Day 2 Consuma: lost in the deep forest

The day begins with a lovely uphill stretch. There are two small towns along the way. In Diacetto there is a bakery where you can see directly into the oven from the sales room. Of course, I stopped here and stocked up on some wonderful bread for the next few days.

Ferrano is announced by a small castle, the sight of which makes you feel like you are in a fairy tale. Up to this point there are isolated farms in a picturesque landscape. I am euphoric, but trouble is already looming.

There is a 10-kilometer-long path through the mountain forest. One path becomes several. And here again the problem from yesterday: useless markings that I can no longer match with the hiking guide. I try using GPS, but have to download it again. It doesn't work, no internet. Google Maps goes completely crazy and then disappears. Uphill or downhill, left or not left, high treetops above, cloudy sky above. This path or the other one? Tried everything once. Personal orientation is no longer an option.

And maybe sleep outside

After some back and forth, I'm now seriously considering spending the night here. But it doesn't solve the internet problem and my cell phone battery will be as empty tomorrow as it is today. So I decide to walk back to the bus stop about 10 kilometers away to take the bus.

When I arrive in Consuma, there is another surprise: the hotel mentioned in the guide is closed. The local pilgrims' hostel is fully booked. In my mind I see myself sleeping outside again, but after several gentle attempts the innkeeper manages to persuade a rather strange lady to let me stay in her room.

And at the end a hearty evening

Eight pilgrims at one table, cooked for by the innkeeper, can create a very cheerful atmosphere. Peace has been restored within me. And everyone (except me, all experienced pilgrims) had one or two problems in the forest. Tomorrow we'll pre-book again... and download the GPS.