It was a beautiful day today and Rick and another coach went to watch some younger football players play a flag football tournament near Milan, Italy. I couldn't sit home on a nice day, and fortunately the bus/train/cable car connections were smooth for a Sunday, so I decided to go up to the top of Monte Lema!
The cable car left from the town of Miglieglia to go up to Monte Lema. Here is a view from the cable car, looking at the town of Breno in the Malcontone Valley.
Up at the top!
Panoramic - looking south - Lake Maggiore in center, Lake Lugano on left
The mountain top was full of hikers, families, picnics, etc.
Hiking paths are well marked everywhere.
The town on the other side of the valley, in the center and more "grey" looking, is Indemini, Switzerland. The other town to it's left is in Italy. We went to the town of Indemini last year - there is a blog entry for that.
Zoomed in a bit on Indemini. A hiking sign says it's a 5 hour hike from Monte Lema. That translates into 8-10 hours for me! (too far!)
Weather station. Also a glider plane cruising above.
When I had arrived at the top, I first had lunch at the Ostello Vetta Monte Lema. It was crowded with people on the outside terrace, along with singers and an accordion player! I had a little lunch before hiking a little around the mountain top. This is also a hiker hotel where you can spend the night. It's really on the ridge, as you can see - the mountain goes down on either side of the building!
In this picture you can see the zig-zag of the path for those who wish to walk up. The sign says 2 1/2 hours from Miglieglia. Another zig zag down the backside.
Zooming across to the other valley. Lugano is middle right of the picture. We live on the side of the mountain you're looking at, just below that patch of town in the middle of the forest.
Selfie time! I really was there!
On this side of the peak was a group of people flying remote control airplanes. What skies to fly them! They really come zooming over our heads! The skies were quite crowded between the remote control planes, hang gliders, and glider planes.
The hobbyists with their planes.
Great space for a picnic!
Here's a couple getting that "perfect" picture. I didn't move any further out - so steep on either side!
Better stay on the path!
Just a little hike around the mountain.
Found a pretty little green butterfly - he really blends in to the plant! Can you find the butterfly?
The windsock is for the hang gliders to check the wind.
The white-red-white stripe on the stone is a hiking path sign. You see these all over Switzerland.
A hang gliding couple getting ready.
He is hooking his wife to him - they will fly together!
Up they go!
Awesome to watch!
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