Stage 17 Cassino - Tagliacozzo

Wild horses couldn't drag me away...........

 We roll out of the hotel in Cassino with the Abbey as a a beautiful back drop high up on the hill in the background. Warm and sunny all the way today, as yesterday was sunny/cloudy and our coolest day so far.

A gentle climb up through the valley, mountains lush green and beautiful woodlands. Peter decides with a few others to ride to the Abbey, I am sure he won't regret the effort.

Monte Cassino Abbey

The climb up through the valley is constant but spectacular. The province is Frosinone in central Italy and the economy is mainly based on agriculture.

The soils in this region favour red wine, and Cabernet Sauvignon is a favourite of this region.

Coffee stop in Atina

Atina is a beautiful town elevated above a valley with surrounding hills. Also in this region is Sora famous for it stone walls, is situated on the Liri River

Monti Simbruini is famous for the Fiat 500 car. Still popular in Italy today. The highest peak in this region is Monte Cotendo at 2015 mtr. Like a lot of Italy the area is subject to earthquakes.

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View overlooking the surrounding mountains in Atina

As Mick Jagger sang Wild Horses couldn't drag me away, what a great surprise to see horses wondering on the side of the road. 

These were the size of a horse but the look was very much like a donkey.

After a steady climb for most of the day we finally arrived at the the peak looking down on Tagliacozzo, wow what a view with the mountains as a back drop. A steep descent of 600 mtr into the town which has an elevation of 650 mtr.

Piazza dell Obelisco

A grande Gelati in town and a visit to Piazza dell Obelisco.

Lovely campsite, Garry and Paul produce the Lemoncello and some of the crew join us for a drink or two. Tom (Miami) stream the music through his portable speaker replaying all the hits from yesteryear. What a great night.

Tagliacozzo is located in the western part of Marsica , in the area of the Palentini Plans , not far from the borders separating Abruzzo from Lazio , in a position lying along the slopes of Mount Civita. 

Pescara  is of particular interest to the five Amici's as Ross's mum and dad are from here. Ross contemplated travelling to this region as family members still live their. so close Ross to your roots.

Camp Site at Tagliacozzo