The views of Montefegatesi are gorgeous in any season. Before I left Bagni di Lucca in November autumn colour was beginning to appear.
When I return early in the new year winter will be in full swing, bringing its own beauty.
The beautiful tiglio trees form a tunnel to drive through as you enter Fornoli and Bagni di Lucca. Before I left for Australia the last of the leaves were falling from the trees.
When I return early next year they will have taken on their stark winter appearance…also beautiful.
I love to see traditions continue in Bagni di Lucca. It is great to see a shepherd bringing the goats down from their grazing. It was excellent to see a young shepherd. I hope this means the old ways will go on.
A little further along the road from Monti di Villa I spotted some healthy looking cattle grazing.
You never know what you will see as you drive between the villages.
Autumn is a great time to take a drive to Abetone, the ski village 40 kilometres from Bagni di Lucca.
As you get close to Abetone the vegetation changes and autumn is in full swing. The photos were taken from a moving car, so some are a bit blurry.
In the centre of Abetone there are 2 stone pyramids erected to celebrate the opening of the Strada Regia Modenese, Modenese Royal Road.
On the Tuscan side of the road.
On the Modena side.
The road was begun in 1766 and was completed about 10 years later. It secured an important trade route, joining the territories of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and the Duchy Modena. It was financed jointly by Pietro Leopoldo and Francesco III.
From this position in the village it is possible the see some of the ski runs without snow.
The skiing in Abetone is great and the village comes alive when the snow falls, but it is very pretty right now. Take a drive and enjoy the autumn colour.
Autumn is a lovely time to be in Bagni di Lucca. The days are still warm and sunny and the mornings and evenings deliciously cool.
On clear, bright days the Lima River at Ponte a Serraglio looks stunning with the buildings reflected in the still water.
We have had some spectacular sunsets as well.
If you look closely at this photo you will see 2 birds standing on the wall in the river at Ponte a Serraglio.
One is a cormorant (I think. I am happy to be corrected) The black bird was drying his wings in the sun. He wasn’t there long before he flew off, no doubt looking for lunch.
It always surprises me to see seagulls on our river, but I suppose it is not all that far as the crow (or seagull) flies from the sea.
Green buds are beginning to appear on the trees. Spring is underway.
The sun is shining, but there is a fierce wind blowing.
The Lima River is running high after heavy rain in the mountains.
Let’s hope the surging water doesn’t cause damage.
Thank you Chris for the photos.
A friend has just sent a photo and short video of the view from my apartment.
I wish I was there. I love it when it snows in Ponte a Serraglio!
Looking back on 2018
January.
Bar Italia has a party to celebrate its renovation. Congratulations to Annalise and her crew for a job well done.
February.
Winter at Montefegatesi.
March
The chestnut forest on the way to Orrido di Botri in winter.
April.
Spring appears quickly.
The wonderful new fruit and vegetable shop opened in Ponte a Serraglio.
May.
Frassino trees put on a spectacular show for a few weeks.
June. Geraniums thrived at Ponte a Serraglio.
July.
The stunning pool reopened in La Villa after extensive renovations.
August.
People gather at Villa Web to celebrate the poet Shelley.
September.
Chestnuts begin to ripen.
October.
The leaves begin to change colour.
November.
Golden autumn.
December.
Christmas at Ponte a Serraglio.
I look forward to a brand new year in bella Bagni di Lucca.
Susanna from Bar Italia, with help from her friend Dome has created a beautiful Presepe in the old news kiosk beside the river.
It looks wonderful. I wish I was there to see it.
Thank you Dome for the photo and to Elizabeth for sharing it with us.
Merry Christmas to everyone.
