Day 2 Trapani to Menfi (201km)
What a strong day we’ve had traveling the coast of Sicily. We’re ahead of schedule. 15 STARR members were out working towards our 1,1101km goal - ending the day with 336.4km under our belts (30% of our goal).
Day 2 started in the wee hours. Claude and Teresa decided that their headlamp needed practice on Thursday nights would be sufficient to head into Trapani before sunrise. It paid off. Claude (10k) took us into Trapani and found the next secret spot to earn him a Trapani shirt. Teresa was hot on his heels (6k) chasing him out of Trapani and into the next town – Guarrato. Sicily is well known for its ricotta cheese, especially this area. She won herself a ricotta pasta – great for carbo loading.
It would be hard for us not to linger in this province (Trapini). It is very well known for its fabulous food. From an interesting spiral pasta known as busiate to a sandwich created from pizza dough (cabbucio Trapani), there is so much to sample here you might need to count your calories (or not). Have a look at this article and see if you find some Trapani culinary inspiration for your next meal. https://www.tasteatlas.com/most-popular-food-in-province-of-trapani
Ken (10.5k) and Tory (22.3k) were next to take to the route heading south along the coast and into the next major town – Marsala. Tory was the next STARR to find a secret spot. Her prize is an espresso or cappuccino (at Little Vienna) so she can imagine that she’s really in Sicily. Nice going. You would think that Tory would have decided to relax and enjoy what Marsala has to offer – ancient ruins, fortified wine, a nature reserve and various interesting museums. Not so, she was back out later today making sure that Claude and Robin weren’t getting ahead of her, or so I heard.
Marika led us out of Marsala (2k), while Melanie E (6.2k) made progress toward Mazara del Vallo. Robin (20k) got us there. Robin had no idea that he’d inadvertently joined a local foot race as he entered the town. Heading into the town centre on the main street, he landed at the finish line for the race, earning himself a well-deserved medal. Yet another secret location found by STARR.
Claude (18k) took us out of town, veering inland and into Castelvetrano. The town is famous for its black bread and near by vineyards. Jackie (7k) continued the route and she was the lucky one to find the white wine hidden along the route! Will she share it with Danny?
Sarah M. (6k) was surprised to see Greek temples and Toryn’s familiar face holding the sign and welcoming her as she passed Selinunte. (Megen and Jason’s daughter). What a nice surprise! STARRS are everywhere. Jason and Megen must have been checking out this historical archeological site, leaving Toryn to greet the runners. https://en.visitselinunte.com/archaeological-park/
Our day was not over. Finishing our mileage for the day were Leslie Ann (11k), Steve E (20k), Marika (17.5k), Danny (10k), Vanessa (11k), Maggie (7k) and finally Robin with another 5k. Marika took us through Ribera – the next secret town and stopped to pick up a souvenir. Our final stop was Menfi.
Today we found more hidden places than anticipated. Tomorrow won’t be so rewarding in that regard but there are more surprises. Don’t be disappointed about Jackie’s wine win. Ken tells us that there are lots of great wines in Sicily. Perhaps there is another bottle waiting to be found.