Almost winter

I am currently in Brisbane, Australia and we have experienced our first seriously hot days. The temperature has been around 35 degrees coupled with high humidity, an all night storm with rain, strong wind and incredibly loud thunder.

I missed the gorgeous autumn in Bagni di Lucca so I looked at some of the photos I took in past autumns.





I will miss the lovely cold winter days with the possibility of snow…I hope there will be some when I return in late February.

The Lima River

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.

Winter

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.

The road to Montefegatesi

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.

Autumn in the chestnut forest

Just before I left Italy in early November I drove up to Montefegatesi hoping to see some autumn colour in the forest just outside the village. I was a bit early, but I could see the changes.

Montefegatesi

Montefegatesi

Montefegatesi

Montefegatesi

Montefegatesi Mine

Montefegatesi

Montefegatesi

It is always good to stop at the little church beside the road on the way down the mountain.

Montefegatesi

By now the leaves will probably be gone and the scene will be wintery. That is wonderful too.

Just because

I was driving between villages when I looked up to see this view. I stopped the car to take some photos. The fragrance in the mountains is heavenly. There had been some rain and the sun had just come out, so everything was fresh and clean.

Take some time to drive through the mountain villages. This is from the San Cassiano road.