Departure from the farm h.8.30 ,following the path that leads to the mouth of Pianza . It is an uphill path that opens the horizon to the Apuan Alps and the sea. From Marina di Massa to the Magra plain, the Gulf of La Spezia to Portovenere. On clear days the islands of Palmaria ,Tino,Gorgona Capraia ,Elba and Corsica provide the backdrop. We are at the mouth of Pianza on the watershed that divides the Aulella valley from the sea. Keeping the sea on our right we follow a dirt carriage road for about 700 m in the direction of the Cerri,a chain whose name is due to the type of vegetation that covers it almost entirely on the southern slope :the quercus cerris; while in the northern part the chestnut tree prevails. From here we can recognize the great Apennine passes: the Cisa,the Lagastrello,the Cerreto towards Emilia and then the old Volto Santo road ( the Carpinelli pass) the way to Lucca. Along the dirt road on our right we encounter a .... Saloon...(small refreshment) and after 100 m the path marked by the Cai di Sarzana;follow the signs on the left for PONZANELLO FOSDINOVO

. Follow the signs and after about 800 m pay attention to the fork that on the right quickly takes us to the ridge. We are about 630 a.s.l.; below on the right Canepari ,Carignano, Sarzana, on the left ,Vecchietto,Pallerone, . In this dreamy landscape,we arrive at the majesty of Mt.

We are passo di Stancacabalo , the first pass on the Via del Sale: Sarzana-Reggio Emilia

Now, turning left we descend to Ponzanello. First we find the Molini Giulietta's Cresta del Pino Solitario organic farm where we can buy berry jams,farro,pelati. cornmeal and chestnuts Then we cross the fortified village until we reach the ruins of the castle . It is the only triangular-shaped one in the whole Lunigiana .From here we return home on the smoother and less busy provincial road following the Canepari signs. Lunch awaits us there.