At one point a couple of horses were munching along the side of the trail. As I approached, they decided to saunter off in the opposite direction which, of course, was the way I was heading. So, the three of us ambled along for quite a while, with them glancing back from time to time to check if I had abandoned my quest.
Finally, it dawned on one, then the other, to step off the trail and allow me to pass. Soon it was time to head up above the tree line.
After a long stretch of steady climbing, the views opened up.
Including several Apennine peaks.
The sun had cleared parts of the high country trails, but there was still plenty of snow to traverse.
I crossed over to a couple of Mount Subasio's mortari, well-known Karst sinkholes. Basically, these depressions were formed long ago due to certain geologic conditions allowing water and sediment to drain off below the surface. Here's a view approaching Mortaiolo, or "Little Mortaro".
Moving closer, one encounters a hole 70 meters wide and 60 meters deep.
Before the advent of refrigeration, snow was packed at the bottom of the mortari to form ice for use during warmer seasons. Nearby is Mortaro Grande, about 260 meters wide and 55 meters deep.
The day was unfolding beautifully. Far away, on the Greek Island of Santorini, one may view a remarkable composition of white buildings against the blue sea and sky. Here, nature provides comparably wonderful colors on its own.
Not far from the mortari stands a sculpture entitled "Frate Vento" or "Brother Wind" by artist Fiorenzo Bacci. It's a fine reminder of Subasio's natural beauty, Franciscan spirit and ample weather.
Still higher, the summit area offered more Apennine views.
While underfoot, Spring was working to break through the ice and snow.
After visiting the summit, I headed down in the direction of the old dirt road that runs along the upper part of the mountain. Had anyone managed to traverse it in recent times? The answer came quickly.
Nearby was a single set of cross country ski tracks, but no vehicle tracks. The drifts were about three feet high, with much of the road still covered in a foot or more of snow.
Later, at a lower elevation, there were signs of an upward bound vehicle having gotten stuck and spun deeply into the mud, before been rescued by a tow truck.
To the west were nice views of Umbrian hills and lower elevation hiking opportunities.
Near Colle San Rufino, some cattle were enjoying the fine weather, showing hardly any interest in a passing hiker.
Further down, Spring was fully awakening.
Ciao.
No comments:
Post a Comment