Marathon Sunday

Seriously...there's a marathon today...streets are jam-packed. It was a great day to go to the other side of the river and spend hours walking thru the Giardino Boboli. 

Neptune Fountain

A look back from the top of the hill. Palazzo Pitti in the background and a view of Florence beyond.

Bacchus Fountain

La Grotto Grande, with casts of Michelangelo's Quattro Prigioni built into the walls.

Sunday morning

All settled in the lovely Borghese Palace Art Hotel.

The bar area at the entrance of the hotel.

I spent the first afternoon and evening walking about refamiliarizing my little self with the city....well the heart of it at least. A walk through Santa Croce where Michelangelo, Dante, Galileo and Machiavelli are buried.

Michelangelo's tomb

Dante Alighieri's memorial 

Then I backtracked to the Duomo, just to walk by it and marvel at the whole magnificence of the structure, and then on to the Piazza Della Signoria where I stopped at one of my favorite cafés and sat looking across the square at the David replica and enjoying my first delightful glass of vino rosso!

The same waiter who served Sheila and me the last time I sipped wine here, brought me my wine, and as always, a few little tidbits to nibble on.

All in all...and since it was a short day...it was a good start.

Blue skies and very nice April temps. A gorgeous day. I ended the day with Risotto done with zucchini and parmigiana and, of course, another vino rosso.

This morning, after a delightful breakfast with molto caffe and some fresh squeezed apple, pear and ginger juice, Tuscan breads and slices of a delicate and delish cheese....well, Sunday awaits! I'm thinking that since the sun is shining and the sky is clear, and because I can't get the keys to my apartment until 4:00, a walk across the Arno to the Boboli Gardens is in order. It will be good to walk out the hours on the plane from yesterday! Ciao for now...

On my way to Florence

Wine, cheese, fruit and nuts...a little something so I don't have to eat the airplane food!

Thru the Mountain Passes

After a mid-morning start, Christian and I arrived in Jasper at about 3:30. 

The view from the balcony...Jasper Park Lodge.

Time for a little walk, to stretch out the legs after the 4 hour drive.

Elk in the background.  A young buck...the 'big boy' was on the other side of the complex.

The lake at JPL, worth a few photos.

The morning sunshine kissing the mountain tops. Big blue sky today!

Third day's a charm! Or not!

Except that everyone wished there were another five days - the day was terrific. About a 7:30 start, coffee for the big people - all those under the age of majority were still sound asleep - and Dave, Teena and Chris were off once again for what was to be a faster rip n ride. Or not!

Just a wee bit stuck...thank goodness for winches!

How do you get half of the creek out of your machine? By the way...Quads don't float...

In the meantime back at the camp, shorter stumps were rustling!

As we're the older chil'in'.

After a 3 hour ride that took over 6...well then it was time to pack up, load up and start driving for home. 

Next time out...it'll be for at least 5 days, otherwise there's not nearly enough time! 

Day two - off n quadin'

First order of business...breakfast -sausage, bacon, eggs, toast and coffee (and you know how I feel about my morning coffee)! Everything tastes so much better in the mountain air!

Gorgeous day for back country riding. First out, Dave and Greyson - Teena and Kayla - Seb and Alfie.

Question - Boys -why did you pile drive right into that tree?

Answer- seriously, you expected them to have an answer???

Waterfall just on the other side of camp.

A little mud never hurt anyone!

Kayla - the best firewood stacker in camp!

Three days in Cadomin

Kids loaded, quads loaded and more food than we'll be able to eat... Beautiful day for a drive out to the edge of the Rockies and three days of quading through the hills up past the treeline.

Ready to roll!

Such a great campsite - Dave, Greyson, Kayla, Chris, Teena, Seb, Alfie and me...two trailers, three quads and enough helmets and gear to make sure everyone has a blast.

Lots of room for the fire pit in the middle...who brought marshmallows?

Camp set up, time for a rum n coke!

Over looking the river - should be on a postcard!

Kids and dogs...everyone having fun

Skipping stones.

No explanation required!