We are in a lockdown now, just a softer one. Our range of movement went from the whole of Italy and beyond down to just our town. But our town, or municipality, is relatively large, with mountains, forests, rivers; lots of places to exercise, relax and not see another person. So truly our world, even right now, isn’t that small, but rather large and grand.

Movement is allowed around our municipality for necessities and health reasons, exercise being one of those reasons. Bars and restaurants are closed, only allowing takeout (or takeaway as it is called here). John continues to do the shopping in our village and I’m sticking close to home. But let me back up a bit prior to this new lockdown.

Through the months of September and October, John and I enjoyed at least one or two hikes together per week. We kept them within 1- 1/2 hr driving distance from home. After such a hot, dry summer, with treks and hikes difficult by mid-day, I’m in a hiking frenzy. I want to pack in as many experiences as possible before the ice and snow arrive later this year. So I did my research and made a list of some village to village treks as well as some mountain trails. John is a willing partner, but he takes a more relaxed view. If I had my way, we’d hike every day!

We did spend an October day hiking with the group Majexperience, as always a great time. This time we were a bit challenged as it rained all day and the trails and fields turned into a mud bath with footing a bit precarious. But it still was another amazing hike to remember. The leaves were just changing and the temperatures were cool with the rain. The forests were mystical with fog and I hoped that we would see a wolf or fox. We had a break in the weather for a little while and we’re able to eat lunch without getting soaked. Our goal was Il Laghetto di Pietra Cernaia, a small lake at the foot of a monstrous rock outcropping. The day closed with us returning through pastures in the cold rain as evening approached. Definitely a tough day, but invigorating and satisfying.

As October marched on and the numbers of positive cases escalated, we decided it was a safer bet to hike just with each other. Also, I truly hate hiking with a mask on, so hiking with only John was the answer. We found some great places to hike only 1/2 hr from the house; our favorite just outside of Castiglione Messer Marino in the area of Oasi Naturale Abetina di Selva Grande. The views are stunning, the wind turbines enormous, and a beautiful valley to complete the loop.

And just before this new lockdown came into force, I got in two separate hikes, one with girlfriends and the other with John, to Monte Pallano with its daunting Megalithic Wall and breathtaking views of the Majella. Both days had perfect weather, far-reaching views to the Majella and Adriatic, and stirring remains of civilizations and inhabitants long gone.

Now that I think about it, it was a big deal for me to hike with lady friends. I’m either alone, hiking with John, or sometimes in a larger group, most likely strangers with a guide. But hiking with Alex and Maria was a relaxing time; time for those conversations and observations that come naturally with friends. I hope for many more trails with these ladies. 🙂

So what else have we been doing besides hiking? We did have our rental apartment, Casa Serre, to take care of as we actually had guests this summer and fall. We opened the apartment, after the spring lockdown and had guests in July and August, to our surprise. We added Self Check-in as well as got onboard with Airbnb’s Enhanced Clean program. But after the month of August, when European holidays end, it got quiet for us. We did have some lovely guests from Belgium in October, just before we closed for the season. We will be ready to reopen in April, hoping that 2021 will be a safer and healthier year.

John had a few projects, one being a retaining wall between us and our neighbor’s field. The wall had been cracking substantially due to moving water. My tool man, as always, had a plan and the wall is now stable after a lot of cement work. We also decided to open a doorway between our two small bedrooms in our home, creating a suite. John will be adding French doors between the two, so if we have family or friends visiting, we have extra room for them if needed.

And Fall is of course harvest time here, whether it’s tomatoes, peppers, corn, olives, grapes…. the list is long. I love seeing all our neighbors enjoying each others company as they collectively work together. It’s been a tough time for everyone, especially when large gatherings amongst family and friends are on hold now. It will be an amazing day when we can all get back to having fun with our neighbors, friends and family!

One final hike to share with you today and I thank you for your indulgence. I am always so blown away by the land we live in. It is everchanging depending on the weather and lighting and I just cant’ get enough. This hike was just before lockdown and we were ‘legal’. We were in our municipality and felt like we were on another adventure, locating trails that all the local hunters already know about. But for us, it was a new discovery 🙂 We started (and ended) at SAN PIETRO DEGLI ALPINI A ROCCASPINALVETI, the small chiesetta (church) on the mountain. Up the mountain, along farm roads and fields below the wind towers, down to the hamlet of Olmi, through the woods to return up the mountain to the church. The hike was filled with long views, stunning fall colors, discoveries of ancient farmsteads and homes and the development of the Valle del Treste trail network. We plan to head back to this area to discover more.

As always, we wish you all good health, a time to find blessings even during these unsettling months, hope for some normality in the New Year, a visit to Abruzzo and maybe even to Roccaspinalveti in 2021. I leave you with a sweet, heart-tugging picture of Romeo, our dear boy, now 9 years old. He can no longer handle the long hikes, but we do get him out for neighborhood walks and sometimes a short one up the mountain. Here he is greeting us upon our return from one of our hikes. Until next time….