• Day 11 – Gravel, Gelato and a Touch of M

    21 Mei, Itali ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Up early and out by 7:30am, I managed a glorious 25-mile gravel ride through the foothills behind Lake Garda—quiet farm tracks and vineyard roads, a few decent climbs, and not a soul in sight. Back at base, true to form, Gill had just sat down after a morning of pottering.

    After coffee and croissants, we headed off to Sirmione. Much busier than we expected, it turned out to be a charming peninsula town that juts out dramatically into the lake. We wandered past the gateway tower and all the way to the tip at “Jamaica Beach” — a few pebbles and not quite as exotic as the name suggests, but the walk was pleasant, and we passed the villa where Maria Callas once stayed. We’ll be watching her Netflix biopic when we’re home.

    Lunch was a highlight: Gill had whole trout with roasted veg; I had a punchy pasta dish in a sardine-style broth. Washed down with two mountainous gelatos — a Lake Garda must.

    The afternoon took us into the hills to I Tarvisani winery. They’d forgotten we were coming, but quickly rallied, and we sampled four wines — the sparkling rosé won us over. We nibbled on meats and cheeses but packed most to bring back for a light picnic supper.

    Back at the site, the rain started, the air stayed muggy, and the mozzies began to stir. Anti-mozzie lights are charged, crossword’s out, and we’re winding down with a cup of tea and that local spread of meats and cheeses — toasting another full day. Rain’s due tomorrow, so we’ll see what it brings.
    Baca lagi