Day 2 Consuma: lost in the deep forest

The day begins with a lovely uphill stretch. There are two small towns on the way. In Diacetto there is a wonderful bakery, where I made a wonderful stop and stocked up on some wonderful bread for the journey. Ferrano is announced by a small castle that looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale. Up to this point there are isolated farms in a picturesque landscape. I am euphoric, but then a new trouble is 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 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 go 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. And everyone (except me, all of whom are experienced pilgrims) had one or two problems in the forest. Tomorrow we'll pre-book again... and download the GPS.