Kind of Like a Day Off - Opi to Scanno

​We say goodbye to the Hotel Pieja which was a very fine place to stay.  A good nights sleep with cool mountain breezes. 

The forecast was ominous for rain and today’s ride called for another mountain pass. So bundled up with extra layers and rain gear we headed out into a light rain.  A beautiful descent down to the resort town of Villeta Barrea then the climb begins. The rain never really amounted to much more than a light drizzle and with the climbing the layers came off. A nice grade of maybe average of four percent seemed, dare I say it, kind of easy.    

The scenery is beyond spectacular and we get a almost constant feast of wild and pastoral landscapes.  Grazing horses, cows and sheep. We see sheep dogs and shepherds with their sheep herds.   There was even a litter of sheep dog puppies in a drainage ditch.  

Upon reaching the top where there is a ski resort of sorts for both cross country and downhill skiing, we stop for cappuccinos (and an Americano for Shawn) at the resort’ hotel. Once again, dare I say it, we are feeling like we are having a leisurely day.  I haven’t had to wipe sweat out of my eyes once 

Then over the top for that exhilarating plunge to lovely Scanno which didn’t even demand a climb to enter its city walls.  

We see our bnb, Il Palazzo, and it is likely too early to check in but then a woman steps out to greet us and says we can check in and shows us our rooms and where to put our bikes.  So smooth and effortless. 

So we clean up and start the food quest.  We walk a few feet and there is a restaurant.  We walk in and are seated and within minutes food is being brought out to us.  Easy peasy.  A wonderful meal ensues and we get a quick stroll in around this charming town before the thunder begins and some real rain starts.  So now we are relaxing in the warmth and comfort of our rooms.  A perfect day.