Embedded Files
We had a very pleasant ride today, through countryside and along Lake Garda with a break from the heavy traffic and trucks of the past week.
We saw signs that we were approaching lakeside vacationland quite early in the ride...
Leaving Brescia, we saw the far off mines - this is where all your fancy Italian marble comes from, our fancy readers!
And soon after, we crested the last of three hills and saw Lake Garda ahead.
We ate lunch in the first town on the lake that we found, and watched a gale blow in some dramatic storm clouds.
Half an hour later, we arrived in Sirmione.
Sirmione is a cute town at the very end of a long isthmus
With one way in and out. The results are predictable.
Eric likened it to the zombie apocalypse...
But eventually, we got our bikes through to the far end of town where the Hotel Meridiana is located. As usual, we stretched and cleaned up and headed out to see the sights.
These were very manageable, happily - the mildly interesting St. Peter
With old frescos covered with five centuries of graffiti.
Then to the very end of the peninsula to "Jamaica Beach." Although slabs of rock instead of sand, and fresh water instead of salt, the "beach" was surprisingly reminiscent of the ocean.
The water is the color of ocean water because there are underground hot springs feeding the lake. This also explains the smell of sulphur in our hotel...
People take rock piling very seriously here
One more dramatic view
Then back into town, where it was impossible to get an unobstructed shot of Sirmione's most-photographed house.
And we did find a few peaceful spots.
Finally the big sight - the castle. This is a real castle, actually old, built to fortify this naturally strong location. It's still pretty cool even if it looks a bit Disneyish, and the lake moat is interesting.
Eric decided to go into it while I decided to sit at the bar and watch the World Cup game in in which Nigeria beat Iceland. It was the best game to date so I think I made the right choice... Later we met for pizza and grilled vegetables.
Page updated
Report abuse