Today began with a big decision. Take the train to Vernazza and hike 2.1 miles up to Corniglia as this town is higher in elevation. Or take the train to Corniglia. Then take the 375 stairs up into the town from the train station, and then hike down to Vernazza. I gave the decision completely to Amber. She choose option 2 with a twist. She discovered that there was a shuttle bus up to the town of Corniglia bypassing all those steps. My wife is a smart woman.
Corniglia is the quietest of the towns as it is not on the coast, but up the side of the mountain. It may be also the cutest town. I definitely like the less crowd. We wander through the town as we search for the trailhead. This trail was not as hard as the one yesterday morning; while, also being as beautiful. Maybe it’s because we started about 1 hour earlier, but the trail was less crowded, more remote. Thus, a better experience. I was surprised to find halfway through the trail a lemonade stand, and other drinks. Amber knew, as she is a researcher. In fact, she was already planning to get their pink lemonade, containing, fresh lemons, pomegranate juice and a slice of watermelon. As a result, halfway through the trail we sat in the shade relaxing, sipping on drinks and enjoying the view. This is probably Amber’s type of hiking. Of our three hikes in Cinque Terre, this was my favorite: less crowded, less heat, more peaceful walk, and still great views. In fact, just before the lemonade stand, we were surprised by two men sitting by the trail playing a guitar and accordion creating a nice, but strange hiking ambiance. In the end, we were able to hike three of the four trails connecting these towns. The fourth trail, between Manarola and Corniglia, was closed because of a rock slide.
Later in the afternoon, Amber and I went to the beach to swim in the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. In this heat and humidity, the cool water felt great. The waves were strong, the beach small, but it was worth it. There is something about getting caught up in the rhythm of the waves. It’s relaxing. Speaking of rhythm, all of our lives are caught up in a rhythm, not all of them are relaxing and renewing. However, the rhythm of faith, following Christ, is a call, a mission while at the same time, renewing, life giving, true joy. “All who are weary and heavy laden, come to me,” Jesus says in Matthew. What rhythm is dictating your life: faith, busyness, productive/efficiency, self-fulfillment, or another?
Yesterday, we noticed a wonderful surprise. Up above the main square on a terrace by the ocean stood a St. Francis statue connecting our time here in Cinque Terre with Assisi. The only question was when to climb to the statue. After our beach swim, we decide the time has come. From this terrace, you of course had the statue, Francis and the Wolf, but there were also great views of the four other towns we explored here in Cinque Terre. Just behind the statue was a Franciscan church that used to be home to a Capuchin monastery. We explored the terrace, statue, and church. In the church, I prayed for me to help remember to see God and God’s goodness everywhere.
Tonight’s dinner, Amber found a place with an ocean view, and a breeze! On the menu, lobster linguine. I love lobster, but hardly ever eat it. The catch, it was a meal for two. Thankfully Amber agreed and the lobster was delicious. A great way to end our time on the coast.
