Every year on a Sunday around April 1 a local athletic group (A.S.D. Polisportiva Atletica) organises a group walk from Fornoli through the hills around Bagni di Lucca. It is called Giro dei Colli Termali and everyone is invited to join in. You can walk or run the 2 – 4 – 8 – 12 – 20 or 25 kilometre track.
I decided on the 4 kilometre track, because I am not all that keen on walking uphill. Jim and our friends Anup and Poorna, who are visiting from Hong Kong opted for 8 kilometres.
We were up bright and early and walked one kilometre down river to Fornoli to find a hive of activity.
The check in table.
Anup and Poorna with their registration cards.
Help is at hand if you need it.
Small dogs wearing hats are welcome too.
And they are off!
It was a perfect morning, a little cool to begin with, but the sun was shining and we walked through some beautiful places.
It is spring and there are fruit blossoms everywhere.
The first rest stop was very popular.
Then it was onward and upward until the next deviation.
I headed back down the hill while the others pressed on. I passed more gorgeous things
There were people busy chopping wood for next winter.
And trimming trees.
I passed the lovely old church in Fornoli.
And down past gardens into town.
And then I walked home along the river.
There was brand new wisteria.
And violets growing beside the road.
There was a fisherman beside the river.
My pansies are thriving on the bridge.
It was a fun morning.