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Pasquetta at the Grignetta


The peak of the Grignetta. Piece of cake for nimble-footed climbers (italian site).

Post-easter weekend update: since Monday (la pasquetta) is also a holiday in Italy, we embarked on an ambitious attempt to whip our lethargic winter muscles back into shape. The photo is a section of the Grignetta (2177 meters), the lower part of Grigna mountain in Lecco province. According to trail guides the hike to the foot of Grignetta (1384 meters) takes only 90 minutes, but I just don't see how that's possible unless you're speed-flying through the trees like Edward and Bella.

I'm still beat, mentally and physically. Must...get..must get to..the...top. It feels as if a stampede just ran over me. From a departure point of 750 meters, we walked up 625+ meters (2000+ feet) on a winding 19% grade in 2½ hours. The return was quicker but much of the trail is full of loose rock. Fell on my okole only once. Swore several times. This hike was alright for a get-in-shape outing but the trails facing the lake are much more spectacular.

Comments

Ciao Chow Linda said…
Wish I could have been there. It looks beautiful.
12:47 AM, April 15, 2009
K and S said…
looks like an awesome work-out! buon pasquetta!
1:40 AM, April 15, 2009
Anonymous said…
OhMyGawd, that's a hike and a half. I'm sore looking at that.
2:57 AM, April 15, 2009
Lori said…
That's a great picture! And what a hike, you should be very proud of yourself! :)
4:26 AM, April 15, 2009
Foodie with Little Thyme! said…
beautiful! Wow what a hike, good job!
7:01 AM, April 15, 2009
Anonymous said…
Shouldn't that be your "okole okole"?
8:59 AM, April 15, 2009
Rowena said…
Casalba - now that's the laugh that I needed! :-D
9:37 AM, April 15, 2009
Deb said…
If I am ever lucky enough to visit I'd love to view this magnificent sight but do not need to hike it - heehee. Bet it felt GREAT to be working those muscles after winter - even the okole one;)
2:14 PM, April 15, 2009
Rowena said…
Deb - me and the MotH are just plain crazy...doing that hike after having not done any for months! The good part is that I ached for only the day after. The bad part is that I want to do another, feel the pain in da okole again, feel Da Burn! Still, even while I'm hiking I still wish I could fly/run through trees like that Twilight dude!
4:00 PM, April 15, 2009
Our Juicy Life said…
So beautiful...glad spring has finally arrived. Next time the hike will seem much easier. We just road in Belgium and some of the "slopes" were 19% grade (on a bike).
5:47 PM, April 15, 2009
foodhoe said…
must have had a gorgeous view from the top! I'm finding that it's harder on my knees on the way down these days... Looks like a worthy challenge
7:12 PM, April 15, 2009
Sapuche said…
What a great way to spend your post-Easter weekend. A 19% grade is crazy steep...no wonder you feel like you've been stampeded! Did you bring your doggies? Or did they prefer to hang out at the base, bathing in the new spring sun?
8:21 PM, April 15, 2009
Rowena said…
Notre Vie Juteuse - 19% grade on a bike! I give you guys lots of credit for being able to ride those conditions (makes that filling french meal so much more justifiable at the end).

Foodhoe - I don't think I'd survive without hiking poles; they are essential! My knees do complain a tiny bit 2 days afterwards. A good thing that I have only one set of stairs in the house.

Sapuche - the doggies came along (always), and I envy them their ability for "4WD". We can't ever leave them at home - they've been initiated into, and graduated from, our alpine walks of pain!
9:48 AM, April 16, 2009
Coconut Girl Connie said…
I love it, I must get out and work out my winter muscles...if there are any left!
12:02 PM, April 16, 2009
RONW said…
that looks like snow.
12:56 PM, April 16, 2009
Rowena said…
RONW - amazing huh? 21°C out and that snow is determined to stay. Such is the alps.
1:42 PM, April 16, 2009
Ann said…
wow, this place is wonderful, must have been a great workout for you!
4:18 PM, April 16, 2009
Proud Italian Cook said…
My knees are hurting just thinking about it! You're amazing, and so is that view!
5:32 AM, April 17, 2009
Fern Driscoll said…
You're gluttons for punishment - but what a great way to earn your ricotta gnodi. Breath-taking scenery, and good for you for doing it!
8:53 AM, April 17, 2009
Rowena said…
Ann, Marie - it was an abrupt wakeup for the hamstrings and knees, but the view was well worth it. Both of the dogs loved being out on a hike again. :-)

Fern - 3 words: Yes We Are!
9:47 AM, April 20, 2009
manju said…
19% grade?! You are one fearless chick. Me no do heights...
8:06 PM, May 09, 2009
Rowena said…
Manju - I must have some billy goat in my genes. Climbing mango trees as a kid served me well!
10:00 AM, May 11, 2009
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