The trek to Lago di Matese.

OK quick note: sorry I've been without internet for the past two and a half weeks and I've finally reached WiFi here in Siena so here are a couple updates! Hope all are well!!

We finally made it to the mountains on Tuesday! Our day started out with a quick breakfast at seven and we were out the door by seven thirty in order to catch the eight ten bus in Piedimonte to San Greggorio (the highest mountain town). We climbed, looped and swerved up a road that looked like it belonged in a cartoon more than anything just long enough to get me green in the face before reaching San Greggorio.

From there we found our way through this really beautiful, historic town and onto a old, seldom used road that would eventually lead us all the way to the lake. Talk about the perfect time to hike in Italy- the weather was perfect, the road and pastures were full of wild flowers and we were the only people to be seen besides a few sparse farmers. The trail took us up, up, up with some impressive views on the way, and finally after three and a half hours, dropped us into the valley and onto flat terrain where Lago di Matese peacefully sits in front of the highest mountain in Campanga.

We enjoyed our picnic lunch, the view, soaked up some rays and squeezed in an nap before beginning our hike back. Knowing we had missed the last bus from San Greggorio meant we were going to have to walk all the way back to the farm. For a little perspective, Piedimonte is the town in the background of the picture of Castello di Matese (town with the castle) and the farm is a forty minute walk from Piedimonte. There's also a picture of the peak the lake sits below taken from the farm. I think you can also vaguely make out Castello di Maltese and San Greggario. We walked over the second ridge and then down into the valley below.

We made it pass San Greggorio and reached Castello di Matese by seven completely exhausted. With only about an hour and a half of day light remaining and a three plus hour walk left we decided to try our luck at hitching. Having never hitched before I felt a little silly and vulnerable at first and then upset when someone would drive by with an empty car. Ha! Not knowing if the "thumbing" signal was universal we all started trying/making up different signs out of desperation! Alas, after our pride had been damaged by continual rejection and strange looks someone stopped!! We couldn't believe it. Even better, turns out the driver knew San Cassiano, is friends of the family and drove us all the way back to the farm. I couldn't have asked for a better first ride as a hitch hiker, but don't worry mom, I don't plan on making a habit out of it. I'll thank my lucky stars and hang up my hitching shoes on a good note! All in all it was a really long and great day and well worth every bit of soreness we endured the next couple of days!