Riva del Garda

We have been doing lots of driving the last two days. Yesterdat we drove in the rain from San Quirico to our hotel near the airport in Milan. The drive was mostly on the autostrada. It was uneventful. Because of the rain and clouds, we didn’t see much of the countryside. Besides I had to concentrate on driving in wet conditions on a high-speed highway. We spend lots of many at the gas pump – 1.40+ Euros per liter – and a little money at the Autogrill. Italian rest stops are wonderful. Each has several restaurants service quick food to full meals. We opted for a full meal of pasta and salads. There are also groceries, souvenirs and gasoline.

We arrived at our hotel around 3:00 and met most of our group there. Dinner was at a small restaurant. I had pizza while Ann had tagliatelli with asparagus.

This morning we had a good buffet breakfast with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, bacon, breads, coffee, etc. We left the hotel around 9:30 and drove very fast on the autostrada until the turnoff to Riva del Garda. Then we were on a slower two land road that eventually followed the west shoreline of Largo di Garda. The road was carved along the steep hills. There were lots of very narrow tunnels that tested my nerves when meeting oncoming traffic. It was a pretty drive, though, passing through many picturesque resort towns.

Jack, our GPS, led us into Riva and then routed us into the town market on a closed off street. We realized the problem, turned around and had him route us around the market and eventually to our hotel.

We had lunch at a restaurant next door sharing a table with Ron, Bruce and Marilyn. I had flat noodles with shell fish while Ann had risotto with porcini mushrooms.

We tried walking along the lake after lunch and turned back when we felt some sprinkles. It is very scenic here with high mountains rising on three sides of the town with the lake on the fourth side.

Dinner was in the hotel. Ann and I both had selections from a salad bar. Then we had an appetizer of smoked salmon, a entree of sea bass with potatoes and cauliflower, and chocolate mousse for dessert.

The weather tomorrow threatens rain. Our loop ride might be called off. I’ll let you know.