We peaked.

Yesterday, Charles, Randal, and I were hiking the whole day - so no time for blogs. But, today we rest and can catch up.

Monday was Levico Terme aka Lake Day! The lake in Levico puts others to shame with its crystal clear water, backdrop of mountains, and warm temperature. It was gorgeous. The town is delightful with a little stream running through the sidewalk for kids to play in. And miracle of miracles - Milo swam in the lake and played in the sidewalk fountains.

We had dinner at Valconover - a delicious meal and a playground right outside so the kids could play after dinner rather than tormenting us. It was a relaxing, gorgeous day.

Playing in the lake

Lunch in the grass

Lawn games

More lawn games!

Grandmother and granddaughters

Sidewalk creek

A sleepy walk home

Yesterday was our hiking day. I have liked this little small little tradition (two years running) of Randal, Charles, and I taking a day to hike. The destination was clear this time: La Vigolana. Twelve years ago, when Charles and I hiked up La Marzola (a smaller mountain overlooking Vigolo), we decided that we would hike up La Vigolana next time... or before Charles died anyway. 

So, despite Charles saying he wasn't sure he could do it and Randal almost opting out the morning of the hike, the three of us set off around 8:30am in the morning.

La Vigolana is over 7,000 feet tall and the hike was about 14 miles, taking us 9 hours. And it was amazing. It was up and down - no flat spots and I'm not keen to take stairs today! 

We first hiked to a hut, Malga Derocca, which would be a lovely place to stay someday. It was about 3 hours there and about 1.5 hours after that to reach the summit. The approach to the summit was the part that made me the most nervous, but I was able to conquer my fears (by reassuring myself that I was building resilience by facing my fear of heights... always an opportunity for self-improvement!) and we successfully made it! 

It was extraordinarily satisfying and the views were remarkable. We could see Trento, Vigolo, Levico, and most of the towns that we have explored this week or that we should explore the next time we're here. Some days, it is said you can see Venice, but the clouds blocked that view.

About 100 meters from the peak as we started the descent, the soles of Charles's shoes came off. He tried to tie them on for a bit, but eventually, gave up, walking his sole-less self down the mountain. When asked this morning how he felt, he said, "Feet are ok. Ball of left food feels a little like I walked without soles, but all things considered, really good." Even Charles admits that he might need new hiking shoes, although his current ones could be very fashionable slippers.

Starting the hike! The peak that we reached is the topmost bald peak in this picture.

Picnic tables outside of Malga Derocca

Malga Derocca "hut"

The view of the hut from above. I kept waiting to meet Heidi's grandfather and searching for goats that I could milk, but they were evidently out for the day.

Nearing the summit

The summit of La Vigolana!

360 degree views from the summit - absolutely stunning.

A view of the summit with the Dolomites/Alps in the background. You could see mountain ranges upon mountain ranges.

The peak of Vigolana: 2,149 meters high

Our descent on the other side of the ridge

Zoom in for Charles's hacked shoe soles. This method worked for approximately 100 m before having to be retied.

Nearing the end - a snack break back at Malga Derocca

The wildflowers were beautiful and ubiquitous

We finally returned to Vigolo around 6:30/7pm. The rest of the crew had spent the day resting and going to the playground and enjoying some down time. They were happy to meet up for an aperitivo and then dinner at La Medea. Enjoying the perks of a walkable community, I ran home to grab activities for the kids who entertained themselves at dinner while we enjoyed the most delicious meal and a liter of red wine. It was an amazing day. After a shower before bed (both Randal and Marian told me that I was very stinky), we gratefully fell into bed. 

It was a beautiful day and I am thankful for it.

Walking to the restaurant