There are several bridges crossing the Lima River in Bagni di Lucca, but Ponte Maggio which crosses to Casoli is probably the prettiest.
The river looks very inviting from the bridge. I went down to the water here last year and dipped my toes in. I was very tempted to dive in.
It was a bit cool on my recent visit, but I’m sure this bit of the river will be popular when the weather warms up.
The pansies on the bridge haven’t been the best this year. They are nowhere as good as those from last year. I have no idea why, perhaps the weather didn’t suit them.
In about a week I will take them out and replace them with geraniums for the summer. Let’s hope they do better.
Take a last look at the 2016 pansies.
Anyone who would like to help water them over the summer please let me know.
Then…
Now…sorry about the car. I waited a while but it wasn’t going anywhere.
The water fountain is still there.
Lugliano hasn’t changed much at all in this area. It is a lovely village with some great views.
Jean Varraud Terme has been one of the reasons visitors come to Bagni di Lucca for many years.
Here is how it looked in years past.
…and now.
A car park never adds much to the ambience, but at least Terme is operating and popular.
Last year a mini tornado ripped through some of the villages of Bagni di Lucca. Some lovely old trees were destroyed in the the park in La Villa.
New trees have been planted in time for spring growth. Several Magnolia Grandiflora are in place.
The existing trees are looking good.
The magnolias have almost finished flowering and the leaves are beginning to appear.
Luckily, the little tower and the fountain were not damaged.
The children’s playground is well used. The weather has been lovely and it is great to see children out and about.
The grass needs cutting, but I love to see the tiny daisies growing everywhere.
Well done! I don’t know who is responsible, but it is excellent to see that the park is being taken care of.
The Lima River is a perfect spot for rafting. The Aguarja Rafting Company is based at the Tennis Club in Bagni di Lucca.
They offer rafting and canyoning rides and calm river trails for the more sedate amongst us.
My friend Farah shared these photos of a recent outing.
It looks like great fun. To find out more, go to their website…www.aguaraja.com
The rivers and streams are full of fast flowing water at this time of year. It is heartening to see that it is clean and clear.
The colour of the water changes, depending on melting snow and the amount of rain. There are some amazing colours in the river on the way into the Garfagnana.
I pass this river every time I go to our mountain house. It is always beautiful.
It is raining today, more water to fill the rivers.
There is a neglected magnolia in the neglected car park of the neglected Villa Fiori. It still manages to look beautiful.
With a bit of luck a buyer will turn up in April when the building goes on sale.
The weather has been a bit crazy lately. We have had days of rain, howling winds and some lovely sunshine.
Spring will soon be here. I can see a tinge of green appearing on the trees.
The last days of winter are looking good….
Spring is just around the corner.
The translation of I Macelli is The Slaughterhouses. I am guessing that the site of this excellent restaurant was once an abattoir. The bright yellow building sits beside a little stream behind the main commercial area of Borgo a Mozzano, the village near the Ponte della Maddalena.
The restaurant is one of our favourite places to dine, with good reason. The food is very good, the setting pleasant and the service is friendly and efficient.
To get there, drive down the one way street in the centre of Borgo a Mozzano and turn left at the sign for the restaurant.
I look forward to many delicious meals at I Macelli when I return to Bagni di Lucca very soon.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 