A couple of years ago, we were able to take Isabel on a walk through the valley first to the small village of Tiglio, then onwards to the larger village of Coreglia (it has two cafès!). It was a delightful walk. Then, within days, we had a big snowfall, which brought down many trees all around the valley, so that when Colin and Beatrice came some weeks later, we found the path impassible. Then last year, the high rainfall caused several landslips which also affected the path, so that both sections were again blocked.
However, this year the first leg of the path has been reinstated, and we have been along it. Today we thought we would try the Tiglio-Coreglia leg, and maybe get a capuccino at the end of it! It went very well for about two-thirds of the way - efforts to clear away debris and reinstate the path were clearly visible. however we came to a recently fallen tree, which with its encumbrance of tangled ivy and clematis created an effective road-block. Bill managed to scramble through, however, and the path seemed to continue in good order, and hopes rose... But - these hopes were dashed, as down at the river - the bridge was gone, completely. Evidence from the river bed and banks indicated there had been a great torrent, which the old bridge (how old I wonder?) had been unable to resist. No cappuccinos then. I wonder if the bridge will be replaced - it will be a much bigger (and more costly) project than chainsawing a few trees to clear the path.
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| A lovely path |
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| Feet first through the obstruction |
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| Desolation! The stub of the bridge directly across the water ... |
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| Barbara and Isabel on the bridge - two years ago |
Indeed Ron and I had started to clear that path, it was in an incredible overgrown condition. We never finished the task, yet I was hoping that one might pass the stream even with the bridge gone. Ron, we need to fix this in the spring!
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