Since we can't fly anywhere right now I'm still traveling vicariously through old film photos. Today I'm hiking the Cinque Terre. The Cinque Terre comprises five Italian villages, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. In addition to the trail connecting the towns there is also a train, though it doesn't afford much in the way of views as a lot of it is tunnels, the Italians being quite good at tunnels.
This was in 2002 and it was our first trip to Italy. We flew into Rome and from there we visited Florence, Siena, and then Santa Margherita Ligure, our base for the hike. The towns and the trail were already well known when we visited. Some credit Rick Steves for its fame. But it is still worth a visit, for the views of the sea, the charming hillside towns, and the walks through the farmland that fills in between the towns. And this being Italy, the food is good.
I'm still scanning a box of old photos and posting favorites. This is the first in a series on hikers on the trail. Here it is 1999 and Paul is starting the Cinque Terre.
