Sunday, December 03, 2006

Ancestral Homeland...

The Valnerina


After our tour was over, Elaine and I stayed on another week in Italy, rented a car and drove up to the Valnerina (Valley of the river Nera) region of southern Umbria. This is a beautiful area of central Italy tucked away in the Appenines and is the area from which my great grandfather Francesco came.

Scheggino

Scheggino

The little hillside town of Scheggino is nestled in the heart of the valley and at first blush seemed empty of people. However, we found a place to eat lunch at the Taverna del Brancaleoni.


Salume di Norcia

Salume

We ordered a selection of prepared meats (Salume) from the local area. They were made from wild boar, and were from the pork industry in Norcia, which produces the finest pork products in the world. They were absolutely delicious and very affordable.


Valley of the Nera

Valley of the Nera

We proceeded southward and upward from Scheggino, up a windy, narrow road as we assaulted the mountains. This is the view looking back down the valley.


Appenines

Appenines

I was impressed as to how much the scenery reminded me of central California. This photo could have been taken in Palo Colorado Canyon.


View from the pass

valley view

Our destination was just over the pass at about 1000 meters above sea level, so one last view looking over the valley from the highest point possible...

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