SummerSimo Travel Troubles Notes and The Purring Page

Imagine walking along a path that connects two sacred places, crossing different landscapes, cultures, and traditions. Imagine following the footsteps of pilgrims, saints, and warriors, discovering the rich heritage of a land that has witnessed centuries of history. Imagine feeling the peace and beauty of nature, from the sea to the mountains, from the plains to the valleys. This is the Heavenly Path, a 210-km-long route that joins Aquileia, the ancient Roman city and seat of a glorious patriarchate, to Mount Lussari, the alpine sanctuary where a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary was found.

The Heavenly Path is not just a hiking trail, it is an experience of faith, history, and nature. It takes about ten days to complete, mostly on tracks, country lanes, and mountain trails. It is divided into ten stages, each with its own charm and challenge. Along the way, you will encounter churches, monasteries, castles, villages, vineyards, forests, rivers, lakes, and peaks. You will also meet people who will welcome you with hospitality and kindness.

The Heavenly Path starts from the island of Barbana, near Grado, where a shrine dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary was built in the 6th century. From there, you will reach Aquileia, where you can admire the impressive basilica with its stunning mosaic floor and the archaeological remains of the Roman city. You will then continue to Aiello del Friuli, where you can visit the star-shaped fortress and the museum of bells. The next stop is Cormons, a town famous for its wine production and its elegant villas. From Cormons, you will climb up to Castelmonte, a medieval castle that houses another Marian shrine.

The Heavenly Path then enters the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, where you will discover its diversity and richness. You will pass through Masarolis, a village that preserves its ancient customs and traditions. You will then reach Montemaggiore, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and mountains. The next stage will take you to Rifugio A.N.A., a mountain hut that offers a cozy accommodation and a delicious cuisine. From there, you will descend to Prato di Resia, where you can learn about the Resian culture and language. You will then continue to Dogna, a small town at the foot of Mount Chiampon.

The last two stages of the Heavenly Path are the most challenging but also the most rewarding. You will climb up to Valbruna, a charming village in the Valcanale valley. You will then face the final ascent to Mount Lussari, where you will be greeted by the majestic sight of the Julian Alps and the enchanting sanctuary of Santa Maria di Lussari. According to legend, a shepherd found an image of the Virgin Mary on a branch of a hawthorn tree on this mountain in 1360. Since then, many pilgrims have visited this place to pray and ask for graces.

The Heavenly Path is a journey that will touch your heart and soul. It is a journey that will make you appreciate the beauty and diversity of this land and its people. It is a journey that will inspire you to discover yourself and your spirituality. If you are looking for an adventure that combines faith, history, and nature, then the Heavenly Path is for you.

The food on Heavenly Path reflects the diversity and richness of the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, which has been influenced by different cultures and traditions over the centuries. You can find dishes that are typical of the Italian, Austrian, Slovenian, and Resian cuisines, as well as local specialties and products.

Some of the dishes that you can enjoy along the Heavenly Path are:

Frico, a crispy cheese pancake made with Montasio cheese and potatoes.

Goulash, a hearty stew of beef, onions, paprika, and other spices, served with polenta or bread.

Spatzle, small dumplings made with flour, eggs, and water, cooked in boiling water and then sautéed with butter or cheese.

Montasio based ravioli, pasta filled with Montasio cheese and herbs, topped with melted butter and sage.

Tiramisu, a famous dessert made with ladyfingers soaked in coffee and layered with mascarpone cream and cocoa powder.

Some of the local products that you can taste or buy along the Heavenly Path are:

Wine, especially from the Collio area, where you can find white wines such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Friulano, and Ribolla Gialla, and red wines such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Refosco.

Cheese, such as Montasio, a semi-hard cheese with a nutty flavor that can be aged from two months to two years, or Formadi Frant, a soft cheese made with mixed milk and cheese scraps.

Ham, such as San Daniele, a cured ham with a sweet and delicate taste that is protected by a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) label, or Prosciutto Cotto di Sauris, a smoked ham flavored with juniper berries and bay leaves.

Honey, such as Miele di Tarvisio, a dark and aromatic honey produced by bees that feed on the flowers of the alpine meadows, or Miele di Castagno, a chestnut honey with a strong and bitter taste.

I hope this gives you an idea of what kind of food you can expect on the Heavenly Path. It sounds delicious and varied…