Hiking The Refugio Mennagio

While in Lake Como, I wanted to go on hike and a bike ride.  The bike ride was not a success because the bike that was rented to me had a broken seat and every time I would bare down on my seat to get up a hill the seat would slip up of down--very frustrating, so instead I took a short bike ride around Verena, took a nap and found a nice spot to sit and paint a very mediocre water color.  Lily likes it however, so I will finish it up for her to put in her room.  The hike on the other hand was wonderful.  The forest in the mountains above Lake Como are full of life and sounds.  There was nice tree coverage as well so when the sun was out it made for a comfortable hike.  I was a bit concerned for my knee as the doctor said that I shouldn't hike on if for a few months, but I couldn't pass up the chance to see the Lake from the elevations above.

 The hike began in Breglia.  The adventure began before that however because trying to catch a bus in Italy is always and adventure.

 My "walking "companion Pauline at the beginning of the trail.  I loved all the vegetation.

 The trail was marked well and easy to follow

 Wild flowers were found through the entire trail

 An old home found along the way

stony pathway

 This part of the trail, higher up the mountain, reminded me of the our NEP at home.

 A shot of Lake Como half way up the trail

 Loved the moss on the trees.  Plant life flouishes in Italy

 Birch trees and aspen trees were along the path ways.  I was surprised.

 Wild strawberries along the way.  Pauline was a bit scared to eat them fearing they were poisonous.  I plopped them in my mouth.  They were itty bitty berries however.

 another shot of the farm house on the way back

 My hiking/"walking" companion Pauline and I

 I loved these little daisys that were found growing everywhere, especially between hard places reminding me that when stuck between a rock and hard place we can flourish.

 Once home, unfortunately the hostel was closed so my plans of kayaking were thwarted, however soaking my feet in Lake Como and a rest by the lake was quite relaxing.  Pauline stripped and took a dive,  I was not quite so willing or free. . .

 Pleased!