Cinque Terre

We got up bright and early to set off on a 13km hike through the 5 villages that make up Cinque Terre.  Most of the trails were high above the sea on very narrow rocky trails.  A very serious flash fool came through the area in October of 2011, so a lot of the area has had to be rebuilt.

 I couldn't even guess how many "make-shift" stairs we climbed, but it was A LOT.  The kids were so awesome.  Not even one complaint from any of them and it was a very hot day.  The distance between each of the villages was about 3 or 4 km with the reward of a plunge in the sea at each village.

 This was a home literally ripped apart by the flash floods.

 We stopped in Corniglia for lunch and then on to the next village for gelato.

 The Gelato here is made with all fresh local ingredients and we were told that it is the best in the region. 

 

 This is one of the many swimming areas.  Off of these rocks are very deep pools of water that the kids loved jumping in to.  It's just not something that we get to experience at home so the kids are taking every opportunity to take the plunge.

 

 The final stretch of the hike has a tunnel where people from all over the world have "left their mark".  We all found a little spot to leave a message.

 After the last village, we hopped on board the train and in about 6 minutes we were back to Montorrosso.

It was a long hot day on the trail, but oh so worth it!!!