Around The Lake

100 miles (170 kilometers) around Lake Garda, Italy

One bright day, a friend said to me, "I've got an idea....."

He owns a kayak, and decided, if I would come with him, we could paddle around Lake Garda. 

Lake Garda is Europe's second largest lake, and has a circumference which exceeds 100 miles, 170 kilometers. Mistakenly, and sarcastically, I answered, "Sure!" He didn't catch the sarcasm. Then, the day before the departure, he announced, "I'm sure glad your coming. I don't know how to swim!"

Lake Garda is a VERY dangerous body of water, and a lot fishermen who made their lives on its waters have finished at the bottom of its 1100 foot (345 meter) waters. Its violent thunderstorms, and high winds are famous. It often hosts world championships in windsurfing, and we actually paddled through the world kite surfing championship (and got stuck on their tiny peninsula for the violent winds).

"Cast your fate to the wind (literally)", we departed on 14 June 2007.

Fair seas and sunshine made the first part easy, despite hours of rowing

                              Breaks......

And, wine re-supply by sea went perfectly.....       

Its Great to have friends on the lake who take care of the logistics...

But, all was not easy. My back is still recovering from this one.   

                               Castles abound

There was even time for "Treasure Hunting". I never leave fins and mask home

This attempt to get around an obstacle, brought us to find the 

              "Pirates of the Caribbean"   

Finally, got through the reeds, covered with thousands of spiders...

                   Fans, on arrival home.... 

And, more fans cheered us home                    

And, then Rick gave his boat a BIG kiss (almost, before his wife..)