Who comes to a beach town in late fall/early winter? Not too many people, as it turns out, but if your mission is not social but more romantic or introspective, I’d highly recommend the trip. The lake itself is at ground level, of course, and there were still several sailboats and other daring creatures out in the chilly water, but the little town on the hill above provided an extra adventure.
wine
Sweating out wine in the Cinque Terre
Well, the vino quickly wore off and the endorphins kicked in, as the initial part of the hike was nearly completely vertical. It is a bit more challenging than I expected, and several hikers gave up and turned back, but after the first hour, I felt pot-committed and was not about to give up. The path is so narrow that, in most places, for someone to pass in either direction, one person has to kiss the wall. That sort of proximity builds an easy camaraderie that is undeniably encouraging.