05-May-2001 -- This confluence is situated ~4.1 km south east of Montemilone, ~8.2 km north west of Spinazzola (www.spinazzola.net) and ~11.7 km south west of Minervino Murge, close to the center of an ellipse of 5 and 7 km diameters, i.e. the shortest way from a public road is theoretically at least 2.5 km far away.

It was the second attempt, first failed following 41N17E from direction east (Montemilone). Klaus, Harry and Hans drove about 150 km from Taranto (our present/immediate place of employment) toward north west.

This intersection is situated in an impressive landscape. Enormous wheat fields on large plains and gentle hills divided by from valleys with vegetation of trees and shrubs. These valleys (ditches) are partly impenetrable because of the thorn bushes on wooded steep slopes. Impressive also a lot of desolate houses in the midst of the fields. It gives you the impression of a failed land reform. Our Italian teammate declared this area as cemetery of the Mafia, which by its width and impassability would be quite conceivable.

After the first attempt in the wilderness of a valley had failed, we started from direction north east (Minervino Murge). The first inquiry already showed a necessary correction toward the south. Starting from a farm we tried to cross again a ravine. Without success, the steep slope with tight thorn bushes forced us to return. The farmer had warned us.

The next attempt from south east led us through enormous wheat fields. After the way for passenger car became impassable, we walked past desolate houses to the next ravine. This valley permitted us a crossing. On the other side we had to acknowledge that there is a passable way from direction south west. On the return to the car we met a herd of sheep with guide and six dogs.

We finally found the entry to the private gravel road. In approximately 3.5 km toward north east we found the famous point in an adjacent wheat field almost directly. The low density sown wheat permitted us a direct access to the confluence. From here we could see well those beforehand from us attempted routes.

It is a fact that it is rather difficult to estimate distances in this landscape. A nice experience together with a trip to an unknown, strange landscape.

See more pictures at http://members.fortunecity.de/augdopplit/Confluence/41N16E/41N16EE.htm