Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Lago Vivo, October 26, 2013, Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio, e Molise

Since we had spent most of the trip exploring the Maiella and Gran Sasso, we made the resolution that our final hike would take place in the third big park near Sulmona - the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio, e Molise. Although we have not spent that much time in this park, I always enjoy it when we visit. It contains the headwaters of the Sangro River, which runs south and then east to the Adriatic Sea passing the home town of my Italian ancestors. Our destination - an up and back to a lake called Lago Vivo.


It took about an hour to get from Sulmona to the trail head, located at a hair pin turn in the road from Alfadena to Villetta Barrea. It can be a little difficult to find the right spot. The key is look on the road map for the last hair pin turn before the road enters Villetta Barrea. That's where you find the trail.


From the parking area, the trail is well marked as the "K6" and follows a 4x4 road along a level grade. At a small water supply building, the trail up to Lago Vivo joins from the left (south). On the map, it is marked as the "K5."


The old K5 markers are old and faded...


... and have been largely replaced by blazes indicating that the trail is now called the "K4." Another case of an outdated park map causing us havoc.


From the junction with the K6, the tree-covered K4 trail proceeds up through a ravine with spectacular wooded cliffs on both sides. At one point, we heard the faint sound of cow bells. As we ascended, the sound grew louder and louder until we came face to face with an unattended mule hauling a heavy load of firewood coming right towards us. Apparently, villagers use the park to stock up on their supply of fuel for the coming winter. That explains the steaming piles and buzzing flies on the lower reaches of the trail. We had been cursing equitrekkers for the mess.


After we completed what turned out to be a substantial amount of elevation gain, the trail exited the trees and into a large open meadow with spectacular views of craggy mountain peaks.


Our destination for the day - Lago Vivo - really should be called "Lago Morto." At this time of year, the lake wasn't much more than a big brown mud patch.


Despite the let down, the other surroundings were absolutely stunning and we decided on an extra long lunch break. K also opted for a power nap... Exhausted from the climb, she looks like she got flattened by a steamroller a la Looney Tunes.