A few weeks ago, my roommate Fred and I embarked on a backpacking journey along one of Italy's most historic roads, the Path of the Gods, or Via degli Dei. Built by the Romans in 187 BC, this ancient route connects Bologna to Rome, stretching through the Apennine mountains with an impressive elevation gain of about 15,000 feet over its 80-mile span from Florence to Bologna. Realizing we wouldn't have time to complete the entire trail, Fred and I decided to hike 50 miles from Thursday to Saturday. To maximize our time on the trail, we brought our own tent, allowing us to hike from dawn to dusk. What makes this path truly special are the preserved sections of the original Roman road. We also brought along a Kodak camera, since we both enjoy developed photography. The towns we passed through were often just a few homes, offering a unique experience far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
