Sicilian Countryside

Italy (Sicily) Stage 02 – Castellammar to Trapani 42 Km (Wed 23 May 2018)

Weather: 13⁰C min – 20⁰C max, mostly cloudy

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“Know your limitations and then defy them.” ~ Unknown

Sometimes when you are not expecting too much you end up being pleasantly surprised. Sticking to the premier highway SS189 again, I was treated to some lovely Sicilian countryside, particularly the first half of the trip. It would be difficult not to be impressed with the imposing pinnacles on my left, jutting high into the sky. And fortunately they stayed on my left, although today I flirted with the challenging foothills.

Sunshine appeared briefly, enabling me to get some reasonable photos from up high looking down over the stunning town of Castellammare Del Golfo and the Mediterranean Sea far below. Then further along I enjoyed vistas of grapevines and houses dotting the hillside over the other side of the valley.

It was while stopped by the roadside, admiring the panoramic views, that I met my two new German friends Tony and Rudi who, like me, were struggling up the hill with pannier-laden bikes. We talked for a while, took a selfie of the three if us, then continued our struggle ever upwards … until my compulsion to take photos left me behind.

What today’s stage lacked in distance (only 40 Km), it made up for with ascents and headwinds. I therefore didn’t hesitate to stop for a panini and coffee at the first bar-caffe I came to.

Unfortunately, by the time I reached Trapani it had become a dull, grey day, so my photos do not do justice to this beautiful fishing port on the west coast of Silily. Oh well, there are several other fabulous towns ahead of me before I reach Siracusa in nine more days!