Stage 11 Pizzo - Villagio Mancuso

Another pool, this time in Pizzo

The road is long, with many a winding turn...

He ain't heavy he's  my brother..

Tiriolo

When camping you have to contend with road noise,
snoring, dogs barking, and music. Tents are not efficient at reducing sound. Although we are housed within a building the hotel was directly opposite a Motor Cycle Club, who were in normal party mode, loud, music and a traditional 3.00 am exit with engines roaring, wheelies, and screeching tyres.

The first stop for our morning coffee was Catanzaro, starting to feel unwell, but a welcome stop for a break. Today is almost all climbing up to Mancuso.

But the next rest point to fill the water bottles was Tiriolo, beautiful. 

Early morning  men's group chat

Wonderful to see the young playing, running, mothers with children, coffee, a real sense of community. the small town was full of life. 

I think a Gelati is in order Garry? Knowing he will always say yes.

The most direct route to move livestock around is via the roads. Fantastic to see that rural Italy functions as it has for centuries, no one bats an eyelid but is enthralled by the beauty at the Italian way of life, away from the cities.

Hotel where we stayed

This was a long day for Ross and myself as we were coming down with the  bug that was sweeping the group. A throat /chest infection was taking its toll, Paul and Gary carried us most of the way, great work again boys. Garry always has his music selection playing on his phone for all to hear and it was the famous song by the Hollies above that was playing as we were climbing. He ain't heavy....Nice touch Garry. We climbed all day ascending 2500 mts. 

Passing through villages Amato, Tiriolo Taverna and Villaggio Mancuso. 

Beautiful wood land and heavily treed. Mainly pine

Arrive at Albergho dell Posta, hotel tonight, great stuff, classy too, a wedding on, also an Italian First Communion.

Villagio Mancuso is a mountain tourist resort, quite reminiscent of Swiss Chalets.