From Lake Como into Switzerland - Part One

It is possible to hike from the shores of Lake Como over the mountains all the way into Switzerland! Dad did that on a gorgeous Sunday in late February. After traveling to Como by train, he continued by boat on to the coastal hamlet of Moltrasio.

I was back in Idaho with Mom, but I learned about Dad's plan thanks to a doggy-gram sent by Pirillo, who was hanging out in front of a cafe in Moltrasio when Dad walked by.

From Moltrasio, a well-maintained mule track winds its way up the mountainside, providing the only transportation link to a few car-free hamlets. One such hamlet is Monti di Liscione, where Scooby Doo's family owns property they enjoy hiking up to almost every weekend.

Sally, instead, was on her way down with her dad, who was hauling firewood down the hill.

Across the lake, Torno and Montepiatto reminded my dad of a very special hike that he loves to do with Mom from Torno to Montepiatto and on to Brunate.

Not everyone chooses to walk. You can't drive a car up the mule track, but you can drive other things, like this oversized ATV.

There are also people who ride dirt bikes up the mule track. Luckily, you can hear them well in advance. Kester recommends you get the heck out of the way when you hear a dirt bike.

All things considered, Kester thinks Monti di Liscione is a great place to be a fufu dog.

The trail eventually leads to Rifugio Murelli, a former Italian border patrol station.

Stay tuned for Part Two!