The ride to Trento on Thursday Sep 12th
The forecast for Thursday was for rain all day, and this time the meteorologist got it right! When we left camp at 11.30am, the rain had stopped, but before long we found ourselves sheltering from more very heavy showers. After a while it lightened and we pressed on, thinking we could get to Trento and find a hotel.
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All clad in rain gear packing up camp in the morning |
The route through the Rotaliana plain was very pleasant, taking us along the Etsch- Adige river initially, then veering off on a more twisty route to take in some interesting villages and also a popular wine route called the Strada del vino e die sapori. Mountains on either side of us had steep cliffs and deep gorges with numerous castles and old churches perched on lofty ledges.
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Etsch-Adige River flanked by steep mountain cliffs |
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Must be close to harvesting time |
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Still enjoying the scenery in spite of the rain |
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A few small hills today but nothing major |
We took refuge from the rain a couple of times in cafes along the way which helped to warm us up and allowed our raingear to dry off a bit. On our second stop I couldn't resist having a mulled wine when I saw it on the menu.
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Typical small village along the way |
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Via Claudia interpretive sign on the route |
As the day went on, we made a hotel booking in the city of Trento, and pressed on with the ride buoyed by the knowledge that nice beds and warm showers awaited us - only to find out when we arrived there about 7pm, that Daphne had screwed up the date of the booking, and so we didn't really have a room at all!! So sorry guys.
Back on the phones to try to find something else. Most remaining available hotels near the centre were very expensive. Lots of others probably had the same idea as us. The closest within our price-range was another 4 km away, so off we trudged. 4 km might not be a lot, but it is when you're tired and thought you were already done! By 8pm we were there and very relieved to finally end the day after a decent 58 km considering the weather.
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Day 19, reaching Trento |
What a sight! Even in the rain, the scenery remains breathtaking. Savor every moment! I sense your journey is nearing its end. It seems everything has been wonderful so far. Your photographs are stunning, and the friendships you've forged, truly precious. Lucie
ReplyDeleteThank you Lucie. It has been a great time with Nancy for the last 2 weeks. Yes this stage is concluding, but Frank a I will still ride a few hundred km towards Venice. So stay tuned!
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