Hiking in Val Biandino: the miracle of San Carlo

Introbio (province of Lecco) - "...while passing through the Troggia valley, the saint became thirsty, and like Moses, split a rock with a blow from his walking stick, causing fresh water to miraculously flow through the crevices."

Even if it's the sort of thing that spawns legend, it wasn't like I was dead set on finding the spot where San Carlo performed a miracle with a mere ka-thunk! to stone. Rather instead, it was an opportunity to experience the first part of a trail which promised a pleasant hike even in winter. This initial trek took us from Introbio to the midway point of Ponte dei Ladri (bridge of thieves) which crosses the Troggia river. The bridge is much more recognizable as the last parking area for those wanting to get a headstart on the trail to higher altitude mountain huts which are further along the way (Tavecchia, Bocca di Biandino, and Madonna della Neve). Only authorized vehicles are allowed to continue from then on.

See google maps.

The beginning of the trail is set behind a residential area. To get there, keep an eye out on the left side for the local bar Umberto I as you enter town (on the corner of via Umberto and via Fucinetta just after the bridge). To the right of the bridge will be via Partigiana Mina which then curves left into via all'Acqua and finally via per Biandino. This is not a terribly difficult path but it needs to be said that the smoothstone donkey lane climbs rapidly and steep. Soon after appears a shrine dedicated to St. Uberto (the protector of hunters!), and from there the going gets easier.

Red and white signs with the letters VB, Val Biandino, or the number 40 clearly point the way. When in doubt, follow directions to Fontana San Carlo which in regards to the right image, leads through a chestnut grove before crossing a bridge. After the bridge, a switchback up the mountainside intersects with a paved road. From here on up it's a breeze until San Carlo's fountain.

A few more minutes brings you to the Ponte dei Ladri. I feel as if this entry is only half finished with not having tucked into a bowl of steaming hot polenta at a refuge! But then that would've taken the fun out of packing the pocket knife, bread rolls, a hunk of cheese, a salame bought from the market at the Festa di San Bassiano and a few banana-chocolate energy bars, now wouldn't it? This itinerary is about 3½ hours total (2 up and 1½ down).

My new waterproof Merrell's are kick butt! Come snow, rain, or mud...bring it!

Hi-Yo, Silver, away!

Slowly, but surely, Miss Maddie the alpine westie is gaining back her strength and stamina on these brief walks that we take around the mountainside. The hot summer temps are fading away, maybe too fast for my liking, but in the coolness of digits less than 70°F, the dogs handle it much better outdoors. We came across an old hotel over the weekend, its exterior still in good shape even if the property was no longer in operation. Along the outside wall, iron rings were firmly attached for way back in the days when people traveled by horse. An iron boot remover/puller was firmly embedded right next to the entrance. I've never taken riding lessons, but now I'm thinking, wouldn't it be fun to go on a vacation through the italian countryside only on horseback? I believe there are already these types of eco-tourism here, and I've read about one where you travel by donkey instead. The dogs would probably prefer to walk it themselves, as long as the pace was kept to a t...

In the news: from blogosphere to printed publication

It's just a little thing really, but when a staff member from a periodical for Italy's Alpini requested permission to reprint one of my blog entries, I had no idea how surprised, and I have to admit, a little bit sheepish I'd feel after seeing my Tasi e Tira article taking up half the space on page 12. I just received my copy in the mail. The entry was posted over a year ago but through the vast reaches of the internet it goes to show what nice things can happen when you try to immerse yourself in a culture not your own. Perhaps the word "immerse" is rather modest as I like to jump right into the middle of things and get up close and personal. What tickles me the most is that this blog started off as a way of amusing myself (and expanding my knowledge of the country's cuisine), but getting published...whoa! It's like icing on the cake! Click to view large

Welcome to Lake Como (guest blogger)

As the main focus of this site is to promote the beauty of the northern italian lake areas, the following article and images comes from Chiara who manages the blog Italy Lakes.net. Welcome to Lake Como Lake Como is one of largest and the most well-known of northern Italy's lakes. Thanks to its beauty, the diversity of its landscapes and its mild summers and winters, the Como area is a favorite destination for tourists from all over Northern Europe. Among the most famous of Lake Como's localities is undoubtedly Cernobbio. A popular holiday resort at the foot of Mount Bisbino, Cernobbio is also well-known for its numerous elegant and luxurious villas, the most famous of which is Villa d'Este. As well as Villa d'Este, must-visits in the area around Cernobbio include Villa Erba, Villa Pizzo, Villa Fontanelle, and Villa Bernasconi. Then there are the Buco della Volpe – Fox Hole – and Zocca d’Ass caves. Last but not least, there is the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary...

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