So teach us to number our days so that we can present to Thee a heart of wisdom. Psalms 90:12
Spoleto, in Roman times, held a strategic geographical position. In 774, it became part of the Holy Roman Empire. The Roman ruins include a Roman theater, Roman arches and a part of the Roman road. The Duomo was begun in 1100s and has an unusual feature of eight Rosettes. The mosaic floors were a delight. You have to … Continue reading Guide Paulo in Spoleto
The ridge between northern and southern Umbrian forests grows the magical black truffles famous in many Italian dishes. On our hike to the ‘ecotourism’ Bartoli Farm, it begins to rain as fog rolls in and covers the mountains with mist. ( Patrico sul Monteluco, agriturismobartoli@yahoo.it) The farm is a working farm and is available for dining tourists and … Continue reading AGRITOURISM – Truffle Farm
“Andiamo, Let’s Go!” Heading toward Spoleto, there is a mountain road that leads to “sacred woods”. Old growth forest rewards you after many harrowing hairpin curves in a tour bus. It is quiet. Moss is growing on trees and the paths have wooden cross fences. It is raining lightly. Our guide was from Spoleto and has memories of … Continue reading Sacred Woods of Spoleto
A protest against cutting ancient trees demonstrated by these stumps deposited in the Assisi main square. Our tour group gathered together for the walk down, down, down through Assisi from the Center Square to St. Francis’ Basilica. An African Franciscan monk was our guide in English. The Basilica is two churches built on top of … Continue reading St. Francis Assisi Basilica
The St. Francis Hermitage on Mt. Sabatio houses five monks who live there year around. There is art and sculptures in the monastery, and an outdoor ancient altar on a wooded path around the mountain. The Hermitage had narrow small short openings for doors to help keep it warm in the winter. There was one dining area … Continue reading Impact of St. Frances of Assisi
“Italians make fun of everything – the Pope, business, family, and traffic. But never, never poke fun at food or soccer. That is sacred,” says Matteo, our guide from Collepino to Spello, Matteo kept us entertained with his take on Italian politics and life. “At least the professional crooks were smart when they ran the government. We … Continue reading Spello with Difficulty
Gold. Flecks of light. Valuable. Fleeting. Reflection of value. Mining minerals in the mountains of Colorado occurred throughout the 1800’s. The miners brought their heritages with them and named the town Como, after Lake Como in Italy. But there is only a small lake. “Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold.” Exodus 30:15 NIV I have … Continue reading Gold in Mountains
Along the Taylor River Valley near Almont are multiple hikes, IF you can find the trailheads. Each of the campgrounds has a hike and a parking area. The hike we choose was Doctor’s Meadow or Park. This is a popular mountain bike trail so be careful and pay attention to bikes on corners. We began the climb at … Continue reading Turn Around
“Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them.” Ezekiel 37:13 “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice.” John 5:28 Tincup Cemetery is less than a mile out of town. I love visiting cemeteries … Continue reading Tincup Cemetery
“Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.” Psalms 42:7 NIV At the Judd Falls sign, the roar of August snowmelt reached our ears. It was an unusual winter in 2019 with lingering snowmelt. The first view of the Falls was breathtaking and reminded me of … Continue reading Water Judd Falls
