Exploring: Pantalica, Part 1

February 21, 2010

It's been feeling like spring here lately so we headed out yesterday for a hike at Pantalica. Adam and the kids did the same hike back in early January and they wanted to show me their discoveries. What a hike! During their first trip to Pantalica they hiked for five hours and once I saw the terrain I was even more impressed. It is beautiful, but the descent down into the canyon is very steep and rocky. The hike itself felt as if it was two different hikes because of the dramatic change in scenery as we made the trip from the upper region down to the river area.

On the upper part of the hike we started to see why all of the guide books rave about Pantalica in the spring. The almond trees are blooming, the cacti are bright green, and the wildflowers are just starting to open. Yesterday the path was decorated with wild sweet peas and Asphodelus. The weather was balmy, the sky was blue, and once again we had the place all to ourselves. I am afraid that this blog will soon just become a monotonous series of photos of wildflowers and ruins. I promise I'll try to spice things up a bit and post other stuff, too. But for now, be forewarned: the spring wildflower season is starting.


A quick note about the Asphodelus. The Greeks associated these flowers with death and believed they bloomed in the Elysian fields which was the final resting place for heroes. Stay tuned for part 2 of our Pantalica hike to see why it seems appropriate that the hiking path was covered with asphodelus.
Fly Girl said...

How lovely! I love wild flowers and Chicago will be covered in snow for at leasr 2 more months so post away!

Laurie said...

What on EARTH would you think is monotonous about these photos? We are all living vicariously...simply lovely.

Lori said...

That looks beautiful! Do you think it's something I could do with Molly strapped to me? It was good to see you today!

Karen said...

Un bel giorno, per securo!! Ahh, Sicily in Spring.... if only the snow would melt here!

ts said...

That second photo is AMAZING!!!

I just launched a line of fabric that celebrates families like ours, its very difficult to find textiles that show little kids who our children can relate to and so I made my own fabric. You can see it on my blog-

likeschocolate said...

I am impressed that your children hiked for 5 hours. Way to go!

Juniper said...

Oh wow- this looks very much like the walks we have been doing. The rocks, the light, the flowering almond trees and the cactus plants! I ended up taking a ton of wildflower pictures yesterday but set them aside for another posting, certainly does feel like spring!
Have not come across that second flower you included, the asphodelus. What a cool looking plant!
Looking forward to your part 2.

Lorraine Akemann said...

Enjoyable to see the wildflowers in anticipation for spring. Lovely shots.

Cami said...

Wow, wow, and WOW!

Madeline said...

gorgeous photos! And a blog full of flowers and ruins is not a bad thing at all :)

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