The Appenines are described as the backbone of Italy, and we discovered an army marching for power across the brows of the mountains in a long file.
These wind turbines did not, to my eye, detract from the landscape - they never do. Clothed in clouds, they looked as if they belonged.
Driving from Carunchio to Schiavi d'Abruzzo showed some majestic scenery.
And as the town appeared in the distance, I wondered if the clouds would catch up with us.
Our destination was, in fact, past Schiavi, as we were hunting the Italic (Pre-Roman) temples built nearby.
This bush - a type of broom? - grew by the layby where we parked the car.
This was clearly one of nature's gardens.
The vegetation was lush.
The ground beneath our feet was squelchy. I think there must have been springs to create such bogginess as elsewhere was dry.
It transpired that we had entered the temple site by the back door (an easier path from a parking place lay downhill of where we stopped)
I am very partial to a bit of ancient wall
and this was certainly well up to standard!
This is a temple reconstruction
while these more ancient remnants are somewhat protected from the elements.
Wonderful change of scale in this terracotta floor.
and a hint of more pillars.
We were the only people there, and the site was very peaceful. It was easy to imagine why it had been chosen as a sacred place. The majestic views of the cloud-clad Majella Mountains was awe-inspiring and the atmosphere was contemplative and special.
We were surrounded by the treasures of nature.
Eventually, it was time to leave and set off homewards
Past Schiavi d'Abbruzzo once more,
Past more mountains
and glimpses of Lago di Bomba to tempt another excursion on another day.
