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Fun in the sun and snow at Alpe Giumello


Why do weekends with perfect weather always have to be so short? This past Saturday and Sunday was the one that anybody with a pulse has been wanting for a long time, the weekend with ZERO rain, no snowfall and nothing but blue skies all around. We had the intention of hiking around the base of Monte Muggio, a 3-hour loop trail that begins from the parking area at località Alpe Giumello, but ice on the trail made it a dangerous gamble. If we had been able to get to the very top of Monte Muggio it would have afforded us a spectacular panorama with Bellagio jutting out in the middle of the lake.

Even if a good, long hike was out of the question, there was plenty of wide open space to go for a stroll. We walked the dogs out on the flat plains on the eastern side of Giumello, all of which were covered in a thick layer of packed snow. In less than 30 minutes time we had built up enough of an appetite for a quick lunch at Ristoro Genio, a cozy little bar and restaurant serving hot meals, tasty panini and homemade yogurt with berries for dessert. Great service and everything was very reasonably priced.







Comments

K and S said…
that looked like an awesome hike, but better safe than sorry! and I love all that food that awaited you after your walk :)
looks amazing Rowena .. How brilliant it would be if I could get to visit you .. show me some sights :-)
Bella said…
OMG, your food photos always set me off on a craving state that I can't under any circumstance satisfy we don't have lovely food like "fussili with capriolo!" Now you have me "Googling" a recipe even though it's past midnight! This is all your fault! :)
Carla said…
Looks like you're getting hit with as much snow as we are. Love the food pictures. Yum!
Beth said…
Your weekend sounds absolutely divine. Wonderful weather, a lovely walk and delicious food. Perfect!
LindyLouMac said…
What an awesome view in the first photo. Have a wonderful Christmas and I look forward to continuing to follow your blog in 2011.
Thank you so much for making my day brighter and exciting with your travel! A great consolation for cold and rainy days here. Love that whipped cream with marron glace! Looking forward to your culinary adventures in that part of the world. Happy holidays to you!!!
Rowena said…
Anne - if you don't mind hikes with a minimum of 500 meter differences from start to finish, I could show you a lot of fantastic views like this!

Bella - would you believe that we actually saw a capriolo on the way up to that restaurant? Must be very cost-effective to have ragu material so near to the restaurant. If I were a hunter and had a shotgun in my car...

Carla - we get our fair share but I've seen so much more elsewhere here and abroad. I'll be happy with just a little of it though!

Beth - you must believe me when I say that it is "essential" to get out especially where the dogs are concerned. Sometimes I believe that they live for the weekends more than we do.

LindyLouMac - I need a break from this blog, but there are so many xmas things to share about Italy. The problem of course is that there's less and less time to be at the pc as the end draws near!
Gayle said…
Tell me about that bombardino. Tea? Juice? Alcohol?
Midge said…
Fun in the snow and lovely food all in one day? Oh, how I envy you!
Rowena said…
Gayle - vov (or advocaat), brandy and cream (or milk)! Also versions with rum, whisky or coffee.

Midge - it's all good until you have to shovel the stuff from your driveway. I'd say that right now it's at least 10 inches deep outside and it's still snowing!
sherry said…
Those dishes look absolutely delectable, and your photo at the top belongs on a postcard!
Ciao Chow Linda said…
I think you made a wise decision not to hike up there where it could be treacherous - although the view is spectacular. A short walk and a bombardino (and that chestnut dessert) would have been more than adequate for me.
Jude said…
Even if a long hike was out of the question, looks like you enjoyed some picture-perfect strolling scenes...and picture-perfect food!

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