The last couple of days have been really hot so there have been no long hikes or bike rides. On our final day day in Baveno, I did some band resistance work and played table tennis before it got too warm, then we swam in the pool.
Today, we packed Molly and drove to Orta San Giuilo, stopping to fill up the fridge and food cupboards en route. Orta is the last of the Italian lakes we’re visiting on this trip. We’ve been here before and remembered it as being beautiful. We were right.
We settled Molly on a pretty, peaceful campsite, a short walk away from the town and lake, before wandering down to the shore. I had hoped we could take the packraft down and paddle on the lake, but it’s a little too far for us to be bothered I. This heat. Instead we did the panoramic walk around the little peninsula that Orta San Giulio is situated on.
We passed the magnificent Villa Crespi and wandered down narrow passageways and through tunnels along the waterfront.
After a while we could see glimpses of the beautiful little island of Isola de San Giulio, dominated by its basilica.
In the main square, Piazza Mario Motta, we took some time to admire the old buildings and frescos, especially the Palazza della Comunitá where the community once gathered to administer justice.
Then we explored the cobbled streets for a while, before stopping for a drink to cool down in the shade.
We meandered back to the campsite along a promenade that hugs the lake shore, stopping at one of the many sets of steps to enjoy the view of the lake and green mountains, and to cool our feet in the green blue water, watching the fish glide by.
We’re not sure what the next few days will bring, because it looks as though the weather is going to break and we may have some rain and even thunderstorms. Watch this space.
Ramblings 
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