Today we popped into Italy.

For lunch.

But first, a breakfast of champions. 

I have to admit, those donuts were the naughty part of breakfast. The breakfasts, and accommodations have been fabulous on this trip.

All healthy stuff. I’m guessing because there are so many cyclists here they really need to make sure they provide decent food. I’m also guessing this country is pretty healthy anyway. 

There seems to be a lot of houses with front gardens filled with fruit trees, corn and vegetables. 

Forest takes up 9/10ths of the vegetation here. 

For the end of summer it is amazingly green everywhere. 

Even though it’s been hot riding, we have been really lucky with the weather which has been spectacular. 

The people are really lovely, although our tour leader did warn us they are very direct. As a very direct Aussie I am ok with that. 

Back to today. First up was a hop in the mini van to drive an hour or so to Smartno.  The temperature was already 19 at 8am. Loving it 😀

Smartno is a village located in the georgraphical centre of the Gorizia Hills, on a hill surrounded by defensive walls. Its history dates back to Roman times. 

The entire village has been declared a cultural heritage monument and people refer to it as the Eagles Nest, given its shape.

Which we could clearly see from our vantage point, once we hopped on our bikes and headed up the hill to the Lookout Tower. 

Not only a hill to ride but a tower to climb – gasp!

23 metres high, 144 steps, built in 1961. Beside the Lookout Tower is a memorial dedicated to victims of  World War II. 

It was pretty much downhill from there. Literally speaking.

A few minor hills but nothing I couldn’t cope with today.

In fact the ride into Italy was very pleasant, we could smell the wine as we rode past the vines.

Seriously.

I managed to sneak in some photos, even though it was then a push to catch up to the group.

Lunch was in a pretty little restaurant in the centre of Cormons.

Some of our group had wine….when in wine country…one must…..of course.

I did not.

And was very glad when we stepped outside to 34 degrees and a UV of 6.

And was further pleased with that decision on our mostly uphill ride back to Slovenia and to our hotel. Casino Venko.

Which has air conditioning! And a decent shower! And a view from our Juliet balcony.

After a refresh, maybe a little sleep (yes MoD you did sleep for an hour) and an excited discovery by MoD of the many TV channels available, including an ice hockey channel, it was time to head out for tea. 

But not before a G&T on the terrace with our new besties, Chloe from Canada and Nathanial from South Australia. I love having a fellow Aussie on this tour.

As for dinner, Tomi had organised a wine tasting and a picnic, which he had prepared.

At our debrief he had said he was good at making food.

I promptly told him I would be the judge of that.

Which I was.

And he is.

It was delicious. 

Our wine host Patrick presented us with some amazing wines along with their story and Tomi prepared an amazing table full of antipasto.

We ate all the food, bought two bottles of wine and then promptly drank them on the terrace.

A beautiful night shared with some fabulous people.

Except for one. There is always one.

I may, or may not, talk about that in a later blog.

It’s now time for bed after a really lovely day.

Tomorrow’ it’s a 70km ride.

Oh Gawd……