One More Hike. June 18th

There is one more trail open on the Cinque Terra and so of course Renai and I have to hike it. It is between Corniglia and Vernazza. We all catch the train to Corniglia, have lunch and then head off. This time Kirsten comes along for the hike.  Corniglia is the only town without a harbor as it is perched high above the sea.  Finding the  correct trail is not easy but we finally do. There are many trails in this National Park and some of them are long and very difficult. We want easier ones though they are far from easy.

 In Corniglia.

 Start of the hike.

On the trail.

Kirsten is 14, plays soccer and is in better shape than Renai or I so we let her literally run on ahead. She reaches Vernazza in about a half an hour. Takes us almost 1 1/2 hours. The plan is to  meet up with everyone else in Vernazza and let the kids swim in its protected harbor. We get there just about the time they arrive. After swimming, lunch and snacks we want to take the ferry to Manarola, the only town we haven't been to.
Now I had read somewhere that a water taxi was not expensive with groups and more fun so that is what we do. They were right. It kept close to the shore and was a great half hour ride.

 Boarding the water taxi.

 Our driver. He rowed out of harbor then started the outboard engine.

 Goodbye to Vernazza.

On the open sea.

 Corniglia.

Coming into Manarola

What a great little harbor and town. This is where we will have supper, but first the kids want to swim in the harbor. They do, but Annie gets frightened of the crabs on shore and it takes several swimmers including her sister to get her out of the water.

Swimming in the harbor.

We enjoy a great seafood dinner and then walk along the cliffs that lead to the closed section of one of the trails. After some photos, a train home and one more hike up to the house in Bonasolla.

 Sunset in Manarola.

 Kirsten.

Me.