Auito!

 It’s hot here.

We were originally going to go for a bike ride today to tour some balsamic producers, but it’s too hot. Instead Fran and I hopped a train to Parma.

I’m sure the above photos are duplicated some where else - this was at least our third trip to Parma. Not big by city standards but bigger than we remembered. 

We’d had a meal in Parma probably 15 years ago here.  Fran was sick and it was her first meal back I’d ordered a bean soup and it was the only thing that tasted good to her so he ate my soup! Didn’t eat here again this time but it was fun to run into it 

Modena and the hike that wasn’t

 Unlike in the Dolomites (or most places), hikes are not well marked here around Modena. We went looking for one today. Directions were pretty clear. We marched to the edge of the city but couldn’t find the trail head. We tried several false starts. It was hot as hell and we couldn’t get off pavement. Finally we just gave up after seven miles of searching for a trail head. Got a strong urban walk in but not an enjoyable hike in the country side. Supposed to be hotter tomorrow so I’m not sure what we’ll do.

Traveling to Modena.

 Longest travel day of our trip, except for airplane flughts. About 5 hours.

Bored already and we’ve only been on the road for 30 minutes. Would rather be hiking. 

Quick food post

 I haven’t done many food posts lately but don’t worry we’re not starving. Here’s my lunch today:

Hey gimme a break we’re practically in Austria!

Wald‑Wild‑Wunder‑Weg (“Forest–Wildlife–Wonder Trail”)

We thought about doing a spa day to today but we can do that anytime…how many chances to you get to hike in the Dolomites?

Today’s hike started with a walk up to and through an “interpretive area” designed for kids. You know “Wally the Woodpecker” and “Frankie the Fox” stops that explain the local wild life. We didn’t really read the educational stuff but each spot had a play toy that was fun:

It was actually a beautiful walk through the forest, even with all the educational materials. Then we emerged into farmlands and meadows eventually winding our way back to the starting point of Oberbozen. Here are a few pics from our journey:

A hike above Bolzano

 A few pictures from our hike on the 19th above Bolzano. Easy in a way (wide paths free of roots and rocks) and hard in others (steep hills and switchbacks). All with beautiful views of vineyards and the city of Bolzano.

Otzi

 Saw Otzi the ice man today. 

Earth Pyramids

 Took two hikes today (a bit over an hour each) to two “Earth Pyramid” formations in the Dolomites. Specifically the ones near Klobenstein and the ones near Oberbozen (the former are probably the most famous in the mountain range). The first hike near Oberbozen was down (and up) steep rock trails that were jarring on the knees. The second near Klobenstein was on mostly pavement that was jarring on the knees. Not quite as dramatic as yesterday’s hike but worth the effort for sure. Pictures below.

Tagliata De Manzo

 I eat a pretty low carb diet, not Keto anymore most days but close. Here in Italy everything is carbs: Pasta, Bread, Pizza, Calzone…well you get the idea. My saving grace has been Tagliata De Manzo (pronounced Tah-lee-ah-ta de man-so). It’s on every menu and basically it’s a sliced steak on arugula with some grana padano cheese (the poor cousin of Parmesan). It’s relatively cheap steak (like $25 to $35) and a decent beefy cut weighing in at a half to three quarters of a pound. Here in northern Italy/South Tirol they always serve it with potato’s…which is fine I can mostly ignore those as I’m not a huge potato fan. Probably four nights out of seven this is my dinner here.

Hike to Ritten

 Got out for a hike today. We had no destination in mind so we chose one randomly - a hike to Klobenstein (Also known as the heart of Ritten - many of these places have multiple names). Turns out this was a favorite area of Sigmund Freud and the walk had benches with quotes from him. Wasn’t inspired by that but I understand why he liked the area.

Lots of choices about where to go. Well marked with even estimated hiking times.

Some of the spectacular scenery on this hike

A heart shaped rock on the trail

Obligatory selfie on the hike

Meadows and farms with the Dolomites in the background

Through meadows

Hmm. Which way. Actually trails are really well marked and it’s easy to pick and follow a hike.

Meadow with Dolomites in the background

Some amazing views of the Dolomites

The paths wound through the countryside but also skirted homes

Probably can’t see it in this photo but this said it was a restaurant. I’m skeptical

These “Snow in Summer” flowers were all over

Returning down the cable car…Fran was fine and even managed a smile!

Beautiful day and spectacular scenery in the Dolomites. And for the record a little over ten miles on the day.