Restrictions are slowly easing here in Italy. There are more smiles to be seen around town and folks are getting outdoors, finally! It doesn’t mean we can recommence hugging and kissing all our relatives and friends, but at least we can visit. A weight is lifting off our hearts and shoulders.

A few days before Phase 2 (as it’s called here..coming out of lockdown of 8 weeks), I was chomping at the bit to get hiking. That’s all I could think about! My pack was loaded, clothes and boots ready, food planned. What a mess I was. John was almost as eager, and when May 4 arrived, we headed to the top of the mountain behind Roccaspinalveti to the wind turbines. The weather was outstanding. The sky must have gotten bluer during the 8 weeks and the turbines had to be whiter. Truly!

We’ve been crazy to get outside this spring, not only because of the long lockdown, but the weather this year has been gorgeous; somewhat dry for agriculture but for hiking and trekking, just perfect. So now, each week we head out to do a circuit around a local town, using the Valle del Triste trail system. A great local organization out of Palmoli that has spent numerous hours and hard labor (of love) to put this project into motion. You can download their map that shows all the interconnecting trails. They are well-marked with wooden arrows and red & white paint. We’ve walked where ancient cultures tred and we’re awed..

The past few weeks, we’ve done circuits around the stunning town of San Buono and also the medieval town of Furci, all just about 20 minutes or so from our house. And just a couple of days ago, we hiked around Liscia. Here are a few pics from those circuits. I am in my happy place.

Being outside is something both John and I have always loved, whether together or separately. We spent many years out in the wood while we lived in the US; I with search and rescue and John as an avid hunter. Being here in the Frentani Mountains, we are mesmerized daily by the big sky…the wide open vistas. But a confession… not only do we like to get outside, but John and I are gear junkies.. My issue is collecting backpacks and John loves hiking clothes and boots. We’ve tried to tame it down a bit now that we’re retired, but with sites like TrekkInn and Decathlon (as well as a store opening up only 40 minutes from us!), we have to slap our hands a lot when we even think of adding something to the ‘cart’. But truthfully, we are also preparing for some longer hikes here in Abruzzo – this August a 7 day hike (100 km) – Il Cammino dei Briganti. We’re passing on camping out in tents and going for staying in hostels and B&Bs. This first cammino will be with a tour group (Appennino Slow) and well-known and loved mountain guide, Ercole Wild of Montagne Selvagge. Next year, our plans are for a longer cammino, 16 days 316 km , Cammino Di San Tommaso. This one we plan to do on our own and possibly lengthen the time to finish by visiting some of the towns along the way for an extra night or two. Will keep you posted on both these hikes.

Apart from getting out into the woods and mountains, we’ve been setting up our holiday rental for this season. The restrictions should lift this June 3, allowing people to visit from not only other regions of Italy, but from the rest of Europe. I unpacked all the linens, blankets and soft goods that had stayed clean and safe in plastic containers and bags over the winter, and we are open for business this June 1. As we are all trying to do the best for our guests in regards to safety and cleanliness, we have added a self check-in key lock-box, check-in instructions and disinfecting protocol. We’re resigned to the fact that this season will be quiet at best but we have big hopes for 2021. Still we’ve added some improvements both inside and out.

Also keeping me busy have been my Italian lessons. The past year or so, John and I have been enrolled in online courses ‘From Zero to Italian’ with Manu of www.italymadeeasy.com. Many folks have asked me what program I use. I’ve tried a number of online free language portals, private lessons, Italian government lessons, phone apps and I have to say, apart from living in a town where 98% of the populous speaks dialect or Italian and we get Italian ‘lessons’ on the fly, Manu’s style of teaching works for me! You can check out some of his free videos, etc. to get a feel for his teaching style. When I signed up, I decided to start back at the basic beginners and it has been invaluable to me.The courses are at ones’ own pace, which works well for me at this time of my life. And thankfully, I just passed my second course’s final exam and I’m moving up a level!

So apart from not being able to have big family and friends gathering, hugging, kissing and the such with them as well, we feel we are back on track in our lives. Following the rules means wearing a mask when in close proximity to others and distancing oneself as well. Restaurants are doing takeout and the two here in Rocca are reopening with spaced seating. But all in all we feel blessed and very thankful.

As always, I’d like to leave you with something beautiful ….. here in Roccaspinalveti. Please take good care of you and your family and we wish you all good health!