I guess I didn’t realize Italy had such craggy mountains. It surprised me today to ride up and over some high passes. We had to go over a watershed ridge to get to where we are now: on the sea coast. Until now, the rainfall has gone to the Po River Valley. Now it falls down to the Mediterranean Sea.
I rode up 8 km and then froze on the way down. The weather has changed and it’s very windy and cooler. Coming over the last summit today, I decided to go off road onto a 2.5km dirt road it to a small chapel overlooking the sea.
Almost blown off my feet. Felt like I was in a hurricane. The trees were loud with leaves crashing into each other. At the chapel, my bike was blown over, in the most sheltered spot. Yikes! I had to sit down on the concrete benches to take photos. The bells were tied down tight, otherwise they would have run non-stop. It was kind of scary being up there. What if I got blown off the trail?!
There was a huge statue of Jesus looking back towards the mountains offering benediction. Impressive but too new to be pleasing.
It was a day of fortress buildings. Castelvecchio Rocca Borgata (I think) and another palace/castle. On hill tops, stark against the sky.
And now I lie in bed listening to crashing waves on the beach below the hotel. Plenty of people taking the sun.
what a life. I on the other hand, have spent two days digging up my back yard finally after a year and a half, and moved (removed) 2100 pounds of rocks, garbage and dirt! With my neighbor. Yes, we weighed it at the landfill. I can hardly walk around the block much less cycle up a mountain pass.
Hmm. From that angle, the Jesus statue looks a little like he’s saying, “What can I DO with you people??”
Such a fab adventure…wit with in spirit 🚴
Wow, Emily, that’s amazing. You’ll have such a great garden next year. Heck, I couldn’t do what you’ve done. That’s back breaking. Cycling is easy compared to that!!
LOL. Yes, it does a bit. Love that idea!
He could also be saying “Look at the incredible mountains I’ve given you! Enjoy!”
It was a fun ride too. Hard but rewarding. Like every day here. 🙂