Sun 11/09/08 Hiking the Garfgnana with Friends of the Forest

Our intention for today was to take the special train to a small mountan town in the Alpi Apuane region north of Lucca. The area has a large park with high peaks which is a Mecca for hikers, mountain bikers, and roadies. There was to be a chestnut festival in a small tradional town up at a deadend road, and we thought it would be interesting. However, our SERVAS friend Carmine suggested we joined a group of enthusiastic hikers on a hike up to 1600 meters organized by a local group similar to the Sierra Club. At the end of the hike the plan was to enjoy hot chestnuts, pies, and cakes made of chestnut dough topped with riccotta. Above all, wine was being served as well. This was a great opportunity for us to mingle with an energetic group of people. We were picked up by Carmine who took us to a local parking lot where we were to car pool with other members. The weather was cool, and cloudy, but it didn't rain. The views from ascending the mountain were wonderful. Many of the trees had shed their leaves which offered us open landscapes with meadows, evergreen patches, and granite peaks in the distance. Below we could spot old hill towns with forts, and churches surrounded by stone houses. The food at the end was a treat. We stuffed our faces with warm delicacies before returning to our small apartment in Lucca.