Other places, other hikes, other treasures.

Why is this of interest? Because Franciacorta is in the lake region nears the Alps, and he even managed to get in a hike through a wildlife preserve near lake Iseo. No, it's not the Sierra Nevada. In fact, it's pretty darn civilized in comparison. The walk takes you past the ancient Monastery of San Pietro...part of which dates to the 15th century.

But it did feel good to get out and stretch the legs for a little bit--especially after all that time sitting in airplanes.

And while the wilderness experience isn't much like the Sierra, the food and wine in this part of Italy sure does make freeze dried dinners seem like fare fit only for prisoners of war. Amazing food. Wonderful wines. And did we mention the art?

Not surprisingly, there was a lot more culture than wilderness here, but that's not always a bad thing. Check out the photos via the link below...

There were frescoes everywhere...most of which date from before the Pilgrims landed in New England...including one of a starry nighttime sky in the Oratorio of Santa Giulia in Brescia, which reminded him of the sparkling stars over the Sierra...

Photos are here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Zr6xMQefvjmdnjAj7