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| Fonte Pacile, view to the west, with trail marker |
Conveniently located just outside of Sulmona, the hike to Fonte Pacile turned out to be quite memorable. It's a fairly easy climb over moderate elevation gain that leads up to a fully functioning old spring, or fountain, nestled in the rolling hills east of the Sulmona cemetery. It's a truly pleasant spot, which we reached in time to have some snacks that we had brought along for a planned half-day of hiking. After the break, we decided to press on to try to complete a loop back to the cemetery parking area as indicated on our map of the Riserva Monte Genzana Alto Gizio, a protected regional natural area located close by that also showed our proposed route.
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| On the trail to Fonte Pacile, view to the east |
Bad idea. Once we went up another 100 or so meters in elevation, the trail made a long descent back down into the valley. According to our map, the trail would then turn back to the west at a second fountain. We found the fountain (which was dead) but the land due west of it was now a recently plowed field. A little further ahead, we eventually found a trail heading in the direction that we needed to go, but it took us to a series of dead ends like fenced private properties, homes guarded by filthy ditch dogs, and natural barriers like bramble patches and steep slopes. We were clearly lost.
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| K scouting a trail |
Having no other option, we retraced our steps back up to the hills. Out of water and nearly out of food, Fonte Pacile provided a much-needed (life-saving) respite once again. We took a long break to drink and fill our bottles and were rewarded with a view of a shepherd with his flock on the hill across from us. Well rested and rehydrated, we pushed back to the cemetery just as the last light of the afternoon was fading to dusk.
Tante Grazie, Fonte Pacile.
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| The start and end of the trail to Fonte Pacile, from the Sulmona Cimitero |
Destination: Fonte Pacile
Distance: 16 km round trip (9.9 miles)
Elevation: 988 meters (3,241 feet)
Gain: 862 meters (2,828 feet)
Conditions: Party Cloudy, 75 degrees F
