Photo 1: The Sicilian hinterland
Finally lying on the bed after 65 km of pedaling under a scorching sun, which we in the north can only have in the hottest August. The hotel in Gela was particularly nice, hotel Archeo, we slept very well and this morning the program said to pay a visit to the Greek walls of Gela which are right next to the hotel and is the most important monument of Gela. At 9, now indicated as opening, I go to the gates, but there is no one, all closed. I wait a while, then with impatience I look for the number of the superintendence for the cultural heritage of Caltanissetta, but no one answers all the numbers. I know perfectly well that in the park, in the evening, there are musical performances, so it is not a problem of closure for covid. I find a number of the Department of Cultural Heritage of Gela and here fortunately they answer me. They tell me that the site is closed, as per the sign on the gate and to visit it you need to book at least 2 days in advance. I want to clarify that there is no warning. Impossible, they tell me. I retrace my steps. There is no warning. I call back and take my revenge, like a good louse that I can be in certain situations. I understand that they would like to come and open me just to remedy: I ​​tell them, that it is not important, I have to leave, but please put the warning that others like me do not stay here waiting in vain
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Photo 2: The Manfria tower
We set off and the road immediately strikes us, as the view, not so much towards the sea, but towards the hinterland, is truly extraordinary. The hills in the background have colors we are not used to, although they are obviously dry and parched. We are surrounded by hills, so we understand that the day will not be flat. In fact, after a few kilometers we begin the climb towards Torre di Manfria, and at the brow, the view of the sea is breathtaking. The colors are much more intense than yesterday, as the air was permeated by the sand carried by the wind, which is not there today.
Photo 3: Manfria beach
We descend on the Lido di Manfria and avoiding open gates with dogs, that instead of waving their tail, come towards us to take our feet, we arrive on the beach.
Photo 4: Manfria beach
By now all the beaches we have seen are completely empty, stretches of sand that are lost on the horizon, enclosed by rock scenes like a theater. We leave Manfria and through a dirt path in the middle of the countryside, not without ups and downs, we take the state road 115 again.
Photo 5: The Sicilian hinterland
In the distance, we see a promontory with a castle and the indication of Castello di Falconara. We decide to visit it and we could not have made a better choice, not so much for the incomparable beauty of this place and I am sorry to publish only a few photos, but also because it is a place where it was easy to meet people and to speak with them, and you know very well that I never lose this possibility
Photo 6: Falconara Castle
On the beach, under the castle, I find a couple, two words and immediately we get in tune and I hope that Valentino, since he defined me as a poet of emotions, can read this passage that I dedicate to him. But that is not all.
Photo 7: Falconara castle beach
Another extraordinary encounter with a well-rounded traveler, Thair Abud, who is touring the world on foot and is always accompanied by other people he meets on his pilgrimage. He has already traveled 21000 km around the world on foot, he collects donation for Doctor Clown Tanzania, a meeting that has turned into an honor!
Photo 8: Falconara castle beach
He gives me his decal and I’ll post a photo of him on the rock in front of the castle. Back in the saddle and off to Licata, which is our stopping point for lunch.
Photo 9: Fine dishes al Luna restaurant
We stop at the New Port, at the La Luna restaurant, a place that in truth certainly deserved much more appropriate clothing and not our very sweaty cycling clothing.
Photo 10: Licata tourist port
Well-finished dishes, both in taste and insight, and you all know very well that the eye also wants its food part. From Licata we decide to go through Torre di Gaffe, which we reach through roads and lanes in the middle of the countryside.
Photo 11: An unexpected white stork
Here Cri notices, on a meadow, the presence of a stork, which I didn’t think existed in the South. In Torre di Gaffe I learn a bit of history. It was in fact one of the first landing points in Italy of the allies in the Second World War.
Photo 12: Torre di Gaffe
To us it looks like a huge beach with 4 kitesurfers circling over its cobalt blue waters. We stop on the only closed shed and consume a nice bunch of white grapes that gives us energy.
Photo 13: Torre di Gaffe beach
These energies will not be sufficient for the path we will have to face. In fact, to try to avoid a promontory, which would have taken us to 180 meters and more of altitude, we decide to take the state road 115, without reaching it, however, but only flanking it, most likely the old state road. He will never have exceeded 180, but the climbs have been endless and above all with slopes that are absolutely impossible for us.
Photo 14: Torre di Gaffe beach, The first beach of the Allied landing in Italy in 1943
But the best is yet to come. Sure that tonight we would have slept in a b & b practically on the sea, we head where Google gives us the position. We arrive on the spot, but there is nothing. Two kids give us directions to reach this place which is 3 km away, and it’s all uphill, near the castle of Palma di Montechiaro. With a little effort we arrive at this b & b that will have 40% as the final ramp, an absurd thing. We realize that there is no restaurant, as they said, because it is closed. Already sent the change of position to Google !!!
Photo 15: Torre Gaffe beach
Kindly the owner understands the situation and gives us the name of another b & b canceling the reservation made on booking.com. Of course there are another 3 km to go, Come on Cri, do not be pissed off that I am already pissed off enough. Fortunately we find a kind person in the chosen b & b and now I must say that we are really well. Here we have a house practically all to ourselves. See you tomorrow for the last stage.
Photo 16: Thair Abud
Io ho uno zio che vive a Gela e da piccoli ci portava sempre sulla