Alcamo Marina Sicily
We had a fantastic start to the challenge, clocking 134.5km on Day 1, completing 12% of the challenge.
It was a gorgeous day in Palermo (+17C) as 11 STARR members took to the streets for their challenge to virtually run the circumference of Sicily. Our quest started at Giardino Garibaldi the down town core of the city, with a great view of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The location is a small19th-century park with huge fig trees, ornamental fountains and busts of historical figures. The park is known for its famous ficus tree, the oldest tree in Palermo. Ken and Chloe were there to send us off and cheer us on.
Starting us out were Vanessa (6.7k), Jackie (9.1k), Jenny (10k) and Greg (10k) who meandered us through the town centre and out along the coast. They passed Isola de Femmine where Ken tells us Joe DiMaggio’s parents are from, and then on past the Palermo airport.
Maggiarie Beach Sicily
We all expected Danny to kick us off to a good start and he didn’t disappoint. Danny must have been thinking it’s the Sicilian beaches or bust as he clicked 20k and took us past our first official beach stop - Maggiarie Beach. While wading in the water and playing in the sand, Danny found the first prize (Italian treats) at our first of many mystery destinations.
Danny then handed the baton to Andy (10k), Leslie Ann (10.4k) and Kari (11.8k) to continue our route along the coast. Kari, not to be outdone by Danny, lead us to another gorgeous beach, Alcamo Marina – the next mystery site on our tour. She too earned some Italian treats.
Danny must have been thinking he’d find more treats as he headed out on his second walk of the day (10km) but no more treats were to be had. Robin (15k), Megen (6.54k) and Maggie (15k) finished off today’s leg. Maggie could see the shining lights of Trapani as she put her head down for the night.
We’re looking forward to another great day tomorrow. What mystery sites will be in store. What will we find? Stay tuned.
Ken and Chloe in front of a Giardino Garibaldi ficus tree