A Journey into the Heart of Civita

The sun was barely peeking over the horizon as I found myself standing at the edge of Civita, a small village nestled in the Province of Cosenza. The air was crisp, carrying with it the scent of the mountains and the promise of adventure. I was here to embark on the Pollino Adventure, a journey that promised to reveal the secrets of the Borgo Gole Mountain and the majestic world of raptors.

As someone who has spent years in the harsh, icy landscapes of the Arctic, the warmth of Civita was a welcome change. Yet, the rugged beauty of the mountains reminded me of the glaciers I had traversed, their silent strength echoing in the cliffs and valleys of this Italian paradise. My guide, Pietro, was a young man with a passion for the land that was palpable. His knowledge of the Arbresche culture and the Raganello gorges was extensive, and his stories brought the history of the region to life.

We began our ascent, the path winding through the mountains like a thread through a tapestry. The Devil’s Bridge loomed ahead, a testament to the enduring spirit of the people who had built it. As we climbed higher, the panoramic views unfolded, each turn revealing a new vista more breathtaking than the last. It was a landscape that demanded respect, much like the polar regions I had come to know so well.

The Dance of Raptors

After a hearty lunch that left me more than satisfied, we continued our journey to the Setteventi Center of Pollino. Here, I was introduced to Roberto, Pietro’s father, whose passion for falconry was as intense as the sun overhead. The world of raptors is one of precision and grace, a dance between man and bird that is as old as time itself.

Roberto’s approach was honest and unvarnished, a reflection of the raw beauty of the natural world. His explanations were not just informative but deeply moving, stirring a curiosity within me that I hadn’t felt in years. As he spoke of the relationship between man and nature, I was reminded of my own experiences in the Arctic, where survival often depends on a similar understanding and respect.

The highlight of the day was meeting Abel, a magnificent raptor whose presence commanded attention. Standing mere inches from this creature, I felt a connection that transcended words. It was a moment of pure emotion, a reminder of the power and majesty of the natural world.

Reflections on a Timeless Bond

As the day drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on the journey I had undertaken. The Pollino Adventure was more than just a trek through the mountains; it was an exploration of the bond between man and nature, a theme that has been a constant in my life.

Pietro and Roberto’s passion for their land and its creatures was infectious, their stories weaving a tapestry of history, tradition, and respect. It was a narrative that resonated deeply with me, echoing the lessons I had learned in the polar regions.

In the end, I left Civita with a renewed sense of wonder and a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance that exists between humanity and the natural world. The Pollino Adventure had enriched my soul, much like the icy landscapes I have come to love. It was a reminder that, no matter where we are in the world, the dance between man and nature is a timeless one, filled with beauty, respect, and awe.