Instead of parking in the town proper, we took the auto road towards the Campo Imperatore and made the first right past the snow gate which leads to this dirt road. We just parked here and bushwacked a short distance to the southeast, essentially shaving off the initial part of last year's hike where we started in the town proper and climbed up to the hill above town.
The near perfect weather made for breathtaking views in all directions, especially on the approach route that follows the ridge line up a long hill ascent along this barbed wire fence. To the south, the panorama is of mountain peaks as far as the eye can see.
To the north, the skyline is dominated by the Corno Grande... the highest mountain in Italy outside of the Alps. Yes, that's the very same mountain that we got blown off of the year before due to gale force winds. Just looking at it from afar gives you the sense of how menacing it might be.
We soon passed the Madonna della Pieta church, the end point of this hike last year. It's a dramatic building, especially when set against the backdrop of a blue, cloudless sky with the Corno in the distance. K, bringing up the rear, tried to get in. But once again, we found the building locked.
This year, we pressed on past the church to reach Rocca Calascio - the highest elevation castle in all of Italy. Since it was a weekday, we only encountered two people during our exploration and lunch break at this very popular place. A guidebook says it has been used as a set for movies. I'd like to know which ones.
Though in partial ruin, the castle's four ramparts are still intact, with arrow slits looking out in all directions. It is not hard to fathom how invincible this strategic location must have been. The keep, unfortunately, was locked.
Leaving the castle, we opted for a direct return to the car via our approach route instead of attempting a loop. The day also included two long breaks at an outcropping of boulders along the ridge line about midway between the starting point and the castle. For two years in a row, we've used this location to rest, relax, and marvel at the beauty of central Italy.
