Tuesday, October 7 –

Woke up early and got in my resistance workout before breakfast. After breakfast, it was time to hit the trail!

Our first hike was a good warmup for the week. Not too long (about 4.5 miles), but a decent altitude gain (1,000 feet) through some beautiful woods and culminating with gorgeous views of the Bay of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast.

The hike passed the Benedictine Abbey of SS Trinita, a monastery built in the 11th century. It is notable in that its first four abbots were all canonized. We made a short visit to the cathedral, which has a very ornate interior, before starting our ascent.

The trail took us through some lovely wooded areas, and we passed a number of small shrines to the deceased. Interested in the story behind those, one had to hike a good distance to post the Mass cards of their loved one, but, alas, I have yet to uncover the history.

We eventually arrived at the Cappella Vecchia, a small stone chapel (now apparently housing someone) with an amazing vista overlooking the coastline. Truly, the reason one makes this hike.

We had our picnic lunch up there before heading back down the hill.

We had a good chunk of the afternoon to relax and enjoy the sunshine and the views around the hotel. This is a small walled city with limited commerce but maximum views.

Dinner at the hotel was included as part of our hiking package, and it was another exhibition of food as art, which was unexpected. The food itself was quite good and I got to try some things that were new to me. Plus, finished up with tiramisu, which is never a bad thing!

Fully sated from both the meal and the exercise, I am ready for sleep, but also looking forward to talking our next trek along the coast!

19,674 steps

9.2 miles