It is cold in Bagni di Lucca…it is the middle of winter after all.
The Lima River is full of water after recent rain and snow.
The ducks…including the white one and the goose…seem to be coping with the cold.
There is snow on the mountains around us.
…and we have been having some beautiful sunsets.
Winter is a lovely time to be in Bagni di Lucca.
I have spent 6 months in Bagni di Lucca this year. I have been to most of the villages that make up our community. Here is a look back over the year.
I arrived in February 2012 to very cold weather. There had been heavy snow in early February and there was still a little left when I arrived.
The edges of the river in front of my house froze.
I love winter in Bagni di Lucca, but when spring arrives it is magical.
There was some late snow in the mountains.
As the weather warmed up I had a great time visiting the mountain villages.
Sunset in Casabasciana.
The beginning of spring in Fornoli.
Montefegatesi in the spring sunshine.
A doorway in Granaiola.
Colle shines in the spring sun.
The pansies on the bridge at Ponte a Serraglio look cheerful.
The memorial for the fallen patriots in La Villa.
Geese in Longoio out for a walk.
Early morning at Ponte a Serraglio.
Looking down on Ponte a Serraglio.
Pears ripening in the spring sun.
The view from Bagni Caldi.
Early summer in Lugliano.
The view from upper Vico Pancellorum.
Picking cherries in Pieve di Monti di Villa.
Decorating the piazza in Brandeglio.
The gorgeous pool in La Villa.
The archery competition in La Villa.
Summer geraniums.
The beginning of autumn.
Grapevines near Longoio.
Lucchio appearing between the trees.
Chestnut time.
Autumn at the old station in Fornoli.
Porcini mushroom time.
The first snow of the season.
I left just as heavy rain began to fall in Bagni di Lucca.
My favourite post of the year was about Renzo, a shepherd we met tending his sheep. I love these chance encounters with Bagni di Lucca locals. Most are happy to take the time to talk about their lives in this gorgeous part of the world.
The most popular post was the one called Meet Emilio Ferrari. The post was Freshly Pressed ( featured by WordPress) early in the year. Emilio and his lovely wife Alfa (they drive a Fiat) has been read by thousands of people all over the world.
I will be back in Bagni di Lucca soon…..can’t wait.
One of the things I love the best about Bagni di Lucca is the obvious change in the seasons. I come from a sub tropical climate where there is not a lot of difference.
There is a view that I have been photographing for a year to document the lovely changes.
I like all the seasons ( except when it gets really hot in summer ). Autumn is particularly lovely in Bagni di Lucca…..and it is about to start.
The blossoms are gone from the fruit trees and the tiny fruit has appeared. Soon we will be eating some delicious summer fruits and berries.
Tiny, perfectly formed pears.
Baby cherries.
Peaches?
Plums?
Figs….my favourite.
Gooseberries.
Don’t know.
Raspberries?
And let’s not forget the grapes.
I hope I get to try some before I have to go home.
The magnolia trees are covered with flowers now. It only lasts a couple of weeks.
Local Information….
Sunday 25th March at 4.00pm is the Festa Della Primavera (spring festival) in San Cassiano
Sunday 1st April is the group walk that starts in Fornoli. You can walk 2, 4, 8, 12, 20 or 25 kilometres. Check in at 7.15am and the walk begins between 8.00am and 9.00am. Cost €2.50
Sunday 15th April at 5.30pm is a concert at Teatro Academico. Cost €10. Book at the library.
The weather is warming up and the days are getting longer. Spring is getting ready to show its lovely face in Bagni di Lucca.
These pretty crocuses were growing beside the road, I almost stepped on them.
Snowdrops growing on the rock wall on the way to La Villa.
Tiny violets are appearing.
These terraces are covered with crocuses.
My daffodils are growing.
It won’t be long now and the trees will turn green before our eyes.
One of the things I like most about living in Bagni di Lucca is the change of seasons. I love the starkness of winter with the occasional promise of snow.
our beautiful mountains
Ponte a Serraglio covered with snow
Villa Fiori in winter
From the bridge in La Villa
Spring is everybody’s favourite when everything turns green and beautiful.
spring comes to the mountains
The villages come to life when the sun shines.
Ponte a Serraglio turns green
Villa Fiori in spring
The roads into Bagni di Lucca turn into green tunnels
In spring and summer flowers bloom everywhere.
wisteria makes lilac curtains
pink magnolias
Magnolias at the English church in La Villa
a balcony with petunias
In spring acacia blossoms turn the hills white and fill the air with the most delicious honey fragrance.
acacia blossoms
Pansies are happy little flowers and lift their faces to the sun at the first opportunity.
pansies at Ponte a Serraglio
Peonies are my favourite flowers and they seem to grow wild in our area.
my favourite flower
Autumn in Bagni di Lucca is a particularly beautiful season. The trees turn yellow and gold and the mornings and evenings turn deliciously cool.
pretty geraniums are everywhere
Ponte a Serraglio in autumn
the old station at Fornoli
from Bagni Caldi
autumn in the mountains
glorious autumn colour
the last leaves fall
and winter returns
Bella Bagni di Lucca 