Ridge Hike

Monte Lema to Monte Tamaro Adventure
Saturday, September 12

Today was a great day even though it started out a little overcast. At 9 A.M. the Fitts, Sarah B., Sarah G. Brody and I took for the infamous Monte Lema to Tamaro ridge hike. Renowned for its fantastic views of Ticino, Lago Lugano and Lago Maggiore.

After parking my car at the base of Tamaro we all piled into the Fitt's car with the 4 girls in the back for the 30 minute drive uphill on intense switchbacks bringing on nausea in more than one of us. But it wasn't that bad and once at the base we jumped in a gondola to the top and the start of our hike.

There was a haze as far as the eye could see and the clouds rolled in and out throughout our day. However, it didn't make the hike any less eventful. The beginning started out a little rough because we took a turn to the right against Shane's best wishes and we all ended up in bushes as high as our chests.

Beth and I once we made it out of the bushes.

The whole crew. Brody, Beth and Shane, Sarah Boughey and Sarah Grove.

All along the path were these beautiful trees with the red berries. They covered as far as the eye could see. It was quite a sight.


Beth and I conquering our first jumping picture on a huge rock overlooking the valley below.

But that wasn't the only challenge. From there on out our little ridge hike was little more challenging with an uphill hike that left us all breathing heavy and ready for a little lunch. At this point we were half way and it was much easier from there on out.

A self service hut equipped with wine, food, and all sorts of goodies. Got to love the Swiss!

The Girls

When we turned the corner after lunch we were stopped by a herd of goats blocking the path. They ruled the place and felt that we had no business being there. However, Shane sweet talked one of them and gave him a good pet before we were on our way again.

Love the trail markings!

The path got narrow at points. Brody wasn't a huge fan of these sections and he would often take off running just to get them over quickly. This part however it wasn't possible because there were mountain bikers coming at us from the opposite direction. I was afraid they were going to slide down the mountainside.

A dog bar at one of the self service huts along the way

Almost to the end we had to capture a jumping shot of the whole group. The clouds were really rolling in at this point.

Descending on our final destination.

Four hours later we took our final group shot,
caught a gondola down and began all the car jockeying to get everyone where they needed to go on time. Then back to TASIS to prepare for an evening out for Masa's birthday.

We started the evening with Margarita's and a dinner with a slight Mexican flair at Etnics.

Lizzie and Beth

Masa and I

Then Masa had arranged a table at Club 1 for the rest of the evening. It was a great table where we could see everyone who entered the bar as well as a private space to have a little dance party.

A great night to end a great day!