We live in the foothills of the Appenines, the mountains that run like a backbone down the spine of Italy. Leaving Cervinara and heading east, we go directly into those mountains and the roads that we find can sometimes be challenging. The Sanctuary of Montevergine is a big draw in the area and it usually takes an hour or so to get there. We've been several times, admiring the church and sanctuary as well as the pretty ride to get there. How it was built more than 500 years ago, before streets and machinery, is in and of itself quite extraordinary. It's a testament to faith and courage.
Well, our faith and courage were sorely tested today! There has been a small road through the mountains that takes the brave to the highest peaks and then down again to Montevergine. In years past this road has been said to be impassable, but this year we were told that the road was open and except for a few areas of potholes, we would be fine. So, this morning Mike and I decided to make a day of it, taking the scenic route through the mountains and on down to the Sanctuary. A few potholes indeed!
Once we got past the Mafariello state park things started to deteriorate quite quickly. Much of the road was washed out in places, falling rocks littered the paved areas, and craters filled with water were to be dodged very gingerly. There were places where there was nothing but air between us and a very precipitous drop. Other spots were blocked with falling branches.
In one area, we had to stop because of a big branch covering our lane. Facing the opposite direction, a car was parked, making it impossible for us to pass. I hopped out and pulled the branch out of the way while Mike maneuvered by the parked car. A few meters ahead, a bigger branch was covering the entire road. I tugged and pulled, eventually managing to clear enough space for our car to go by. That was when Mike hollered for me to get back in the car immediately. It had dawned on him that this was a perfect set up for an attack of some sort. We were indeed hemmed in by the parked car and the branches and had someone wanted to rob us (or worse) we would have been sitting ducks. I hopped back in the car and we were on our way, but the thought of what might have awaited us put me on edge.
We continued our way up the road, never going beyond 5 miles per hour, dodging obstacles and keeping our eyes peeled for crossing deer. Of course it wasn't all stressful. There were moments of incredible beauty, such as the surprise plain that met us right at the summit. We rounded a curve and there was a beautiful stretch of flat land, acres and acres of it, with green grass interspersed with a carpet of yellow flowers, buttercups and dandelions, and red poppies. It was spectacular! There was a little pond on one side of the plain and bike trails crossed throughout. Just lovely.
We soldiered on, finally making it down the other side of the mountain and into the Sanctuary area. It was as lovely as usual, definitely worth the trip. We did decide to take the main roads home however! One off-road adventure is enough for any day!
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