Autumn is a beautiful time to be in Bagni di Lucca. I am happy to be back for a few months. I woke to rain and mist this morning…how lovely!
Season of mists
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Category Archives: seasons
A problem with chestnuts
Chestnuts have been an important part of the lives of the people of Italy for centuries. In times of famine they saved people from starvation. The trees provide wood for building, furniture and to burn for fuel.
There are approximately 850,000 hectares of chestnut forests in Italy, and around 39,500 hectares in the Lucca province alone.
So it is alarming that there is a disease attacking chestnut trees. Chestnut blight, or Endothia parasitica first appeared in 1938, but it the last few years the problem seems to be growing.
The disease appears a a lump at the base of the leaves.
The leaves die and the tree is then unable to produce chestnuts.
Let’s hope scientists can come up with a cure for this destructive disease. Apart from anything else, chestnut trees are beautiful. It is a delight to drive through chestnut forests in the mountains around Bagni di Lucca.
It’s porcini time
It is funghi porcini time in Bagni di Lucca.
There are stands beside the road where you can buy these delicious mushrooms.
As you can see they come in all shapes and sizes. I prefer the smaller ones. When they are very fresh I like them best raw, thinly sliced, with a squeeze of lemon. They can be deep fried, or added to pasta or risotto…just eat them while they are available.
Look for them in local restaurants and fruit and vegetable shops and markets right now. If you are brave you can hunt for them yourself in the forests. Go with an experienced gatherer…you don’t want to pick the wrong ones.
Under the Linden trees
In summer the beautiful Linden trees form tunnels on the roads into Bagni di Lucca. Linden trees are called Tiglio in Italy and as well as providing welcome shade in summer the perfume from the tiny yellow flowers fills the air with the delightful smell of summer.
Bees love the flowers and delicious Tiglio honey can be found in local shops.
Be careful not to park you car under one of the trees. A sticky sap falls from them and is quite difficult to remove…admire them from a distance.
Some late snow for Bagni di Lucca
It is late May and we have had snow in the mountains around Bagni di Lucca. There have been quite heavy falls above 1,400 metres. It certainly makes for some spectacular views, with the spring growth, blue skies and snow capped mountains.
Bagni di Lucca is a beautiful part of the world.
Poppies everywhere
Gorgeous red poppies are popping up everywhere right now…straggly ones beside the road, masses of them in fields… they look wonderful with their papery petals on furry stalks blowing in the wind.
What a pity the season is so short.
I am completely sick of the rain!
Yes, I know this looks beautiful, the river has turned once again into a raging torrent and the trees are green, but enough of this rain!!! It has been pouring here for the last couple of days and it has become cold again. We need some sun to make the geraniums thrive.
This little fellow doesn’t appear to be too bothered by the wet. He was out this morning for a walk.
At least someone is happy about the rain.
What a difference the sun makes
I think Ponte a Serraglio looks beautiful in any weather. I love the wet, misty days… they have their own beauty.
But when the sun shines Ponte a Serraglio comes to life. We have had far too many wet days this year. Spring is late coming, but there a finally signs that is on its way.
Canoeists and rafters are appearing in the river.
And there are flowers everywhere.
With a bit of luck our run of crummy weather is behind us and we can enjoy the delights of spring…better late than never.
A question for you
I have been asked to do a survey.
In past years in summer, part of the main street in La Villa is closed to traffic and the area in the centre becomes a pedestrian area. The restaurants put tables outside on the street and the area in front of the Circolo dei Forestieri becomes a fun place for people to sit to eat and for children to play safely without the worry of cars.
This photo was taken yesterday, so you need to imagine that the trees are green and there are flowers everywhere.
Some car parking spaces are lost when the street is closed, but there is more parking behind the town. There is a road that goes behind the main street, so traffic is not disrupted.
There has been some talk that the street closing may not happen this year because a few businesses are not in favour of it.
I think it is a great idea, but I would like to know what you think. Would you like to see the centre of La Villa become a pedestrian area for a couple of months in summer?
If so, what hours would you like to see the street closed. If not, what are your objections?
Whatever your opinion, please leave a comment below, or send me an email….debrakolkka@gmail.com
Swallows and a rainbow
It has been raining here in Bagni di Lucca for weeks. We are all sick of it. Late yesterday afternoon the rain stopped and a strange yellow light appeared over Ponte a Serraglio.
Then a rainbow appeared.
Then swallows began to swoop and dive along the river.
There is a saying here…Una rondine non fa primavera…One swallow doesn’t make spring. ( a bit like “One swallow doesn’t make a summer”). There were lots of swallows, so I’m hoping it is a sign.
A bit later there was a double rainbow. The photo is not great, but if you squint you might see it.
Rondine e un arcobaleno…I jumped in this morning and planted the pansies on the bridge. Let’s hope it doesn’t snow again.
