Italy with Ellie- day 2

Day 2 

We left Fossa Mala for a day hike in the mountains. Up through Aviano, through the tunnels and through Claut.  The path took us by the where the three plates meet. 

We entered the Parco Naturale Dolomitic Friulane national park with its one way roads and thick forest filled with the sound of the cow bells.

                                                     Our twins for the day.

                                                  Can't enough of this view.

                                          Down we went through magnificent views and mountains.

When we arrived at the house where we were going to have lunch we got ready as Ellie said "girls get ready we are going up there" as she pointed to the mountains.  Up and up we went to the height of 1159 m. Just high enough to know you were climbing!
.

Maria couldn't resist....

Quite funny!

                                                      We made it!

We took a few pictures and then started down for lunch.  We don't get enough to eat while on this trip! All we do is eat!  We start with prosecco and end with grappa .Lunch was at the Rifugio Pagnon.  

 

    As we finished our 3 hour lunch the bells in the distance got louder and louder and the cows came up the hill to the barn.  What a great sound and sight.

            The dog is lying at the bottom of this picture. The owners said the dog is sad and won't eat                                                           because the kids have left on vacation.

                                             I took pictures of the the smoking of the of the cheeses. 

                                                Here is a picture of the host family.

     
Down we went through magnificent views and mountains.
Ciao

Italy trip with Ellie 2016

Italy trip 2016
Ruth and I started out at the bus stop in Lincoln NH and then we met up with this gang at the Airport!

The temperature is in the 80's. I feel I have packed way too much till I see some of the other suitcases and then I don't feel so embarrassed.

The bus ride from the airport.

Our trip has officially begun with a glass of Proseco.....and many more to come.

We arrive at the Hotel Fossa Mala in Fiume Vento & Winery. Our welcome dinner is the famous Roncadin Pizzas.

Day 1 
Off to Parco San Floriano which is a park. We climbed up to the restaurant Taverna Della Lana. They barbecued a wonderful meal. We passed very famous cows. There are only 15 left in the world of this kind. They aren't used for work, milk or food any more as they are trying to reproduce them. 

The mountains are beautiful and beckoning us to come. So we are off on our climb.

Below is the map of the park.

I didn't want to leave out a picture of this wonderful
experience.

Then up to a small church chiesetta di san Floriano.

                               As we came down the mountain we stopped at a town of Polcenigo for a gelato. 

Home to Fossa Mala for dinner and the night.

Our Ellie showing us how to do it!

At night we had the honor of meeting the commander of the base here in Aviano. She is in charge of 2700 men and women. And 5300 total with the families. Ellie thinks she is destined to being a general - Very gracious and a powerhouse. 

A very noisy night with an auction happening till 1:00 in the morning.
ciao ciao...