Rubber Slippers In Italy

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 ...

All that snow last Wednesday? Pfffffft! Gone in 2 days like some flailing lightweight when the sun blew into town. By Friday it was a definite go for spring hiking conditions anywhere on a south-facing trail, and this is a fairly easy one (ascent of 317 meters) that I suggest if you're not afraid of the woods. I felt as if someone was watching me... All kidding aside, there is, or there should be, an area along the path where carved wooden creatures exist in il Sentiero dello Spirito del Bosco (the path of the spirit of the woods). Well, not that I was expecting an Ent-like entity to walk up and start shaking my hand or anything, but we didn't see friendly tree people and probably walked right past in our quest to reach that steaming bowl of polenta and cheese at the end of the road. I suspect that if we had explored the large picnic area at the first stop/info point, this guy with the owl may have willingly posed for my lens. Photo credit: www.flickr.com/photos/finn...

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 star...