From Sole to Gottano Sopra and back again

I'm afraid I don't usually take much notice of the news but a couple of items rather dampened the start to a rather sunny Sunday morning; the death of one of cinema's greats, Paul Newman. And (twice world champion) Bettini's dramatic declaration to quit cycling after the World Race Championship. Why are sportsmen, especailly Male Italian Cyclists so drammatic! - and will it last?

Victor walks one week, with me and stays at home the next. This was a walking week and so he drove us to the bridge over the Lonza Torrent at Vetto where we picked up the fourth stage of the S.D. It was the first day of the hunting season as we set off to the sound of (hopefully distant) guns along the bank of the torrent to where it joins the Enza.

The Mulino di Stabio

Then uphill to Gottano Sotto. Looking over to Sole and bar, see below!.

And where there's a sotto (lower) there's usually a sopra (upper) so we pushed onto Gottano Sopra (675m), a picnic, and few rows of knitting, before returning to the bottom of the valley.

Still full of go, and fancying a cappuchino, we pushed on back up the other side to Sole, (both Sotto and Sopra) only to find the trattoria too busy with lunches to serve us, never mind, the view was good and I'd made a traditional 'cellar cake' at home. Layers of sponge cake soaked in Amaretto layered with a stodgy chocolate custard cream in a bowl. All weighted down and left in the cellar (i.e. fridge) overnight.

Towards Ventasso.

As often happens, Victor had timed the video to record the Cycling but the wrong channel!! Fortunately we still managed to get in the last three laps with Bettini trying out new tactics, by taking his fond farewells during the race with all the other champions, he managed to distract them into bringing up the rear of the race, leaving the rest of the Italian team free to dash off and grab 3 of the first 4 places.

Now I know we said we'd be there but there is a much handier meeting on next week and we opted for that - it actually leaves from the local supermarket!! Last year was very interesting as all the big names were there, and we could get the weekly shopping done too!. MESSAGE FOR STEVE - Check out Memorial Cimurri on Internet for more.

And this is for Marco who appreciates a good cat!

Love also to Laura, another Paplanna

PS I need your help Carlo!!