Those who experience nature at 360 °, for pleasure or for work, know how important the right equipment is. We all know that you have to dress like an onion, bring weather protection, have sturdy and non-slip footwear, a minimum (depending on the level of training) of first aid, water and food in a comfortable backpack.
It happened to everyone to bring something extra, for safety, and after dozens of times that something was not used, it was left at home … And that was exactly the time it would help, Murphy’s Law is terrible!
I have been going to woods and mountains for years, I have done self-sufficient trekkings, military patrols, solo and group excursions, in all weather conditions, I prefer fog and cold and rain, because there are fewer people around and Mother Nature is more generous to the brave.
On May 1st, thanks to the non-sunny weather forecasts, my group of friends decided to take a nice excursion to Monte Conero, a mountain overlooking the sea with steep paths and breathtaking views. It starts from the seaside town of Sirolo, enters the scents of the pine forest and climbs a narrow path clogged with “tourists” not equipped for adventure, especially a steep and stony path. Once at the convent on the top, which can also be reached by car, we stop for lunch, watched as aliens by the crowd in sneakers and 100 grams. We continue the path to reach the Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle, passing through the Passo del Lupo. The descent is very steep and slippery, no problem, we are equipped. Finally it begins to drip, calling it rain would be too much, the “tourists” flee, we smile, we are not water-soluble, as my sergeant used to say … We opt for a steeper and steeper path that will take us to the caves, and then join up with the Passo del Lupo, we no longer meet anyone for at least half an hour. Reached the main path we meet a crowd fleeing the “rain”, never mind the Passo del Lupo awaits us with its spurs of rock overlooking the dark blue sea. We begin the descent, equipped with rusty cables, it’s time to protect your hands, with our tactical gloves . It is an old habit learned in the Army, always having a pair of protective gloves in leather or technical material, a plug or a rusty cable, can do damage that limits the use of the hand, and on the path we are walking the hands are useful. firm and safe like our Vibram soles. The last step to the beach is a 4m abseil with a fixed rope, nothing for us, but definitely to be treated carefully!
A few photos and a sip of water and go up the same path, to return to Sirolo to drink a well-deserved beer, at the end it is 14km with 789m of elevation gain, fortunately with drizzle and wind.