Monday October 10

We first picked up Vivian Moore, a British hiker who joined us for the next two days, at her hotel in town and then drove to the headquarters of the Orecchiella Park in the Appenines where we met our guide Alessandra.  We did a loop hike around the Pania di Corfino.  Many took the side trail to the summit of Pania di Corfino (5260 ft).  Lunch was on the trail and dinner was at La Greppia, a modest walk from the visitor center.  Vivian learned about doggie bags.

Tuesday October 11

We did a guided hike on the Pania Ring route to the top of Pania del Croce, the “queen” of the Apuan Alps (6100 ft.).  We started in Piglionico (3900 ft) and hiked up to the Rifugio Rossi where we had to wait a bit while the host prepared our meatloaf lunch.  After lunch we scrambled up thru the Vallon dell’Inferno to the summit ridge of Pania del Croce.  We returned on the same route.  Dinner was at La Palazzina.