Early the next morning, I was up for a ride back over to Lake Lugano on some back roads. First was the ride up along the west shore of Lake Como. This is George Clooney's villa in Laglio, just up the road from our hotel. My wife was excited at his proximity.
More beautiful architecture on the way to Menaggio.
Sunrise over the distant Alps
The Choots in the morning glow
The waterfront in beautiful Menaggio
Breakfast fuel, Italian style
From Menaggio, I took the main road up towards Lugano and the Swiss border, but then quickly turned off on a small road at Grandola. This road led up through Codogna and narrowed as it passed through a number of small farm villages.
This is about the width of the road for 15 miles or so, passing through beautiful countryside with views in every direction. And did I mention there were no cars on this road at all? Looming above is Monte Grona, which Dana and I had climbed up the day before. Here's the map for this ride: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/40673305
View to Lake Lugano from the tiny road to Porlezza (near Naggio)
Typical scenery on this tiny road.
Above Lake Lugano
Church high on a hillside above Porlezza
Alongside Lake Lugano, looking across at Switzerland.
A nice little road to ride along, with minimal cars. What a find.
Near the top of the climb up to the "balcony of Italy" at Laino/San Fedele Intelvi. Lake Lugano is below in the valley.
Switchbacks down to Lake Como from Shignano
Ridiculous cycling!
Almost home. In Brienno on the way back down to Moltrasio
On July 4th, we celebrated by hiking up to the top of Monte Grona above Lake Como. This is the start of trail to Rifigio Menaggio.
The Rifigio below Monte Grona
Pretty nice view from the Rifugio Menaggio. Town of Menaggio is on the half circle sticking out into the lake at lower right. Bellagio is on that bump in the middle of the lake.
Dana hiking up the "Via Direttissima" and not very psyched on her husband dragging her up here right now! Certain death to her left, so she's grabbing onto blades of grass on the right. Sorry honey...
Summit of Monte Grona
View to Porlezza and Lake Lugano, Switzerland
Dana hiking down the "via normal" route. Looks like she could do a swan dive down to Bellagio from here.
Menaggio with Monte Grona rising above.
Varenna waterfront from the ferry. It was HOT (33c)!
Dana in Menaggio
