NIGEL'S RAMBLES: September 2012

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Fossilised Trees in the Parco Cento Laghi

I finally got around to exploring the last three lakes at the western end of the100 lakes park in the province of Parma.

Lago Squincio, Passo Lagastrello, PR

Starting from Passo Lagastrello I climbed up the 703 footpath to Lago Squincio which is just above the pass. Even though the water level was a bit low, the lake with the mountains in the background is worth seeing.

The other two lakes are just over the other side of the mountain. The 703 footpath zigzags its way up to a “sella” below Monte Malpasso. On the map it seems like a hard climb, but the footpath is laid out in such a way that the climb is quite easy.

Pradacci, PR

Below Monte Mapasso, PR

At the “Sella the footpath drops down steeply to Lago Scuro. This lake was completely dry.

In the middle of the lake one can see the fossilised remains of some Silver Fir trees that grew here just after the last Ice Age. The wood has been replaced by a crystalline material.

Fossilised trees, Lago Scuro, PR

Ten minuites away is Lago Verdarolo. Like Lago Squincio this lake had a dam built at its exit during the 1920,s. Full of water this is quite pretty.

Lago Verdarola, PR

I had intended to do a much longer walk, but I had run out of time. So I retraced my steps back to the car.

The 703 footpath winds its way down to Passo Lagastrello, PR

Charcoal makers platform, Passo Lagastrello, PR

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

End of Summer in the Apennines

The summer is ending now in the high Apennines, with the beech trees starting to change colour .

I managed to get a day to go walking in the high Apennines. I decided to climb Monte Acuto starting from Lake Paduli, an artificial lake on the Lagastrello Pass where the provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia meet Tuscany.

The Dame at Lago Paduli , MS

The 659A footpath, Sasso Bianco, MS

Sella di Monte Acuto, MS

I took the 659A footpath which snakes its way up to Monte Acuto. After a long climb up through the woods one gets a fantastic view of the Crinale from the Sella di Monte Acuto.