When we moved to this area of Abruzzo, we were greatly surprised and encouraged to see so many solar fields and wind farms. The land around us opens up into wide valleys with steep ridge lines, providing many hours of sun as well as stiff winds off the Majella.

My initial belief was that this green power was coming directly into our home from the comune. I had read somewhere that a village was doing just that. What about those power-lines coming from the closest solar field just behind our house? I thought this couldn’t be more perfect. And it wasn’t just me who thought this! Other expats moving to the area also commented on the wonder of their electrical power coming directly from the solar fields and wind farms. Well, the truth is all that green power is going back into the area grid. We are getting it but just not the 100% that I had thought. Yes, I admit, I was seriously naive..or maybe just mistaken. 😉

Wind and solar parks in Italy produced 35 TWh of electricity in the first nine months of 2019, equal to 16.25% of net power production and 14.5% of total demand for the period.

smart-energy.com/renewable-energy/renewables-power-20-of-italys-power-demand-in-2019/

Below is a map of some of the solar fields (blue) and wind farms (pink) that I located within our area of Abruzzo. The red rectangle centered in the photo is the approximate location of our home. Well done, Italy!

The turbines just above Rocca Vecchia are visible from our house as they are for many homes around here. John and I have been talking about hiking this mountain top for some time now. There is an access road that runs the length of the ridge, and numerous wind turbines. We finally headed out one day in early November, hoping for gentle winds and sunny skies..

We parked up the mountain, just below the ancient village. Basically this was going to be a gravel road trek, total about 6+ miles. We would end with a short piece of trail to the castle and back to our car. As we began our hike, the road wrapped behind the mountain, facing the frazione of Acquaviva and the town of Montazzoli. The leaves were changing and the views toward Montazzoli and the Majella were vibrant and stunning. (Just note that you cannot drive behind the mountain on this road. It has washed out and is only passable on foot. )

This part of the hike is relatively flat and relaxing. We passed by a herd of free range cattle and arrived at a barn. Out back was a lone horse, napping in the sun. Numerous trails were etched into the mountainside; a reminder of those days when many herds and flocks roamed freely.

Just a short distance past the barn, we started the switchbacks up to the top. It was a comfortable climb and we were rewarded with amazing views of the towns of Castiglione Messer Marino and Schiavi di Abruzzo, close to the Molise border.

John posed under a turbine, giving a daunting perspective of the size of these giants. But truth be told, even larger ones are now taking the place of many turbines in the area. Where 10 turbines may have existed, far fewer are now needed for greater output.

We continued on the ridge road, stopping frequently for the views. This was a great day to see the distant Tremiti Islands and the Gargano Peninsula from our perch. The wind had picked up by now and threatening clouds moved in, but it never deterred us. The noise level was elevated by the turbines and it presented a slightly unnerving atmosphere. I think I was just overwhelmed by the height and power of these sentinels.

We continued our trek to the end of the gravel maintenance road to a grassy trail that led us to the ancient castle at Rocca Vecchia. Here, we took a short break to enjoy the beautiful old castle and the expansive views to Roccaspinelveti below and the Adriatic Sea on the horizen. We finished our hike heading down the trail to return to our car.

John and I encourage you to do this hike when you come to Roccaspinalveti. We stopped a number of times along the way to take pictures and completed the 6+ miles in about 3 1/2 hours. It is not a hike to do fast, but to take one’s time to enjoy the views and being among these giants.

Christmas season is just about here. I plan to post lots of pictures of the celebrations around town. But until then, wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Blessed New Year!