Today we're talking about a more... personal experience.
The Boulder of the Maidens
Recently, I spent an unforgettable day at Masso delle Fanciulle , an enchanting place immersed in the Tuscan nature. Masso delle Fanciulle is a very popular and suggestive place located in Tuscany, near the town of Pomarance, in the province of Pisa . This natural site is famous above all for its beautiful river, the Cecina, which flows here peacefully creating a series of pools and waterfalls of clear and fresh water, very inviting during the summer months.
The name "Masso delle Fanciulle" comes from an ancient local legend or tales that tell of young local women who went to this point of the river to bathe, away from prying eyes. The place is known for its natural beauty, surrounded by lush vegetation and rocks overlooking the clear waters of the river.
The site is easily accessible and is an ideal stop for families, groups of friends and anyone who wants to immerse themselves in nature without straying too far from the towns. However, it is always important to respect the surrounding environment and pay attention to personal safety, especially when swimming or walking near the water.
Beware of surprises!
One particular episode highlighted how important it is to always be alert when exploring nature. As soon as I got close to the waterfall, a lady who was there immediately warned me that she had just killed a viper exactly where I was heading.
Despite the warning, my dog, driven by curiosity, began to sniff intensely in that area. No matter how many times I tried to distract him or move him away from that spot; he just didn't seem to want to listen and kept going back there. This situation reminded me how important it is to not only keep dogs on a leash, but also to keep them under close observation, especially when there are dangers such as vipers nearby.
This incident made me realize the importance of being well prepared when exploring. It is essential to know the specific dangers of the area you are visiting and to strictly adhere to safety recommendations, such as keeping dogs on a leash and training them not to get too close to potentially dangerous areas. It is also always a good idea to learn about the animal species present in the area and know what to do in the event of a viper bite , so you can react promptly if necessary.
Crossing the river
I have always been a bit of a daredevil by nature, and as soon as the temperatures start to rise with the arrival of spring, I can't wait to break out of my slippers and go barefoot around the house. This love for the freedom of my feet accompanies me for most of the year, so much so that walking without footwear has become second nature to me. So, when during my adventure at Masso delle Fanciulle I started to feel a sharp pain in my feet while crossing the river, the surprise was as great as the discomfort.
Despite my habit of walking barefoot on various types of terrain, this pain was something completely new to me. I had to do some research to find an answer and I found a possible cause. I discovered that it could be due to my low percentage of body fat, which of course also includes the fatty tissue under my feet. This natural "cushioning", usually so effective, in this case was not enough to protect me from the sharp stones and uneven terrain of the river.
This experience made me realize how essential it is to carefully evaluate one's physical condition and habits before fully immersing oneself in outdoor activities, especially those that test the endurance of our feet. Even for those of us who, like me, love the feeling of the earth under our feet, it may be necessary to reconsider the right equipment to protect ourselves during the most extreme adventures.
Conclusion
Visiting Masso delle Fanciulle taught me the importance of proper preparation, especially when it comes to choosing footwear, when planning nature hikes. For those of us who, like me, may have a reduced fat cushion, I recommend considering using shoes with more cushioning or special insoles that can compensate for the lack of natural protection. This approach will not only improve your comfort while hiking, but will also help prevent injuries, allowing you to fully enjoy the wonders of nature in a safe and enjoyable way.
