This ‘trail’ is by no means out in the wilds of the Italian countryyside. Instead, it contours through either the upper reaches of a number of the lakeshore towns or down along the shoreline itself. We have opted for the higher portions to get away from the road traffic and business of the towns. In this way you get a much better impression of what the real world of Italy is like and how day to day life is carried on. Our previously very accurate weather dude was off the mark this morning. While we toted the umbrella on his advice we arrived back at the car wishing we had opted for shorts and t-shirts insted of what we had worn.
The fact that the sign advertises the telegraph service might give some idea as to its age.
The older parts of the towns are identifiable by their very narrow passages and rougher building materials.
My bet is it hasn’t been opened in at least 50 years!
Pruning the orange berried pyracantha bushes is tough enough duty because of their sharp thorns. Mixing it with a cacti is absolutely masochistic!!
Honest! Really! We found these panties right where they are photographed. Some folks had a interesting “hike”. Their blog may be more interesting than mine?
We initially thought “Wow, look where this sunflower grew!” Then we saw another dozen flowers growing out of small niches fashioned into the wall. Still, pretty serious gardening by the owner.
Because of the steep nature of the ladscape and the lack of deep soils, cemetaries are sometimes quite remote but are always snug accomodations. We are drawn to them because they are also so interesting. Often times the plots will be dominated by only a few family names. It is obvious that many times marriages did not stretch far on a geographic scale.
Very occaisionally the funerary art is beautiful.
This is a reminder of just how difficult life often was 150 years ago. This grave is a testament the the grief this family went through. Six children within 22 years. Cesare; 6mo. Paolo; 4yrs,11mo. Cesarina; 4 yrs, 9mo. Adele; 4yrs. 10mo. Maria; 6yrs, 7mo. Scipione; 14yrs, 5mo.
The views down into town.
This is an amazingly old arched arcade at the upper limit of one of the villages. I am definitely going back to this location.
The potted gardens are always a surprise in the nooks and crannies of the houses.
A pair of water taxis leave the dock with their passengers.
Just as we returned to the begining of the walk a small group of folks were starting their outing. The panties were still at the gate and I just waited for the people to walk up the path until they found them so I could see the reaction. I am certain there were some interesting conversations among the group.
Loving your illustrated hiking reviews.
Love the pics on this page, Laura! The old door, the sunflowers, the panties, the cemeteries… How exciting!
wow
i would love to turn some of your photos into art pieces