09-Sep-2001 -- Coming from 42°N 14°E I used the ‘Autostrade’ A25/A24 up to Carsoli/Oricola and then continued on the SS5 to Roma. While passing Arsoli (~ 5,3 km from target) I could see the steep, wooded mountainous landscape and realized the oncoming problems to get to the CP. According to the maps available to there were two place to start from - Anticoli Corrado or Marano Equo. I decided first to try it from Anticoli Corrado, a mountainous village in direction NW to the confluence.

After I crossed this nice village followed by some investigations I found a path which led down into the valley towards Marano Equo, towards the CP. After a steep downhill walk for about 200 m, I found a path leading in desired direction. After I had passed a private garden the path became more or less impassable. Thorn bushes are growing across and on both a dense jungle of bushes and small trees can be found. I passed the CP in a distance of about 50 m. A direct access seems to be nearly impossible since the terrain is very steep and the thorns are not friendly to humans.

So I continued to follow the path in order find an access from the other side. After ~ 150 m I found a cave which was used some time ago as shelter. But this was the end of the path in front of a cliff. I returned and tried several times to enter the bush. Since I could net get a proper GPS reading, I had no compass and nevertheless a lot of thorn stuck already in my head and arms I gave up to get closer. At the closest clearing where you can see Marano Equo and the GPS reading was quite stable I put up the reference plate.

The way back and especially up to the village was a bit harder and finally I was totally wet when I arrived at the car. In total it took me more or less three hours and not even a full success. I calculated the remaining daylight time and in spite of the expected rush hour around Roma I decided to skip 42°N 12°E for this time. But on my way back to Taranto I’ll visit 41°N 14°E since it seems to be quit easy.

Note: Now I know that there is a jungle in Europe – a nice and interesting experience.