Montemonaco – Monti Sibillini Parco – Marche

The beauty rolls on as we continue our journey down the Appennine Mountains.   The mountains get higher and the relief increases.  The variety is amazing as it moves from dramatic mountain peaks to huge rolling plains, all of which are accentuated by colorful wildflowers.  The weather has been volatile; the days begin with sunshine followed by gathering clouds and then end with amazing thunder and drenching downpours.  Given this little bit of the Pacific Northwest weather in Italy J we have had more downtime than we’d hoped for, but we’ve also been able to get in a couple of fantastic walks.  The opening picture is of an alpine lake, Lago di Pilato, which is situated at 1,940 meters.  The local legend is that Pontius Pilate’s body is interned here, swallowed up by evil in return for his deeds.  The next shot is the view of the valley with Lago di Pilato as seen from Monte Sibilla, which is the highest peak in Parco di Sibillini.  The next few pictures show the beautiful city of Castelluccio surrounded by the yellow blooms of their famous legumes, the local wildflowers, and finally, some good treats.  It was a rainy day, and we felt TWO desserts were in order J.   Next stop for us Parco Gran Sasso.