Saturday, April 18, 2015

Wolves in Valle dell' Inferno



One of the most suggestive places in the “ Appennino Reggiano” is the “Valle dell’ Inferno”  or translated Hell Valley.  This glacial circus  is actually just over the border in Tuscany and despite its name it is quite accessible  for  an enjoyable but  strenuous afternoon hike. 
Valle Dell' Inferno, Sassablo, MC

Valle Dell' Inferno, Sassablo, MC

Valle Dell' Inferno, Sassablo, MC

Valle Dell' Inferno, Sassablo, MC

In the high Apennines there is still the last of the winter snow, and without snow shoes the going is quite difficult and one has to be careful as in some places the snow gives way and one sinks into the snow.

Valle Dell' Inferno, Sassablo, MC

Valle Dell' Inferno, Sassablo, MC

Valle Dell' Inferno, Sassablo, MC

Valle Dell' Inferno, Sassablo, MC

Valle Dell' Inferno, Sassablo, MC


The footpath is quite easy and level to start with until the Moraine is reached, and then the climb especially with the snow is quite difficult and challenging.
When I reached the top I saw that some other visitors had passed by recently.  In the snow some wolves had left their  footprints, the first time I have seen evidence of these shy creatures in the Apennines.

Wolf footprints,Valle Dell' Inferno, Sassablo, MC


When I reached the vast amphitheatre the sense of absolute silence and tranquillity after a tiring hard climb  was a just reward for the effort but the atmosphere was impossible to capture in the photographs I took.

Valle Dell' Inferno, Sassablo, MC

Valle Dell' Inferno, Sassablo, MC

Valle Dell' Inferno, Sassablo, MC

Valle Dell' Inferno, Sassablo, MC

Valle Dell' Inferno, Sassablo, MC

Valle Dell' Inferno, Sassablo, MC

Valle Dell' Inferno, Sassablo, MC

Valle Dell' Inferno, Sassablo, MC

It was time to go and fortunate going down was much easier and took half the time I had taken to climb up.

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