We have been meaning to visit this hill for a while now. The two times we have been there, the summit has been too snowy for the climb. However, now the warm spell has melted the snow, we felt it was our chance - and perhaps also for it to live up to its flowery name.
The trip takes us down the valley from Barga to the spa village of Bagni di Lucca, then up a winding road ascent for about half an hour to the spectacular hilltop village of Montefegatesi (cappuccino!).
The walk begins near Montefegatesi, and continues up a vehicle track for about an hour to the foot of the hill proper. We were bowled over by the crocuses on the way up - getting denser and denser with altitude it seemed. On the hill path, though there were probably millions of flowers, it still seemed instinctive to try to avoid treading on them!
 |
| A taste of what's to come on the track up |
 |
| The upper terraces are even better! |
 |
| Crocuses, sun and snow - and Alpine scene |
 |
| Monte Prato Fiorito rises up before us - an easy final climb |
 |
| Nothing to beat a ridge walk, with stunning views on every hand ... |
 |
| Looking north |
 |
| Bill and Barbara and some small stones ... |
 |
| a last look at the view to the south before heading down ... |
My God, that carpet of flowers! This is one trip we have never done, you're ahead of us.
ReplyDeleteIt really was wonderful. Some years ago, in a climbing book loaned by a friend, I saw a black and white photograph of a carpet of crocuses in the alps. I promised myself I'd go to Switzerland to see that. Now I don't need to!!
Delete