Hiking above Lake Como: in 2 hours tops

On the trails again! Most of the hikes we've done wouldn't be as easily accessible without the convenience of a car, so I'm glad to include this one if public transport is your only means of reaching Como. The hike can be planned as an all-day itinerary which includes a return trip by boat to Como but we're saving that for another day when spring arrives. The trail actually begins in Brunate, a small town perched high above the lake, and is quickly reached by way of the Como-Brunate funicular railway within walking distance from the Como train station. Yesterday was a 60-minute walk to a small chapel located about halfway on the route. It offers a discreet view of the lake and there are several benches to sit for a spell before heading back. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy your time in this famous part of Italy.

Upon arrival in Brunate (less than 10 minutes), follow the steps down to the main road and head right; it'll take about 15 minutes to get to the start of the trail. You'll encounter two forks enroute - always stick to the left which descends. A soccer field is at the end - keep to the right of it. The Strada Regia (Royal Road) sign directs the way. In less than 1/2 hour a trail junction points to several directions; follow for Montepiatto. A 2nd junction - and the chapel - appears in another 30 minutes. Total trip time: 2 hrs.

Note: This segment of the hike proceeds on fairly level ground. Exercise caution if the area has recently been hit by heavy rains. Bring a light jacket/sweater as this side of the lake is in shade during the morning. Mouse over the images below for descriptions.

From Rifugio Martina to Monte San Primo (Bellagio)

Monte San Primo. Agile hikers aren't the only ones to climb up here in summer because the tell-tale aroma of ovine and caprine droppings invaded our nostrils long before reaching the top. Our intent was to go up then return on the mainly forested trail (right side of photo) that commences behind Rifugio Martina, but the ascent is so steep (average 14% grade) that I wasn't too keen on going back down through the bug-infested environment again. The top photo was taken looking back at S. Primo as we descended to connect with sentiero 1 and continue on a loop trail to the starting point. For those who may have ended up here for trails near Bellagio, take a look at this site to see what the fuss is all about and tell me that ain't gorgeous (scroll to bottom). Unfortunately, it was a hazy experience for us this past Sunday and thus the wait continues until a clear weekend comes along. In the meantime I've set our hiking goals to explore more of the area that is just ...

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...

It's off....to the vet

By my clock he should be back in about 3 hours, and I hope that for what MotH doled out (130 euros), the "operation" will prove to be the right decision to lessen the aggression in our beloved little dachshund. I think he knew something was up this morning when I said 'no treats for you', and when he and the MotH were driving away, I could hear him crying in the back of the car. Maddie wasn't the least bit bothered by his absence and spent the better part of the morning hunting lizards.

Rubber Slippers In Italy

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