From Riomaggiore to Portoverne

Italy has always been a favorite location of mine.  I spent several weeks there a few years ago, and returned just recently to enjoy more Italian cuisine and scenery, and it truly didn't let me down.

I'm always taken aback when I land in such a beautiful landscape -- coastline and rolling hills greet me as the plane lands into the Pisa airport, and instantly I feel at ease. I check into my hotel and explore the Pisa nightlife - a trip to Orzo Bruno.  This cozy local pub has fantastic food and brew and a great way to enjoy my first evening back in Italy.

The next day on a bright, crisp October morning, I board an early morning train to Riomaggiore.  The reason for my trip is to relax, and for me there is no greater relaxation that hiking. I decide to do a 10ish mile hike from Riomaggiore to Portovenere.  Most hikers choose to hike Cinque Terre; however, large swaths of the main trail were closed, so I chose this hike as one that had the least number of closed sections and beautiful scenery. And this hike surely delivered.  It was well marked and easy to follow and gave me the opportunity to see spectacular landscapes and vegetation.  My favorite part of the hike was seeing the folks foraging for chestnuts! It was contagious!  I found myself also searching for them as I walked along the paths.

As I continued my trek towards Portovenere, I was guided by charming signs and signs reminding me of the latitude and longitude, which I (as a good geographer) noted every step of the way.  I slowly made my way towards my destination, soaking in the sun and scenery, until finally, I arrived at Portovenere.

It was a wonderful, albeit exhausting, hike, and the first thing I wanted was some food.  I ordered a pizza, and while I waited I bought a ferry to La Spezia, where I would pick up my train home.  There was also a wonderful ferry around three islands. I knew I had some time before my train back to Pisa, so I bought that ferry tour as well.  While it wasn't amazing, it was nice to just sit back and see some beautiful scenery and islands around Portovenere. Pretty soon it was time for me to head back to Pisa, but judging by my exhausting I would say I achieved my objective of having a nice, relaxing hike.

Peak District - Mam Tor

England has some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world interspersed with the most adorable towns and villages. My first real experience with the natural beauty England has to offer was on my trip to Peak District National Park.

A little history: In 1949, Parliament passed the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, and closely thereafter (in 1951) the Peak District became the first national park in England! It doesn't take much to see why this would be one of the first areas that England would want to protect.

My gateway to Peak District and the High Peaks was a town called Disley.  It was small, and really only had one good place to eat. It was so close to the hikes I was planning on doing, and the lodging was very reasonably priced.  There are also numerous footpaths throughout Disley that are perfect for a short stroll. But, the real reason I was here was to walk in the Peak District.

I loved the Mam Tor walk.  What I loved most is that it was an out-and-back walk, which meant I couldn't get lost (I mean...I could, but it was significantly more difficult than some of the other walks I'd been on). On this beautiful, windy day, I walked perhaps 3-4 miles out to a beautiful overlook, where the wind was so fierce, but the views so beautiful that you braved the wind just to peer off into the distance.  The trail continued on as far as they eye could see, but after spending some time in the peaceful quiet of the overlook, I returned back to the trail head, and headed home.

I only saw a small fraction of what Peak District has to offer, but I look forward to the prospect of exploring even more!