Rick in the meadows by the Resort Collino d'Oro
I am always amazed how wherever I go in Switzerland, I find surprises! Today Rick and I took the bus to Agra, which is on a mountain near Lugano called Collino d'Oro. Right before Agra you go through the town of Montagnola, where the bus manages to fit through the narrowest possible space. I think there was literally 1 inch open on each side of the bus. The last stop on this route is called Agra Roncone, where just a bit up the hill is a new resort called Resort Collino D'Oro (what else!)
What magnificent views! There is a big open hill just above the resort's splendid-looking mountaintop pool, which really made me want to spin around and sing "The Sound of Music"! And now, here is a really cool thing... I had downloaded an App to my iPhone called Galileo Offline maps. My phone was turned off to any phone service or data, like an iTouch without wifi. When I looked at the map to see where we were, a blue dot indicated our location! I didn't know an iPhone could do that without internet connection. I guess it works like a GPS with a satellite. It was awesome!!!!
What magnificent views! There is a big open hill just above the resort's splendid-looking mountaintop pool, which really made me want to spin around and sing "The Sound of Music"! And now, here is a really cool thing... I had downloaded an App to my iPhone called Galileo Offline maps. My phone was turned off to any phone service or data, like an iTouch without wifi. When I looked at the map to see where we were, a blue dot indicated our location! I didn't know an iPhone could do that without internet connection. I guess it works like a GPS with a satellite. It was awesome!!!!
(more of the story below!)
The hills are alive... with the sound of music.....
Rick looking at the view to the south from the meadows by Resort Collino d'Oro
Another view looking southwest
Heading down the path, and looking back towards the northeast. Mont San Salvatore is in view across the valley, and Monte Boglia further in the distance. (We live below Monte Boglia).
We followed the yellow "sentiero" signs, and the map app also showed the paths and we could see where we were at all times. As we headed down a path indicating towards the town of Figino, we saw a side path to a lookout point called "Sasso delle Parole". (Rock of words) The sign said it was a 5 minute walk. Wow!! This point is one of the best kept secrets! The views looked south, west, and north. We were actually on the top edge of a rock outcrop. To get here is so off the beaten path, but well worth it. By car you can take the road to Agra and continue towards Barbengo. (Or go to Barbengo and drive up towards Agra). There is a little place to park and then a short walk for the view.
The narrow path leading to the lookout point of Sasso delle Parole. Yesterday I went shopping for hiking pants - the kind that zip off into shorts. I'm wearing my new pants! I love them!
What a view! We need to come back on a super clear day!
Just love these red Swiss benches!
The town across the lake is Italy - it is Brusimpiano
From the Sasso delle Parole, we can look back and see the Resort Collino d'Oro
Our path to Figino took us on a short walk along the road until we saw the sentiero sign again point down some steps, which looked quite steep - and this is a steep side of the mountain! Sometimes we are hesitant, not knowing what's up ahead, but the Swiss usually take good care of their hiking paths and it was a very nice walk. It seems like every path down eventually leads you into an old town, usually coming in to someone's back yard. That is something I really like about Switzerland. It is so hiker friendly because you can walk almost anywhere. Many people leave their property open to walk through, whereas in the US everyone has a fence with "keep out!"
The Swiss love to control the water coming down the mountains. This stream is running down a path with very old stone walls. It goes right to the town a few steps away.
Rick looking out from the church into the valley. IKEA is found down their in Grancia!
So we came out in the old nucleo of Barbengo and continued to follow signs to Figino, and we came to a cemetery with another path up to a church. Of course we had to check it out! I'm sure way back when this church had a good view, but the valley below is now a main industrial area with the highway running through it. Back on a path and through the woods we once again came down some steps right into the back of someone's house. We were actually in the town of Casoro, with Figino next to it. It was best to check the bus schedule at the nearest bus stop since we hadn't eaten lunch yet and needed to get back to Lugano. It was already 1:45. We asked an elderly couple sitting on their balcony where the nearest bus stop was. It was right down the street, in front of an International Hosteling "camp".
We love having our bus passes for the area where we can just get on any bus. Going to the outlying rural areas it is the postal bus. When riding the postal bus, it's common to always say Grazie or Buona Giornata as you leave. The drivers often know their passengers well, are very helpful, and I notice they always make sure the elderly are seated before starting the bus up and throwing them down the aisle! The city bus will do this as well, but there are too many people to always be greeting the bus driver.
A great day rewarded with a new "secret" lookout!
A great day rewarded with a new "secret" lookout!
March 31 - Lugano Lakers first official game of the season
They played against the Basel Mean Machines. The junior team won 40-0 and the senior team won 29-6. This team was quite weak and the next game will be much tougher!
Rick eating a hot dog after the game. Yes, they really had hot dogs, with "American Buns!"
The team enjoying hot dogs and desserts brought by the parents. I made homemade oatmeal/coconut/apricot cookies!
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