The first photo is what we see from our terrace. On Thursday we headed to the Passo di Campolungo, which is above Corvara, for a hike. Seems we misread the trail markers and, instead of walking up a winding, albeit steep road, we ended up climbing nearly vertically (or so it felt!) through a field underneath a ski lift to (finally) reach the elusive road! The view was worth the effort! We ate our picnic lunch perched on the steps of little building at the top of the ski lift. On our way up that mountain, we had noticed large black clouds heading our way and, sure enough, just as we finished eating, we noticed here a drop, there a drop – then a bit more - and more - and that shower continued all during our trek back down the winding road. As we reached the car .. yep - the rain stopped and the sun came out again …..!

On Saturday we returned to the Campolungo area to hike up the other side of the pass. At least this time we found the right trail! Getting to that trail was a bit tricky because of the huge number of bikers on the roads: hundreds!! But the day was bright and sunny and the views spectacular! Each time we hike up a mountain, on the way up we ask ourselves what on earth we are doing and why we are working so hard – but the answer is always found at the top.Standing there gasping for breath, sweat running down our faces - and gazing at the wonder spread out before us.

Just for the record, in case you are interested: that brand-new knee of mine is working so well that, for the first time in some years, I am not even aware of having a knee!! HALLELUJAH!!!