To get to this valley we took the train from Lugano to the town of Tenero, just outside of Locarno. From
there we took the trusty Swiss Postal Bus - very nice buses that go everywhere in Switzerland that the train doesn't go -
and they really do pick up and deliver mail!
The bus climbed up into the valley, which was suddenly a very deep canyon. We then spotted a huge dam -
we thought it was only slightly smaller than Hoover Dam! Going deeper into the valley the lake which had formed behind the
dam became just a rushing river which flowed among smooth, white rocks. The water suddenly turned the most beautiful, deep
turquoise! We couldn't believe the water could be that color!
We got off the bus in Lavertezzo, a small town which has a very picturesque stone bridge over the river.
We spotted a couple of other small towns along the slope of the mountain and decided to hike up to one of them. The road stopped
at the edge of this town. There was an elderly couple getting ready to load some groceries into a wheelbarrow in order to
get them up to their home. We offered to help, but they refused. Everything from that point on had to be carried up to one's
house. The "streets" were just steep stairways or little paths. All the homes were very old and made of stone - it's so amazing
that they could live here - very hard work to get anywhere! Yet there were kid's bikes and satellite dishes, so life was happening
there!
We enjoyed a great lunch back down in Lavertezzo and we decided that since we had time, we would continue
on the Postal Bus to the end of the line in the valley, the town of Sonogno. We thought that Lavertezzo was splendid, but
Sonogno was even more spectacular! It was found at the convergence of two valleys, and the all-stone town was just overflowing
with flowers and quaintness.
We hiked a bit out past the town, along the river. Along our way we found spectacular views, goats, and
a beautiful waterfall and emerald pool. This valley is super for hiking, since there are paths the entire length along the
river, so you don't have to do a lot of up and down walking.
We decided that this was definitely a "must return to" place - and next time we'll be prepared to hike more
and stay overnight in one of the quaint inns.
On September 2nd we went out to dinner at a little Osteria just 2 houses away from ours. It's an older home
where a couple lives and they made the first floor of their house a restaurant. Because the weather is still warm, there are
tables set up on the backyard lawn. It really was like being invited over to a neighbor's house - and they were in the kitchen
cooking! Everything was homemade, and boy, was is delicious! And the prices were reasonable, so we do plan on going
back - especially since it's only a 15 second walk from our house!
After dinner we took a walk around the neighborhood, stopping at our favorite viewpoints. At night, with
all the lights on in the surrounding towns below, it's like watching a constant, sparkling fireworks show!
