September 30th It Must Be Lake Garda, Italy

September 30-October2nd

Today we traveled the autostrada (freeway) to Lake Garda which it north east of Milan. Because we toured Lake Maggoire into the late afternoon, we didn't arrive until just before sunset. We had dinner in our hotel's restaurant The Meander Hotel with a fantastic view of the lake. 

Garda is the largest lake in Italy. Homes and hotels are set high into rocky cliffs surrounding the lake. Roads are winding, narrow and with many roundabouts but nothing like those on the Amalfi coast. To get from town to town one could go by ferry or take to the road through several tunnels through the mountains. 

On our first day there we went north and visited two small, cute villages that are built at sea level. At one we conquered a castle and at another we enjoyed lunch outside as the sun peaked through the clouds and warmed us after a chilly morning. We decided to shop at a local grocery store and have a light dinner in our room while we watched a movie. It is important to have down time when traveling to recharge the batteries and reflect on the past few days of our adventure. 

In the morning we awoke to rain. After a lovely filling breakfast at the hotel we opened our umbrellas, packed the car and headed for Seminone, a small town in the southern most area of Lake Garda. It took an over an hour or so to get there via highway and back roads. One need only spend an hour there to explore. The rain stopped and allowed us to take in the castle and tiny town. Then we were off to Verona. Liana had to see the Colosseum there. It was missed her last visit . 

We grabbed a quick late lunch in a cafe and braved the pouring rain to reach our next destination 2.5 hrs away... Pistoia where an Agro-hotel awaited. Liana held the road well and managed in the heavy rain around trucks, through tunnels, and a few speeding cars who needed to out pace all traffic. It was a tiring day and I was lucky NOT to do the driving. I am spoiled by So. Cal. dry weather and light traffic. My east coast skills of driving in any weather are long gone! 

See my Facebook page for pictures

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