Hiking the Serra di Celano, Abruzzo

Not surprisingly, after our long Corona lockdown this spring, I was chomping at the bit at the idea of being able to hike once again. Nothing like being confined to one’s city apartment to accelerate daydreams of vast mountain vistas and wide hiking trails.

Luckily, my family and I escaped the moment we could to enjoy a perfect weekend out in the mountains of Abruzzo, in our favorite get-away of Ovindoli.

On that visit, we hiked up the Serra di Celano trail that leads to Monte Tino, overlooking the Celano Canyon and the town of Celano.

It had been years since we’d hiked this trail. The first time we hiked this trail was when my youngest son turned 3. This was his first mountain hike he did himself (and not toted by me in my hiking backpack). He was so proud of himself, and I often slowed down to encourage him on.

This second hike was (gulp!) 12 years later, and the roles were definitely reversed. My teen uber athlete was often slowing down to allow me to catch up to him on that hot hiking day.

Obviously, I’m claiming the effects of post-lockdown are to blame for my lackluster performance, certainly not all those years that slipped by since I last hiked it …

Despite my strained performance, the much anticipated hike after months of lockdown was spectacular. (like many others) I had desperately missed the mountains and hiking during our period of enforced confinement.

This is a beautiful mountain trail that provides stunning views over the Gole di Celano (Celano Canyons) and the town of Celano in full view from the top of Monte Tino.

The cross hikers reach at the peak of Monte Tino is the cross that is clearly visible above the medieval castle and town of Celano.

I’m hoping for a beautiful autumn so that I can return for more mountain hiking weekends. Here’s to plenty of outdoor hikes and mask-free, socially-distanced space for all of us this autumn.