Alpine Restoration

We can almost feel their prying eyes watching us through the thick beech forest. We are safe though. In the past, here humans have killed so many creatures that the wolves have an instinctive fear for man. That notion makes me sad.

After three hours, we finally walk to the edge of the forest. The landscape changes dramatically. The lush autumn forest gives way to a barren and wide open field covered with short grass and rock, covered in patchy glimmers of snow. Above us, on the peaks of the mountains we now can clearly see a thicker layer of snow. Our excitement grows along with our fatigue.

Our bulky backpacks are heavy for the overnight we plan to spend on top of Mount Amaro. At 2793 meters, this mountain is the second highest of all the Appennines Range. The path we chose, from the San Martino Gorges, is considered by some hikers to be one of the most difficult of all Italy: 15 km long with a 2400 meters of altitude gain and as the snow thickens we grapple with exhaustion step after step.

We make our way first to the Rifugio Manzini, a free hut in the centre of the moraine we are traversing. Here we rest for a moment, restoring from the accumulative fatigue. With a final push, pointing straight to the summit instead of taking the signed path, we arrive just before sunset on Mount Amaro, after a 9 hour hike.

Inside the Pelino bivouac we cook our de-hydrated rice which at that moment feels like its worthy of a Michelin star.

Our bellies full, we step outside. Everything stands still. Not a gust of wind, not a single noise. We stay put, admiring the surrounding landscape, recharging our souls with awe. We put our cameras down, gazing at the vivid colours as if we’re in the throes of Stendhal’s syndrome.

Our legs beg to stop our minds though are at peace.