Connecticut based adventure traveler, tour leader and photographer Deborah Lewis will share photographs and experiences of hiking tours she has led in northern Italy in an audio visual presentation entitled “Hiking Between Sea and Sky in Cinque Terre, Italy” at an Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) meeting at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 95 Greenwood Avenue in Bethel on Tuesday February 12.

UNESCO designated the Ligurian coast of Italy between Cinque Terre and Portovenere a world heritage site of great scenic and cultural value. This is one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful coastlines with sheer cliffs, spectacular historical villages clinging to the rocky coasts, miles of ancient walls and beautiful terraced vineyards. Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are the pastel towns that make up Cinque Terre, or five lands. They are vintage settlements where life moves slowly, each clinging to the rocky coast, defying gravity and time. All the villages share unique characteristics; all are set on a beautiful coast hidden away in small, natural coastal inlets, built into the rocks and suspended above the sea between the beach and the hills.

Deborah will describe hiking along ancient pathways including the spectacular Blue Path, exploring ancient villages while enjoying unique coastal scenery.

For more information on Deborah and her tour company Bredeson Outdoor Adventures go to www.bredeson.com

AMC members and non-members are welcome to attend. The meeting begins with wine, cheese, appetizers, coffee and dessert at 6.30 pm followed by the presentation at 7:30 pm, lasting about one hour with time available for questions or discussions. The cost is $5 for members and $6 for non-members. No reservations – pay at the door.

More details and directions at www.ct-amc.org/ Fairfield or contact Tom Carruthers at ThomasCarruthers@yahoo.com

St Thomas Church is downtown in Bethel on Route 302, one block east of PT Barnum Square .