Snow fell in Bagni di Lucca today. It was wonderful to wake up to find everything covered in a blanket of white.
This afternoon it began to rain, just a light drizzle, but enough to wash the snow away. It was pretty while it lasted.
“The Beast from the East” is certainly making its presence felt in Bagni di Lucca. It was below zero on my balcony at Ponte a Serraglio this morning.
We don’t have deep snow like Rome. There were a few flurries the other day and fierce wind, but no snow on the ground.
After being shut in the house for a couple of days I decided to drive up to Montefegatesi, the highest of the Bagni di Lucca villages at around 840 metres above sea level, in the hope if finding some snow. Apart from a few patches of snow in shaded areas the village was clear. The temperature was -7!
Montefegatesi looks wonderful whatever the weather. Here it is with its winter coat.
There was little snow, but lots of frozen puddles.
The surrounding mountains are covered with snow.
I visited when I was here in autumn, a beautiful season in Montefegatesi.
Soon it will be spring and everything will look different again.
The drive into Ponte a Serraglio from Fornoli beneath the gorgeous Tiglio trees is a delight. It is a wonderful introduction to the villages of Bagni di Lucca.
In winter the bare branches form a dramatic arch against the winter sky.
In spring the new leaves appear as if by magic and a beautiful tunnel appears to filter the sunlight.
In autumn the leaves turn gold and fall to the ground. I love driving or walking through with the golden leaves falling around me.
Now it seems they might be cut down. The trees are old and some may be diseased. I really hope this doesn’t happen. This Tiglio tunnel is one of the loveliest things in Bagni di Lucca.
I hope a better solution can be found than removing all of the trees. Surely the best trees can be retained and some new ones planted? It just wouldn’t be the same without them.
I love to see Lucchio clinging to its mountain. Here it is in rain and mist in autumn.
When I return to Bagni di Lucca I will enjoy the stunning winter view. I am hoping for snow.
This year in Bagni di Lucca a wonderful team has created La Casa Di Babbo Natale in Villa Web, the villa famous for its part time resident, Lord Byron. My friend Paola kindly visited to take some photos so that we can all see Santa’s house.
Walk up from La Villa, past the Terme, and up to Villa Web.
Open the front door…
Santa was out, probably discussing travel arrangements with his helpers and getting the toys sorted. His chair was waiting for his return.
Santa’s green helpers were on hand to show Paola around.
Santa’s bedroom looked comfortable and inviting. He needs his rest before the big day.
The fire was alight, waiting for Santa’s return.
The kitchen is looking festive and the table is set ready for Christmas.
There is a desk where children can sit to write letters to Santa. Several years ago we visited Santa’s home in Finland where we saw the post office where their letters arrive. There are more letters from Italian children than from other countries.
Paola took a look a Santa’s list. I’m sure our names will be on it.
Well done to all those who set up Casa di Babbo Natale! Thank you Paola for sharing it with us.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and an excellent 2018.
Don’t miss the Festa della Briciole in Fornoli this Sunday and the Santa walk starting in La Villa.
There has been some wild weather in Bagni di Lucca. There was snow for a few hours before rain came to wash it all away.
The river that was extraordinarily low this summer is now roaring past.
I wish I was around to see the snow and rain. I love to stand at my window to watch it all happen.
Thank you Paul for taking photos of my front yard.
