Our last day in Cannobio brought one of our best hikes ever. Driving to Campeglio to avoid some of the uphill climb, we stopped under a wisteria arbor for a sensational vista of Lake Maggiore, both sight and smell! From Campeglio we hiked to Cinzago for a picnic overlooking the lake and then on to the alpine church of San Bartolomeo, where livestock would be blessed on the way to mountain pastures. The sound of birds and cascading water filled our ears as we marveled at the beautifully detailed shrines along the way. Ten minutes onward found us in Formine with panoramic views, a tiny painted chapel, an alleyway with a very red chair and a ravine with a curious Christlike sculpture hanging across it. Chestnuts trees are prominent in these forests and were once were the major source of income for the towns until grains and potatoes took over. The spiny nut case of the chestnut, like a sea urchin, holds three nuts which fit together like a puzzle. We found more picturesque glens on the way to Ronco, where we met the town sculptor and his dog. Ronco, with 12 residents, was dotted with his sculptures adding a delightful and humorous aspect to our walk. Too soon back at Campeglio, we drove the winding road back to Hotel Pironi. An aperitif before one last dinner at La Streccia, our favorite restaurant specializing in regional Piedmont cooking, and a night stroll along the waterfront, ends our magical stay in Cannobio.
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