Pollino National Park is also a UNESCO site and is one of the largest parks in the world. Its highest elevation is 7500 feet which is less than Bryce National Park in Utah at 9,100 feet. When we checked out of the hotel I was not sure whether I was going to do the hike or not. The plan was for us to hike with a guide an elevation of 500 feet up and then down in 90 minutes. I believe we were starting in the range of 5,000 to 5,500 feet above sea level. On the trip to the park I felt a little light headed due to the combination of the altitude and not eating the night before so I opted out.

Juanita and I stayed back along with another woman. Now the temperature was 62 degrees when everyone left for the hike. I had on a jacket and two layers under that but I only had capris on. What I discovered was that 62 in Florida is not the same as 62 in Pollino National Park! It was a damp 62, not a humid 62. We stayed back at a rustic “bar” that was unheated and dark inside so the 3 of us sat outside and read. Then it started raining and got windy. So just picture me standing in place, prancing like to reindeer to keep warm. Now I wasn’t the only one who was cold. The owner of the bar kept getting into his car to keep warm. I was never so happy to see them all come back from the mountain, but now we had to eat! The “bar” made subs for everyone. My vegan sub was basically Campbells Pork and Beans covered with olive oil. I ate a bag of potato chips instead. My peeps were very upset and offered me their sandwiches without the cheese. Janice was so upset that she didn’t eat her sandwich and took and kept it in her refrigerator in the room in case I needed it at a later date but I didn’t need it. Nino – no worries, all is good!

The trip out of the park was a real challenge for our driver. Pouring rain and pea soup fog. Along the way there were 100s of wild horses that just roam the park. Unfortunately we couldn’t get good pictures because of the rain and fog. It reminded Laura and me when we were caught in a downpour in Tanzania in the middle of 1000’s of wildebeests.

Our next stop for the next 3 nights was the beautiful white washed village of Martina Franco. The village is known for there well preserved baroque architecture and old world charm.

And of course there has to be at least one beautiful church. This one was the Basilica of San Martino.

Back to the hotel for a little rest and relaxation before dinner.

Another strange phenomenon is that in the last 2 hotels they had colored LED lights in the shower. This one was blue but the last one turned colors. It’s like taking a shower in a disco.

Tomorrow we are going to a local farm to learn how to make capicollo, that was one of Tony’s favorite cold cuts.