Made it to Turin

 Long day of train rides and it’s bloody hot here in Turin. Don’t know if we’ll get to my list because, well it’s bloody hot (mid 90’s) and I don’t think hiking or biking are wise ideas. Will work on alternatives (think museums) later tonight. In the mean time

Modena in Pictures

 A few pictures from Modena

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.