Wednesday July 20th – Up to Alpe di Siusi
We were up early and ready for a day of bike riding. John and I had a general idea of where we were going, but still didn't (and still don't) understand all of the details on the map. The main detail we don't understand is how do they indicate trail material (paved, gravel, dirt).
Everyone was much more comfortable on the E-bikes and the ride to the gondola was easy. We were going up the Mont Seuc gondola to the Alpi di Siusi. I'm still not sure what Alpi di Siusi translates to, but it is a huge alpine meadow surrounded with views of the peaks of mountains. It's largely rolling hills scattered with farms, chairlifts, huts and hiking/biking trails.
Our plan was to ride around the Alpi Di Siusi from the top of the Mont Seuc gondola than find a gondola to down lift into the neighboring town of St. Christine. We got off to an amazing start. The E-bikes makes the ride over the rolling hills easy, almost like you are on a "ride". Between the bikes and the amazing scenery, we started calling the Alpi Di Siusi "Alpine Disneyland."
For parts of the ride we were on a trail aptly named the "panorama trail" for the views all around. We ran into a bit of a hiccup when all of our trail options turned to gravel. The E-bikes are great going up gravel trails but due to their weight make coming down a technical and strength challenge. With a new plan to explore then turn around we rode to the end of the paved trail and found a Refugio/resort called Tirler.
Initially it looked like there was some wooden play equipment in the field next to the restaurant patio, so while the parents had a Hefeweizen and played cribbage the kids went off to play. The kids disappeared down a small slope and didn't reappear for 30min informing us there were tree houses, wooden swings, swings and other magic in the woods.
Emilie and I come back to Tirler later in the trip but suffice to say we stumbled upon a remarkable place. The highlight was finding all four kids in a hut made of tree limbs and pine boughs chanting "boonga la-loonga" while sitting around a circular mirrored pit that reflected sunlight inside the hut.
After a "typical lunch" of pasta, ribs, Wienerschnitzel and beer we got back on the bikes for the return trip, which included a monster hill with everyone flew up.
Upon our return we had earned a trip to the local swimming pool where we got to wear stylish swimming caps.
We relaxed in the evening and made small preparations for our two day "vacation within a vacation" that was starting the next morning.
We also introduced Finn and Nate to cribbage.
Great adventures with great friends !!!!