A Walk in the Woods

There was a cool change over night and because the heat had prevented us from doing any major walks, and it was our last day in Impruneta ... we decided to do a medium grade walk in the woods.

We started from the car park behind the bar and headed out via di Fabiolle on a route that was described as well marked and about a 1 hour 20 minute walk.

Initially we walked on a paved road past quite large houses with some land around. Italians are very keen about impressive gates, or maybe it is just security.

There was quite a lot of new planting of olive trees; the scenery looking so very Tuscan.

We came upon a small settlement that didn't seem to have a name. As well as the traditional shrine, old farm equipment and an impressive vegetable garden, there was what looked like a newly restored holiday accommodation.

 

We walked on through the hamlet, past the dried artichokes in the vegetable garden and further on the dirt road.

It was a really pretty walk, but somewhere about here, perhaps, we made a wrong turn. The well marked route proved to be devoid of the red and white markers we needed and we seemed to be following orange daubs.

The navigator decided this was for us so on we went, and from here on the path became rough and difficult. Initially it looked like loose volcanic material, then it developed some serious wash aways.

After negotiating some very difficult downhill terrain we found ourselves on a narrow path in thick scrub. This sign made no sense to us but we opted to go right. Shortly into a steep climb where I needed to be pushed or pulled there was a vey loud burst of thunder and lightning. It seemed very close and I was concerned about my trekking pole. The electric storm continued for a while, which was a worry because we were walking under power pylons.

We later learned that these signs were for mountain bike trekking, no wonder they made no sense!

We continued down hill until we came to a dry water way. With water it would have had a little waterfall and a very welcome pool. By now the perspiration was pouring off us but luckily it was not sunny.

More treacherous climbing and just as we reached a level spot it started to rain. Big, big drops of rain. We had to shelter under an umbrella pine for a while.

On we walked, beginning to feel happier as we were seeing small farms and olive trees. We were out of the 'bosco' ... woods! A little later we rounded a corner and saw a castle in the distance. What a relief, the castle is very close to our place.

Trudging on we finally came to an asphalt road with a name. The GPS had been struggling to tell us exactly where we were but now GoogleMaps was on the job.

We were still quite a distance from Impruneta but the presence of a huge holiday resort / olive oil business gave us renewed enthusiasm to keep going. Unfortunately it did not give me renewed energy.

Old filters from olive oil pressing and grapes that will be ready to pick in late September / October.

Eventually, after passing several more accommodation places and a couple of restaurants, we came out on the main road. Unfortunately it was nearer to our house that the car park in town where the car was parked.

The rain was coming down again so more sheltering under trees, then we set off towards town. There are a series of these niches between the town and the cemetery, we walked past the War Memorial and soon enough we reached the car.

Arriving home, our 1 hour 20 walk had taken us three hours. I was wet and exhausted and the shower was all I wanted.

Having recovered but missed both breakfast and lunch, we went back into town for  panini and cold drinks. The bar was closed, because it is Monday, but Kel spotted an open restaurant with a lovely outdoor setting. That will do us!

I had salmon and roast vegetables and Kel had the local dish, Peposa.

He cannot resist a tiramisù and I am easily persuaded.

Walking back to the car park we crossed the piazza and I photographed these  terracotta exhibition items, seats and a table and three terracotta 'bean bags'

We will be sorry to leave Il Sorbeto and Impruneta tomorrow. It has been a lot of fun and the house has been amazing. Mattia tells us it is beautiful here in May or October!

 P.S. There was not enough rain to be of any use to farmers or gardeners, however it was the first rain in over four months. 

The temperature got up to 33.