Yes, not always, but HEREdoesn't it look like a good time. For me this is one of the things that living here is all about, 3 families hiking up 1,000 meters on the back of the Marmolada with six kids the youngest 5 years old. Then a big lunch of grilled sausage and polenta, wine and cake. It was all followed by the hike back down in pouring rain. We were all tired at the end but felt good. One couple left as they had only planed a day trip we and the other stayed in our campers over night. I cooked a bunch of chicken in the pressure cooker, our friends cooked some pasta, more wine and then some Amoreto. The next day another though shorter hike.

Looks fun!

I've been having fun sanding the ringhiera around my balcone. This weekend it should be ready to start painting with antiruggine.

And a nice long bike ride everyday in the pedemontane- excellent workout!

looks great...we spent the weekend near torino hanging out at my friend's pool and then taking a drive to the langhe area for a great mid-day meal..not quite the "exertion" you guys had but just as much fun :-)

Absolutely beautiful pictures, Jhelm. We were big hikers when we lived in Costa Rica and back home in California, but we haven't hiked here in Italy (yet). I would love to hear how you research hiking trails, especially since my sister and her husband are coming in Sept. specifically to hike and bike in Switzerland and N. Italy. Also, any advise would be greatly appreciated... I should warn they are not going as far East as where you live, but my son and I am will certainly be back on that side of N. Italy when my friend gives birth in September.
Thanks!

I'm not too good on the advice as to the where to go issue. It's mainly because I rely on my wife who talks to her friends. So first there are lots of books in the stores on hiking, camping, biking, etc. in Italy. Then talk with people that are active. Our last hike the one with the pictures was to a refugio that is owned by a coworker of a friend. Our bike ride from San Candido Italy to Lienz Austria was recommended by several people we know. In fact I would suggest that to anyone, pictures are on my picasa site. You drive to San Candido there you can rent bikes or bring your own, then it's a 40k ride almost all flat or downhill. You come back on the train. It's a fun day along the way you can stop at a big swim complex for a break if you want.

Jenna, go to the slowtravel site and post your hiking question there....you will get lots of ideas from very knowledgeable people..it always amazes me what they know and so graciously share...

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San Candido Italy to Lienz Austria was recommended by several people we know.

Did you by any chance stay at the Hotel Blu in San Candido? This is so funny, but about 6 years ago I went with a group of friends from Trieste to S. Candido, we stayed in the Hotel Blu and had a great experience. We also rented bikes there at the hotel and did that great trail along the river to Lienz. Only problem is that we had to take the train back with our bikes since our beer consumption was far from responsible!
We also hiked in the mountains nearby, took tram (I don't know if that is what it is called since it has no tracks and is used for skiing in the winter, we call it a gondola in the U.S. I think) to the top of this mountain, ate, then hiked down... i have some GREAT mushroom photos from that trip!
I will take everyone's advise and look into some books on the subject, ask around, and also pose the question on slowtravel, thanks!

No! [wry grin] At the moment I'm working all week with one day off when I collapse, go to the bank or pretend to clean the kitchen. Only until the end of August though, and then I can go walking in the surrounding mountains. Plenty of footpaths here in the valle d'Aosta and I've quite a number of 1/25000 scale maps I've picked up free at local tourist offices.

There's a train that goes all the way to Pre St Didier which is a few Ks from Monte Bianco. I think you can take your bike on it too. Lots of cyclists around here, both club riders and laden tourists.

quote:

Did you by any chance stay at the Hotel Blu in San Candido?

No, this last trip was with my brother on a visit from California and my 6 year old son. We stayed in the camper, parked in a tennis court turned camper site about 100 meters from the train station. We also took the train back from Lienz.