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| View back towards Agerola |
Temperatures had returned to pre-storm highs of mid-thirties. Coupled with the humidity, we could really feel it this morning on the hike. It probably didn't help that by now, various body parts were more than tired, and that the first 30 minutes was a constant steep ascent. Our destination today was Rifugio Santa Maria dei Monti. Our aim was to get views of both sides of the Sorrento Peninsula, namely one of Vesuvius and Pompeii, and one back down the Amalfi Coast.
After the initial struggle with the ascent, the rest of the hike was rather pleasant and mostly level in the shade. Our lunch at the Rifugio was as usual, simple and tasty. It was fun and a lovely way to end our hiking tour. Having said that, we were all glad to be back in the comfort of the agriturismo! My asthma was playing up today so I opted to stay back whilst the party people headed down to Praiano after dinner to watch a band at a music club in Praiano.
A few quick words before we officially end the tour and return to Naples tomorrow morning...
I've thoroughly enjoyed this tour. The agriturismo was a gem. You see the photos but the reality exceeded my expectations. Vincenzo, our guide, has been wonderful. One can never underestimate the knowledge and tips from a local! The two things I was concerned about prior to trip was the difficulty of hiking in the heat, as well as how much I would enjoy the group setting. As a natural introvert, I was unsure of how I would cope outside the comfort of travelling with my own family or friends.
The hikes turned out to be amazing. Were they difficult? Yes. Hiking in warm weather with flies and mosquitoes, and being drenched in sweat and sunscreen was challenging. However, it was also extremely rewarding. The views were spectacular and we got to see a side of the Amalfi Coast that 90% of tourists would never see.
As for our group, we hit the jackpot! What a fun, friendly and cool bunch of 14 people to be stuck with! It really did make the trip more enjoyable and I never thought that it would be something I would say!
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| The beginning of the tough climb |
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| That's a big ding-a-ling or ding-a-long |
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| Um...still going up... |
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| Finally! Shade! |
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| Behind me, under that cloud cap is Mt Vesuvius. |
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| Last little bit... |
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| ...before we were greeted by this fella! |
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| Rifugio Santa Maria ai Monti |
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| View down the other side of the Sorrento Peninsula. You can see Ravello and just make out Maiori in the distance |
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| Water and wine were waiting for us |
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| Our lunch. Everything from their farm |
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| What an amazing group! |
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| I don't know what this is but it is so yummy (not arancini because it is not risotto inside) |
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| A gift from Vincenzo, a symbol of good fortune in the region |
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