The end of this year's amazing trips

 

I truly feel I have lived life to the full since I set off on my  travels to Brittany early in May. Of course , before that my travels had already started but my blog began  only after I retired and I was given my mini Ipad. I am so grateful for this generous gift which has given me hours of immense pleasure raccounting the amazing experiences I have had. Previously I kept a diary, but now it is even better with photos as well and of course the fact that I have kept close to my friends and been able to share these wonderful moments through my blog.

After about five and a half months of travel, broken in summer by my time in Zuoz, my breath is still taken away by the marvels of nature along with the architectural and man- made  wonders of this world. 

 

Today was no exception as I headed back to Russikon for the last 9 days before I fly back home towards the two most important people in my life, Mark and David, and of course many friends I have not seen for a long time.  What a brilliant day it has been even considering the many train changes with a very sore knee and carrying quite a bit of luggage. This was certainly a golden finish!

 

I was really lucky on the train to Lecco to meet a great English guy with his daughter. As the train was running late I had to dash for the connection in Lecco. It would have been impossible if he had not carried my case and kept the door open for me. Two hours wait at what looked like a beautiful place on the lake may not have been so bad but I do not fancy arriving too late.

The trip to Tirano through the valleys , with their slopes  covered with vineyards , was fabulous, but the best, the Bernina Pass, was still to cone.

Miralago, just outside Poschiavo, looked more gorgeous than ever with the clear blue skies, the snow-capped peKs in the distance  and magnificent autumn colours.

 

As we climbed towards Alp Grum the colours became even more intense and the views towards Poschiavo and Italy in the distance, more and more spectacular.

 

Alp Grum, one of my favourite places, lovely at any time of the year, took my breath away with its fantastic larches , clothed in their phenomenal autumn colours.

 

Lago Bianco was not, as it is in winter, white,  but silver looking towards the sun and

 

Turquoise in the other direction. Awesome.

 

Over the Pass and down towards Morteratsch Glacier, one of the most breathtaking sights on this fabulous journey. Again, the larches, though almost past their best, splashed further colour onto this perfect picture.

 

One side of me yearned to stay, but given the fact I cannot walk too well today, I realise a sedate train journey is probably better! It is wonderful to sit and truly appreciate autumn in the Engadine.

As I write this I am enjoying this fantastic stretch between Pontresina and Chur!

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Now I am nearly home. This is a place I must visit next year, reichenau Tamins. Looked fabulous in the late afternoon light. 

 

So, now I am home after a long day of 2 buses, 1 funicular, and 7 trains! I  am not really looking forward to the next days, although it will be lovely to see many of my friends before I leave. It will be hard saying so many 'goodbyes'. Still, I will be back mid to end of May and my blog will not lie dormant in that time! As well as that, I have a number of visitors due in NZ so the travelling will certainly continue 😀