I returned from an overnight trip to find the Lima River turned into a raging torrent. Heavy rainfall and melting snow have sent huge amounts of water down the river. The level of the water went from about 1.5metres to 4.7 last night. It has dropped a bit today but it is still rushing past my window carrying logs and other debris with it.
…further down river.
I hope the high water doesn’t cause damage.
I awoke to snow falling at Ponte a Serraglio. It started slowly and it looked as though it would melt before it hit the ground, but it gradually became heavier and began to turn everything white.
Ponte 
By the late afternoon the snow was mostly gone, but it was lovely while it lasted.
Lately we have had snow in the higher villages in Bagni di Lucca. Along the Lima River it has mostly been raining. In a brief sunny time I drove up towards Montefegatesi to see some snow. It had melted in the village but the mountains around it looked gorgeous. The blue sky made a beautiful backdrop. In fact I think it was the star of the show today.
I drove through heavy fog on the way up. From above you can see it settled in the valleys.
Bare trees look wonderful.
Montefatesi always looks spectacular from any angle.
We have had some sun by the river. It doesn’t last long, but it is most welcome when it appears. Time to go for a walk or just to enjoy being outside.
It has been an interesting year, one which most of us will be happy to say goodbye to.
I wish you all a Happy New Year with health and happiness.
For 4 days we get to sit down to enjoy a coffee! I did just that this morning at Bar Italia in Ponte a Serraglio. It is difficult to choose which pastry to have.
Annalisa makes excellent panettone. They are beautifully packaged and will make great Christmas gifts.
After 4 days we go back to red and back to takeaway coffee.
Thanks to Suzanna, Dome and Farah we have a beautiful nativity scene in the old kiosk in the piazza at Ponte a Serraglio.
In this strange year it is nice to see some traditional things happening
I’m back at Ponte a Serraglio for a while. The stormy weather continues. Today was a mixture of rain, hail, thunder, bits of blue sky…and repeat.
The house of a friend.
I like the leaves on the footpath.
I have walked past this many times, but not really noticed how lovely it is.
I don’t mind a bit of wet weather and the occasional storm, but this weather has been frightening. I am surprised there is not more damage after these ferocious storms.
When we can travel again…Lago di Gramolazzo is about a 1 hour drive from Bagni di Lucca. It is a beautiful spot for a picnic and swimming…if you don’t mind cold water. I drove there via Piazza al Serchio. My GPS actually sent me to the wrong place, past the lake to a pretty walking track.
The mountains in this area are spectacular. I didn’t mind the detour.
The walking path is in the valley of the Orto di Donna – Val Serenia, an ancient glacial valley created about 10,000 years ago. The path starts near the car park at an altitude of 1068 metres above sea level. It is an easy walk, only 500 metres long. All along the path there are wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.
On the way back I could see the lake from the road.
The lake was very quiet the day I visited. None of the nearby restaurants or cafes were open, but I could see that it be a popular place in summer.
There are hundreds of places to visit within and hour or 2 of Bagni di Lucca.
Montefegatesi is the highest of the villages that make up Bagni di Lucca. I think it is also one of the most picturesque.
It is a stunning mountain village.
Mark and Katrina, new home owners in Bagni di Lucca, made a short return visit before the current restrictions and Mark was busy with his camera again. Here are the results.
Autumn is a beautiful time to drive to Montefegatesi,the highest of the Bagni di Lucca villages. The mountain road is lined with trees in full autumn colour right now.
Montefegatesi.
I went up further to Albereta.
The glorious colour will not last much longer. I am pleased I went for a drive before the recent lockdown.
