The Lago Trasimeno cycling track

Another new feature in the area is the Lago Trasimeno cycling track which goes all the way around the lake, a distance of 70.5 kms. It also doubles as a walking track so today we drove to the Polvese camping village and walked for two hours. The track is quite flat in the Sant' Arcangelo area but it was hot.

Shortly after leaving the car and the path along the main road we encountered this wonderful machine that can cut and trim on any angle desired. Here it is trimming the roadside ditch so the head was swinging in all directions.

Lago Trasimeno is quite a shallow lake and its surrounding land is very fertile. In this portion on the south side we walked through many food sources. The sunflowers have finished flowering and are drying off, the grapes are approaching harvest time, figs are nearly ready to enjoy and egg plants are just about finished for the season.

After walking through farm land and domestic gardens we came to the water's edge at the Sant' Arcangelo pier. Another holiday park was to the left and a fishing co-op to the right. I don't  think ferries come to this pier.

The most intriguing thing here was a sign saying that this was a Protected Feline Colony and not to remove, harm or feed the cats. I must say the one we saw looked healthy and happy.

On we walked through more country houses and farm land and more rich produce. The tomatoes were ripe and nearing the end of their season, the pumpkins were large and the pears were enticing.

At the spot where we decided to turn around we were again at the water's edge. A small cairn at the ancient wharf marks the spot where, overnight on 19/20 June 1944, Jewish prisoners of war were freed from Isola Maggiore by fifteen fishermen from the Island. The British had arrived in Sant' Arcangelo, the Germans were still in the north and the priest on Isola Maggiore organised the ten kilometre trip in five boats to free the Jewish prisoners. 

The plaque says at the bottom:  'A reminder of a noble gesture, an example for future generations.'

Fishermen still fish the waters of the lake and freshwater shellfish can be found.

Leaving the water we walked back along the main road, traversing the whole of the Sant' Arcangelo township. Domestic gardens continued to show the bounty of the area, and we managed to find a bar gelateria.

As always the Italians appreciate the good things in their lives.