Day 31: Lago di Garda

We headed out in search of “normal” croissants this morning.  The kids are sick of cereal and Italian breakfasts, so I made some dippy eggs and croissants with jam and cream like we do at home (although the cream was like lumpy milky water).  We sat on the balcony overlooking the very overcast day and decided on a boat trip to Limone on the other side of the lake.  Sadly we didn’t consult the timetable, so when we arrived at the jetty we soon realised all boats had been and gone and wouldn’t be coming back until the afternoon.  We would have to drive instead, which turned out to be a blessing as the rain set in and were thankful to be inside.  Maclesine was pumping as the Sunday markets were in full swing.  The drive north was spectacular.  The road hugs the lakes edge and they have constructed impressive tunnels just inside the mountains and floating roads along the waters edge.  We were in awe and kept telling the boys to study hard so maybe one day they could build things just like the Italians (they are sick of hearing it).  The towns dotted along the road were divine.  First stop, Tobole which seemed like a mini Noosa (more modern than rustic) and then Riva, which was full of sailing clubs and cafes.  Heaven even on a crappy day.  Apparently "Team Australia" were here last week competing in an international sailing tournament.  It took about an hour to reach Limone.  We parked high on the hill and made our way down through the gorgeous cobblestone streets stopping for the obligatory gelato along the way.  We brought some olives and tartufo salami, and tasted some heavenly local olive oil.  I wished I could import it by the container load.  Sadly it was raining which made the walk a little unpleasant and we only lasted about an hour.  A restaurant on the foreshore would be the perfect setting for a lunch with friends on a Sunday afternoon before catching the slow boat home, and I hope one day we’ll be so lucky.  It poured rain on the drive back and the heat seemed like a distant memory. I think I might have even missed it for a moment.  The rain continued and despite trying to locate a fish oesteria serving specialties from the lake, it just proved all too difficult and we dinned yet again at the café at Camping Denis.  The kids were happy, Rick was gutted.  Zach scoffed another plate of spaghetti (yummiest yet) and Scarlett and Max were happy with their cotoletta and chips.  Our pizza and salad were good but Rick kept talking of that elusive plate of mussels and fritto misto by the water.  Perhaps he'll have more luck in Venice (he'll certainly pay for it).  Claudia and Vincenzo made us feel so welcome again.  We played domino’s and jenga, more table soccer and did some brain bending puzzles.  It was the calmest and happiest the kids have been in a few weeks and they all agreed that Camping Denis has been the best part of the holiday.  It doesn’t take much to keep them happy.  I counted my blessings and will cherish our time at this charming haven by magnificent Lago di Garda.