Climb every mountain

There may have still been a little bit of jet lag on my third night but I think it was actually the lightning and thunder that woke me up at 4:30am! Although spectacular to see Positano lit up with flashes across the water, this was not a good prospect for 3 hours of walking later in the morning. 

But not to be put off, I was up and ready to meet my guide Lucy at 7am in front of Hotel Ancora. The weather had cleared and Lucy was promising all would be well. It was just under 2 hours on the bus to the small town of Bomerano, high in the hills where our small group of 5  from Canada, America, Turkey and France would begin the walk. 

Our starting point was Bomerano across the hills to Nocelle. It's only about 7.5km so not too strenuous. There were lots of ups and downs to negotiate along the way. 

A brief shower while we were tucking into some pre-walk tea and croissants did set in some doubts but it cleared and so we set off in good spirits. 

Welcome to the Path of the Gods!

We following a short road initially and with Lucy's help learned the tastes and smells of the herbs growing wild along the roadside. Wild mint, fennel seeds and sage were some that tempted the taste buds.  

The butterflies enjoyed the roadside feasting as well. 

Onto the path and the scenery opened to spectacular views of the coast. But just as amazing were the terraces up and down the steep hillsides. Cultivated over centuries these terraces are essential in providing food not only for the families but also the animals that call these hills home. 

We were fortunate to see how the locals are able to get all sorts of supplies to these remote areas. A local farmer had his two horses carrying roofing tiles and cement bags along the pathway. Sure footed and with one horse happily following the other, a small dog reigned over both horses and the farmer lead the way. That's how a house gets built in seemingly inaccessible country. 

The second horse is following back up on the stairs - amazing. 

The views are amazing and difficult to truly describe how spectacular they are in words so I'll let my photos do some talking. Although even they are grossly inadequate in sharing the beauty of this coastline. 

Grape vines cultivated on the terraces as we walk past another house. 

Here you can see the remoteness of the houses, narrow roadways, town of Praiano and if you look closely the sheperd with his sheep and goats. 

Positano with the colourful deck chairs turning the beach a bright red colour.

We can see the end in sight!!!

The end of the path and decisions to be made. Do I walk the 1750 steps straight down to Positano or take the long and winding road by bus. It's a no brainer for me. I need to preserve my legs and knees. There's still another 7 1/2 weeks to go on this trip!!!

The drivers here are excellent. They sometimes appear to only have millimetres to spare.