It is very close to Cassino, yet so far from anywhere. This is a view of the Liri valley from Mt Cifalco, a German defensive position and observation post during the Battles of Cassino. Lunch was bread, water and chocolate, seated on top of the forward observation post looking towards the Monastery and Cavendish Road. From here Mt Trocchio, the Allied observation post, looks like a piece of playdough on a child's table.
On this mountain top in particular it is easy to feel the presence of the soldiers, many of whom still lie in these hills. It is not a sad place though, the sun shone brightly, wild pigs had been rooting for truffles, cattle had left their droppings. Lizards scampered across the rocks and fortifications, and birds sang cheerfully. The stubby, furry bees were too busy in the beautiful flowers to worry about me, and I had taken care not to wear perfume or use a floral soap. Wild sweet peas, lilies, wonderful pink flowers... colour peeked from every crevice in the sun. The only snake to be seen appeared once I was safely back in the car...
Home again, first a cold beer, a shower, then a cup of tea and some Anzac biscuits.
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