Madonie, Sicily: Hike to the Quacella Ridge

 

Etna seen from Quacella trail

When visiting the Madonie Park in Sicily, we had decided to do the Vallone Degli Angeli loop hike as it was considered one of the most popular walks in the region. A description in English can be read here. On the other hand, good topographic updated hiking maps are not available in Italy, signposts can be old and explanations unclear.

Start of hike SP119 road
Start of hike SP119 road
Soon after leaving trailhead
Soon after leaving trailhead
Shortcut path from trailhead
Shortcut path from trailhead

The trailhead (“Punto informazione sentiero” on Google maps at 1240 m elev.) in the forest was by the SP119 road, and was easy enough to find  when driving south from the northern coast. We were advised to use the road via Collesano (SP9) then SP54 to Portella Colla from where the SP119 descended to our starting point. There was a gate for official vehicles, and some information. 


We were alone, but two forest fire fighters appeared, opened the gate for their 4X4 and drove to the park. They were the only humans we met during the hike! We took a shortcut, climbing southeast and merged with the longer dirt track. After a while, we reached a crossroads (1390 m elev.) where the right-hand trail dove down to Vallone Degli Angeli. However, the text in Italian on the signpost indicated that the trail was closed due to maintenance. 


Polizzi Generosa viewed from trail
Polizzi Generosa viewed from trail
Madonna degli Angeli trail closed
Madonna degli Angeli trail closed
Crossroads after forest hut
Crossroads after forest hut
Trail forks to Quacella
Trail forks to Quacella

We did not want to take any risks and decided to continue the ascent along the less interesting dirt track. Heading east, we passed a forest hut then came to a crossroads where we continued straight, and after a few bends saw the trail to Quacella painted on the rock (red arrow and a white/red marking). Markings were first well visible in red and white. After another crossroads we followed a narrower trail marked by some red spots. We temporarily lost the trail about mid-way to the escarpment. Etna, 90 km away in the east became visible. We ascended to the ridge (about 1800 m elev.) with super views. We did not climb to the summit (1869 m).


On trail to Quacella
On trail to Quacella
Portella Colla seen from Quacella
Portella Colla seen from Quacella
Quacella southwest view
Quacella southwest view
Madona degli Angeli Valley
Madonna degli Angeli Valley
Nebrodi fir
Nebrodi fir

We descended to the beforementioned junction on the dirt track. We then made another detour along a wide trail heading southwest. We tried to locate the rare Nebrodi Firs, and maybe we saw some specimens!


We returned using the same itinerary but took the longer dirt track loop before reaching the starting point.


Climb: 690 m
Distance: 12 km
Duration: 4h 30



Quacella hike track

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Kale, red rice and green lentils

 

Kale red rice and green lentils


Red rice has a nutty flavour and a high nutritional value due to its antioxidants, anthocyanins, which give the red colour. Red rice is now cultivated also in Camargue, in the South of France, so you can choose a local product. Most of the brown rice comes from Asia. 

Kale is one of the healthiest greens. And organic local kale is an even better choice for your dishes. 

The following recipe makes a nice, super healthy lunch in autumn and winter. By topping each bowl with a soft-cooked egg you can complete the vegetable proteins from lentils with some animal protein.

2 servings

4- 5 sprigs of organic kale

3 tbsp. olive oil

About 2 handfuls of cooked red rice

About 200 ml cooked green lentils

1 shallot, chopped

1 tsp. dried Provençal herbs

Freshly ground black pepper

2 soft-cooked eggs

2 tsp. capers


Cook the red rice and green lentils according to the advice on the packages. Red rice needs about 40 minutes cooking time and green lentils normally about 25 minutes. Drain and set aside. 


Meanwhile wash the kale leaves. Warm the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat and cook the kale leaves for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the shallot, herbs, and some black pepper to the pan and continue cooking for about 5- 10 minutes. Stir now and again.  Add the rice and lentils to the pan and stir.


Divide the mixture into two bowls and top with a soft-cooked egg. Sprinkle the eggs with the capers and serve.


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