Arrivederci Bella Verona

It was a three church, two blister and 21,000 step day. Pretty good, considering that our start time was postponed until after noon due to rain and a morning spent untangling a bit of a booking challenge for our last week in Europe. Pleased to report that is now resolved and other than a train trip or two in the future, the business part of this trip is concluded and we can move on to more fun stuff, no doubt involving more ruins, museums, galleries and more than a few blisters. Damned feet. It's hard to say goodbye to Verona. She did not disappoint with her grace and beauty, the lively throngs in the piazzas and of course, the food. We walked the river again today to get back to the apartment and of course, now that things are looking familiar and I "might" be able to find my way around, it's time to pack up and leave. Figures. First thing tomorrow morning we'll be on a fast train to Salzburg, with a quick change in Innsbruck. This is part of the journey I have been looking forward to for months, as it will take us back through the outstanding Dolomites and over the Brenner Pass, about a 5 hour trip. Once in Salzburg, there will be a little cab ride to our new lodgings for the next six days and believe me when I say, I am so grateful that it's on the ground floor! I may not have been able to hike Tres Cime, but I've conquered more marble staircases (usually with a heavily loaded pack) than I can count. A few shots from today, not optimum lighting under a grumbling sky, but still beautiful to behold.

Lastly, an accurate portrayal of me at the top of the staircase, returning home with the groceries and wine.