The inclement weather has not kept me totally housebound. Last week I went with friends into the mountains beyond Bagni di Lucca.
We drove past Montefegatesi, the highest of the villages and through an enchanting chestnut forest.
We came upon a herd of goats on their way home.
My friends stopped to collect kindling from a friend’s farm for their fire.
As we went higher we could see snow.
A bit higher and we were driving through it.
There were mountain streams, some still running and some frozen solid.
We dropped into Casentina Rifugio to get warm by the fire. Their coffee and cake is excellent.
Spring will be here soon, we saw signs.
Despite the rain, I love winter in the mountains. I find it incredibly beautiful and completely different from my Australian home.