Italy Day 10 - Spoleto and Truffle Hunting

 Day 10 started off quietly.  We got to sleep in a bit. After a leisurely breakfast, we walked into town, passing the Roman Theater that still hosts performances to this day.

We shopped a bit, enjoyed some wine and charcuterie for lunch at a quaint little wine and deli shop with a few tables tucked inside.

In the afternoon, we joined our group and headed out for some truffle hunting.  This was an absolutely GREAT adventure, including all my favorite things....hiking, animals, food, and wine.

We were greeted by a large family of the nicest people, all of whom live in a housing complex and work together in their family business, which includes truffle hunting and sheep farming.

We were dropped off in a field next to their herd of cows and then set off on the trail through the woods.  We weren't far into the hike when the first truffle was found.

There were five dogs, one just a pup in training.  As we reached the top of a hill, the dogs all took off into the woods to hunt,  and I found an outcrop of rocks to rest upon.  The next thing I knew, one of the dogs came up behind me and started licking my ear.  I guess this was the cue that the hunt was over.  We walked back down to where we parked, and the bounty found was weighed.

Upon our return, one of the guides began scrambling some eggs.  As he cooked, we looked up and saw a shepherd returning with his flock.  The dogs arrived first.  The protector dogs are dressed with a spiked collar to protect them from wolves attacking their throats.  When the eggs were done, another guide shaved the fresh truffles onto them, and we all got to sample this deliciousness as the sheep arrived.

After the hunt, we returned to the complex and were ushered into the smokehouse. Wine was poured, and their homemade pecorino and hams were sliced.  We enjoyed these while watching a pasta-making demonstration.  We were moved into the old stables, now converted into a dining area, and served this pasta in a scrumptious truffle sauce.  

It was a very full and exciting day.  One of my favorites for sure.