Where have all the mountains gone …

Today we leave the Alpe Adria Radweg with the advice  from the lady in the tourist office in Pontebba.  It was a great move, a small climb and parallel to the river through a few little villages and forest between with glimpses of the mountains behind and the river.  The river is not what you would expect … river stones with running water in parts, the deeper it is the more vibrant the colour, however very attractive and the locals still take advantage and can be seen by the banks sunbathing.

We pass by Lake Cornino an interesting lake coupled with birdlife in particular we see vultures high in the mountain above. Also meet 2 cyclists one from Austria and one from Germany travelling together. A local also on his daily 3hr ride, happy to be retired and enjoying this wonderful route as his daily routine, and why not, such beautiful scenery. The rehabilitation centre is also interesting.

Half way is San Daniele a hilltop town a quick look and lunch.

Unfortunately the mountains are getting more distant as the day progresses and the land is flattening out. 

Udine is a big town as we wander to the centre, lovely old buildings, a castle in the centre with views of the surrounds.  The town is gearing up to their main event for the year this weekend, lots of marquees being erected throughout.

A lovely dinner nearby our hotel, the best aperol spritz.  An encounter of laughter with a diner, her partner was on ‘his phone’ while she just sat … our eyes met then we both laughed. Later we spoke, they are from Munich and she was an academic at a university, now retired.  I wish we had talked more … I just love this life of travel.