April Weather on Subasio

Set out early this April morning with hopes of exploring the mortaros near the summit of Mount Subasio. A blast of wind on the road up to Porta Cappuccini provided a fair warning of what was to come. The weather was clear, windy and cool as far as the Eremo. However, later ascending into the clouds, the temperature dropped to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit and in places the wind cut steadily at about 30-40 miles per hour. Such conditions do not make for exciting photo opportunities.

The wind chill factor was probably well into the teens. The clouds were thicker than zuppa di piselli. It became clear (about the only thing that was clear) that it was not an ideal day for exploring mortaros. Instead, I headed to a familiar destination, the summit marker. Upon leaving the road there was no trail; however, a rather basic precept of mountaineering is that by definition, summits are higher in elevation than anything nearby. So, after a few minutes of gradually ascending and wandering about, the Subasio summit marker came into view.

It being bitter cold and windy, the stay at the summit was brief. After a few minutes of gradually descending and again wandering about, I found the gravel road that passes by not far from the summit and hurried along for about an hour to get below the clouds. Finally, some blue sky was in sight.

As an alternative to original plans, I decided to do some exploring part way down the mountain. A favorite place to visit is Colle San Rufino, a very distinct and interesting hill on the side of Subasio. There one can scramble up to what appear to be old ruins cut into the side of the hill that someone, or perhaps many people, have made into a kind of rough-hewn shrine.

Various icons or artifacts have been set or cemented in place, in some ways appearing haphazard and makeshift, in others ways very thoughtful. This manger scene is partially protected from the elements by a piece of plastic.

Saints Francis and Clare.

Here are a few images set into the stone.

Saint Catherine of Siena, who along with Saint Francis is a patron saint of Italy.

A closer view of another beautiful image.

Everything sits open to the elements. Over time one observes minor changes, but many of the artifacts remain nearly the same with each passing year. The site is always inspiring to visit.
I also stopped in at the Eremo delle Carceri, where Francis and his followers used to retire to pray. The ancient building, built in a wooded ravine, has been added onto over the years.

This is the entrance.

I've written about the Eremo in earlier posts, but this time found a door open to a refectory where the friars used to have their meals.

Here's a closer look at the fresco on the back wall.

So, while the clouds and cold and wind meant a change of plans, Subasio still provided for a good walk and interesting adventures.

Ciao.