Il Parco Nazionale della Sila is the largest mountain range in Calabria and encompasses 21 towns, six mountain communities and three provinces – Catanzaro, Cosenza and Crotone.
It is divided into three regions – Sila Grande (in Cosenza), Sila Piccola (in Catanzaro) and Sila Greca (in Crotone).
The highest point in Sila Grande is Botte Donato which stands1,928 meters high with Gariglione in Sila Piccola coming in at 1,764 meters. Rivers and lakes are spread throughout La Sila, where various species of hippos, elephants, bison and bear have called home.
Today’s visitor is more likely to see deer, wolves, badgers, stone martens or weasels roaming through the dense forests of the untamed mountain terrain.
photo credit: dalliedee
The black squirrel, or zaccanedda in dialect, is a popular guest at picnics and family hikes. This speedy hunter is larger than its cousin – the plain ‘ole tree squirrel – and is more commonly found throughout southern Italy.
photo credit: ltshears
The drive from Catanzaro to Sila Piccola is a relaxing 45-minute jaunt with scenery – much like the pictures below – guiding your way.
In the early evening the jewel-toned trees fade away as the landscape transforms into black mountains and silhouetted trees that contrast with the crystal waters of lakes and rivers.
Oh yes, Calabria is famous for its sandy beaches and warm Mediterranean water, but unless you venture north and into the mountains you’ll miss out on Calabria’s other specialty … and we can’t have that, now can we?
Check back every Friday for the Sila Friday Series to get more information on traveling in La Sila.
What about you? Are you a beach person, mountain person or both and what are you favorite things to do once you are there?
** One of the things expats talk about the most when we are together is the food we miss. Michelle is helping us out this week with her homemade bagel recipe, part of the La Buona Cucina Americana recipe series. **
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Post-Tribune (IN) September 14, 2007 THIS ELECTRONIC VERSION MAY DIFFER SLIGHTLY FROM PRINTED VERSION NORTHWEST INDIANA RED CROSS HELPS FLOOD VICTIMS: Residents of Lake, Jasper and Newton counties whose homes have been rendered uninhabitable by flooding can call the American Red Cross of Northwest Indiana at 756-5360 to request help. Requests for assistance will require individual damage assessment and residence verification. Red Cross volunteers have been going door to door, conducting damage assessments and contacting residents who have reported flood damage. here men s haircuts
HIGHLAND PET FIRST-AID COURSE OFFERED: Prompt Ambulance Service, 9835 Express Drive, and the American Red Cross are offering a pet first-aid course at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22. The fee is $25, which includes a book and training kit. Advanced payment and registration is required, as class size is limited. For more information, call Tammy or Debbie at 924-1010.
HAMMOND BLOOD DRIVE: Heartland Blood Centers is having a blood drive from 3:30 to 7 p.m. today at Strack and Van Til’s, 2635 169th St. Every donor will receive a free water-bottle cooler and a coupon for a free pint of ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s. To schedule an appointment, call (708) 342-9721.
HAMMOND CANINE COSTUME CONTEST: A canine costume contest will take place Saturday as part of the second annual Bizarre Bazaar event in downtown Hammond. The fee is $5 per dog, and check-in begins at 10:30 a.m. Winners will be announced at 11:15. To register your pet, visit www.downtownhammond.org or call 937-0111. menshaircutsnow.net men s haircuts
HIGHLAND TEXTURE POINTE SALON PLANS CUT-ATHON: Texture Pointe Salon, 2062 45th St., will conduct its third annual cut-athon from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Women’s and men’s haircuts will be $15. Raffle tickets will be sold for prizes donated by local businesses. Proceeds will be donated to the Cancer Resource Centre in Munster. Appointments are not necessary. For more information, call 924-4656.
MUNSTER BLOOD DRIVE: Heartland Blood Centers is having a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at South Side Christian Church, 1000 Broadmoor. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call Jack at 365-1602 or the church at 836-2110. Walk-ins are always welcome.
Mountain, mountain, mountain person, and I love just walking through the woods and saying “Ooh! What’s that?” It’s helpful, then, if I have someone with me who has answers
I *love* that black squirrel…haven’t seen one in person yet though….
We saw one when we were there, but the little critter was too fast for me to get a good picture. All of my pics looked like the blurry Big Foot photos!! lol
michelle of bleeding espresso’s last blog post..la buona cucina americana: bagels
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Now I know what part of Italy to go to next
If I had more time, and the husband was home, we would could go to Italy more than once a year, so it is going to take me a while to visit all the different areas!!
I hear you. I am IN Italy and I have a hard time seeing everything there is to see. There is just *so* much! Can’t wait to see you soon here in Calabria, though!
Anne’s last blog post..Nearly Missed it……
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I love the beach, but not to just lay there. That bores me. I like to walk the surf and collect shells. Like the mountians as well.
Guess I am both
That is ok, I think I may be both, too. I don’t think we really HAVE to choose, do we??
My Melange’s last blog post..Love Thursday: Cappuccino Love
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Beautiful photos Cherrye!!! I guess you could call me the “southern mountain girl”, I love everything about it.
I do, too and the air is always so fresh up there!
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Used to be a beach person, but now the hill towns call to me. And I love La Sila. Looking forward to Sila Fridays.ciao ciao
Thanks, Carol. I love the mountains, too … although, these beaches sure are nice, as well!
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I like both
Then come to Calabria… you will love these!
City Girl’s last blog post..Early Thanksgiving Thoughts
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i am both…actually one of my fave places is 5 terre where i can enjoy both at the same time!
those fall foliage shots are lovely!
Thanks. I have never been to Cinque Terre…I’d sure love to go, though!
qualcosa di bello’s last blog post..hey! who moved the equator??
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Wonderful, Amazing photos!
I like both! Once, we drove through mountains on the way to a beach. Perfect balance! I like doing similar things at both places… just relaxing!
Oh that is the perfect balance and yes, both places are ideal for R&R!
Crazy Daisy’s last blog post..Have Junk – Carnival!!!
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