In the mountains

Feeling a lot better the next day, with no head winds, I started, taking one more look at Colobraro.

I pushed on, reached at large artificial lake, called Bacino de Pantano. After the lake there was yet again a taxing incline, towards a national park, called Pollino. I was going on some real small roads, uphill for the large part of the day. I met some rodents, who apparently were curious to meet a biker cycling in the heat-wave.

I had pretty impressive views that day, riding through this scarcely inhabited area of southern Italy.

I did not expect that the real push would be in the evening, it was a 12 kilometer-long inclince, ascending some 600 meters...I was so happy when it was over...then a large drop into the valley of Castrovillari. I chose to crash again (no, not with the bike, just on the side of the road) and found a sweet spot overlooking the valley.

I went to sleep...until SOMETHING woke me up, being real close to my tent. I tried flashing my light at it, barking, it would not bulge, no idea what it was, maybe a swine? Someone even told me later there are some wolves around that area...oh well, am still kicking.