitable for organic farming methods as it is naturally resistant to weeds, cold temperatures and poor soil. Despite being low in gluten, Solina has always been used in bread making, shaking off the myth that you can only bake bread with “strong” bread flour.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dlrzUdIqstM/VPg2fpgu8NI/AAAAAAAAC6A/5WtIRcnJgpo/s1600/Solina%2Bpane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dlrzUdIqstM/VPg2fpgu8NI/AAAAAAAAC6A/5WtIRcnJgpo/s1600/Solina%2Bpane.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">The ability of this grain to survive in poor soil and hostile weather has, in the past ensured the sustenance of families and, therefore, their survival. The quality and authenticity of Solina are still appreciated by many farmers today who admit that they cannot do without the taste and scent of the bread and pasta made from this cereal that is often referred to as “the mother of all grains”. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Senatore Cappelli</span></span></h3>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Another superb alternative to Kamut® is Senatore Cappelli, an excellent variety of durum wheat. Again, it has never been genetically modified and is rich in lipids, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It is also easily digestible. The flour of Senatore Cappelli is considered perfect for making sourdough breads. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Gentil Rosso</span></span></h3>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Gentil Rosso is the oldest of Senatore Cappelli durum wheat varieties, called “Red” for the colour of the ripe wheat ear. The flavour of Gentil Rosso is very intense and gives the bread a characteristic aroma, making it ideal for break making, pizzas and cakes. It also has a very low gluten content making it perhaps better suited for flat and unleavened breads. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">FARRO</span></span></h2>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">There is some confusion as to what farro is due to three different species all being called farro in Italy. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The three types:</span></span></h3>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Spelt (Triticum spelta): farro grande</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Emmer (Triticum dicoccum): farro medio</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Einkorn (Triticum monococcum): farro piccolo</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Emmer is by far the most common variety grown in Italy and is considered to be of a higher quality for cooking than the other two grains. It’s sometimes called "true" farro and is often confused with spelt, although it is an entirely different species.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MYGIBANcdK0/VPg39UgX3cI/AAAAAAAAC6M/vK3vW1xMrew/s1600/farro-cranberry-and-goat-cheese-salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MYGIBANcdK0/VPg39UgX3cI/AAAAAAAAC6M/vK3vW1xMrew/s1600/farro-cranberry-and-goat-cheese-salad.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farro, cranberry & goats cheese salad<br />
courtesy of www.lifesambrosia.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">As to which farro can be considered the best (or most healthy) of the three is an almost impossible question to answer. They’re all only marginally different from each other in terms of offering slightly different flavours and by having slightly different attributes. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">All three are ancient ancestors of modern wheat and date back to at least 12,000 BC, a time when farro was the staple food of ancient tribes. In common with the other grains, farro has not been subjected to intense human selection and retains its ancient gene pool.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Although farro can be purchased in milled form as a flour, it truly comes into its own as a whole grain cooked and eaten as an alternative to rice, or as a salad combined with raw vegetables and drizzled with olive oil it is utterly delicious. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">As to its nutritional make up, Farro has few carbohydrates and calories, more protein and more fibre compared to wheat or durum wheat. It contains minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium and iron and has 40% more magnesium. It contains vitamins from the B group but it must be noted that it is low in amino acids such as lysine, so therefore it is recommended to eat farro with beans and vegetables.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">GRANO SARACENO (BUCKWHEAT)</span></span></h2>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">No account of the ancient grains grown in Abruzzo would be complete without mention of Grano Saraceno, or buckwheat as it’s more commonly known. Grano Saraceno is not actually a type of wheat, but a “pseudo-cereal”, a fruit seed related to rhubarb and sorrel. The triangular seeds of which are known as buckwheat groats. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xeawaW9mFyA/VPg44mnrCiI/AAAAAAAAC6U/mjh6NF5OCxQ/s1600/Saraceno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xeawaW9mFyA/VPg44mnrCiI/AAAAAAAAC6U/mjh6NF5OCxQ/s1600/Saraceno.jpg" height="400" width="241" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Saraceno is low in calories and has been providing essential nutrients, vitamins, energy, and fibre to humanity for approximately 8,000 years. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">The protein in buckwheat contains the eight essential amino acids and is also high in lysine. Buckwheat is also rich in many B vitamins as well as phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper and manganese. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">A 1995 study from the Johns Hopkins Medical Institute showed that eating 30 grams of buckwheat daily can lower blood pressure. What is more, because buckwheat grain is digested more slowly than other carbohydrates it can leave you feeling fuller longer and improve glucose tolerance among the carbohydrate sensitive. It is also gluten free.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Grano Saraceno has a strong, distinctive, slightly sour and nutty taste. The groats are used whole in hot cereals, soups and porridges and is a perfect substitute for rice.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D6ag0CaITMM/VPg6HLMsq3I/AAAAAAAAC6c/kJGmXwa71hs/s1600/Saraceno%2Brecipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D6ag0CaITMM/VPg6HLMsq3I/AAAAAAAAC6c/kJGmXwa71hs/s1600/Saraceno%2Brecipe.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buckwheat & spring veg,<br />
courtesy of gluten-dairy-sugarfree.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">WHERE TO BUY</span></span></h2>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Not particularly easy to track down if you're outside Italy, but it is worth the effort. Amazon and Ebay are good starting points for finding the companies that are happy to ship abroad. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Online</span></span></h3>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span>The following are a selection I have come across, but not used due to high shipping costs - for once it's cheaper to shop in store than it is online.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s2"><a href="http://www.gustoperamore.com/en/italian-pasta.html"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.gustoperamore.com/en/italian-pasta.html</span></a></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s2"><a href="http://www.biolandshop.it/"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.biolandshop.it/</span></a></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s2"><a href="http://shop.naturasi.it/"><span style="font-size: large;">http://shop.naturasi.it/</span></a></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In store (Abruzzo)</span></span></h3>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Viversano, Via Villa Breda, Turrivalignani (PE)</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Ben Altro, via Arniense, Chieti</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Agriturismo Tholos, C.da Collarso 105, Roccamorice (PE) Web: <a href="http://agriparktholos.com/"><span class="s2">http://agriparktholos.com/</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Any of these are worth a punt: Directory of health stores in Abruzzo: <a href="http://bio.tuttogreen.it/bio/elenco/negozi/abruzzo/"><span class="s2">http://bio.tuttogreen.it/bio/elenco/negozi/abruzzo/</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;">If anyone comes across any more, I would love to know so please share with everyone by leaving a comment below.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">RECIPIES</span></span></h2>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span>To round off, a few suggestions as to what to do with your grains once you have them.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;">1. A lovely account of the ancient grains of Abruzzo from Majella Home Cooking, with a delicious farro & cheese recipe at the end: </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s2"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.majellahomecooking.com/2013/09/17/cultivating-diversity-in-abruzzo/">http://www.majellahomecooking.com/2013/09/17/cultivating-diversity-in-abruzzo/</a></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s2"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s2"><span style="font-size: large;">2. Stacks of suggestions & recipes: </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://fieldstoneorganics.ca/organic-benefits/organic-recipes.php">http://fieldstoneorganics.ca/organic-benefits/organic-recipes.php</a></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Making bread with Solina: <a href="http://worldrecipes.expo2015.org/en/recipe-bread_made_with_wheat_solina_1125.html">http://worldrecipes.expo2015.org/en/recipe-bread_made_with_wheat_solina_1125.html</a></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;">A couple from me (I'm no foodie, but these work pretty well):</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Soft Unleavened Multi-Grain Bread</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vP2G7T4dCLU/VPhArP_zk9I/AAAAAAAAC6s/X3pCsqGH1ZA/s1600/Day%2B55%2C%2B25%2BFebruary%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vP2G7T4dCLU/VPhArP_zk9I/AAAAAAAAC6s/X3pCsqGH1ZA/s1600/Day%2B55%2C%2B25%2BFebruary%2B2015.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">125g Saragolla flour</span><br />
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;">100g Farro flour</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;">30g Oatmeal</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;">25g Farro flakes</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;">1 1/2 tsp salt</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;">3 eggs (beaten)</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;">2 tabs olive oil</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;">Water</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sesame seeds</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;">Mix all the dry ingredients together. Add the beaten eggs, oil and enough water to make it reasonably easy to pour. Tip into a well-greased baking sheet (ideally with sides). Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 15-20 minutes in a 220 celsius oven.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">GOOD OLD FASHIONED BREAD</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uiBR4HICMTQ/VPhBlg4NabI/AAAAAAAAC60/0nOKQrwM4Cs/s1600/Day%2B60%2C%2B2%2BMarch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uiBR4HICMTQ/VPhBlg4NabI/AAAAAAAAC60/0nOKQrwM4Cs/s1600/Day%2B60%2C%2B2%2BMarch.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;">500g of any ancient flour you like</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;">1 sachet of dried yeast or 25g fresh yeast (or a lievito madre)</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;">1 tab salt</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;">approx 300ml warm water</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;">glug of olive oil</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;">Put the flour, yeast (crumbled if you're using fresh) and about 200ml of the warm water into a large bowl with a glug of olive oil. Mix well, adding more water if necessary - it needs to be pretty messy and sticky - then start kneading on a floured board (or in a mixer with the dough hook). Knead for at least 12 minutes until you have a good, elastic dough. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;">Form the dough into a ball, put in a warm bowl lightly coated with olive oil (turning the ball once to ensure covered with the oil), cover with clingfilm and leave in a warm place to double in size (usually 1-2 hours). </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;">When risen, give the puffed up ball a punch to knock the air out of it, a light knead (no more than one minute), form into your loaf shape and put it on a baking sheet. Cover loosely with your clingfilm and leave again until it's puffy and almost double in size (about half an hour).</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;">Put into the oven pre-heated to 220 celsius for about 35-40 minutes. Eat whilst hot!</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">MORE INFO & SOURCES</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s2"><a href="http://preventdisease.com/news/12/011612_Modern-Wheat-Really-Isnt-Wheat-At-All.shtml"><span style="font-size: large;">http://preventdisease.com/news/12/011612_Modern-Wheat-Really-Isnt-Wheat-At-All.shtml</span></a></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s2"><a href="http://www.infowars.com/modern-wheat-is-the-perfect-chronic-poison-says-expert/"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.infowars.com/modern-wheat-is-the-perfect-chronic-poison-says-expert/</span></a></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s2"><a href="http://fieldstoneorganics.ca/organic-benefits/ancient-grains.php"><span style="font-size: large;">http://fieldstoneorganics.ca/organic-benefits/ancient-grains.php</span></a></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s2"><a href="http://www.grainstorm.com/pages/rant"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.grainstorm.com/pages/rant</span></a></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s2"><a href="http://us.naturespath.com/healthy-foods/ingredients/ancient-grains"><span style="font-size: large;">http://us.naturespath.com/healthy-foods/ingredients/ancient-grains</span></a></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s2"><a href="http://www.gustoperamore.com/en/what-are-ancient-grains"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.gustoperamore.com/en/what-are-ancient-grains</span></a></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s2"><a href="http://www.greenme.it/spazi-verdi/naturomania/1536-grano-saragolla-e-senatore-cappelli-alternative-italiane-al-kamut"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.greenme.it/spazi-verdi/naturomania/1536-grano-saragolla-e-senatore-cappelli-alternative-italiane-al-kamut</span></a></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">USEFUL CHART OF CEREALS & PSEUDOCEREALS: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farro"><span class="s2">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farro</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.kokopellicamping.co.uk</a></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-82769988698764200742015-03-03T14:26:00.001+01:002022-01-07T16:58:53.256+01:00RENT-A-TENT FOR €1!<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;"> </span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Do you want to camp in Italy, but don't want to travel with your kit?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Do you live reasonably close and fancy a camping weekend, but don't have a tent?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Do you just fancy giving camping a try without having to buy all the kit first?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">WE MAY HAVE FOUND THE ANSWER...</span></h2>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" id="id_6c44_8264_75e8_1ca7" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitj2X8kQRdFyH1cVkVwfWwlq7bAmGsw0CMYQBOPMATx1IOlYUAICxJhIGVn4vL8Cqqe-PJZeYKGQTzaGKoswGHHkAKuBAgQ9DKS5GeYNXABZlz5PLcSXhuyLG9R-73FEfUQdb-7YDFycc/s1600/DSC01256.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" id="id_2730_2036_34dd_6121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitj2X8kQRdFyH1cVkVwfWwlq7bAmGsw0CMYQBOPMATx1IOlYUAICxJhIGVn4vL8Cqqe-PJZeYKGQTzaGKoswGHHkAKuBAgQ9DKS5GeYNXABZlz5PLcSXhuyLG9R-73FEfUQdb-7YDFycc/s640/DSC01256.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A selection of our tents</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>So here's how it works:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">We have everything here for camping: gas cookers, barbecues, pots, pans, cutlery, crockery, fridge-freezers, and lots more.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">The €1 tents are not glamping tents (we have those too, see here: <a href="http://kokopelli-italy.blogspot.it/p/facilities-booking.html" target="_blank">Facilities</a>). These are just ordinary little 2-3 berth tents (just like the ones in the picture above).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">We won't put them up for you either; you arrive, collect your tent, pick your spot, pitch your tent and away you go.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>SO, HOW MUCH IS IT GOING TO COST?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">You pay for the hire of the tent + the standard camping pitch rate as below:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Tent & equipment hire</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">€1 per night</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Includes all cooking & eating equipment.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Excludes sleeping bag, roll mat & towels</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Sleeping bag, roll mat & towels can be hired for €2.50 per person, per week</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Camping pitch rate</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">€14 per person, per night</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">€6 per child 2 - 12 years, per night</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Toddlers under 2 yrs are free</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>(NB camping pitch rate is based on at least one adult sharing)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">And that's all there is to it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">By the way, we're also in one of the most beautiful and remote parts of Italy, just saying...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>MORE INFO</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">You can find out all about us and the region from browsing the main tabs at the top and right hand side of this blog. There's also the following:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk/" target="_blank">Website</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Kokopelli.Camping" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/KopelliCamping" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://instagram.com/kokopellicamping/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Any questions or to book, send a whatsapp message (<a dir="ltr" href="tel:+39%20333%204636075" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">+39 333 4636075</a>) or an email: <a href="mailto:jaqs@kokopellicamping.co.uk" id="id_7fcc_6826_e961_6af2" target="_self">jaqs@kokopellicamping.co.uk</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" id="id_9a85_37d0_be39_9db9" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" id="id_295d_98f_c620_84a2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQixNipBMclHDQVzRIU6tKtR2_ZRDx_NQFzSENnRMQaAw052HiL5ke0enU_5U8H8ChwWDSNXiwGe8-5mbbI8RKSVpIwhznxpoIJ9Dyi4JBs5FfAa_U-trQECC8HOx_yp9SwyYsbr5PUA8/s1600/Serramonacesca.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" id="id_1f6c_a85b_ea81_80ce" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQixNipBMclHDQVzRIU6tKtR2_ZRDx_NQFzSENnRMQaAw052HiL5ke0enU_5U8H8ChwWDSNXiwGe8-5mbbI8RKSVpIwhznxpoIJ9Dyi4JBs5FfAa_U-trQECC8HOx_yp9SwyYsbr5PUA8/s1600/Serramonacesca.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Serramonacesca, this is our village<br />(you can find us out of sight to the upper left of the pic, 2km from the village)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PqONuJHfPKA/VPWy4TJMGNI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/MnPpGmyKbJI/s1600/slow-logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" id="id_9a24_a86c_305b_7a73" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PqONuJHfPKA/VPWy4TJMGNI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/MnPpGmyKbJI/s1600/slow-logo.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 320px;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.kokopellicamping.co.uk</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-56195218822155347152015-01-04T10:00:00.001+01:002015-12-19T09:26:43.451+01:00OLIVE LEAF TEA<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Introduction</span></h2>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">The latter half of last year saw me with varying bouts of minor illness, ranging through conjunctivitis, viral infections and flu, all within a few weeks. One after the other. The viral infection clearing up, then coming back. I don’t do illness very well, I’m fit, healthy and strong, I eat a good wholesome diet. So why me?</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">I live in Italy and my family are in England, which means me and Ryan Air are very well acquainted. I travel back 3 - 4 times a year, only for short 5-6 day trips but long enough to stock up on hugs to see me though until the next trip. And I always catch the mother of all colds, every single time I fly, bad enough to knock me out for a couple of weeks. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Last year, for the first time in a long time, I was going back to England to spend 10 days over Christmas with my family. Absolutely no way was I going to be knocked out with illness, either during my stay or afterwards. I was coming home to Italy on New Year’s Eve and nothing, absolutely nothing, was going to stop me joining the New Year party.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">My immune system clearly needed a boost. I hate taking drugs and anything chemical or synthetic; my diet is well balanced and full of natural and seasonal goodness that has served me well. Until now, so I needed to target these evil viruses. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">And I found Oleuropein.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Science</span></span></h3>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5opIxiDjWRffjg83xoe8NXQLzu8aGcPOWo0H1B4s3HlJDpsjW58mmKamqUIXEEps8X9YRVCy_hdR_LZsw0mnFS-AN-LUPViGdqtaKrwViCpeZ49_WCUL2ksb-OOw-nWJWz_EZkYIxg0k/s1600/DSCN2245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kokopelli Olive Trees" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5opIxiDjWRffjg83xoe8NXQLzu8aGcPOWo0H1B4s3HlJDpsjW58mmKamqUIXEEps8X9YRVCy_hdR_LZsw0mnFS-AN-LUPViGdqtaKrwViCpeZ49_WCUL2ksb-OOw-nWJWz_EZkYIxg0k/s640/DSCN2245.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kokopelli Olive Trees during their annual pruning</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">That the mediterranean diet is good for you, that good quality extra virgin olive oil is good for you, is well known and undisputed, but now scientists have isolated the unique molecule that provides olive oil with its multitude of health-giving and life-extending benefits. </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">This is an anti-microbial agent called oleuropein. Not only does the olive tree produce oleuropein in it’s oil, but it produces it abundantly in its leaves as well, meaning we have access to one of the most beneficial components of olive oil without having to consume copious amounts of oil.</span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5iGJL6QmW60/VKj_8t2_ABI/AAAAAAAACzw/DIQUa_ktNNk/s1600/DSCN2314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5iGJL6QmW60/VKj_8t2_ABI/AAAAAAAACzw/DIQUa_ktNNk/s640/DSCN2314.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Olive leaves undergoing the drying process</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Oleuropein has been found to kill fungi, bacteria, viruses, protozoa and parasites, within the olive tree as well as within the human body. The beauty, and where oleuropein comes into its own, is that it doesn’t disturb the friendly flora in your gut. It only works against the bad guys, not the good guys.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Benefits</span></span></h3>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The benefits coming out from recent studies into oleuropein are fairly impressive. Oleuropein constituents are best known for their blood pressure-lowering effects, but latest studies reveal benefits extending well beyond that. Additional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties offer promise in fighting diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, gout and even arthritis. What caught my attention, however, was it’s apparent effectiveness against the herpes virus, the evil component responsible for shingles (my recurring viral infection), and for providing a defensive barrier against the cold and flu virus.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Making and Tasting the Tea</span></h2>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BRS7rf7Vpbs/VKj_qlTYJLI/AAAAAAAACzY/dDqtUfkTlKM/s1600/DSCN2308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BRS7rf7Vpbs/VKj_qlTYJLI/AAAAAAAACzY/dDqtUfkTlKM/s640/DSCN2308.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Olives leaves ready for drying</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">This, I was convinced, was my secret weapon and I had access to it. We have olive trees, quite a few in fact and, hence, a heck of a lot of leaves. To preserve them, I picked the leaves by hand, mid-morning after the dew had gone, put them on top of the wood burner where they dried within 24 hours (quick drying, without sun, being essential for preserving the benefits). I then crushed them into tea leaves.</span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">You can also just pick enough for the pot (a small handful), bruise them and steep them in hot water for about 5 minutes.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qttZ9sdBcLU/VnUUbwyJH1I/AAAAAAAAEhE/nySjwjfPGd0/s1600/DSC00140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="513" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qttZ9sdBcLU/VnUUbwyJH1I/AAAAAAAAEhE/nySjwjfPGd0/s640/DSC00140.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">The first time I tried the tea, the flavour surprised me. I don’t know what I expected, but I didn’t expect to like it, which I did. A lot. </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">I hate green tea, and I thought olive leaf tea would be the same, but it’s not. It’s mild and delicate with a slightly musky sort of flavour. </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">What is more, not only is olive leaf tea far nicer than green tea, it's caffeine free, has been shown to have an antioxidant capacity almost double that of green tea, and is 400% higher in vitamin C. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Did it work?</span></span></h3>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Astoundingly yes! At the beginning of December 2014 I started drinking at least 3 cups of the tea a day, giving myself 3 weeks until travelling to allow the oleuropein chance to work its way into my system. With the shingles, the effect was immediate. The nasty itchy spots lost their anger within 24 hours and started to clear up within 48 hours, before disappearing all together. I have never had another outbreak. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">I flew to a sniffing, sneezing England, travelled through rush hour London squashed amongst virus ridden commuters, had a wonderful Christmas with all my family around me, flew home on New Year’s Eve and danced until the early hours of New Year’s day. Fit, healthy and strong.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Over a year later, still no sign of a cold. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">That, then, is me convinced and still drinking at least 2 cups of olive leaf tea a day, with no plans to stop. I have since found that olive leaf tea is also a wonderful base for chai tea - my favourite (quick & simple) recipe from <a href="http://crista%20soskolne/" target="_blank">Crista Soskolne</a> here: <a href="http://cristasoskolne.com/tag/cardamom/">http://cristasoskolne.com/tag/cardamom/</a> </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Where to buy Olive Leaf Tea</span></span></h3>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">From us, but only in our little organic campsite shop for our guests. We have no plans to go into the commercial market. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">This is who we are and where you can find us if you want to come and stay: <a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk/"><span class="s2">www.kokopellicamping.co.uk</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h4>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Mirabilia Organic Olive Leaf Tea</span></span></h4>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Not a million miles from us here in Abruzzo, Mirabilia Organic Olive Leaf Tea pick by hand, employ local workers, and everything they use as part of their production is locally sourced. They have a selection of delicious sounding blends to choose from, such as olive leaf tea with pomegranate, or with lemon & wild mint. They have an online shop and have joined forces with various retailers, such as Whittards, who sell their product in their stores. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Mirabilia Organic Olive Leaf Tea: <a href="http://www.oleaft.com/"><span class="s2">http://www.oleaft.com/</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h3>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">More Information</span></span></h3>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">If you would like to read more, have a look at these sites that I used in my research:</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1">Life Extension Magazine: Report 2013 - Unexpected benefits of olive leaf extract: </span><a href="http://www.lef.org/magazine/2013/6/Unexpected-Benefits-of-Olive-Leaf-Extract/Page-01" target="_blank">www.lef.org</a></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Wikipedia: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olive_leaf" target="_blank"><span class="s2">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olive_leaf</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Olive Leaf Extract, by Morton Walker: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Olive-Leaf-Extract-Morton-Walker/dp/1575662264/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><span class="s2">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Olive-Leaf-Extract-Morton-Walker/dp/1575662264/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8</span></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB126CwQSC6JKxcofDvc9yR2njtzPy_MLwMZhXgOW1TFG27B3_1klY5k41TDm0TqSlieSW4nuLoX3KFU-W6DDmziSAddrmDZBmB4VxGUt6Af3hQ6MFagi6vbTBir9gClIolZ2De_SCzIU/s1600/DSCN1227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB126CwQSC6JKxcofDvc9yR2njtzPy_MLwMZhXgOW1TFG27B3_1klY5k41TDm0TqSlieSW4nuLoX3KFU-W6DDmziSAddrmDZBmB4VxGUt6Af3hQ6MFagi6vbTBir9gClIolZ2De_SCzIU/s1600/DSCN1227.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.kokopellicamping.co.uk</a></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-81205064450767754442014-12-22T20:24:00.000+01:002016-06-22T08:14:23.485+02:00Sentiero dello Spirito, Majella, Abruzzo<h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">SENTIERO DELLO SPIRITO</span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">PARCO NAZIONALE DELLA MAJELLA, ABRUZZO</span></h2>
<h3>
</h3>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Serramonacesca – Sulmona </span><span style="font-size: large;">85 km da 400 m a 2000 m slm</span></h2>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Click here for the English version: <span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kokopelli-italy.blogspot.it/2014/10/the-spiritual-trail-journey-through.html">Spiritual Trail (EN)</a></span></i></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JaiBrs_bQ9U/VJf5DN_DwOI/AAAAAAAACvc/3FruPP4GFs4/s1600/P8010966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JaiBrs_bQ9U/VJf5DN_DwOI/AAAAAAAACvc/3FruPP4GFs4/s1600/P8010966.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PARCO NAZIONALE DELLA MAJELLA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">La crescente curiosità nei confronti della Leyline dell'asse San Michele/Apollo che collega l'Irlanda e la Grecia, attraversando l'Abruzzo, si riflette in un vero e proprio interesse verso le vite e le passioni dei monaci Celestini del tredicesimo secolo.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Chiamatela come meglio credete, una Leyline, la “via della luce” o semplicemente il sentiero dei pellegrini e pastori guidati dalle costellazioni, certo è che la connessione tra i luoghi in cui sorgono gli eremi della Majella e la “via della luce” rappresenta una motivazione più che valida per spronare chiunque a recuperare lo zaino dall'armadio e mettersi in cammino per 4 giorni immergendosi a capofitto nel Sentiero Spirituale nelle montagne del Parco Nazionale del Majella.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">LA MAJELLA</span></span></h2>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">La Majella è un luogo di un'intensità spirituale sconcertante e si trova in Abruzzo. L'Abruzzo, isolato da secoli grazie alla sua imponente barriera naturale, rappresenta il cuore degli Appennini e la regione più montuosa d'Italia. La Majella viene chiamata sia la “Montagna Sacra” che la “Madre Majella”, nomi che lasciano trasparire un'immagine magica e che sviliscono la reputazione di una terra di selvaggia ostilità, di inverni aspri e di suolo spietato.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQrWZODSwlA/UockbkZ1ctI/AAAAAAAACQA/RRKfRvzRN4A/s1600/IMGP3596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQrWZODSwlA/UockbkZ1ctI/AAAAAAAACQA/RRKfRvzRN4A/s1600/IMGP3596.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PARCO NAZIONALE DELLA MAJELLA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">La leggenda narra che la Majella venne formata quando Maya, la dea della Terra, era intenta a raggiungere una delle cime della montagna alla ricerca di un'erba speciale che guarisse il figlio gravemente malato. La storia vuole che Maya fallì nell'impresa e il suo povero figlio morì lasciandola in uno stato di profondo sconforto che provocò la rottura del suo cuore. Maya riapparse nella sola forma della rotonda montagna della Majella, la bella addormentata dell' Abruzzo, sollevandosi rapidamente dalla pianura alla cima della montagna.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Chiamare la “Madre Majella”semplicemente una montagna non le da il giusto credito. La Majella è un complesso montuoso composto splendidamente da 30 cime di oltre 2000 metri e 75 colline. La sua forma di balena non è facilmente distinguibile da lontano, ciò è dovuto al fatto che le sue cime rimangono molto nascoste e il suo aspetto cambia in base alla luce e alle stagioni.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">La Majella viene considerata da molti imponente, imprevedibile e inabitabile, ma indiscutibilmente trattiene un'aura di bellezza incontenibile, di spaziosità, e di pace, che fa sobbalzare il cuore ed innalzare gli animi.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Saranno state quindi solamente la sua bellezza, le alte cime, le spettacolari gole e le affascinanti labirintiche caverne calcaree ad attirare per secoli eremiti, pellegrini e viaggiatori? O c'è qualcos'altro? Una forza magnetica, un'energia, una ley line che li ha spinti?</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">IL SENTIERO DELLO SPIRITUALE</span></span></h2>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f34LrM8VAs8/VDTQXqy0HsI/AAAAAAAACpQ/uWQOK7FBS0o/s1600/DSCN1938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f34LrM8VAs8/VDTQXqy0HsI/AAAAAAAACpQ/uWQOK7FBS0o/s1600/DSCN1938.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Il sentiero dello spirituale attraversa la landa selvaggia della Majella e le montagne del Morrone per 85 km partendo dal piccolo paesino di Serramonacesca (la terra dei monaci) sul versante nordorientale fino allo storico paese di Sulmona, nel lato centro occidentale. E' un antico percorso che unisce gli eremi dei monaci celestini della Majella, alcuni di essi non sono altro che semplici caverne dotate di letto e altare ritagliati dalla roccia, altri invece, come l'eremo di Santo Spirito, datato intorno al dodicesimo secolo, è una struttura elaborata costruita nella roccia di una gola profonda.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6b_fE16F4Jc/VDTQTJbNI8I/AAAAAAAACpA/GGAH7nveErE/s1600/DSCN1942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6b_fE16F4Jc/VDTQTJbNI8I/AAAAAAAACpA/GGAH7nveErE/s1600/DSCN1942.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Il sentiero inizia e finisce a un'altezza di circa 400 m slm, ma lungo i suoi 85 km ci si ritroverà a scalare tre delle principali cime, la più alta di oltre 2000 m slm, precipitando poi nelle gole di due valli spettacolari. Si verrà accompagnati da vorticose acque dei fiumi di montagna, vagando con i lupi e gli orsi dei boschi e camminando in mezzo a mandrie di cavalli selvaggi delle alte pianure. Durante il sentiero gli scenari faranno trattenere il fiato e difficilmente si incroceranno altri escursionisti.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">I pernottamenti saranno una combinazione di campeggi liberi con la propria tenda, oppure al riparo nei rifugi, o ancora, se si sentirà il bisogno di un po' di coccole si può cedere alla tentazione di un lussuoso B&B nella località termale di Caraminico.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0vMVKWdlU_w/VDTQwyzarBI/AAAAAAAACpY/3tp_Ymmk51o/s1600/DSCN1956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0vMVKWdlU_w/VDTQwyzarBI/AAAAAAAACpY/3tp_Ymmk51o/s1600/DSCN1956.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MAJELLA-MORRONE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">COME ARRIVARE</span></span></h2>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Abbiamo scelto di percorrere il sentiero da est a ovest, partendo da Serramonacesca terminando a Sulmona per la semplice ragione che ci risultava più comodo il ritorno da Sulmona verso Serramonacesca che il contrario.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Come arrivare a Serramonacesca</b>: Ryanair (http://<a href="http://www.ryanair.com/">www.ryanair.com</a>) voli regolari su Pescara che si trova a soli 30 km da Serramonacesca. Corse giornaliere di autobus e treni da Pescara a Chieti Scalo: Arpa (http://www.arpaonline.it) per gli autobus, Trenitalia (http://www.trenitalia.com) per i treni. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Gli autobus di Arpa fanno due corse giornaliere da Chieti Scalo a Serramonacesca, si possono vedere gli orari dal sito. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Se si dovesse preferire fare scalo su Roma, ci sono autobus che collegano Roma Tiburtina a Chieti Scalo durante la giornata per un costo di circa 15 euro e una durata di 2,5 ore. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Alloggiando al campeggio Kokopelli di Serramonacesca, si può chiedere il trasferimento da Pescara (35€) o Chieti Scalo (25€).</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dove alloggiare a Serramonacesca</b>: Campeggio Kokopelli, al confine del Sentiero dello Spirituale, rappresenta un'ottima soluzione per campeggiare in tenda o più comodamente in camere o tende a campana (<a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.it/"><span class="s2">www.kokopellicamping.it</span></a>); Ostello San Liberatore, ubicato nel cuore del paese di Serramonacesca, dispone di camerate da condividere (<a href="http://www.ostellosanliberatore.com/"><span class="s2">www.ostellosanliberatore.com</span></a>); B&B Le Pietre Ricce, vicino a Roccamontepiano, dal sentiero dista un'ora di cammino in mezzo alle colline. (<a href="http://www.lepietrericce.it/"><span class="s2">www.lepietrericce.it</span></a>)</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Primo Giorno</span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Da Serramonacesca a Roccamorice 20 km, </span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">400 – 950 m slm (1097m salita, 682m discesa)</span></span></h2>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QkE-O6zE-Lk/U65f2BE2jfI/AAAAAAAACjY/jgfqtrNZYuc/s1600/IMGP2976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QkE-O6zE-Lk/U65f2BE2jfI/AAAAAAAACjY/jgfqtrNZYuc/s1600/IMGP2976.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EREMO DI SAN ONOFRIO (Serramonacesca)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Monasteri, eremi, grotte</b></i>: Abbazia di San Liberatore, Eremo di San Onofrio, Grotta San Angelo. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Terreno</b></i>: boschi di faggi, pianure e gole. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Punti d'acqua</b></i>: Fonte San Onofrio, Fosso San Angelo</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Pernottare</b></i>: B&B Santo Spirito Roccamorice (<a href="http://montabruzzo.abruzzen-online.de/">http://montabruzzo.abruzzen-online.de</a>) nelle prossime vicinanze del Sentiero dello Spirituale, sopra l' Eremo San Bartolomeo. In alternativa, aggiungendo 5 km alla camminata, campeggiare liberamente nei boschi oltre l'eremo.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Secondo Giorno</span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Da Roccamorice al Rifugio di Marco 20 km, 820 - 1700m slm (1370m salita, 610m discesa)</span></span></h2>
<div>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TUG1NKMMPcY/VDTQVnmr1hI/AAAAAAAACpI/_jxNRauKvmk/s1600/DSCN1922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TUG1NKMMPcY/VDTQVnmr1hI/AAAAAAAACpI/_jxNRauKvmk/s1600/DSCN1922.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EREMO DI SAN BARTOLOMEO</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Monasteri, eremi, grotte</b></i>: eremi di San Bartolomeo, Santo Spirito e San Giovanni</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Terreno</b></i>: boschi di faggi, fiumi e gole. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Punti d'acqua</b></i>: Fonte Santo Spirito, Fosso Santo Spirito, Fonte Centiata (segnalata lungo il sentiero verso il rifugio di Marco)</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Pernottare</b></i>: Rifugio di Marco</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Terzo Giorno</span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Da Rifugio di Marco a Caramanico Terme 12km, 1700 - 600m slm (210m salita, 1273m discesa)</span></span></h2>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQU6lFyp7V3WwIthvnUH3cfSnWnWmjuIEj1KAjUruK7tk1VdeZJJ1umbHUdi9kAhPlj3FUjaT2SrHhG46wIJvyg6p2IKrgVdOyrOS6Erei-GO6HeHQeeQO6OMRCyqERba2YtJgxi5Juc/s1600/IMGP2348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQU6lFyp7V3WwIthvnUH3cfSnWnWmjuIEj1KAjUruK7tk1VdeZJJ1umbHUdi9kAhPlj3FUjaT2SrHhG46wIJvyg6p2IKrgVdOyrOS6Erei-GO6HeHQeeQO6OMRCyqERba2YtJgxi5Juc/s1600/IMGP2348.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CARAMANICO TERME</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Monasteri, eremi, grotte</b></i>: eremi di San Onofrio,valle dell'Orfento</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Terreno</b></i>: boschi, fiumi e gole. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Punti d'acqua</b></i>: fiume Orfento</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Pernottare</b></i>: Caramanico Terme è un paese di medie dimensioni, con diverse possibilità di alloggio, da un centro benessere termale Luxury a campeggi e hotel. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Consigliati</b></i>: campeggi e camerate alla Casa del Lupo (<a href="http://www.majambiente.it/">www.majambiente.it</a>) anche punto di informazioni del Parco; B&B Antico Borgo nel centro storico (<a href="http://www.anticoborgobb.it/">http://www.anticoborgobb.it</a>)</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Quarto giorno</span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Da Caramanico Terme a Eremo San Pietro 18km, 450 - 2000m slm (1700m salita, 670m discesa)</span></span></h2>
<div>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wWYxPamWl_Q/VDTQzpnfQrI/AAAAAAAACpg/Q2t57ig4lsE/s1600/DSCN1953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wWYxPamWl_Q/VDTQzpnfQrI/AAAAAAAACpg/Q2t57ig4lsE/s1600/DSCN1953.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MONTE MORRONE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Monasteri, eremi, grotte</b></i>: eremo San Pietro</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Terreno</b></i>: boschi, pianure, vette di montagna e gole. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Punti d'acqua</b></i>: paese di San Vittorino, fonte Della Casetta nei boschi che precedono l'eremo di San Pietro</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Pernottare</b></i>: campeggio libero nei boschi vicino alle sorgenti d'acqua della fonte della Casetta, appena prima di raggiungere San Pietro</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Quinto Giorno</span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Da Eremo San Pietro a Badia Morronese, Sulmona 15km, 1400 - 400m slm (370m salita, 1340m discesa)</span></span></h2>
<div>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlSaXmgX3Nj95NRtgG5HO6ckHH5T1lX6EqThTgdUR0O4tp_6B0j4lsBDDvMroCT-j8l29GV4OkEe15iEs0sO5lyDht-h_fFuyr2Kco4E41BhpUTE0QYg686eWpdCWm2Bjcl9uVDCrEnI/s1600/DSCN1964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlSaXmgX3Nj95NRtgG5HO6ckHH5T1lX6EqThTgdUR0O4tp_6B0j4lsBDDvMroCT-j8l29GV4OkEe15iEs0sO5lyDht-h_fFuyr2Kco4E41BhpUTE0QYg686eWpdCWm2Bjcl9uVDCrEnI/s1600/DSCN1964.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EREMO DI SAN PIETRO</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Monasteri, eremi, grotte</b></i>: eremi San Pietro e San Onofrio, Badia Morronese</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Terreno</b></i>: boschi e sentieri tracciati</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Punti d'acqua</b></i>: Sulmona</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Ritorno da Sulmona a Serramonacesca</b></i>: corse regolari di treni tra Sulmona e Chieti per 5 € a persona, la stazione dei treni dista 7 km a piedi dalla Badia Morronese, un luogo che merita di essere ricordato, appena prima di un altrettanto meritevole birra al piccolo bar vicino il monastero.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">LE MAPPE</span></span></h2>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">La mappa ufficiale del Parco in scala 1:50,000 puo' essere acquistata in qualsiasi centro di informazioni del Parco, oppure online al <a href="http://www.majambiente.it/Carta-dei-sentieri.htm">http://www.majambiente.it/Carta-dei-sentieri.htm</a>. Una versione della mappa interattiva online si trova sul sito del Parco <a href="http://www.parks.it/parco.nazionale.majella/Emap.php"><span class="s2">http://www.parks.it/parco.nazionale.majella/Emap.php</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Una mappa più dettagliata dei sentieri (1:25,000) puo' essere acquistata online da Edizioni il Lupo: <a href="http://eshop.edizioniillupo.it/store/product_info.php?products_id=1124"><span class="s2">http://eshop.edizioniillupo.it/store/product_info.php?products_id=1124</span></a> </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Per quanto riguarda il dispositivo di navigazione satellitare, c'è il Trek Mappa Italia di Garmin, che, sebbene costi 180 €, copre tutti i principali sentieri delle regioni di Italia, incluso la Majella. Può essere acquistato dal sito della Garmin al <a href="https://buy.garmin.com/en-GB/GB/maps/on-the-trail-maps/topo-pro/trekmap-italia-v3-pro/prod113579.html"><span class="s2">https://buy.garmin.com/en-GB/GB/maps/on-the-trail-maps/topo-pro/trekmap-italia-v3-pro/prod113579.html</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Una scelta più economica è rappresentata dalla mappa digitale della Majella, ottima nel suo genere e compatibile con i dispositivi Garmin, acquistabile per 60€ da Digital Walking Maps al <a href="http://digitalwalkingmaps.eu/South_italy_map/south_italy_map.html#majella2"><span class="s2">http://digitalwalkingmaps.eu/South_italy_map/south_italy_map.html#majella2</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">QUANTO DURA CI VUOLE?</span></span></h2>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUrows_ceYk/VDTRYadXRcI/AAAAAAAACqQ/-8a6X5TMjWI/s1600/IMGP1637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUrows_ceYk/VDTRYadXRcI/AAAAAAAACqQ/-8a6X5TMjWI/s1600/IMGP1637.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EREMO DI SANTO SPIRITO</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Sebbene abbiamo completato il percorso in 4 giorni e 3 notti, consigliamo di prendersi più tempo per apprezzare più in tranquillità lo scenario, i paesini e ovviamente gli eremi. Questi ultimi sono strutture affascinanti: alcuni, come quello di Santo Spirito, sono molto elaborati. Ci si puo' impiegare tranquillamente un'ora o due per percorrere il labirinto di corridoi, celle e stanze.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-27_AKrDiQCw/VDTRg0tDqNI/AAAAAAAACqY/bGjY8TAQMYE/s1600/Grotta%2Bdi%2BSan%2BGiovanni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-27_AKrDiQCw/VDTRg0tDqNI/AAAAAAAACqY/bGjY8TAQMYE/s1600/Grotta%2Bdi%2BSan%2BGiovanni.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EREMO DI SAN GIOVANNI</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Altri, come ad esempio quello di San Giovanni, sono difficili da raggiungere poiché nascosti da gole ripide e rocciose, con ingressi tanto stretti da richiedere un equilibrio stabile e il non soffrire di vertigini.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Cinque giorni e quattro notti sarebbe l’ideale.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">QUANDO</span></span></h2>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">L'inverno sulla Majella può essere aspro e molti sentieri innevati tra Novembre e Marzo. Sebbene diversi tratti si trovino all'ombra dei boschi, molti altri sono nelle piane aperte. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Agosto, quando le temperature possono raggiungere facilmente i 30/40 gradi celsius, il caldo può rendere la camminata piuttosto faticosa. Le alte temperature aumenterebbe la necessità di acqua e pertanto un conseguente aumento di peso da trasportare nello zaino già di per sé pesante. Inoltre alcune fonti d'acqua sono distanti tra loro.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">L'inizio di primavera, Marzo e Aprile, è un periodo dell'anno stupendo che vede le colline scrollarsi di dosso il peso dell'inverno e la natura riesplodere di nuova vita. Non è escluso però che vi sia umidità in questo periodo.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">La scelta migliore è quindi intraprendere il sentiero a Maggio, Giugno, inizio Luglio, Settembre e Ottobre. Noi abbiamo scelto l'ultima settimana di Settembre e d è stato semplicemente perfetto.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">B&B, CAMPPEGGI E RIFUGI NELLA MAJELLA</span></span></h2>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Ci si può accampare liberamente dove più si preferisce lungo il sentiero, l'importante è essere rispettoso dell'ambiente e della fauna selvatica e lasciare tutto esattamente come lo avete trovato quando partite la mattina alla volta di rimettersi in marcia.</span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oi8mZl16-7Q/VDTQ_lgyOVI/AAAAAAAACp4/q0TXD0wqF60/s1600/DSCN1960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oi8mZl16-7Q/VDTQ_lgyOVI/AAAAAAAACp4/q0TXD0wqF60/s1600/DSCN1960.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MAJELLA-MORRONE, RIFUGIO LACCIO ROSSO</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Non si deve comunque dimenticare che si sta condividendo lo spazio con gli abitanti della Majella, che includono ovviamente lupi e orsi, quindi mettere i rifiuti e il cibo fuori dalla portata degli animali. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Ci sono diversi rifugi lungo il sentiero in cui si è i benvenuti a pernottare. Molti hanno un camino, tavolo e sedie, altri hanno una legnaia ma in generale ognuno raccoglie la legna di cui ha bisogno. Altri ancora hanno un basico giaciglio per dormire ma bisogna essere pronti a dormire sul pavimento (oppure accamparsi fuori nella propria tenda). Meglio evitare qualsiasi materasso, a meno che non si voglia passare la notte con un numero indefinito di visitatori che pizzicano e che sono riluttanti ad andarsene. Se invece ci si vuole abbandonare a un meritato relax lungo il sentiero, si può approfittare del lusso di un hotel o di un B&B a Roccamorice o nella località termale di Caramanico Terme.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">ACQUA</span></span></h2>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Ci sono molti fonti d'acqua potabile lungo il sentiero, perfettamente sicure da bere. Ce ne sono addirittura alcune investite di una qualità curativa, la fonte di San Onofrio a Serramonacesca è un esempio. Spesso vengono segnalate sulla mappa e/o direttamente sul sentiero. Le acque dei ruscelli che si incontrano lungo il percorso sono altrettanto pulite e fresche. Amiamo bere direttamente dai fiumiciattoli, e spesso lo abbiamo fatto, ma per una totale sicurezza si può ricorrere a una pastiglia purificante.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5fcqaoxxFA/VDTQ3sC7jtI/AAAAAAAACpo/ZOOnbPO1zkU/s1600/DSCN1943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5fcqaoxxFA/VDTQ3sC7jtI/AAAAAAAACpo/ZOOnbPO1zkU/s1600/DSCN1943.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">VALLE DELL'ORFENTO</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Siccome dovrai trasportare e rifocillarti di acqua durante il sentiero, è raccomandabile avere 2 riserve d'acqua di 2-3 litri. Non si deve sottovalutare la quantità di acqua di cui c'è bisogno perchè sarà necessaria alla volta di cucinare, oltre naturalmente per soddisfare la sete che si farà sentire durante le lunghe salite previste lungo il sentiero.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">GLI EREMITI E I MONACI CELESTINI<br />LA STORIA DIETRO IL SENTIERO</span></h2>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Le mie ricerche sulla Leyline lungo l'asse di San Michele/Apollo mi hanno portato non solo di fronte agli eremi, ma anche a draghi, miti e leggende, Cavalieri Templari, pagani e arcangeli. Alla Majella ho potuto trovare numerosi miti e leggende che raccontavano di Templari e di Dei pagani. Data la criticità della teoria della Leyline dedicata all'Arcangelo Michele, la preferisco mettere da parte per ora perché l'informazione è limitato. Passerò quindi agli eremiti, essendo meglio documentati, in particolare da Pietro di Morrone che, per la semplice ragione che stava per diventare Papa Celestino V e il padre fondatore dell'ordine religioso dei monaci Celestini, ho potuto seguire le vicende della sua vita, sia letteralmente attraverso il Sentiero dello Spirituale della Majella, sia leggendo gli scritti che le narrano.</span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2iqqEj-US0g/VDTtMZ7DYUI/AAAAAAAACrY/QWgBMc3d94g/s1600/DSCN1907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2iqqEj-US0g/VDTtMZ7DYUI/AAAAAAAACrY/QWgBMc3d94g/s1600/DSCN1907.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STATUA DELL'ARCANGELO MICHELE, GROTTA SAN ANGELO, LETTOMANOPELLO</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Per capire a pieno il fenomeno degli eremiti, dobbiamo tornare nel quarto o quinto secolo con San Onofrio (o Onophrius), di cui alcuni degli eremi della Majella sono dedicato. Onophrius visse nel tempo in cui la Cristianità stava emergendo in quanto fede dominante nell'Impero Romano, periodo nel quale molti Cristiani vennero ispirati a vivere la propria vita in solitudine e in preghiera, in costante penitenza in nome dell'amore di Dio. Onophrius visse una vita da eremita per 70 anni, girovagando nelle aspre terre desertiche dell'Egitto settentrionale, coperto solo dai suoi lunghi capelli e un perizoma di foglie, come raffigurato nella statua dell'eremo di Serramonacesca. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Le voci che raccontavano la sacrificata vita di Onofrio si sparsero in lungo e in largo per il Medio Oriente e in tutta Europa, e vennero costruite molte chiese e monasteri in suo onore. La lunga lista dei luoghi in cui è stato raffigurato, tra gli altri, include Polonia, Russia, Gerusalemme, Germania, Turchia e, ovviamente, l'Italia e la Majella. Il giorno in cui viene celebrato è il 12 Giugno, data della sua morte, giornata di festa nel paese di Serramonacesca, da dove inizia il nostro viaggio.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hj1JbvZcx0U/VDTSKT4vDsI/AAAAAAAACrI/h_k7FNvum_M/s1600/St%2BOnofrio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hj1JbvZcx0U/VDTSKT4vDsI/AAAAAAAACrI/h_k7FNvum_M/s1600/St%2BOnofrio.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EREMO DI SAN ONOFRIO (Serramonacesca)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Dalla vita di San Onofrio facciamo un balzo in avanti di 700 anni fino al tredicesimo secolo incontrando l'eremita Pietro di Morrone. Nato nel 1215 in un'umile e modesta famiglia di Sant'Angelo Limosano, nelle vicinanze del Molise, Pietro divenne un monaco Benedettino nella sua tarda adolescenza. Verso i vent'anni decise di lasciare il monastero per vestire i panni di eremita in una grotta sul Monte Morrone della Majella. Condusse una vita pia, digiunando ogni giorno eccetto la domenica, vestito di una maglia di tessuto di crine, irruvidita da nodi e da una catena di ferro che avvolgeva il suo corpo scheletrico. Dedicava interamente le sue giornate, e molte notti, a pregare e lavorare.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">La solitudine nella vita di Pietro però non durò a lungo. Quando la notizia della sua santa devozione si diffuse, altri fedeli cercarono di seguirlo ed imitarne la condotta. Pietro quindi si ritirò in un'ancora più selvaggia e inaccessibile grotta della Majella (Eremo di San Giovanni), ma nel contempo una comunità di compagni eremiti si stava sviluppando sulla Majella, crescendo incessantemente. Al momento della sua morte, nel 1296 ebbe stabilito l'ordine religioso dei monaci Celestini con 600 monaci e 36 monasteri.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Il tardo 1200 fu campo di battaglia di una controversia politico religiosa che vide Francia, Inghilterra e la Spagna Aragonese da un lato, e il Papato in carica dall'altro impegnati in un aspro conflitto. Fu durante questo tumulto che la vita di Pietro venne ribaltata, negli ultimi anni della sua vita. Nel 1292 il regnante Papa Nicola IV morì e il clima di lotte interne tra cardinali e le loro congregazioni fu un ostacolo nel raggiungere un accordo della conclave sull'elezione di un Papa per ben due anni .</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Dopo il lungo periodo d'impasse, l'agitazione tra le fazioni rivali divenne ancor più seria e l'elezione legittima di un Papa sempre più urgente. Nel mezzo di questo caos il potente Cardinal Orsini riportò che Dio gli disse di elevare al papato un pio eremita, pena un castigo divino. La richiesta venne esaminata dalla conclave, oramai esausta, e l'elezione ebbe luogo con votazione segreta. Chi mai avrebbe potuto essere meglio controllabile e manipolabile se non un “anziano sempliciotto e quasi analfabeta eremita Benedettino?”, fu il pensiero della Conclave. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WE41BW4W-9s/VDTRMrZYl-I/AAAAAAAACqI/-fCiAbZP05U/s1600/DSCN1965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WE41BW4W-9s/VDTRMrZYl-I/AAAAAAAACqI/-fCiAbZP05U/s1600/DSCN1965.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EREMO DI SAN PIETRO</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Pietro , all'età ormai di 79 anni, sebbene riluttante, lasciò la sua amata Majella e con le lacrime agli occhi accettò la decisione della conclave divenendo Papa Celestino V, in nome della volontà di Dio. Non venne incoronato a Roma ma bensì nella più famigliare chiesa di Santa Maria Collemaggio nella città dell'Aquila in Abruzzo, una chiesa che aveva fatto costruire molti anni prima, su richiesta della Vergine Maria che gli apparve in sogno. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Pietro fu un Papa debole e inefficace intrappolato all'interno di un potere gestito dal sistema ecclesiastico, commise molti errori nei soli cinque mesi del suo papato. Improvvisamente espresse il desiderio di dimettersi e, probabilmente, manipolato dall'astuto avvocato canonico Cardinal Caetani (il quale seguì a Celestino V come papa Bonifacio VIII), consegnò le dimissioni, ritornando ai suoi abiti da eremita e tornando sui suoi passi nella solitudine della profondità della Majella.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">La legittimazione delle sue dimissioni fu però messa in discussione e Bonifacio diede ordini di arrestarlo. Celestino scappò alla cattura nei monti della Majella in cui rimase per diversi mesi prima di tentare la fuga in Grecia con l'aiuto dei suoi amici e compatrioti. Venne infine catturato ai piedi del Monte Gargano in Puglia, nell'Italia Meridionale, e consegnato nelle mani di Bonifacio VIII che confinò il povero anziano in un'umida e scura cella nel castello di Fumone, vicino Anagni dove Celestino morì (o forse assassinato) all'età di 81 anni.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Nel 1313 San Pietro venne santificato e i suoi resti trasferiti nella chiesa di Santa Maria Collemaggio a L'Aquila, dove si trovano tuttora. Nonostante i molti danni subiti dalla Basilica (ad oggi) per via del terremoto del 2009, i resti di San Pietro rimasero miracolosamente intatti. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Una volta al corrente del contesto di tutto ciò che è accaduto, il Sentiero dello Spirituale non può essere considerato una qualsiasi escursione di più giorni, nonostante attraversi scenari spettacolari che lo rendono assolutamente meritevole. E' anche un viaggio attraverso il tempo e la storia in cui ti ritrovi avvolto e completamente assorbito, senza fiato.</span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ianf0oT1tWE/VDTQ-4NZQkI/AAAAAAAACpw/mX_musEbuJA/s1600/DSCN1963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ianf0oT1tWE/VDTQ-4NZQkI/AAAAAAAACpw/mX_musEbuJA/s1600/DSCN1963.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MAJELLA-MORRONE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VTzNzY3orDo/U65hAmibGHI/AAAAAAAACj4/1eDlG6py5aw/s1600/slow-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VTzNzY3orDo/U65hAmibGHI/AAAAAAAACj4/1eDlG6py5aw/s1600/slow-logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.it/" style="font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">www.kokopellicamping.it</a></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-7215431702458337522014-11-05T08:27:00.000+01:002014-11-11T10:47:21.915+01:00ROSEHIP SYRUP<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">A LITTLE BIT OF SWEET WINTER GOODNESS</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l8LcP9g7BKM/VFj1iXxPAtI/AAAAAAAACug/oSMJL3DUX-w/s1600/DSCN2043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l8LcP9g7BKM/VFj1iXxPAtI/AAAAAAAACug/oSMJL3DUX-w/s1600/DSCN2043.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Rosehips, glorious colour at a time when all is beginning to fade and die. Rosehip syrup, glorious sweet nectar with oodles of vitamin C for the cold days, long nights, snotty noses and rasping throats.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Dollop it on your breakfast porridge or baked rice pudding, drizzle it over ice-cream, stir it into yoghurt. Add a spoonful to a cup of hot lemon juice or into your favourite smoothie.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Forget about the sugar content, we all need a bit of something naughty every now and then. That's what winters are made for.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">What you need:</span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">1kg rosehips</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1.25 litres water</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">325g sugar for each 500ml of juice</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Doubled up muslin for straining (or two stockings, or anything you have lying around that you can make into a straining bag - I use an old net curtain, folded over twice with a piece of twine sewn round the edge that pulls it into a drawstring bag. Perfect as it can be rinsed out and re-used).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cSd3hnaAGSc/VFj1jLuGo5I/AAAAAAAACuo/oMuFhO_Hg4s/s1600/DSCN2039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cSd3hnaAGSc/VFj1jLuGo5I/AAAAAAAACuo/oMuFhO_Hg4s/s1600/DSCN2039.jpg" height="382" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Easy to make straining bag</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">What you do:</span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Sterilise your containers.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Roughly chop the rosehips - use an electric chopper if you can - put in a saucepan</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Add the water to the rosehips, bring to the boil and then simmer for 15 minutes</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. Pour the mixture into your straining bag suspended over a bowl and leave for at least 30 minutes</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5. Squash down the pulp to get out every last drop of the rosehip goodness</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">6. Measure your juice, put in a saucepan with 325g of sugar for every 500ml of juice extracted</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">7. Stir well and bring slowly to the boil, gradually allowing the sugar to dissolve</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">8. Boil well for 3 - 4 minutes, skimming off any scum</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">9. Pour straight into your prepared jars, store and enjoy</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hxjzt9B0aBI/VFj1mOAZm0I/AAAAAAAACu4/6TQnhYgY-H8/s1600/DSCN2050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hxjzt9B0aBI/VFj1mOAZm0I/AAAAAAAACu4/6TQnhYgY-H8/s1600/DSCN2050.jpg" height="508" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">www.kokopellicamping.co.uk</span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
* Recipe comes via <a href="http://www.rivercottage.net/recipes/rosehip-syrup/" target="_blank">River Cottage</a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-8527434469704228162014-10-08T12:55:00.002+02:002017-03-21T08:55:35.646+01:00THE SPIRITUAL TRAIL: a journey through time and wilderness<h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">THE SPIRITUAL TRAIL </span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">MAJELLA MOUNTAINS, ABRUZZO, ITALY</span></div>
</span></h2>
<h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Serramonacesca - Sulmona</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="letter-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">85km from 400m to 2000m asl</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.kokopellicamping.co.uk</a></span></div>
<div style="letter-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><u><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Clicca qui per leggere in Italiano: </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://kokopelli-italy.blogspot.it/2014/12/sentiero-dello-spirituale-majella.html" target="_blank">Sentiero dello Spirito</a></span></u></span></div>
</h3>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AJ82hdTsc-0/VDTSEF_hP3I/AAAAAAAACq8/ITO21RL1hoE/s1600/P8010966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AJ82hdTsc-0/VDTSEF_hP3I/AAAAAAAACq8/ITO21RL1hoE/s1600/P8010966.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">A growing curiosity into the ley line of the St Michael/Apollo axis that crosses Abruzzo as it travels between Ireland and Greece, sparked more than a passing interest in the lives and paths of the Celestine monks of the thirteenth century. Call it what you will: a ley line, the “path of light”, or simply the trail of pilgrims and shepherds as they chart their wanderings by the constellations of the stars, the connections between the hermits of the Maiella and the “path of light” were enough to fuel that curiosity, pack enough kit for four days and take off in their footsteps along the Spiritual Trail over the mountains of the Majella National Park.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Majella</span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">An intensely spiritual place, the Majella (pronounced, and often spelled, Maiella) is within the south-central Italian region of Abruzzo. Abruzzo, isolated for centuries because of its formidable natural defences, is the heartland of the Apennines mountains and the most completely mountainous region of Italy. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-71l6-Yugj_s/VDTR5HYnrDI/AAAAAAAACqk/Flv0igK7TOE/s1600/IMGP3596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-71l6-Yugj_s/VDTR5HYnrDI/AAAAAAAACqk/Flv0igK7TOE/s1600/IMGP3596.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Majella has been called, in equal measure, the “Sacred Mountain” and the “Mother Majella”, names that conjure up pictures of a quiet magic yet hides its reputation as a hostile wilderness with fierce winters and unforgiving terrain. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">According to legend, the Majella was formed when Maya, the Goddess of the Earth, came to its peaks seeking a special herb to heal her sick son, but she failed to reach the top before he died. Dying in deep sorrow, her heart broken for her loss, Maya reappeared in the unique form of the rounded Majella, the sleeping beauty of Abruzzo, that rises up quickly from lowland to mountain top.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">To call the Mother Maiella a mountain oversimplifies it. The Majella is a fantastically complex clustering of 61 peaks of over 2000m, and 75 lower lying hills. Its whale-like shape is not easily understood from afar as her peaks remain largely hidden and her aspect constantly changes with the light and the seasons. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Variously and simultaneously considered imposing, unpredictable and uninhabitable, the Majella ultimately retains an aura of phenomenal beauty, space and peace, capable of making your heart swell and soar over and over again. But is it simply her beauty, high peaks, spectacular gorges and fascinating labyrinth of limestone caves that has drawn hermits, pilgrims and travellers for centuries? Or is there something else, something more? A magnetic force, an energy, a ley line, that pulled them all in? </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Spiritual Trail</span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f34LrM8VAs8/VDTQXqy0HsI/AAAAAAAACpM/H5pTEaqbMNE/s1600/DSCN1938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f34LrM8VAs8/VDTQXqy0HsI/AAAAAAAACpM/H5pTEaqbMNE/s1600/DSCN1938.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Spiritual Trail crosses the wilderness of the Majella and the Majella Morrone for 85km from the small village of Serramonacesca (“the land of the monks”) on the north-eastern slopes, to the historical town of Sulmona on the mid-western side. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is an ancient trail linking the key Celestine hermitages (eremi) of the Majella, some are still nothing more than simple caves with a bed and altar chipped out of the stone, others like the eremo Santo Spirito have, from around the XII century, become elaborate structures built into the rock of the deep gorges. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6b_fE16F4Jc/VDTQTJbNI8I/AAAAAAAACpA/GGAH7nveErE/s1600/DSCN1942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6b_fE16F4Jc/VDTQTJbNI8I/AAAAAAAACpA/GGAH7nveErE/s1600/DSCN1942.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The trail starts and finishes at an elevation of around 400m asl, but throughout it’s 85km length you will scale three major peaks, the highest at just over 2000m asl, and steeply descend into the gorges of two spectacular valleys. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">You will follow the tumbling waters of mountain rivers, wander amongst wolves and bears of the forests and walk amongst wild horses on the high plains. Throughout your journey the views are breathtaking and you will barely see another soul. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Your accommodation will be a combination of wild camping in your own tent, sleeping in a rifugio (below) and, should you wish it, a bit of luxury in a B&B as you overnight in the spa town of Caraminico. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0vMVKWdlU_w/VDTQwyzarBI/AAAAAAAACpY/3tp_Ymmk51o/s1600/DSCN1956.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0vMVKWdlU_w/VDTQwyzarBI/AAAAAAAACpY/3tp_Ymmk51o/s1600/DSCN1956.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">THE ROUTE</span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">We chose to go from east to west, starting from Serramonacesca and finishing in Sulmona, for the simple reason that it was far easier for us to get back to Serramonacesca from Sulmona, rather than the other way round. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>How to get to Serramonacesca:</b> Ryan Air (<a href="http://www.ryanair.com/"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">http://www.ryanair.com</span></a>) has regular flights to Pescara which is only 30km from Serramonacesca. Buses and trains run from Pescara to Chieti Scalo: Arpa (<a href="http://www.arpaonline.it/"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">http://www.arpaonline.it</span></a>) for buses, Trenitalia (<a href="http://www.trenitalia.com/"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">http://www.trenitalia.com</span></a>) for trains. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Arpa buses run twice daily from Chieti Scalo to Serramonacesca, timetables can be viewed online from Arpa as above. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">If its easier for you to fly into Rome, buses between Rome Tiburtina and Chieti Scalo run throughout the day, take only 2.5 hours and cost around 15€. Again, see Arpa for timetables.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you stay at our campsite, <a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kokopelli Camping</a> in Serramonacesca (see below), we will do transfers from Pescara (35€) or Chieti Scalo (25€). For our guests, we are also happy to go through the route with you and give you advice plus (for a small fee) telephone/emergency support along the way.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<h4>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Where to stay in Serramonacesca: </span></span></h4>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our campsite, Kokopelli Camping, just off the Spiritual Trail, has excellent facilities for camping as well as having for hire "glamping" style bell tents and €1 per night ordinary tents. We can also help our guests out with equipment should it be needed. If you don't want to camp, we also have rooms available, plus a town house in the historic centre of the village (all info on our website:</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk/" style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">www.kokopellicamping.co.uk</span></a><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Day 1, Serramonacesca to Roccamorice</b></span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">20km, 400 - 950m asl (1097m ascent, 682m descent)</span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ghR0H3dX2H8/VDTR8U7tMVI/AAAAAAAACqw/RgccSVBdwmg/s1600/IMGP2976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ghR0H3dX2H8/VDTR8U7tMVI/AAAAAAAACqw/RgccSVBdwmg/s1600/IMGP2976.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Monasteries, hermitages & caves</i>: Abbazia di San Liberatore</span></span><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">, Eremo di San Onofrio (opposite), Grotta San Angelo</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Terrain</i>: Beech woods, open plains & gorges</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Water points</i>: Fonte San Onofrio, Fosso San Angelo</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Where to stay</i>: B&B Santo Spirito Roccamorice (<a href="http://montabruzzo.abruzzen-online.de/"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">http://montabruzzo.abruzzen-online.de</span></a>) is immediately on the Spiritual Trail just above the Eremo San Bartolomeo. Alternatively, extend your day an extra 5km and wild camp in the woods beyond the eremo.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Day 2, Roccamorice to Rifugio di Marco</b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">20km, 820 - 1700m asl (1370m ascent, 610m descent)</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TUG1NKMMPcY/VDTQVnmr1hI/AAAAAAAACpI/_jxNRauKvmk/s1600/DSCN1922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TUG1NKMMPcY/VDTQVnmr1hI/AAAAAAAACpI/_jxNRauKvmk/s1600/DSCN1922.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Monasteries, hermitages & caves</i>: eremi San Bartolomeo (above), Santo Spirito and San Giovanni</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Terrain</i>: Beech woods, rivers & gorges</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Water points</i>: Fonte at Santo Spirito, fosso Santo Spirito, Fonte Centiate (signed en route to rifugio di Marco</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Where to stay</i>: Rifugio di Marco</span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Day 3, Rifugio di Marco to Caramanico Terme</b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">12km, 1700 - 600m asl (210m ascent, 1273m descent)</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Monasteries, hermitages & caves</i>: eremo San Onofrio, Orfento valley</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Terrain</i>: Woods, rivers and gorges</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Water points</i>: Orfento river</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQU6lFyp7V3WwIthvnUH3cfSnWnWmjuIEj1KAjUruK7tk1VdeZJJ1umbHUdi9kAhPlj3FUjaT2SrHhG46wIJvyg6p2IKrgVdOyrOS6Erei-GO6HeHQeeQO6OMRCyqERba2YtJgxi5Juc/s1600/IMGP2348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQU6lFyp7V3WwIthvnUH3cfSnWnWmjuIEj1KAjUruK7tk1VdeZJJ1umbHUdi9kAhPlj3FUjaT2SrHhG46wIJvyg6p2IKrgVdOyrOS6Erei-GO6HeHQeeQO6OMRCyqERba2YtJgxi5Juc/s1600/IMGP2348.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Where to stay</i>: Caramanico Terme (opposite) is a reasonable sized town with accommodation ranging from a luxury thermal spa to camping and hostels. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The following can be recommended: camping & hostel type accommodation at Casa del Lupo (<a href="http://www.majambiente.it/Casa-del-Lupo-foresteria-del-Parco-Caramanico-Terme-Pescara-Foresterie-ed-Ostelli.htm"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">www.majambiente.it</span></a>), which is also a key visitor centre to the Park, B&B Antico Borgo in the historic centre (<a href="http://www.anticoborgobb.it/"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">http://www.anticoborgobb.it</span></a>)</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Day 4, Caramanico Terme to Eremo San Pietro</b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">18km, 450 - 2000m asl (1700m ascent, 670m descent)</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wWYxPamWl_Q/VDTQzpnfQrI/AAAAAAAACpg/Q2t57ig4lsE/s1600/DSCN1953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wWYxPamWl_Q/VDTQzpnfQrI/AAAAAAAACpg/Q2t57ig4lsE/s1600/DSCN1953.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ascending Monte Morrone</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Monasteries, hermitages & caves</i>: eremo San Pietro</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Terrain</i>: woods, open plains, mountain summit, gorges</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Water points</i>: village of San Vittorino, fonte della casetta in the woods just before eremo San Pietro</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Where to stay</i>: wild camp in the woods close to the water source of fonte della casetta just before reaching San Pietro</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Day 5, Eremo San Pietro to Badia Morronese, Sulmona</b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">15km, 1400 - 400m asl (370m ascent, 1340m descent)</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlSaXmgX3Nj95NRtgG5HO6ckHH5T1lX6EqThTgdUR0O4tp_6B0j4lsBDDvMroCT-j8l29GV4OkEe15iEs0sO5lyDht-h_fFuyr2Kco4E41BhpUTE0QYg686eWpdCWm2Bjcl9uVDCrEnI/s1600/DSCN1964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlSaXmgX3Nj95NRtgG5HO6ckHH5T1lX6EqThTgdUR0O4tp_6B0j4lsBDDvMroCT-j8l29GV4OkEe15iEs0sO5lyDht-h_fFuyr2Kco4E41BhpUTE0QYg686eWpdCWm2Bjcl9uVDCrEnI/s1600/DSCN1964.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Monasteries, hermitages & caves</i>: eremi San Pietro (above) and San Onofrio, Badia Morronese</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Terrain</i>: woods and tracks</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Water points</i>: Sulmona</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Travel from Sulmona back to Serramonacesca</i>: trains between Sulmona and Chieti run regularly throughout the day for around 5€ per person. The train station is a 7km walk from the Badia Morronese, a point worth remembering before you have your second celebratory beer at the little bar next to the monastery!</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">FURTHER DETAIL</span></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Maps</b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The official map of the Park:</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Online version: </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "helvetica";"> </span><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.majambiente.it/file/majelland25000_web_download2016.jpg" target="_blank">http://www.majambiente.it/file/majelland25000_web_download2016.jpg</a></span></span><br />
<style type="text/css">
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #0069d9; -webkit-text-stroke: #0069d9}
span.s1 {font-kerning: none; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: 0px #000000}
span.s2 {text-decoration: underline ; font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke: 0px #0069d9}
</style>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: large;">Purchased from any of the visitor centres: </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.majambiente.it/index.php?c=3" target="_blank">http://www.majambiente.it/index.php?c=3</a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: large;">If you book accommodation with us, for the cost of the postage we can send one to you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>How long to take</b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Although we completed the trail in 4 days and 3 nights, to fully appreciate the scenery, the villages you pass and, of course, the eremi themselves, we do recommend taking longer. Indeed, other people (fit, experienced hikers) who have completed the trail have said that 4 days is too tough given the wild nature of the terrain.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUrows_ceYk/VDTRYadXRcI/AAAAAAAACqQ/-8a6X5TMjWI/s1600/IMGP1637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUrows_ceYk/VDTRYadXRcI/AAAAAAAACqQ/-8a6X5TMjWI/s1600/IMGP1637.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The eremi are fascinating structures. Some, such as Santo Spirito (opposite), are quite elaborate and warrant at least an hour or two wandering the labyrinth of corridors, cells and rooms. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-27_AKrDiQCw/VDTRg0tDqNI/AAAAAAAACqY/bGjY8TAQMYE/s1600/Grotta%2Bdi%2BSan%2BGiovanni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-27_AKrDiQCw/VDTRg0tDqNI/AAAAAAAACqY/bGjY8TAQMYE/s1600/Grotta%2Bdi%2BSan%2BGiovanni.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Others, such as San Giovanni (opposite), are tricky to get to as they are hidden within steep, rocky gorges with narrow approaches requiring sure-footedness and a head for heights. Five days and four nights would be ideal.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>When to do it</b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Winters on the Majella can be harsh and much of the route will be snow bound between November and March. Although much of the route is in the dappled shade of the woods, a lot is on open plains. August, when temperatures can easily reach 30 - 40 degrees celsius, will be far too hot to make the route comfortable. You will also need more water, which will mean carrying extra weight in already heavy packs as the water points are, at times, far apart. Early spring, March and April, is a beautiful time with the hills finally shaking off the weight of winter and everything is bursting into glorious life. However, it can be wet at this time. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The optimum time, therefore, for taking the trail is either May, June, early July, September and October. We chose the last week of September and this was just perfect.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>B&Bs, wild camping & rifugio (mountain huts) in the Majella</b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">So long as you’re sensitive as to where you stay, and leave without a trace in the morning, you can pitch up along the route. Be aware, however, that you will be sharing your space with the wildlife of the Majella, which does include wolves and bears, so keep your food and rubbish away. With so many nocturnal animals, nights can be noisy! </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oi8mZl16-7Q/VDTQ_lgyOVI/AAAAAAAACp4/q0TXD0wqF60/s1600/DSCN1960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oi8mZl16-7Q/VDTQ_lgyOVI/AAAAAAAACp4/q0TXD0wqF60/s1600/DSCN1960.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wild camping on the Morrone, next to the rifugio Laccio Rosso</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are a number of rifugio along the way where you are more than welcome to stay. Most have fireplaces and a table and chairs. Some have a store of wood, but generally you will have to collect your own. Some have basic bunks for sleeping, but be prepared to bed down on the floor (or pitch your tent outside). Any mattresses are best avoided or you may find your sleeping bag becomes host to a number of itchy visitors who will be reluctant to leave!</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you’d rather break your journey with the luxury of a hotel or B&B, you will pass close to the small village of Roccamorice and go throughout the spa town of Caramanico Terme. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Water</b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are a number of drinking fountains (fonte) along the route utilising mountain springs, these are perfectly safe to drink. Indeed some, such as the waters at San Onofrio in Serramonacesca, are said to have health giving benefits. These are often marked on the map as “fonte”, or with a sign post directing the way. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5fcqaoxxFA/VDTQ3sC7jtI/AAAAAAAACpo/ZOOnbPO1zkU/s1600/DSCN1943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5fcqaoxxFA/VDTQ3sC7jtI/AAAAAAAACpo/ZOOnbPO1zkU/s1600/DSCN1943.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Orfento Valley, Caramanico</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The waters from the tumbling streams that you will cross are clean and fresh. We are happy to drink directly from these, and have done so many times, but, to be safe, you may want to add a purifying tablet.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">As you will be collecting and carrying your water, it is recommended that you take two x 2-3 litre water bladders. You will need water for cooking as well as drinking. The route involves long climbs in places, so don’t underestimate the amount you will need to drink.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">THE HISTORY BEHIND THE TRAIL</span></h3>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Hermits and the Celestine Monks</b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">My journeys of ley line research along the St Michael/Apollo axis have taken me not only to the hermits, but to dragons, myths & legends, Knights Templars, pagans and archangels. Knights Templars and pagan worship I have found in the Majella, myths and legends a plenty. As critical as the Archangel St Michael is to the theory of ley lines, I shall park him for now. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2iqqEj-US0g/VDTtMZ7DYUI/AAAAAAAACrU/e-N6cOwfMN0/s1600/DSCN1907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2iqqEj-US0g/VDTtMZ7DYUI/AAAAAAAACrU/e-N6cOwfMN0/s1600/DSCN1907.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Statue of the Archangel St Michael in the Grotta San Angelo, that can be found<br />on the Spiritual Trail as it passes Lettomanoppello</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The hermits, on the other hand, being better documented, particularly Peter of the Morrone who, for the simple reason that he was to become Pope Celestine V and the founding father of the religious order of the Celestine monks, I could follow, both literally across the Spiritual Trail of the Majella and through the written history of his life. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">To fully understand the phenomenon of the hermits, we start our journey in the 4th or 5th century with San Onofrio (or Onophrius), of which three of the Majella hermitages are dedicated. Onophrius lived at the time when Christianity was emerging as the dominant faith of the Roman Empire, a period when many Christians were inspired to live a life of solitude in prayer and penance for the love of God. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hj1JbvZcx0U/VDTSKT4vDsI/AAAAAAAACrI/h_k7FNvum_M/s1600/St%2BOnofrio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hj1JbvZcx0U/VDTSKT4vDsI/AAAAAAAACrI/h_k7FNvum_M/s1600/St%2BOnofrio.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Onophrius lived his hermit life for 70 years, dwelling in the harsh environment of the desert of Upper Egypt dressed in nothing but his long hair and a loin cloth of leaves, the figure that you see in the eremo in Serramonacesca (opposite). </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Word of the way of life of Onuphrius spread across the Middle East, Eastern and Western Europe, where many churches and monasteries have been built in his honour. The long list where he is depicted, amongst many others, include Poland, Russia, Jerusalem, Germany, Turkey and, of course, Italy and the Majella. His feast day is marked on June 12, the date of his death, which is celebrated every year in the Majella village of Serramonacesca where we begin our travels.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the life of San Onofrio, we jump about 700 years to the 13th Century and the life of the hermit, Pietro (or Peter) of the Morrone. Born in 1215 to a poor and humble family in Sant’Angelo Limosano in neighbouring Molise, Pietro became a Benedictine monk in his late adolescence, but left the monastery in his early 20s to pursue life as a hermit in a cave on Mont Morrone of the Majella. He led a pious life, fasting every day apart from Sunday, wearing a haircloth shirt roughened with knots and a chain of iron around his emaciated frame. His entire day, and much of his night, was dedicated to prayer and labour. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pietro’s life of solitude was not to last. As news of his saintly piety spread, others tried to follow him and imitate his rule of life. Pietro withdrew to a deeper, wilder and more inaccessible cave of the Majella (Eremo di San Giovanni), but a community of fellow hermits still developed on the Majella that grew incessantly. By the time of his death in 1296 he had established the religious order of the Celestine monks, with 600 Celestini and 36 monasteries.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The late 1200s was a battlefield of religious and political controversy with France, England, the Spanish Aragon and the reigning Popes in bitter conflict. It was into this turmoil that Pietro, in the latter years of his life, was thrown. In 1292 the reigning Pope Nicholas IV died and the feuds amongst infighting cardinals and their clans meant that more than two years passed with the conclave being unable to agree on the succeeding Pope. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">After a two year impasse, the unrest between the rival factions became more serious and the legitimate election of a new Pope became more urgent. It was amongst this chaos that the powerful Cardinal Orsini reported that God had told him to elevate a pious hermit to the papacy, or face divine chastisement. This proposition was seized upon by the exhausted conclave and the election was made unanimous. Who better to control and manipulate, thought the Cardinals, but “an aged, simple and almost illiterate Benedictine hermit?”</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WE41BW4W-9s/VDTRMrZYl-I/AAAAAAAACqI/-fCiAbZP05U/s1600/DSCN1965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WE41BW4W-9s/VDTRMrZYl-I/AAAAAAAACqI/-fCiAbZP05U/s1600/DSCN1965.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Eremo San Pietro, Majella Morrone</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pietro, now aged 79, reluctantly left his beloved Majella and, with tears in his eyes, accepted the decision and became Pope Celestine V, reasoning that it was the will of God. He was crowned not in Rome but in his familiar church of Santa Maria Collemaggio in Aquila within Abruzzo, a church that he had had constructed many years before when inspired by a dream that the Virgin Mary had asked him to build a church on that spot. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">He was, however, a weak and ineffectual Pope within a power-laden ecclesiastical system and made many serious mistakes in the five short months of his papacy. Eventually he expressed a wish to resign and, possibly manipulated by the wily canon lawyer Cardinal Caetani (who was later to succeed Celestine V as the next Pope, Boniface VIII), effected his resignation, donned his hermit’s garb and retraced his steps back to the solitude of the depths of the Majella. The legitamacy of his resignation was challenged and Boniface issued orders that he be “detained”. Celestine escaped capture within the Majella for several months before attempting to flee to Greece with the help of his friends and compatriots. He was finally captured at the foot of Mount Gargano in Puglia, southern Italy and delivered into the hands of Boniface VIII who confined the old man to a dank and dark cell in the castle of Fumone near Anagni. Celestine died here, in his 81st year. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">In 1313 San Pietro was canonised and his remains were transferred to the church of Santa Maria Collemaggio in Aquilla, where they remain to this day despite the Basilica (as it is now) being severely damaged by the earthquake of 2009. San Pietro’s remains miraculously survived.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Understood in the context of all that has gone before, The Spiritual Trail becomes far more than simply another multi-day hike, albeit amongst spectacular scenery. It is a journey through time and history that you cannot fail to feel deeply, becoming completely absorbed and in awe.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ianf0oT1tWE/VDTQ-4NZQkI/AAAAAAAACpw/mX_musEbuJA/s1600/DSCN1963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ianf0oT1tWE/VDTQ-4NZQkI/AAAAAAAACpw/mX_musEbuJA/s1600/DSCN1963.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wild camping on the Majella Morrone</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">THE MAJELLA, WITH KEY POINTS ALONG THE SPIRITUAL TRAIL HIGHLIGHTED</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uhcvXwGf7kI/VDTSC2c1LPI/AAAAAAAACq4/KXRj46xkVFw/s1600/mapl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uhcvXwGf7kI/VDTSC2c1LPI/AAAAAAAACq4/KXRj46xkVFw/s1600/mapl.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">www.kokopellicamping.co.uk</span></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-25519924929105708982014-08-16T09:27:00.000+02:002014-09-13T19:43:55.898+02:00SEPTEMBER HOLIDAY? OR OCTOBER?<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Calling all hikers, bikers, climbers, runners, or any sort of outdoor nature lover really</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It's September, and do you know what happens in September?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Nothing, absolutely nothing. And it's a tragedy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Well, not exactly nothing, a few wise people come, but not many. And that is the tragedy. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AS0U4fZ6P9k/U-8FDlu5pUI/AAAAAAAACmE/2ruEVgDzumE/s1600/100_2743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AS0U4fZ6P9k/U-8FDlu5pUI/AAAAAAAACmE/2ruEVgDzumE/s1600/100_2743.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">September here in <a href="http://kokopelli-italy.blogspot.co.uk/p/abruzzo.html" target="_blank">Abruzzo</a>, and the whole of the autumn for that matter, is arguably the best time in the whole calendar year for outdoor people to explore off the beaten track. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">For late summer sun, warm enough for lazy days on the <a href="http://kokopelli-italy.blogspot.co.uk/p/abruzzo-coastline.html" target="_blank">beach</a>, or cool enough for hiking the endless trails of the wilderness that is the <a href="http://kokopelli-italy.blogspot.co.uk/p/abruzzo-majella.html" target="_blank">Majella National Park</a>, there can be no better place to come in all of Europe. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I-8DWKm4EhI/U-8FQCOCiII/AAAAAAAACmM/0pzkeXr0tHw/s1600/IMG_0651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I-8DWKm4EhI/U-8FQCOCiII/AAAAAAAACmM/0pzkeXr0tHw/s1600/IMG_0651.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And we're here to guide you. We're open all year, we have rooms available, we have gorgeous canvas bell tents cosy enough to take you through the cooler autumn months, we have stacks of information to get you out there and up into the hills and mountains. We have equipment and guide books for climbers, we have Majella maps and our own hiking guides for hikers and walkers, we have mountain bikes you can use, and all the camping equipment you could ever need if you want to travel cheap and light - all you need bring is your tent and sleeping bag, we provide the rest.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Need any more persuasion to take your late holiday with us here in Abruzzo?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xwB0Il8wXZA/U-8EexrohvI/AAAAAAAACl8/z1DaHWkZvPk/s1600/Jasmine%2B%26%2BMatt%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xwB0Il8wXZA/U-8EexrohvI/AAAAAAAACl8/z1DaHWkZvPk/s1600/Jasmine%2B%26%2BMatt%2B1.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's our offer to all you outdoor and active nature lovers:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Email us with the dates you want to book, attach a photo of you being active in the great outdoors and we'll give you a 10% discount for September or October.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And there's more...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Because we know that you, like everyone else, will absolutely want to come back, we'll put all the photos into a popularity contest for a free, yes, free, holiday next year. Any time you like, in one of our rooms or bell tents, for up to one week in 2015.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And there's more...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_rPiXNj9Pwg/U-8GQMNMQNI/AAAAAAAACmc/rLKClS_Ee7s/s1600/DSCN1721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_rPiXNj9Pwg/U-8GQMNMQNI/AAAAAAAACmc/rLKClS_Ee7s/s1600/DSCN1721.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">For everyone who comes, so confident are we of the wilderness in which we live that, for all those who hike all day long following one of our self-guided hikes and not see a soul, there's a bottle of superb Abruzzo wine at the end of it for you.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Boom boom.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What are you waiting for?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's where you can find out more:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Website</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.coolcamping.co.uk/campsites/europe/italy/rome-central-italy/abruzzo/1449-kokopelli-camping" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Cool Camping</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g2356121-d5027293-Reviews-Kokopelli_Camping-Serramonacesca_Province_of_Pescara_Abruzzo.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Trip Advisor</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Kokopelli.Camping" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Facebook</span></a><br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/111534929291515182628/111534929291515182628/posts/p/pub" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Google+</span></a><br />
<a href="http://instagram.com/kokopellicamping" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Instagram</span></a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/KopelliCamping" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Twitter</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Go on, send us an email...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> you know you want to ;-) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="mailto:jaqs@kokopellicamping.co.uk">jaqs@kokopellicamping.co.uk</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-75145045326349176832014-07-06T08:24:00.000+02:002016-04-20T09:12:55.964+02:00DO I NEED A CAR?<h3>
</h3>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></h2>
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">
"Do I need a car?"</span></u></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Ah. That simple question, asked a million times, but without a simple answer.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Depends.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lyg7C8xxjWg/U65WQ2oJaxI/AAAAAAAACh8/BL8p22TVU6I/s1600/Rugby+Team+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lyg7C8xxjWg/U65WQ2oJaxI/AAAAAAAACh8/BL8p22TVU6I/s1600/Rugby+Team+Photo.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Depends on lots. But depends mainly on the type of traveller you are and what you're looking for in a holiday. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">To begin with a few facts:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></h3>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></h2>
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">
Serramonacesca</span></u></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We are 2.5km from Serramonacesca. Easy walking distance, until you bring our hill into the equation; it's a 200m climb back up. I love the walk, as do many others, but some will only do it once. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hANIh96oLXI/U65YZY1o3gI/AAAAAAAACiQ/8NyLTzvzJiE/s1600/IMGP3466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hANIh96oLXI/U65YZY1o3gI/AAAAAAAACiQ/8NyLTzvzJiE/s1600/IMGP3466.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Serramonacesca, her hills & views</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Castel Menardo in the foreground, sea on the horizon, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Kokopelli Camping just out of view bottom right</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--lv_yQoEqAI/U65ZCBYnSMI/AAAAAAAACig/wL_eHjmdg3A/s1600/Contrada+Garifoli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--lv_yQoEqAI/U65ZCBYnSMI/AAAAAAAACig/wL_eHjmdg3A/s1600/Contrada+Garifoli.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Evening walk into the village</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">You see lots of things along the way: plants for foraging in the hedgerows, wild flowers, lizards , butterflies, snakes. Yes, really. And, my goodness, do they make you jump. Most of the time, however, completely harmless, but not for the squeamish. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There are buzzards calling, oriels singing, mistle thrush, redstarts, and hoopoes to name but a few. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jrbf4OiKNmg/U65ZtEARhbI/AAAAAAAACik/s6u8pSrdm0U/s1600/DSCN0968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jrbf4OiKNmg/U65ZtEARhbI/AAAAAAAACik/s6u8pSrdm0U/s1600/DSCN0968.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Smiley :-) </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">You'll most likely be joined by one of the local dogs, who will love your company. You won't go far without a nod, a smile and a "buongiorno" from people sweeping their steps, tending their gardens or hanging out their washing, and the chances are you won't even need to walk. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Offers of lifts from passers-by will be many. In fact, so insistent can they be that it's often easier to graciously accept than to explain that you do, actually, really, strangely enough, want to walk.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SRxUZ-KeIdo/U65dAFjJqtI/AAAAAAAACiw/-Hyz7ZIdj_o/s1600/IMGP2930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SRxUZ-KeIdo/U65dAFjJqtI/AAAAAAAACiw/-Hyz7ZIdj_o/s1600/IMGP2930.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Local produce</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">Once in Serra, all your needs can be catered for. So long as you shop like a local. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There are two small shops, limited in choice but, thankfully, a world away from a supermarket. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There is a butcher and a pharmacist, two restaurants, two bars, two gelateria (in the summer) and a farm where their own cheeses and arrosticini are produced from their own goats and sheep that you'll see grazing the hills with the shepherd and his dogs. </span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rTdoLk9U1Yw/U65d3ULmBoI/AAAAAAAACi4/T9zxMdKWAUU/s1600/Cheeses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rTdoLk9U1Yw/U65d3ULmBoI/AAAAAAAACi4/T9zxMdKWAUU/s1600/Cheeses.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheeses & yoghurts from the Cheese Man</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">There's a vegetable seller in the piazza 2-3 times a week, a fish man who does the rounds on a Tuesday, a vegetable van that comes by most Thursdays, as well as the cheese man who comes every now and then with home made yoghurts and far too tasty ricotta, pecorino and mozzarella. So, yes, you can do very nicely indeed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you shop like a local and travel slow.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>(You can read more on Serramonacesca here: <a href="http://kokopelli-italy.blogspot.it/p/local-shops-restaurants-etc.html" target="_blank">Serra shops & restaurants</a>)</i></span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></h2>
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">
The Beach</span></u></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">A half hour's drive. So, yes, if you fancy a day on the beach you need a car. There are buses, they go from Serra into Pescara and back 2-3 times a day. Early morning (6.30am), early afternoon and evening. They take a while, they go round all the villages, you won't go anywhere fast, but you can get to the beach. And back. But it can be tedious.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzKgA1BI8RI/U65eZU_wHxI/AAAAAAAACjA/5AXuNzEHNzY/s1600/IMGP2846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzKgA1BI8RI/U65eZU_wHxI/AAAAAAAACjA/5AXuNzEHNzY/s1600/IMGP2846.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our beautiful river, the Alento, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">it's source bubbling out of the mountains in Serramonacesca</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Or, you can just take a blanket and a book, walk for half an hour or so, and go and sit by the river.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></h3>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></h2>
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">
Sightseeing</span></u></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If travelling around from village to village, town to town, castle to castle takes your fancy, you could feel a little restricted without a car. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Unless...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you're a slow traveller and just want to absorb what is around you, really feel it, really experience it, get to know those who know it best, then, no, you don't need a car. Within walking distance (for seasoned hikers and the hardy) we do have some of the most beautiful places and buildings in Abruzzo here in Serramonacesca, so long as you're happy to just explore what's on your doorstep and not venture further.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oaffOsP8Mm8/U65fOSQwD7I/AAAAAAAACjM/yR52YoiG1Fo/s1600/IMGP1166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oaffOsP8Mm8/U65fOSQwD7I/AAAAAAAACjM/yR52YoiG1Fo/s1600/IMGP1166.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Abbey of San Liberatore a Maiella</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IvKNMn0Vh6U/U65f8LKIOhI/AAAAAAAACjc/IRboTyNY8fg/s1600/IMGP3557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IvKNMn0Vh6U/U65f8LKIOhI/AAAAAAAACjc/IRboTyNY8fg/s1600/IMGP3557.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Abbey of San Liberatore a Maiella</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QkE-O6zE-Lk/U65f2BE2jfI/AAAAAAAACjY/jgfqtrNZYuc/s1600/IMGP2976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QkE-O6zE-Lk/U65f2BE2jfI/AAAAAAAACjY/jgfqtrNZYuc/s1600/IMGP2976.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Hermitage of San Onofrio</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kGEK-gOBK1k/U65gAZmCCfI/AAAAAAAACjo/cwP7_A-s60I/s1600/San+Onofrio+Service.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kGEK-gOBK1k/U65gAZmCCfI/AAAAAAAACjo/cwP7_A-s60I/s1600/San+Onofrio+Service.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Hermitage of San Onofrio</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">
But what if you fall somewhere in between?</span></u></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you're happy to explore and get to know what's close to you, but wouldn't mind venturing further every now and then, here's what we can do to help, just a few of the little Kokopelli extras:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Drop you off, pick you up, take you out</span></u></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BkrI81ejg6k/U65gvw4yqiI/AAAAAAAACjs/1n6uf97sA2A/s1600/Market+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BkrI81ejg6k/U65gvw4yqiI/AAAAAAAACjs/1n6uf97sA2A/s1600/Market+Day.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Local markets</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">We're frequently out and about shopping in the local markets and towns, we go hiking, we go to the beach, we explore the higher mountain peaks, we'll go to a restaurant in the evening or just for a pizza or a party. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Anyone is welcome to hitch a ride. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">
Lend you a bike</span></u></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We have mountain bikes that you're free to use, just pack up a picnic, hop on and pedal away.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrxi9CV1xzxdNdZf6sr9cKMOf3azFqRpobx2yLkCv3oik6-RZUwGMso6rbwX337P-LhPZLgJhOSyFgTOmr2T6zUznF4FrvEzDV9ewucYTCNEzyyUi6kirTvey0BRphv9yWoXjDoEQzu0/s1600/IMGP1895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrxi9CV1xzxdNdZf6sr9cKMOf3azFqRpobx2yLkCv3oik6-RZUwGMso6rbwX337P-LhPZLgJhOSyFgTOmr2T6zUznF4FrvEzDV9ewucYTCNEzyyUi6kirTvey0BRphv9yWoXjDoEQzu0/s1600/IMGP1895.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<h2>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">
Let you use our Vespa</span></u></h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wUQTnWDEBwA/U7f9WRNaoiI/AAAAAAAACkk/n-p3AzrturI/s1600/P7050902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wUQTnWDEBwA/U7f9WRNaoiI/AAAAAAAACkk/n-p3AzrturI/s1600/P7050902.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our little baby. The essential part of slow Italian life, and fairly groovy too. Think Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. <a href="http://youtu.be/ExVWQ_I-elI" target="_blank">Roman Holiday</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">For just €40 a day you can take off, with the wind in your hair, the sun on your back, and live the Italian dream. Even if for just a day.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So there you have it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Do you need a car? Entirely depends on you.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvt5OLtDVidMLhDNHfgrcW2bID8dgM921WV75tJtUVGUZcicHom5mvn_JcWekm6Y8hlT97nfr5bN4fj2SDLM8Sb_A3ICMkXnY9jIyBs3wgsVNIwjXOVK01vvn4QbJeXdwwShoQ_uu-V4/s1600/P7050898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvt5OLtDVidMLhDNHfgrcW2bID8dgM921WV75tJtUVGUZcicHom5mvn_JcWekm6Y8hlT97nfr5bN4fj2SDLM8Sb_A3ICMkXnY9jIyBs3wgsVNIwjXOVK01vvn4QbJeXdwwShoQ_uu-V4/s1600/P7050898.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VTzNzY3orDo/U65hAmibGHI/AAAAAAAACj0/DEWm44oiC6Q/s1600/slow-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VTzNzY3orDo/U65hAmibGHI/AAAAAAAACj0/DEWm44oiC6Q/s1600/slow-logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.slowtourismclub.eu/main/" target="_blank">www.slowtourismclub.eu</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.kokopellicamping.co.uk</a></div>
Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-22509419523858740552014-04-23T09:19:00.000+02:002014-04-23T09:25:11.385+02:00The Most Divine Strawberry Jam in the WorldIt's not often I get involved in recipes (or cooking for that matter), leave that to the experts, but this really is THE MOST DIVINE STRAWBERRY JAM IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD. And it's sooooo quick & easy it can be made on any camping trip, by the kids too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ta6twufNWhA/U1dmnkFPaEI/AAAAAAAACbg/ZQR2YM1xIyg/s1600/DSCN1318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ta6twufNWhA/U1dmnkFPaEI/AAAAAAAACbg/ZQR2YM1xIyg/s1600/DSCN1318.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast, brunch, tea, supper, or just because.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
When I saw all the bright scarlet, juicily ripe strawberries piled chin dribblingly high at the market, I absolutely could not resist buying a kilo and getting the jam bucket out.<br />
<br />
This has got to be the easiest and best recipe EVER. Jamie Oliver, as annoying as ever, has to be given credit. All I did was swap his vanilla pod for the zest and juice of a lemon.<br />
<br />
Make it, you won't regret it & will love me forever. <br />
<br />
<h3>
Ingredients</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4E7Xhyphenhyphen2GlWZS8HReK5xb4vVkRhXYO-WCqCvw2Qv7zbKzw1s7VGIbq3AbXJAJDJlH6Hdjp79A_nB2n6tqCLEnlqeUkiM2_mB1lHpoyeC4l-g-qedy8jkFpIOPgZg8lzqJfGh0i8Wzz_3g/s1600/DSCN1321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4E7Xhyphenhyphen2GlWZS8HReK5xb4vVkRhXYO-WCqCvw2Qv7zbKzw1s7VGIbq3AbXJAJDJlH6Hdjp79A_nB2n6tqCLEnlqeUkiM2_mB1lHpoyeC4l-g-qedy8jkFpIOPgZg8lzqJfGh0i8Wzz_3g/s1600/DSCN1321.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fruttapec: 1kg fruit, 500g sugar, 1 sachet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Zest & juice of half a large lemon<br />
1kg ripe strawberries (washed & leafy tops removed)<br />
500g high pectin sugar (jam sugar) or, as I did, 500g sugar & 1 sachet of Fruttapec<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Method</h3>
Sterilize your jars & lids (approx 4 x 400ml jam jars)<br />
Put the strawberries, lemon, sugar & Fruttapec in a saucepan. Mash it all up with a potato masher, leaving a few chunky bits to get your teeth into.<br />
Place the pan on a medium heat, bring it to the boil, leave it boiling for about 1 minute, then simmer for about 5. <br />
Take it off the heat, and skim any foam from the top and leave it to cool a little.<br />
Spoon the jam into your jars, put on the lids, and turn them upside down to cool.<br />
Spread thickly on your morning toast, add a dollop of mascarpone (just because you can), eat and smile :-)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hyBzzzcmbLI/U1dm9U45NzI/AAAAAAAACbo/4eW7PWanxeM/s1600/DSCN1320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hyBzzzcmbLI/U1dm9U45NzI/AAAAAAAACbo/4eW7PWanxeM/s1600/DSCN1320.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All ready for the Kokopelli Shop (if we haven't eaten it all first)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.kokopellicamping.co.uk</a></div>
<br />
<br />Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-1229358848676658262013-06-03T17:30:00.000+02:002013-06-03T17:35:08.498+02:00A Blogging Conference & A Microadventure<br />
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So here I am lying in my tent at 7am having breakfast in bed fully clothed, including coat and wooly hat, snuggled under my sleeping bag and the blanket crocheted by my dad. I'm reading whilst listening to the rain outside, and the birds of course. Lots and lots of birds. </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O0SDYbQ5nYo/UayplOeZ3mI/AAAAAAAAB_w/zChD3fPFW6s/s1600/IMGP3771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O0SDYbQ5nYo/UayplOeZ3mI/AAAAAAAAB_w/zChD3fPFW6s/s640/IMGP3771.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In fact the birds have been my comforting companions over my little two night microadventure. All alone, just me and my tent amongst the pine trees on the side of a hill a little below Santo Stefano tucked amongst the Apeninnes mountains of the Gran Sasso. All night long the nightingales sing. A beautiful, haunting song, broken every now and then by the call of a little owl and the snuffles, yaps, squeaks and snorts of my fellow inhabitants of these woods.</span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IVDFl0pzuVI/Uayp9179LdI/AAAAAAAAB_4/H6OASSL7PIw/s1600/IMGP3798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IVDFl0pzuVI/Uayp9179LdI/AAAAAAAAB_4/H6OASSL7PIw/s640/IMGP3798.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I was at an international conference about the art & business of blogging (an amazing conference actually) and I was asked incredulously "Don't you worry about the wolves or the bears or the wild pigs"? Not a chance, says I. Whilst I can hear all the sounds of the nocturnal world, then I know all is well, and can turn over and go back to sleep.</span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OCZm7FPJnsU/UayqYnJwXqI/AAAAAAAACAA/mZT5DlH0Q3Y/s1600/IMGP3807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OCZm7FPJnsU/UayqYnJwXqI/AAAAAAAACAA/mZT5DlH0Q3Y/s640/IMGP3807.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird boxes in the woods</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's been a wee while since I've camped alone, and will admit to passing feelings of apprehension over the two nights, and a few questions to myself as to why I'm doing it. I could have joined my fellow delegates and taken one of the wonderful rooms dotted around the ancient and fabulously restored <a href="http://www.blogaway.org/venue/" target="_blank">Santo Stefano</a>. </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rCY7wQkSLo/UayqupCM_rI/AAAAAAAACAI/H38833pN9aA/s1600/IMGP3787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rCY7wQkSLo/UayqupCM_rI/AAAAAAAACAI/H38833pN9aA/s640/IMGP3787.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d7cM27LEyHU/UaytNf1BkuI/AAAAAAAACA8/kxeSRyCf0Co/s1600/IMGP3786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d7cM27LEyHU/UaytNf1BkuI/AAAAAAAACA8/kxeSRyCf0Co/s640/IMGP3786.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-njq8VSGPack/UaytM8ADwcI/AAAAAAAACAw/l5lblTOB1xc/s1600/IMGP3788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-njq8VSGPack/UaytM8ADwcI/AAAAAAAACAw/l5lblTOB1xc/s640/IMGP3788.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I could have bunked in with my friend, Giulia, who found herself in possession of a suite of rooms. But I chose to stay in my tent. </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The weather has been foul, it's been cold up here at 1250m and fresh snow has peppered the mountain tops whilst I've been here. I've been all alone, the only inhabitant on this tucked away little campsite. </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cK5FbPNy5Ok/UaytdK7l5XI/AAAAAAAACBI/OaAO7SNmVho/s1600/IMGP3796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cK5FbPNy5Ok/UaytdK7l5XI/AAAAAAAACBI/OaAO7SNmVho/s640/IMGP3796.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santo Stefano</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I've kept the light down low at night so nobody can see that I'm here, and a cosh by my bed in case I was wrong. I've had an escape route planned, and the car close for a quick getaway. </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But now, having done it and as I'm lying here all tucked up and cosy, I'm as warm and as happy as can be. And I'm smiling, a big cheesy grin.</span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-82yovDjvAdI/UayrDZ6ej4I/AAAAAAAACAQ/N-9OWbhWEE8/s1600/IMGP3804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-82yovDjvAdI/UayrDZ6ej4I/AAAAAAAACAQ/N-9OWbhWEE8/s640/IMGP3804.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little camping spot, in the woods below</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So, what I'm trying to say is, regardless of your age or gender, whether alone or with others, every now and then take a little microadventure, it could be just what you need. </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R2SxGVNb_xA/Uaytd4gVQoI/AAAAAAAACBM/yICHWeRZFoA/s1600/IMGP3808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R2SxGVNb_xA/Uaytd4gVQoI/AAAAAAAACBM/yICHWeRZFoA/s640/IMGP3808.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bat boxes in the woods</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As a little aside, if you do fancy it but feel a bit too apprehensive, why not give it a go here at Kokopelli? Single travellers are always welcome, and if you don't have the equipment, you can always use my lovely little Hillberg tent. </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If, during your trip, you start to feel comfortable and fancy pushing it a bit further, we know some great wild camping spots... </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Notes:</u></b></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Art & Business of Blogging: <a href="http://www.blogaway.org/" target="_blank">http://www.blogaway.org/</a></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Art of the Microadventure: <a href="http://www.alastairhumphreys.com/microadventures-3/year-microadventure/" target="_blank">http://www.alastairhumphreys.com/microadventures-3/year-microadventure/</a></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gran Sasso National Park: <a href="http://www.gransassolagapark.it/" target="_blank">http://www.gransassolagapark.it/</a></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">K</span>okopell Camping (that's us, by the way): <a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk</a></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Camping Gran Sasso (the delightful campsite where I spent my two nights): <a href="http://www.campinggransasso.it/" target="_blank">http://www.campinggransasso.it/</a></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCs4qhuHS_Ef7jPAET8VDQ2GQVAlQj85HZ8UlcI6f60qkodlIW3eq8QtmkjY0SwIfaYSFr9YKIW4DDerXOSqKcPjmKljEXD6jra8bjbUZCFx2tSKhea5q2v_fDTKZGncU-ZaV1heqBsyo/s1600/IMGP3810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCs4qhuHS_Ef7jPAET8VDQ2GQVAlQj85HZ8UlcI6f60qkodlIW3eq8QtmkjY0SwIfaYSFr9YKIW4DDerXOSqKcPjmKljEXD6jra8bjbUZCFx2tSKhea5q2v_fDTKZGncU-ZaV1heqBsyo/s640/IMGP3810.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camping Gran Sasso</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-83255703640183773302013-05-24T14:09:00.000+02:002014-04-18T09:33:35.745+02:00La Maielletta and Beyond<br />
<div style="color: #232323; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue Light'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 14.0px 0.0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4cHahFCpxGB3Ttpt9_gIuVPJPhgEbdlgxlxkkCOJ76WLUSQdIJl-y4oQoKojQoYpvBfDJQTB4RPIm063c8OXUGjdgnI5VYAXUHggd9hhXNFx1oKbhnFM3jiHymtSlEafLrxTcHAabaY/s1600/IMGP3644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4cHahFCpxGB3Ttpt9_gIuVPJPhgEbdlgxlxkkCOJ76WLUSQdIJl-y4oQoKojQoYpvBfDJQTB4RPIm063c8OXUGjdgnI5VYAXUHggd9hhXNFx1oKbhnFM3jiHymtSlEafLrxTcHAabaY/s400/IMGP3644.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As beautiful as the foothills of the Majella are, if you want to explore the high peaks then head up to Passo Lanciano and La Maielletta - the masts that you can see from Kokopelli camping field. </span></span></div>
<div style="color: #232323; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue Light'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 14.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #232323; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue Light'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 14.0px 0.0px;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WfBHRLfY91Y/UZ9UK7WazqI/AAAAAAAAB_I/cfIARp02HFs/s1600/IMGP3648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WfBHRLfY91Y/UZ9UK7WazqI/AAAAAAAAB_I/cfIARp02HFs/s400/IMGP3648.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It takes about 25 minutes to drive up, or about 3 hours to cycle. The climb is steady and steep, but the road is good and there are plenty of switchbacks to test your technical skills on the descent. </span></span></div>
<div style="color: #232323; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue Light'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 14.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #232323; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue Light'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 14.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">With the highest point accessible by road lying at around 2000m asl you will have a respectable 1630m climb. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jeVwE_iquKQ/UZ9To-S3BvI/AAAAAAAAB-k/y1cEtN3wZ8Q/s1600/IMGP3639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jeVwE_iquKQ/UZ9To-S3BvI/AAAAAAAAB-k/y1cEtN3wZ8Q/s400/IMGP3639.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #232323; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue Light'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 14.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Passo Lanciano is a key ski resort in the winter, so the roads are kept open and clear. There are a couple of bars up there, plus a hotel, restaurant and spa. The bars (only open at weekends outside peak seasons) serve good, honest nosh (including sausages cooked over the open fire in the winter) and, as such, are a favourite with hikers, bikers and cyclists at the weekend.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WE0tib-ahSM/UZ9ULBfZYvI/AAAAAAAAB_M/GmGOXnofu6o/s1600/IMGP3652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WE0tib-ahSM/UZ9ULBfZYvI/AAAAAAAAB_M/GmGOXnofu6o/s400/IMGP3652.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VwfkfFwHmrA/UZ9UEKUMNoI/AAAAAAAAB_A/VnoPq_BgWXE/s1600/IMGP3653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VwfkfFwHmrA/UZ9UEKUMNoI/AAAAAAAAB_A/VnoPq_BgWXE/s400/IMGP3653.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #232323; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue Light'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 14.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n5DdFVtuBJ0/UZ9T5tKkr7I/AAAAAAAAB-4/6_VEBvJImDo/s1600/IMGP3651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n5DdFVtuBJ0/UZ9T5tKkr7I/AAAAAAAAB-4/6_VEBvJImDo/s400/IMGP3651.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #232323; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue Light'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 14.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Every Sunday there is a small market, and throughout August the ski lifts run from Passo Lanciano up to La Maielletta. </span></span></div>
<div style="color: #232323; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue Light'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 14.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This summer (2013) the National Park will be running a free shuttle bus between the two ski resorts (complete with tourist guide) during the weekend of 13/14 July: 8am - 11am and 3pm - 6pm. (<a href="http://www.majambiente.it/FREE-TOURS-Mobilita-Sostenibile-Tour-turistici-gratuiti-nel-Parco-in-minibus.htm">http://www.majambiente.it/FREE-TOURS-Mobilita-Sostenibile-Tour-turistici-gratuiti-nel-Parco-in-minibus.htm</a>)</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aMaYVs0_UL0/UZ9ToRcG9lI/AAAAAAAAB-g/kJd0uCkCs2k/s1600/IMGP2909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aMaYVs0_UL0/UZ9ToRcG9lI/AAAAAAAAB-g/kJd0uCkCs2k/s400/IMGP2909.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMIdSVK952cGurITyjgz_apyxW9zN53bTOqmi0XE-MzqNGSLfPSjuPq8cgd7S89OIh-wvVva6A7EUUEKF1xNstGhcpf7ZQvbZzU39d3Gn-iD1Gg1IcVMrjzIX2HzS3JQ8SQkcm0Wfebk/s1600/IMGP3656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMIdSVK952cGurITyjgz_apyxW9zN53bTOqmi0XE-MzqNGSLfPSjuPq8cgd7S89OIh-wvVva6A7EUUEKF1xNstGhcpf7ZQvbZzU39d3Gn-iD1Gg1IcVMrjzIX2HzS3JQ8SQkcm0Wfebk/s400/IMGP3656.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #232323; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue Light'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 14.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #232323; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue Light'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 14.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">On the way up, just beyond the turning to Pretoro, there’s also a wolf sanctuary. Although terribly sad to see these majestic creatures in captivity, remind yourselves they are there because, for various reasons, they are unable to be returned to the wild.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">
<div style="color: #232323; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue Light'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 14.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The hiking routes from the top are endless. You can do anything from just an hour’s stroll taking in the incredible views to a full day’s hike up to Monte Amaro. At 2793m asl Monte Amaro is the second highest peak of the whole Apennine range. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lx0K_yu3cg7c3vc0KYhPr44xZ0F5NxVrrRTSQ3EHAsGfDaNN_ULsADiPxsB25La6exr0HvFSKPRIxMSAx4YGEDsj4VNIjrN3f6oUj0unF7H2PdtBjGqL08D1geEiUjdCp7bgfQT4QZQ/s1600/293218_236812529696689_201602059884403_668442_1876856_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lx0K_yu3cg7c3vc0KYhPr44xZ0F5NxVrrRTSQ3EHAsGfDaNN_ULsADiPxsB25La6exr0HvFSKPRIxMSAx4YGEDsj4VNIjrN3f6oUj0unF7H2PdtBjGqL08D1geEiUjdCp7bgfQT4QZQ/s400/293218_236812529696689_201602059884403_668442_1876856_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U8Xr2HySWDc/UZ9UNbhAbFI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/STKlT7v07uo/s1600/Monte+Amaro8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U8Xr2HySWDc/UZ9UNbhAbFI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/STKlT7v07uo/s400/Monte+Amaro8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #232323; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue Light'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 14.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #232323; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue Light'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 14.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Be aware, however, that these are serious mountains and should only be tackled by experienced hikers. Weather conditions can change in an instant and it’s very easy to get caught out. The higher peaks are also usually snowbound between November and May, so do take advice before going.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #232323; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue Light'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 14.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">For our campers, if you’d like to explore these peaks, have a look at the Majella map (on sale in the barn) and come and have a chat with us as we’d be more than happy to advise. </span></span></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #232323; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light'; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">If you'd like to start at the top and walk down through one of the incredibly stunning gorges, for a small fee we'd be very happy to drop you off at the top and pick you up from either Bocca di Valle or Pennapiedimonte. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">There are some great bars and restaurants in both places, so we could always pick you up after you’ve revived over a cold beer and a bite to eat. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #232323; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light'; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #232323; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light'; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You can even walk all the way back down to Serramonacesca and Kokopelli, taking in the eremo di San Onofrio, the Abbazia di San Liberatore and the Torre Polegra along the way (approx 15km).</span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><div style="color: #232323; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue Light'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 14.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PSjg33oOHgE/UZ9TlIJISgI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/PPmmHeVZGYE/s1600/IMGP3593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PSjg33oOHgE/UZ9TlIJISgI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/PPmmHeVZGYE/s640/IMGP3593.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLN_pzw_kJ0/UZ9TNzLUmhI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/S799Wv-0-dU/s1600/100_2762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLN_pzw_kJ0/UZ9TNzLUmhI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/S799Wv-0-dU/s640/100_2762.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #232323; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 14px;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.kokopellicamping.co.uk</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.it/" target="_blank">www.kokopellicamping.it</a></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</span></div>
Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-37893713783811774982013-03-27T09:22:00.001+01:002014-04-30T15:49:37.421+02:00Don't be a Tick Head<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D2IjWsXV6UU/UVKq_7fGQnI/AAAAAAAAB78/Hp0jZ1A6MM0/s1600/images2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D2IjWsXV6UU/UVKq_7fGQnI/AAAAAAAAB78/Hp0jZ1A6MM0/s1600/images2.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">From one who spends humongous amounts of time in the great outdoors, frequently off-piste rummaging through deep undergrowth and dense vegetation, I speak from the heart.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">These are not only nasty, disgusting, repulsive little critters guaranteed to send me into a "totally over the top freak out" at the sight of one of their gross, swollen bodies sticking out perpendicular to my skin, but they also carry the really really nasty Lyme's Disease. A horrid disease that can be with you (or your pet) for a lifetime, causing symptoms that range from joint pain and inflammation to irregular heart beats, heart failure, facial paralysis and memory loss.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T7JcX9R_LOc/UVKrALDElzI/AAAAAAAAB8A/Kuo6GK09vbc/s1600/ticks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T7JcX9R_LOc/UVKrALDElzI/AAAAAAAAB8A/Kuo6GK09vbc/s320/ticks.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tick awareness is therefore critical in (a) preventing the little bleeders in attaching in the first place, and (b) safely removing them when they do get you (or your pet).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Now, this is what I didn't realise before the lovely people behind "Tick Prevention Week" brought it to my attention: Lyme's Disease is caused when an infected tick regurgitates into your blood system. Nice. What you need to do is safely remove the tick (complete with mouth parts that can cause localised infection) without squeezing its belly and/or causing it trauma, both of which will cause it to regurgitate into your blood system. Forget all you have heard about burning it with a cigarette butt, or a lighted match, or smearing it with vaseline to suffocate it. Tempting as they may be, all will cause trauma. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--uqbaa1YTw0/UVKrBqIPuFI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/9xO2mA5WHbc/s1600/ugly-tick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--uqbaa1YTw0/UVKrBqIPuFI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/9xO2mA5WHbc/s320/ugly-tick.jpg" height="217" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Using pointed tweezers (not the blunt ones for eyebrow plucking, as these will squeeze its torso), get them as close to the mouth parts that are in your skin as possible, and gently tug, removing the mouth parts from their point of attachment. This method will also be as kind and gentle to the poor little tick as possible. Then throw it on the ground and jump up and down on it until it's pulverised. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Actually, don't. It may make you feel better, but it's not recommended. What is recommended is that you put it in a box, labelled it with a date and location, and save it for the medics just in case... </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If I've freaked you enough to find out more, there's loads of information here: <a href="http://www.bada-uk.org/" target="_blank">http://www.bada-uk.org/</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and here: <a href="http://www.tickbitepreventionweek.org/" target="_blank">http://www.tickbitepreventionweek.org/</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For updates and ongoing info, any Twitterati can follow: <a href="https://twitter.com/tickbiteprevwk" target="_blank">@tickbiteprevwk</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy hiking!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XOnkky3_eeg/UVKq_1LxHgI/AAAAAAAAB7s/j1duc8LayoA/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XOnkky3_eeg/UVKq_1LxHgI/AAAAAAAAB7s/j1duc8LayoA/s1600/images.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aev8ruGaaGI/UVKrBEP4GtI/AAAAAAAAB8I/v5alsXfjQN4/s1600/tickst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aev8ruGaaGI/UVKrBEP4GtI/AAAAAAAAB8I/v5alsXfjQN4/s320/tickst.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-86073806317812730162013-03-22T18:22:00.000+01:002013-03-22T18:22:43.738+01:00Genius! Absolute bloody genius!<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></h4>
<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">WE HAVE AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM FED BY AN OUTSIDE SHOWER!</span></h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Well, almost.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It just needs to be finished.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But it works, it actually bloody works!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So here it is. This is the shower base, to be completed with a shower (obviously), attached to the post, and a decking base (currently under construction). Perfect for cooling off on those gloriously hot summer days, and ready for rinsing off before jumping in the jacuzzi/hot tub on the terrace (but don't get too excited - scheduled for year 3, ie next year). </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l6zLt6BElZ4/UUyQWjFLP2I/AAAAAAAAB7M/Z5a4RF3YPTw/s1600/100_3586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l6zLt6BElZ4/UUyQWjFLP2I/AAAAAAAAB7M/Z5a4RF3YPTw/s640/100_3586.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The drain from the shower is attached to a hose that goes, gently down hill, to our rows of beans and tomatoes.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_WhxdBYsCs/UUyQYKTQDHI/AAAAAAAAB7U/I3hm11CI1Ek/s1600/100_3588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_WhxdBYsCs/UUyQYKTQDHI/AAAAAAAAB7U/I3hm11CI1Ek/s640/100_3588.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It stretches the entire length and it actually works. All. The. Way. To. The. End. Shower watered tomatoes! I love it! I really really love it! What a clever sausage that KP is.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ila_ETC86M/UUyQZq75KLI/AAAAAAAAB7g/EZvnuenHspk/s1600/100_3590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ila_ETC86M/UUyQZq75KLI/AAAAAAAAB7g/EZvnuenHspk/s640/100_3590.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-53810670945362931602013-03-11T11:51:00.000+01:002013-03-11T11:51:23.865+01:00Eating Out - A Beginners Guide!<br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Eating out in rural Abruzzo may be a little different to what you’re used to. Your tried, tested and trusted criteria for finding a good place to eat may not hold up here, so we’ve listed a few pointers to help you find and enjoy some superb dining experiences, even in the tiny, off-the-beaten track mountain villages. There’s also a few recommendations for some local places not far from us here in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Liberatore_a_Maiella" target="_blank">Serramonacesca</a>.</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbkzUK_bGsd-qlyN3LpMy0kOSVxCXf3prUfvnbrEKVNqMvlhqSQ4Baw1iIgZIf6yDv9GZs0rr3nGF52fo1P924oX9UXmTF5ME0uqRflcyOoOu1t16EoNgFSr8VUKyKBwfwb6v9NzJNkFt/s1600/100_2122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbkzUK_bGsd-qlyN3LpMy0kOSVxCXf3prUfvnbrEKVNqMvlhqSQ4Baw1iIgZIf6yDv9GZs0rr3nGF52fo1P924oX9UXmTF5ME0uqRflcyOoOu1t16EoNgFSr8VUKyKBwfwb6v9NzJNkFt/s400/100_2122.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SERRAMONACESCA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Go where the locals go</b>: When traveling around the region and looking for somewhere to eat, follow the first basic principle of independent travel - go where the locals go. Don’t be put off by run-down, back street exteriors (or interiors come to that), if the locals are eating there you can be guaranteed excellent food, wine, prices and, without doubt, you’ll get a great experience too. <i>Try <a href="http://www.lugattone.it/" target="_blank">Lu Gattone</a> in Manoppello to prove me right!</i></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1O_XQWlNDumJtCPSbSzCA25JGv2sdtwH5ogLG6i7gOVofm5dtd8wF3DUuLgXae5a5gG5lHfB-ZJawc9Q_vOmC6NPyCvGOuKmPezGWrLg4OQ-MdRVTqhhiie-fzIiUedOGD-52MmP54257/s1600/LUGATTONE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1O_XQWlNDumJtCPSbSzCA25JGv2sdtwH5ogLG6i7gOVofm5dtd8wF3DUuLgXae5a5gG5lHfB-ZJawc9Q_vOmC6NPyCvGOuKmPezGWrLg4OQ-MdRVTqhhiie-fzIiUedOGD-52MmP54257/s400/LUGATTONE.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lu Gattone, Manoppello</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Ditch your ideas about fine cutlery and freshly laundered linen</b>: Plastic table cloths, plastic cutlery and even cups can never be taken as a sign of poor quality. It is often quite the opposite, particularly on the coast, where some of the best seafood in Abruzzo is served this way. <i>The </i><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g664015-d3434982-Reviews-Le_Frit_C_est_Chic-San_Vito_Chietino_Province_of_Chieti_Abruzzo.html"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #0225a3; text-decoration: underline;"><i>Blu Mare</i></span></a><i> in San Vito Chietino is a classic example. </i></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49UYGqcm9MIto2mhuqGtpgM468scW2VDxZGrCMXC8-J0IuP0umIS3lTDioxKZ6aVZSkH0aRDIt7N__qPYf1YVB3H4rIX3Rn17ExCriZNs7QkVtDHaUVbiqKwEjRYfowX_kwp4Q5v1lPh6/s1600/Fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49UYGqcm9MIto2mhuqGtpgM468scW2VDxZGrCMXC8-J0IuP0umIS3lTDioxKZ6aVZSkH0aRDIt7N__qPYf1YVB3H4rIX3Rn17ExCriZNs7QkVtDHaUVbiqKwEjRYfowX_kwp4Q5v1lPh6/s400/Fish.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't expect fine china & the best linen!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Don’t expect a menu</b>: if you’re looking for restaurants with (horror of horrors) menus in English, or even menus at all, make an about turn now! Leave these to the Costa Blanca; even worse, in the unlikely event you spot photographs of the food on the menu, run! Be brave and enjoy a “typical Abruzzese” experience. <i><a href="http://www.countryhousecasalecenturione.com/" target="_blank">Casale Cenurione</a> is wonderful in this respect. No menu, but exquisite handmade pasta, fine, homegrown ingredients and wine, and a Tiramisu to die for!</i></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZT7eDF0Lm9-R00jJs8JRv-OyB2I_WX_zJBk4GkgREFM02nqeanlUXCrsqr0HnlNVRUIfl2vXLphmOhkVKRxwWQKokje_TcPHmtDVuba_22zA3E98zJ1UXHj99N-7aHkh6-71M_39Bn_wV/s1600/Casale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZT7eDF0Lm9-R00jJs8JRv-OyB2I_WX_zJBk4GkgREFM02nqeanlUXCrsqr0HnlNVRUIfl2vXLphmOhkVKRxwWQKokje_TcPHmtDVuba_22zA3E98zJ1UXHj99N-7aHkh6-71M_39Bn_wV/s400/Casale.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casale Centurione, Manoppello</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Don’t expect choice</b>: If there is no menu, typically the waiter (or proprietor) will tell you what they’re cooking that day. This will almost always consist of an anti-pasta, a pasta course and a meat course, with maybe a choice of salad and/or side vegetables. </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5IN8hEPw7TffZNMbmMcpWBT3mfvzGU-hDNDpbuC_KdxTPAsE2C-pGYFxIQ9jPwRZv2Ovw20w2ITgreOJTHSuXTleeyuts5bxbmsO80ygokDVMtcs2SsQEx82TwzwZpCvLbZvu_8yxAVM/s1600/Antipasti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5IN8hEPw7TffZNMbmMcpWBT3mfvzGU-hDNDpbuC_KdxTPAsE2C-pGYFxIQ9jPwRZv2Ovw20w2ITgreOJTHSuXTleeyuts5bxbmsO80ygokDVMtcs2SsQEx82TwzwZpCvLbZvu_8yxAVM/s400/Antipasti.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anti pasta of Abruzzo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you’re lucky you will be given a choice of one or two different dishes for each course, but don’t expect it and please, please, please don’t be put off either! Ditto not being able to understand or be understood. The Abruzzese are typically patient and kind and will love having you in their restaurant. If you end up with something completely unexpected, just look on this as part of the fun. </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbj3xXiGfdn0aHWU7bKVQFnPhHk_M9wr4AYsg3XjQQEq8bj7LqGwn5UNO7j1ttCT9GjPwqfnkduFcfg7wlBPhp43S8wR5Vzf92OSuuzGdz2DkYC4M743eJjp6Bi4O4NSGOCCTvxHM7GlP/s1600/Tagliata.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbj3xXiGfdn0aHWU7bKVQFnPhHk_M9wr4AYsg3XjQQEq8bj7LqGwn5UNO7j1ttCT9GjPwqfnkduFcfg7wlBPhp43S8wR5Vzf92OSuuzGdz2DkYC4M743eJjp6Bi4O4NSGOCCTvxHM7GlP/s200/Tagliata.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tagliata?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhug7Xax4oACdEdTGXUbQPrnuc3QfwVrE_Qn42sijonojwjX8Pvo4DY3dJlS_zMWgKsfm31CAZy9aEsDO0zMJuj06ZpODZrAqv9_ouNJdwRhRkwkndjQwQDy7PuS1zZlSndBJnZgvPtrh73/s1600/tagliatelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhug7Xax4oACdEdTGXUbQPrnuc3QfwVrE_Qn42sijonojwjX8Pvo4DY3dJlS_zMWgKsfm31CAZy9aEsDO0zMJuj06ZpODZrAqv9_ouNJdwRhRkwkndjQwQDy7PuS1zZlSndBJnZgvPtrh73/s320/tagliatelle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or tagliatelle?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Vegetarian diets</b>: The fun of the unexpected stops, of course, if you’re vegetarian or have special dietary needs. If this is the case, make this known to the restaurant straight away. Be warned, however, that vegetarianism isn’t really understood or expected so vegetarian choices are likely to be very limited to the point of being almost non-existent.</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxqsjnZzQEjIMzOlAxqEj5zotaOLlxtzPBPpOTvviHG_7AZL64yRcgg6ho9rc9C_5apPrtrXc36C6pMgpd00a8Oigqx-Ka9u1Pyaw0qOetCV1c4WQMLf5kXY7wlPTyaJcPb-RzFDuZ_Ng/s1600/351.+Fish+supper,+Rio+Martino+style.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxqsjnZzQEjIMzOlAxqEj5zotaOLlxtzPBPpOTvviHG_7AZL64yRcgg6ho9rc9C_5apPrtrXc36C6pMgpd00a8Oigqx-Ka9u1Pyaw0qOetCV1c4WQMLf5kXY7wlPTyaJcPb-RzFDuZ_Ng/s320/351.+Fish+supper,+Rio+Martino+style.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Finding fish</b>: If it’s fish you’re after, head for the coast. Even though we are only a short hop and a skip from the sea, you will struggle to find any fish. Anywhere inland is mostly just meat, meat and more meat. Superb though it is. <i>You can prove me wrong here, by popping along to </i><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #0225a3; text-decoration: underline;"><i><a href="http://www.ristorantebrancaleone.it/italiano/indexITA.html">Brancaleone</a>,</i></span><i> always a varied and unusual menu with exquisite food, and fish often on the menu</i>.</span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYyd-bkORXjnsF6oi8FWQl2AjXzFIpvBNbqRMQHjOkBuvXEbhQFzTfT0oTgSwYtRuNNk7cLwRzgceWulQ9TiTMZGVAZd7y0e8FmSbZNj23xv_F1jSe72SyLIS5bCCM9aYu14jQd_AiAyV/s1600/Brancaleone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYyd-bkORXjnsF6oi8FWQl2AjXzFIpvBNbqRMQHjOkBuvXEbhQFzTfT0oTgSwYtRuNNk7cLwRzgceWulQ9TiTMZGVAZd7y0e8FmSbZNj23xv_F1jSe72SyLIS5bCCM9aYu14jQd_AiAyV/s400/Brancaleone.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ristorante Brancaleone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Salads and vegetables</b>: </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For a country where the most glorious fruit, salads and vegetables grow in chin dribblingly, bursting with flavour abundance they are surprisingly sparse on restaurant menus. Your yearning for a bowl of fresh crunchy salad may have to be prepared yourself from the wonderful produce available from the local markets.</span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Q6OZIEbPfXdoTOh1vweD7OF_idV2I2SoTTO1mG_Hw6FqmWfPNop2nUPHgb8Hd35iLOmiTcvyNxj-ev3_rK81FBk8w1L8JDDF8K_jVGRQP86d5hznWKpHzE3VsePK6tqb5o7IqwYTmNwS/s1600/IMGP2592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Q6OZIEbPfXdoTOh1vweD7OF_idV2I2SoTTO1mG_Hw6FqmWfPNop2nUPHgb8Hd35iLOmiTcvyNxj-ev3_rK81FBk8w1L8JDDF8K_jVGRQP86d5hznWKpHzE3VsePK6tqb5o7IqwYTmNwS/s400/IMGP2592.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqMhQPE6J0EsCkoW39anKeSqXud4xeusmdxbLpTwhNNE1ViJ9eH7yDp5fwdnY_jNdQjyxIH4OwrRnuIFk0zkPHYC0Buk0YA84h8RslRhmWxP7GoFGMaUmoTU2v1KT6Gs59kJ0YW7mhD2V/s1600/Brekkie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqMhQPE6J0EsCkoW39anKeSqXud4xeusmdxbLpTwhNNE1ViJ9eH7yDp5fwdnY_jNdQjyxIH4OwrRnuIFk0zkPHYC0Buk0YA84h8RslRhmWxP7GoFGMaUmoTU2v1KT6Gs59kJ0YW7mhD2V/s1600/Brekkie.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Breakfast</b>: Not really done here or, for that matter, in Italy at all. Breakfast for the Italians is simply a shot of coffee on the go, preferring to save themselves for a big, long, slow lunch. Therefore, don’t expect to find the gorgeous warm, flaky, tasty croissants of France. At best, you’ll get a cold “cornetto”, invariably filled with jam (marmellata), sweet cream or chocolate. And certainly don’t expect to find muesli! If your breakfast is important to you, do it yourself. The best (only) muesli we have found is from Lidl’s in Pescara.</span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>When to eat</b>: Here’s where it gets tricky, particularly if you’re hungry and want to eat NOW! Sod’s law it’ll be at the wrong time or on the wrong day. Most restaurants close all day on Mondays, (<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.it/Restaurant_Review-g1391860-d2725679-Reviews-I_Rintocchi-Pretoro_Province_of_Chieti_Abruzzo.html"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #0225a3; text-decoration: underline;"><i>Rintocche</i></span></a><i> in Pretoro, in its amazing cave-like setting, being a superb local exception to this rule), </i>many are closed for lunch on Tuesdays and very, very few open between 2pm and 7.30pm. Indeed, if you’re looking for the “authentic Italian dining experience” leave it until after 9pm or you may find yourselves dining alone.</span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKveVCVN0_TIneXIMN_1aHJV1ZvhdywiR7jdR4pWW2_8iWMmdgqllAbgsFLsz7U9DTUmCu7VTSl5WimH3rgGm8lyJe9Xv98CxN5mVU8vZg5waZnhUVg9gNBt2scBAmMxP3TYiugezmaK2A/s1600/rintocchi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKveVCVN0_TIneXIMN_1aHJV1ZvhdywiR7jdR4pWW2_8iWMmdgqllAbgsFLsz7U9DTUmCu7VTSl5WimH3rgGm8lyJe9Xv98CxN5mVU8vZg5waZnhUVg9gNBt2scBAmMxP3TYiugezmaK2A/s400/rintocchi.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rintocchi, Pretoro</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In summary, therefore, be a traveller not a tourist. This way you’ll have a fabulous experience and find the superb cuisine for which Abruzzo is famous. If you want to really submerse yourself in the food experience of Abruzzo, then you must get in touch with Emiliana from <a href="http://abruzzo4foodies.com/"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #0225a3; text-decoration: underline;">Abruzzo4Foodies</span></a> for an individual tailored off the beaten track foodie tour. </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNU0RrQx2ARsMnPZiBZoNT0qLQ-VNqvma6bKW067G5i5n3CRTB9CQFKjbOcWAR_vp4nmxBDu_lKt4-LIYZp88MGLIDBGpvo_Fx0_iJh8UISSrC4bsuk5aPFCgAp28DaF_XmBeq2yYjbjL/s1600/Foodie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNU0RrQx2ARsMnPZiBZoNT0qLQ-VNqvma6bKW067G5i5n3CRTB9CQFKjbOcWAR_vp4nmxBDu_lKt4-LIYZp88MGLIDBGpvo_Fx0_iJh8UISSrC4bsuk5aPFCgAp28DaF_XmBeq2yYjbjL/s400/Foodie.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Discover the flavours of Abruzzo with an individual foodie tour:<br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/439705392774497/">http://www.facebook.com/events/439705392774497/</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But, whatever you do, don’t you dare go home without at least once sampling the delicacy for which Abruzzo is the most famous: arrosticini! </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqcyoNx3_aYQek5vIIc0Bx9ULjJ-ATHaQb9N3mP8uzGiSg33e57eZy441d0T7G9Ea81EXY5iLa6RAUIh7MjInZ9UsLwdEx3QZ9b-HsYRI3ntvZ-CX1rGgHMT6PU-SNRsY0ZGz7CV_6_uR/s1600/arrosticini-brace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqcyoNx3_aYQek5vIIc0Bx9ULjJ-ATHaQb9N3mP8uzGiSg33e57eZy441d0T7G9Ea81EXY5iLa6RAUIh7MjInZ9UsLwdEx3QZ9b-HsYRI3ntvZ-CX1rGgHMT6PU-SNRsY0ZGz7CV_6_uR/s400/arrosticini-brace.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrosticini!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For this locally, get yourselves down to the <a href="http://goo.gl/maps/tYH8J"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #0225a3; text-decoration: underline;">Parco dei Carpini</span></a> on a Saturday night - packed with locals, no menu (simply arrosticini and a plate of super ripe tomatoes dressed with nothing but a bit of salt and olive oil), plastic plates and cutlery and great live bands. Oh, and don’t even bother turning up before 10pm! </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiviCVVBXFsbuYneYjR0VeiJDE13uALc28Fpu0uoh2rjW-pLO3zbmHvMInYbb9MS2CJ6YHIWL7-7j-j4BFlX93u6D7nf1KXq_YvmeGwZtaE8uns8jRGW3cCeuei3JMBFJe5xJvEC5wnYa/s1600/KP+&+Beni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiviCVVBXFsbuYneYjR0VeiJDE13uALc28Fpu0uoh2rjW-pLO3zbmHvMInYbb9MS2CJ6YHIWL7-7j-j4BFlX93u6D7nf1KXq_YvmeGwZtaE8uns8jRGW3cCeuei3JMBFJe5xJvEC5wnYa/s640/KP+&+Beni.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of familiar faces rocking it at the Parco on a Saturday night!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-36660402188967175762013-03-07T18:33:00.000+01:002013-03-07T18:33:26.323+01:00Spirit of the Microadventure!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCIhJHSqP7t-53zAiyBfsjM6WZAlIx8fMNn22lKQEbDXvY5SYRKmeea4VKxRl-L4K_A-NbXptpGez8jhXOpYnOjpw46jRgz09hIlGk0cepKm5pEdseRzxPXh2Dao6O5rpCs-qiwsLUv2U/s1600/53.+Breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ever wondered why some people have bundles of endless zest, energy, enthusiasm and passion? How they always seem to be off doing exciting things, having adventures? How, for them, the mundane just never seems to apply?</span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5u37iXR2DD5E2l9KCcbY4czAyfJOy4dN9lVMo-4bth9e6I4olcrP_QJ4rU1NgdumIlNr4TUPPAFPnTSr7B2kwwU-xNvZWXsPxTy_Jk69PYrjlM790i7RkoqbKsx7LVxeWjDYF0F1tVjRu/s1600/53.+Breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5u37iXR2DD5E2l9KCcbY4czAyfJOy4dN9lVMo-4bth9e6I4olcrP_QJ4rU1NgdumIlNr4TUPPAFPnTSr7B2kwwU-xNvZWXsPxTy_Jk69PYrjlM790i7RkoqbKsx7LVxeWjDYF0F1tVjRu/s400/53.+Breakfast.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Even breakfast can be exciting, all you need do <br />is find a spot and lay the table with an old blanket!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I reckon they've learnt the art of the microadventure, and there are lots of people out there doing it. It’s the easiest way in the world to change your life, even if for a short time. It doesn’t cost much, it doesn’t take much time, it doesn’t need any skills. Just a state of mind. Anyone can do it. The adventures are out there for the taking.</span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The founder father of the microadventure, the indomitable Alastair Humphreys (my hero, by the way), is a great adventurer. <a href="http://www.alastairhumphreys.com/more/"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #0225a3; text-decoration: underline;">http://www.alastairhumphreys.com/more/</span></a> Some of the expeditions he has conquered, most of us can only dream of. Alastair Humphreys I am not, but I like to think I could row across the Atlantic (if I wanted to, which I don't) or cycle around the world (which I do), maybe one day we will, but, for now, it’s the microadventure and everything it stands for.</span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Recently Alastair Humphreys left work early one Friday afternoon, on his bike with his tent and pedaled off for the weekend. In early February. It was freezing. It was even snowing. And yet I found myself wistfully yearning to be in his place and eating his fish and chips that night. But it wasn’t just the fish and chips. </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf62OkF1ECs_QpVWyKeLC49uSO061MnAjomIfnaQNG_VgN0c4opmrSxE7sLsiSn8hFD6WSWcqDdPnaF2U6xxvXXsGTIDIQjuSLuadZLTV6rfQdLq2z2uZvS4wf9FMVmzbK3owMM6yjT5lc/s1600/196010_10150248138253098_2838745_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf62OkF1ECs_QpVWyKeLC49uSO061MnAjomIfnaQNG_VgN0c4opmrSxE7sLsiSn8hFD6WSWcqDdPnaF2U6xxvXXsGTIDIQjuSLuadZLTV6rfQdLq2z2uZvS4wf9FMVmzbK3owMM6yjT5lc/s400/196010_10150248138253098_2838745_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">My hero</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I could have gone down the chippy and bought some (actually, I couldn’t. I live in Italy where there are no chippies). But it’s the whole experience that goes before putting that first big fat steaming juicy salted chip into your mouth. There is nothing more amazing than hot fish and chips when you’re cold, tired, wet and hungry. The pleasure is immense. I know, I’ve been there. </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdkR73pwYQkY6fuCbzNfUq0jkmYsXXPEGZBOL_yp0IImTHK1TXQsapLgXhCKbAw0-GTqMfqTdaqkLImIoVraZKEb8AAfqetAedH9tStmtoSg3Lk4vysZ1ZZDMOUNs-h0B42qP8BDfByLB/s1600/IMG_1417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdkR73pwYQkY6fuCbzNfUq0jkmYsXXPEGZBOL_yp0IImTHK1TXQsapLgXhCKbAw0-GTqMfqTdaqkLImIoVraZKEb8AAfqetAedH9tStmtoSg3Lk4vysZ1ZZDMOUNs-h0B42qP8BDfByLB/s400/IMG_1417.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">A miserable ride, and still a looooooong way to go. <br />But still we smiled. Just.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sitting on a harbour wall in the rain one night, on my own, just me and my bike, deflated and close to tears. After that first hot chip, suddenly everything was alright and I grinned from ear to ear, knowing exactly why I was there doing what I was doing. That is the spirit of the microadventure. Removing yourself from all that is familiar, warm and cosy, throwing yourself into an alien world, feeling fear, discomfort, cold and uncertainty. And succeeding. Realising the discomfort will go, the fear will pass, the warmth will come, and the uncertainty really doesn’t matter. Big lows, big highs, big energy, big zest. I know for a fact that when Alastair Humphreys returned to his desk that following Monday morning he was buzzing. Energised. How many of us can say that on a Monday? Yet he spent little and didn’t go that far.</span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjmBKE-7u71Ebs8HMr2iBNXUeP-iYjEimW_eKhMQ32wN194xAvYkbcDXKqzHhFIsklThZOVHHbv6Ss-Fx_Bjf3unzol7RY9aF25JVGT1_VgnVR5lJ6BjJQWKm1GOHVb2Q4i7zIN3zaPZJ/s1600/40370_444436635208_632800208_4864903_1024622_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjmBKE-7u71Ebs8HMr2iBNXUeP-iYjEimW_eKhMQ32wN194xAvYkbcDXKqzHhFIsklThZOVHHbv6Ss-Fx_Bjf3unzol7RY9aF25JVGT1_VgnVR5lJ6BjJQWKm1GOHVb2Q4i7zIN3zaPZJ/s400/40370_444436635208_632800208_4864903_1024622_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Dire conditions</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaWrdoOpVptAScySBkru2dhe6d2IUnopXAzFJn1xhBYYbsWTVmD6nHrK-PS9kaJAjpfutnMb66B2nyWFpZVmGeJZYI6cAj5JWtM64ahREusCReFWPOdF2HemGfEkkZGMryuTSMBWaJjaR/s1600/44477_444436530208_632800208_4864897_539482_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaWrdoOpVptAScySBkru2dhe6d2IUnopXAzFJn1xhBYYbsWTVmD6nHrK-PS9kaJAjpfutnMb66B2nyWFpZVmGeJZYI6cAj5JWtM64ahREusCReFWPOdF2HemGfEkkZGMryuTSMBWaJjaR/s400/44477_444436530208_632800208_4864897_539482_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Even the sheep didn't get it</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibd-x7jt0_xzcpoF8zYIjtZs9jtVhtyWDT2bkQiebhc9lnoo6ACyujZ3RCLYdVKVYY22TJUL-TBZgYiqFobe8P26Tetq8BOEbv5U5UFiYxh8JBdE69knZ2Ps82xlkKwnM2VRWt5ZVJDpL4/s1600/40642_444436370208_632800208_4864883_2883278_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibd-x7jt0_xzcpoF8zYIjtZs9jtVhtyWDT2bkQiebhc9lnoo6ACyujZ3RCLYdVKVYY22TJUL-TBZgYiqFobe8P26Tetq8BOEbv5U5UFiYxh8JBdE69knZ2Ps82xlkKwnM2VRWt5ZVJDpL4/s400/40642_444436370208_632800208_4864883_2883278_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">But we still had a great weekend</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Another one I read about recently, made me realise how you don’t even need to go that far. How to spice up your travel. A microadventure in a day: <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/blog/2011/11/09/7-ways-to-experiment-with-travel/?affil=twit" target="_blank">7 ways to experiment with travel</a> </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Visiting a city, forget the monuments and “must sees”, just get an A-Z and follow the streets. In alphabetical order. As many as you can in a day. I can guarantee you will be amazed by the sites you see, and learn so much more, without a single museum in sight. You will find great places to eat, great bars to drink at, great parks to wander through. Or why not pick a number? Get on the number 12 bus, get off at the 12th stop, eat in the 12th cafe you pass, pick the 12th hotel in the 12th street, and so on. </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-upYl7Y9vmHJ9rdxqzzWbEx7jVMX3of1_LDUbqnNubpeQipEnT6BXzD5e-ch4HbYF8k-NyhtZ_agNdMQGrEm2A9NoP6U3pjXFHq7dEfKoKu71H26vgF2xG5TbVYsSVsAogIqHbGDIoxuk/s1600/500.+The+Olympiad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-upYl7Y9vmHJ9rdxqzzWbEx7jVMX3of1_LDUbqnNubpeQipEnT6BXzD5e-ch4HbYF8k-NyhtZ_agNdMQGrEm2A9NoP6U3pjXFHq7dEfKoKu71H26vgF2xG5TbVYsSVsAogIqHbGDIoxuk/s400/500.+The+Olympiad.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Olympiad, Barcelona</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But my most favourite of all, is to find your partner. Not in a singleton get a new partner sort of way, I’ll leave that to dating agencies, but find <b>your</b> partner. The one you came with. Split up and see if you can find each other. Go to the sort of places you expect them to go, do the sort of things you expect them to do, travel in the way you expect them to travel. Is it possible to immerse yourselves in a city, separately, and find each other? No idea, but it sounds like great fun trying!</span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It’s not just for the grown ups either. Families can do it too. Have a read of this to inspire you: <a href="http://www.dotrythisathome.com/a-year-of-adventures/"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #0225a3; text-decoration: underline;">http://www.dotrythisathome.com/a-year-of-adventures/</span></a> It’s easy, it’s fun, it’s cheap, and the kids will love it! </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8kJCe4I205o5y2ffaTOEhujPM8fAT8XTw3N2WHbv5GQZnvbrL09zGuNY_rCSY-dH-K0bx1QXDUBwyq9vT6it-0208TZKEiiwontbcviXMnywcxbR6MM6DAe34HYRCJBGXQyDlS-r0MsS/s1600/A+Camping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8kJCe4I205o5y2ffaTOEhujPM8fAT8XTw3N2WHbv5GQZnvbrL09zGuNY_rCSY-dH-K0bx1QXDUBwyq9vT6it-0208TZKEiiwontbcviXMnywcxbR6MM6DAe34HYRCJBGXQyDlS-r0MsS/s640/A+Camping.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">My two, camping under the stars on one of our many microadventures when they were little!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5591277017467851056.post-34227504327010149342013-01-02T10:52:00.001+01:002013-01-02T10:52:25.821+01:00WILD-CAMPING THE NEW YEAR IN!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There's a little spot at 760m asl, high up in the hills above Serramonacesca, where the vista takes your eyes along the mountains of the Gran Sasso, to the hills of Le Marche and takes in nearly all the 130km of the glorious Adriatic coastline, finishing with a sweeping view of all the Abruzzo towns and villages in between. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdOnol-RtlPAPiKr20tyMo72gEiNR2RImU3XaoBSdA066v2aOqiWP-DQTw6DpK-_WX-Ca54tpuVYmyk6HnlaElZi6nRYv3LtdnJ-FFm02CAWL5qDP6fu0dSOBgVuwqRUGsJ1ycoo8Kwzg/s1600/IMGP3465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdOnol-RtlPAPiKr20tyMo72gEiNR2RImU3XaoBSdA066v2aOqiWP-DQTw6DpK-_WX-Ca54tpuVYmyk6HnlaElZi6nRYv3LtdnJ-FFm02CAWL5qDP6fu0dSOBgVuwqRUGsJ1ycoo8Kwzg/s640/IMGP3465.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOOKING DOWN ON SERRAMONACESCA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyNcH2kN4QJ-VjTAhWpwVSgEAd-NUWxAUVWCi4oHrEB9sEpJ04hRFCCHgRqFFJrHEmJ5cXlHjem1X0K1jhB0z3URte2sr01hLsB7n-s0-lXzOxscsMxreqqcUDciv10xLjo2NuZfp172r/s1600/The+cross+%2526+the+sea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyNcH2kN4QJ-VjTAhWpwVSgEAd-NUWxAUVWCi4oHrEB9sEpJ04hRFCCHgRqFFJrHEmJ5cXlHjem1X0K1jhB0z3URte2sr01hLsB7n-s0-lXzOxscsMxreqqcUDciv10xLjo2NuZfp172r/s640/The+cross+%2526+the+sea.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE CROCE D'ALPINI</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Croce D'Alpini. A spiritual plateau of tholos and terracing, and ancient trails and pathways. Linking the spiritual sites and the northern settlements of the Majella; this is where the shepherds, still following the traditional ways, drive and graze their flocks. A fabulous place to begin any exploration of this beautiful Majella wilderness. And what an amazing spot to wave farewell to the old year and a big hello to the New.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so we did. On a whim. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5A4vhamz0veRlFJh4T08Hz4TWwkFsOyDrmaXjxvEoC3K2Pww-WSM5QkCAiTrW2QU1hTqCGquj0Viqb9ozzQ1Wb_zVtutqe_cfqvKpiX2kxykiRTp_cAD-arjdQ3gE6EsxxiQhVT6ZNKvf/s1600/IMGP3413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5A4vhamz0veRlFJh4T08Hz4TWwkFsOyDrmaXjxvEoC3K2Pww-WSM5QkCAiTrW2QU1hTqCGquj0Viqb9ozzQ1Wb_zVtutqe_cfqvKpiX2kxykiRTp_cAD-arjdQ3gE6EsxxiQhVT6ZNKvf/s640/IMGP3413.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WILD-CAMPING ROSEMARY - HER LITTLE SPOT AT THE TOP OF THE HILL ABOVE SERRA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The weather right now is glorious: the brightest blue crystal clear skies, snow on the tops and endless sunshine all day long. Sharp and fresh at night, mind you, but, oh the stars... </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The setting sun painting her crimson colours in streaks across the darkening sky is only rivalled by the rising one. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It had to be done. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfM9szrycxYPxUsGfWPWLSZG8H8-fTOMUNlsyuFefo-HpE8evxViy_xT1RGjvP53SKKDU2iMkis1RlY6MOHgm0FQDlnJjzdgJQBzpjsa35C6_hK_0q3RzbEIjxlbq4zh5yW5Lr0btZhWq/s1600/IMGP3426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfM9szrycxYPxUsGfWPWLSZG8H8-fTOMUNlsyuFefo-HpE8evxViy_xT1RGjvP53SKKDU2iMkis1RlY6MOHgm0FQDlnJjzdgJQBzpjsa35C6_hK_0q3RzbEIjxlbq4zh5yW5Lr0btZhWq/s640/IMGP3426.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AND DOESN'T SHE LOOK BEAUTIFUL - QUITE COMFORTABLE AND AT HOME</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The afternoon saw us packing and preening Rosemary ready for her trip up the mountain. Brakes checked, engined tinkered, test drive done, the dear old girl is in fine fettle. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Food, wine, chocolate, blankets, and a whole host of other essentials were loaded, and Rosemary just grinned from wing-mirror to wing-mirror. Started her up and she whooped and hollered, then purred out of the drive and down the lane. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKcWUEv5oHHKlgrk0PHMMEysXsT6yb4SllaMo66W1l_OPENQ4KdUmYMrg7z7omHUA7VHcAU5TVdZpW2s5nk_2djXsd9tOQqGrzMuRPH4l5e8nzghQ2tFyt383wRDBUTdyW6G9MUBEZg-y/s1600/100_3134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKcWUEv5oHHKlgrk0PHMMEysXsT6yb4SllaMo66W1l_OPENQ4KdUmYMrg7z7omHUA7VHcAU5TVdZpW2s5nk_2djXsd9tOQqGrzMuRPH4l5e8nzghQ2tFyt383wRDBUTdyW6G9MUBEZg-y/s640/100_3134.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ABOUT TO LEAVE THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS OF SERRAMONACESCA BEHIND</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple of drinks, chin chins and good cheers in the village and we were bouncing our way out and up the hill. And up and up we went. Switch back after switch back, first gear mostly, or the co-pilot hanging on to the gear stick attempting to keep it in second. Rosemary doesn't like her second gear, and without a second thought will pop it out when you need it the most. A few more creaks and groans and the grand old lady made it. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We built a fire and set up home. It was good to be back, and we easily became hobos once more. We ate, drank, walked higher and deeper into the hills and marvelled at the stars up above and the lights of Abruzzo way, way below. </span></span></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSexhezzKI10U_lpQFAjtplWe7rPHyeRPx3irA3ZkRGwNzvPx4ORSGwVuvg7QUiDXtsW1WZBspRS6ZJOsoegbb2xukcGgsMsNw3zELJVB0k2x8Lg_yIb6WBiTDGK3ymbHE5y41nYHqrlpr/s1600/100_3138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSexhezzKI10U_lpQFAjtplWe7rPHyeRPx3irA3ZkRGwNzvPx4ORSGwVuvg7QUiDXtsW1WZBspRS6ZJOsoegbb2xukcGgsMsNw3zELJVB0k2x8Lg_yIb6WBiTDGK3ymbHE5y41nYHqrlpr/s640/100_3138.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BERE GRYLLS EAT YOUR HEART OUT</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7YS-RlGxl44qLav9DHr3uRs2l5bOSNljrL1Lwh4noWuVWE5pauHIIGWfW-rBgai4OL40AV9BdGOfiIz4gUAft4CfkEdZVnvRkslIJ05HvWrBh9bB9tTh_eMuzXxJS-o-tMPdpT7wDdPI/s1600/IMGP3360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7YS-RlGxl44qLav9DHr3uRs2l5bOSNljrL1Lwh4noWuVWE5pauHIIGWfW-rBgai4OL40AV9BdGOfiIz4gUAft4CfkEdZVnvRkslIJ05HvWrBh9bB9tTh_eMuzXxJS-o-tMPdpT7wDdPI/s640/IMGP3360.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0kxf8s32qdVM6GbQC4C02FStD2VtQkW9zBQVhUmH0PUX_NsbhYS3W4vX2iEsSfe-QD8u8nzs5EqEgHwTKPuqBgdlxCpskBOmxWf4EirVbl75GtIAlDlORvPhWRmfllWO6rSDmG0X9K3D/s1600/100_3141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0kxf8s32qdVM6GbQC4C02FStD2VtQkW9zBQVhUmH0PUX_NsbhYS3W4vX2iEsSfe-QD8u8nzs5EqEgHwTKPuqBgdlxCpskBOmxWf4EirVbl75GtIAlDlORvPhWRmfllWO6rSDmG0X9K3D/s640/100_3141.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5e9-s2RaVl0JCwPDO5lZmOW8FDCuCd69lEZggUeqGuZxbplppGDuY5VSaIblMf4CsNzX-KcBI9cHQKV8d_OUOKLYHsKSRd66-_b64DmGEI7y6ugzUnpQUx5UGNH6osriR0REj8P5xFl4/s1600/100_3137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5e9-s2RaVl0JCwPDO5lZmOW8FDCuCd69lEZggUeqGuZxbplppGDuY5VSaIblMf4CsNzX-KcBI9cHQKV8d_OUOKLYHsKSRd66-_b64DmGEI7y6ugzUnpQUx5UGNH6osriR0REj8P5xFl4/s640/100_3137.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdC6RDZjFQx1xlExmPDKI3Lh_cKEcIgvDU7P8X-ndMHHXut8U05M8pbR6NnwoAJ8foAOXLFAcqFRrGjqX_OiXNNEIKpBA27y_vyOhMTmDDDMeDncG16hwb_drg6FmY4F8J4c2GJmvwYKxe/s1600/100_3148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdC6RDZjFQx1xlExmPDKI3Lh_cKEcIgvDU7P8X-ndMHHXut8U05M8pbR6NnwoAJ8foAOXLFAcqFRrGjqX_OiXNNEIKpBA27y_vyOhMTmDDDMeDncG16hwb_drg6FmY4F8J4c2GJmvwYKxe/s640/100_3148.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE BEST AND ONLY WAY TO COOK SAUSAGES!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtInueOb_wD4ThN3sAkd-9i-9Ml1bwyGx2pbCPJo6oL4Ee0uTQhKXOp6g7Zc1aT8K6PeBQeAtUe3DLOQ9d380t7lMYp_engS8h2IAe_alHJ_q3EpxfaIdROTHCaoDHvyQFqrPY6wx-PTD/s1600/IMGP3362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtInueOb_wD4ThN3sAkd-9i-9Ml1bwyGx2pbCPJo6oL4Ee0uTQhKXOp6g7Zc1aT8K6PeBQeAtUe3DLOQ9d380t7lMYp_engS8h2IAe_alHJ_q3EpxfaIdROTHCaoDHvyQFqrPY6wx-PTD/s640/IMGP3362.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE LIGHTS OF SERRA, WAY DOWN BELOW</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And then midnight struck and the whole damned world erupted. Apocalypse and a thousand blitzes into one. We thought we might be in for a treat, but nothing had prepared us for this! Fireworks on and on and on and everywhere, across the whole of Abruzzo and beyond. Flashing, exploding, mushrooms of colour, sparkles and droplets and way, way below us. On and on it went. For over an hour, someone somewhere was letting off a firework. And we saw every single one. Welcome 2013!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bed was cold, but soon warmed. The air was frosty, with your breath hanging in front of you, but soon turned to droplets of condensation on the windows. Despite the steamy interior, any thoughts of passion quickly passed with the feel of cold hands and many clothing layers. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But we were toasty warm, snuggled and cocooned.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif18XMfpojA4aEQd9l4pBCdjXFrvdYmckG7pO5cH0vTRpKMsdGHLzGxuksTEG-JW4abOyM53Rz8jZEfG4sHhMAsAFrhtzEl_KsUhioCISe1c4lzjZG8kHBH7hskWQgv40xwyraEdntmbX_/s1600/IMGP3357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif18XMfpojA4aEQd9l4pBCdjXFrvdYmckG7pO5cH0vTRpKMsdGHLzGxuksTEG-JW4abOyM53Rz8jZEfG4sHhMAsAFrhtzEl_KsUhioCISe1c4lzjZG8kHBH7hskWQgv40xwyraEdntmbX_/s640/IMGP3357.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AS COSY AS COSY CAN BE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apart from a minor incident with an axe murderer opening the door in the wee small hours (don't ask), we slept briefly but well. Sunrise had to be done. 6.30am and we were outside in the crisp morning, still dark but with a long line of deep red to the eastern horizon. Slowly, it built and deepened and brightened, and awoke a sleeping world. Snuffles in the undergrowth, birds in the branches above, yet still the moon shone. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zIQ7sqdrbvYS4Tm1RTpZz5KBDcU6_sOKXphsMqDRxaJOPumqp2uM8CNYN95Uv1rtlIIo8sZxNTQ0wfvuRK2tv3BWXWFwsBO5q2KIjv0wynKsdXtkWJnX19cESmlGRdMgu_JHeVaPCGfU/s1600/IMGP3367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zIQ7sqdrbvYS4Tm1RTpZz5KBDcU6_sOKXphsMqDRxaJOPumqp2uM8CNYN95Uv1rtlIIo8sZxNTQ0wfvuRK2tv3BWXWFwsBO5q2KIjv0wynKsdXtkWJnX19cESmlGRdMgu_JHeVaPCGfU/s640/IMGP3367.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FIRST RAYS COMING UP OVER THE SEA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4F44sZ0BXZhPOTAPnGWx1nImPdcFGhL-s8Z-m2LWZ5gLIUSqADDiEw74vUsYTM94vQ-ouuPqRq4wesQZLzMjIf4Zdn8DzvYPxcZAHsLJ0dt_Yp7mWw6LZZ-b8xkMwpiqYDwpTPeoS_Tu/s1600/IMGP3381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4F44sZ0BXZhPOTAPnGWx1nImPdcFGhL-s8Z-m2LWZ5gLIUSqADDiEw74vUsYTM94vQ-ouuPqRq4wesQZLzMjIf4Zdn8DzvYPxcZAHsLJ0dt_Yp7mWw6LZZ-b8xkMwpiqYDwpTPeoS_Tu/s640/IMGP3381.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEDyF5Md0oOF6-uq-JY7eAzdvhEeJ4d0X7pkY2y5LFSH8OVUq4E0JgjuREOF5k35KaAtxsj3Nb76NeS7X11UZMsQswT4lOYN9QMU4aRWM2gwhe0wHdPsyIu8BklrmxzO2EILsjwcoB2gN/s1600/IMGP3387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEDyF5Md0oOF6-uq-JY7eAzdvhEeJ4d0X7pkY2y5LFSH8OVUq4E0JgjuREOF5k35KaAtxsj3Nb76NeS7X11UZMsQswT4lOYN9QMU4aRWM2gwhe0wHdPsyIu8BklrmxzO2EILsjwcoB2gN/s640/IMGP3387.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2CtS6xUyh-Ot_auDPiO_6g3zdH4lBGkg_a9TcFiaD7RUfMXGx-4vwaR40YLf5Nf__HOMZaC9fxbd91QI2jK32ukcsbvYQewTLZ4LGtWYaMS_F0CLyz3Y6nf6UIIF1g78rqX7OzfSbAk3/s1600/IMGP3390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2CtS6xUyh-Ot_auDPiO_6g3zdH4lBGkg_a9TcFiaD7RUfMXGx-4vwaR40YLf5Nf__HOMZaC9fxbd91QI2jK32ukcsbvYQewTLZ4LGtWYaMS_F0CLyz3Y6nf6UIIF1g78rqX7OzfSbAk3/s640/IMGP3390.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXebhkiFMkx-MpYkvzihjciuSAdOw4MykUi4gi7quPcBOZ91c921alBcNk9qeZFBRe0yR3IQn4PQcCOEgNxtEsP5aJT3fZk8C8bH3EFacq2KOQMAHnEwiW0-vgOlsybgdQA0IW4e-Ns_tY/s1600/IMGP3394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXebhkiFMkx-MpYkvzihjciuSAdOw4MykUi4gi7quPcBOZ91c921alBcNk9qeZFBRe0yR3IQn4PQcCOEgNxtEsP5aJT3fZk8C8bH3EFacq2KOQMAHnEwiW0-vgOlsybgdQA0IW4e-Ns_tY/s640/IMGP3394.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjppFoCrXB8NYbI6CpCKhCYNfVCWRQHkJYz_GOaftaviWikOminJbrUklcfWTd61Gw4ZZgMvjbw8RTocxtd33LSebkOa28-YCiouzOw9djOVupvZJ6_fzXAc1MCHmThqjaLERpBEfZBD8/s1600/IMGP3396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjppFoCrXB8NYbI6CpCKhCYNfVCWRQHkJYz_GOaftaviWikOminJbrUklcfWTd61Gw4ZZgMvjbw8RTocxtd33LSebkOa28-YCiouzOw9djOVupvZJ6_fzXAc1MCHmThqjaLERpBEfZBD8/s640/IMGP3396.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPEki0ehnLB3oq-V6LVxD85NuQWCQx9CFttPVvGKHzqRNo3iviVmrKlQqC7_QCVAQRzmzof0fKGz2J3ni6wEp7jIl4wXhGaMp98a_zF0JjP5w7IDsq1O9rGxPLe1wkeUE56Trv3bBlcqZ/s1600/IMGP3403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPEki0ehnLB3oq-V6LVxD85NuQWCQx9CFttPVvGKHzqRNo3iviVmrKlQqC7_QCVAQRzmzof0fKGz2J3ni6wEp7jIl4wXhGaMp98a_zF0JjP5w7IDsq1O9rGxPLe1wkeUE56Trv3bBlcqZ/s640/IMGP3403.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJUNjB_O_g5QiweAvKX3gutRIJrjSx-8qX4iriz1pRyRiuCOalSPpqnFzh-6M78fln5NiGC_czuVRNYsfWChhIgUZBVOk9dHPTQ0-7p-rdXp3WrHe2Sn7kxvPDcVscRHZFFzGKKu0tthC/s1600/IMGP3409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJUNjB_O_g5QiweAvKX3gutRIJrjSx-8qX4iriz1pRyRiuCOalSPpqnFzh-6M78fln5NiGC_czuVRNYsfWChhIgUZBVOk9dHPTQ0-7p-rdXp3WrHe2Sn7kxvPDcVscRHZFFzGKKu0tthC/s640/IMGP3409.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjD_8EfCTfKFxmWD5k263cSRYba1DT4NXz5St4QZUbdmOLfrA2ykaY1z4mV9_vH_uvbt4W941bz4gikLCz1XKajLfgmySSsEBvzx2LFHAUhqEnzw2OT3kJXlxJpq7hz7KSrHcb2URwgM5/s1600/IMGP3415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjD_8EfCTfKFxmWD5k263cSRYba1DT4NXz5St4QZUbdmOLfrA2ykaY1z4mV9_vH_uvbt4W941bz4gikLCz1XKajLfgmySSsEBvzx2LFHAUhqEnzw2OT3kJXlxJpq7hz7KSrHcb2URwgM5/s640/IMGP3415.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DI82fTSk3qDU0nARUJ-4u98WtlryejZvuG_F1FgU-cWgglaptqwKiSMF2B4Q0cDXQKilTpwwK9Nedv876P4sdMEKfbSeQp8D37YZttWXgU5NB7UNzcLCjOxHCcHRQVDOo_E4eNln0fE-/s1600/IMGP3433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DI82fTSk3qDU0nARUJ-4u98WtlryejZvuG_F1FgU-cWgglaptqwKiSMF2B4Q0cDXQKilTpwwK9Nedv876P4sdMEKfbSeQp8D37YZttWXgU5NB7UNzcLCjOxHCcHRQVDOo_E4eNln0fE-/s640/IMGP3433.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SLOWLY THE WORLD AWOKE AND APPEARED BEFORE OUR EYES</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKFctjGCmGUer-dHFN-ENVFwJ_aObA0x4-xYMwWFWU-yXKNmm-qLedhfS4lYwkh6X5dhLsU0Tq-5B3_3GNYJRH4ZOP8LyKRGejtpVLqQcBzSzqjV3IYCgPNdzmCdfZnf7OLe15Tjxbst2/s1600/IMGP3406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKFctjGCmGUer-dHFN-ENVFwJ_aObA0x4-xYMwWFWU-yXKNmm-qLedhfS4lYwkh6X5dhLsU0Tq-5B3_3GNYJRH4ZOP8LyKRGejtpVLqQcBzSzqjV3IYCgPNdzmCdfZnf7OLe15Tjxbst2/s640/IMGP3406.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YET THE MOON STILL SHINED BRIGHTLY</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Finally, the sun burst through with all her winter strength and warmed the cold, cold ground. Her rays were joy indeed. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicS3HuilKFxV_qIz13vH3Ih_OwLcfkuQI4IdiGAiazN4HYw2hpnBgAx9zHPxCiWzafUuv-dsO1rCAs9qvYSpXvWkHdw7Qb-bNbMjURIfsEP3ievpHFr5V3GSowvTCZkgmiHGQ1uQsL71_x/s1600/IMGP3436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicS3HuilKFxV_qIz13vH3Ih_OwLcfkuQI4IdiGAiazN4HYw2hpnBgAx9zHPxCiWzafUuv-dsO1rCAs9qvYSpXvWkHdw7Qb-bNbMjURIfsEP3ievpHFr5V3GSowvTCZkgmiHGQ1uQsL71_x/s640/IMGP3436.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Time for a long slow, breakfast whilst we watched the morning unfold.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvX8XeUMa9CHQzd-5uhsrJc0pt_X8t70bvE_kMMDDhIAjBCLnKVjzWiszhG0mldQG1Fr821XnrlU4c1xa12VhmhhCJH1ydlM8eXCfWxm5BXNQWtkpNwN6Z89oQJE-UCpTgFbIqnvBqkRs/s1600/IMGP3441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvX8XeUMa9CHQzd-5uhsrJc0pt_X8t70bvE_kMMDDhIAjBCLnKVjzWiszhG0mldQG1Fr821XnrlU4c1xa12VhmhhCJH1ydlM8eXCfWxm5BXNQWtkpNwN6Z89oQJE-UCpTgFbIqnvBqkRs/s640/IMGP3441.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEyD4DyZos0-OvsuUZhdZGaJoOpFHLDEKlyjw2xvo3l66LAmZpwmccgaSQpTvHyDB89n415bc48g_vKMb1Qq0F_kaooIn5MxaZ8PzjTULmnvQOjtyC3X2pT3h9rMVHYp-rn9rI3fY6KOE/s1600/IMGP3442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEyD4DyZos0-OvsuUZhdZGaJoOpFHLDEKlyjw2xvo3l66LAmZpwmccgaSQpTvHyDB89n415bc48g_vKMb1Qq0F_kaooIn5MxaZ8PzjTULmnvQOjtyC3X2pT3h9rMVHYp-rn9rI3fY6KOE/s640/IMGP3442.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvDs29VuYZasGvn3oBnpL-VR0PtwdeAUFKOy_fqFKykrOV_0cG_PK4-aMVB4g9igxsMvixX2kcuJ0gTnlrzXKTAeW0Pdl1kilrBjGaNJyyug-CIhuqVZ7IqJzVfYtfB7e1oPj3o5G8WeD/s1600/IMGP3444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvDs29VuYZasGvn3oBnpL-VR0PtwdeAUFKOy_fqFKykrOV_0cG_PK4-aMVB4g9igxsMvixX2kcuJ0gTnlrzXKTAeW0Pdl1kilrBjGaNJyyug-CIhuqVZ7IqJzVfYtfB7e1oPj3o5G8WeD/s640/IMGP3444.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Most importantly, however, it was awaiting the thawing of the icy hill for our safe passage down!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoLUVTI9qCcaO62vPdA2x8hFI4LBI8NCpZJt9DDMVXA1qIDUA0_zFDw4lyykzhITmGmy1mBJK2zX77eBLUJgzmqsanUsPweI23GtTkixUFtM7JF2OZtdV0JL9fZeOK94nc0DKylxJLPU9/s1600/IMGP3439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoLUVTI9qCcaO62vPdA2x8hFI4LBI8NCpZJt9DDMVXA1qIDUA0_zFDw4lyykzhITmGmy1mBJK2zX77eBLUJgzmqsanUsPweI23GtTkixUFtM7JF2OZtdV0JL9fZeOK94nc0DKylxJLPU9/s640/IMGP3439.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy New Year everyone from the Kokopelli Team</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">May it be a good one!</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kokopelli Camping, with some great self-catering options (including our dear Rosemary the VW Camper), is open all year round with a winter wonderland awaiting exploration! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Much more than just camping (with snowshoe hire thrown in): <a href="http://kokopelli-italy.blogspot.it/2012/12/winter-camping-anyone.html">http://kokopelli-italy.blogspot.it/2012/12/winter-camping-anyone.html</a></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Facilities: <a href="http://kokopelli-italy.blogspot.co.uk/p/facilities_2.html">http://kokopelli-italy.blogspot.co.uk/p/facilities_2.html</a></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hiking guides, escorted walks, snowshoeing, mountain bike hire, skiing, snowboarding, its all here, just ask: <a href="http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk/contact.html">http://www.kokopellicamping.co.uk/contact.html</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Kokopelli Campinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05750010321335901257noreply@blogger.com2