Lugano-Cadro-Dino Railway Path & up to cross above Pregassona Church (Lugano)

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Well lthe sun is finally shining today! The past couple of days Rick and I managed to get in some nice walks, even though the sky was thick with fog and a serious chill. It seems like every day we discover a  new path, which also leads to exciting finds!
Last week we discovered that there once was a little train that ran from Lugano and along this side of the mountain, to serve the towns found along the way. It started service in 1911, but was closed down in 1970 as cars became the way to go. It was called the Lugano-Cadro-Dino Railway (LCD). The train bed was preserved on most of the route, making for a beautiful and peaceful walk with great views. We live in Pregassona, which is about the mid-point of the train route.

Yesterday Rick and I walked uphill from our town to the very end of the historic path - at least of what's left of it. So we walked from Pregassona to the town of Davesco. We came across two bridges which were no longer intact, and a tunnel, which was still open to go through. Along the way there are historic markers explaining what had been at that point. Although the stations are gone, two unique types of trees had been planted by every station, so seeing these old trees indicated there was a station. There are also remnants of kilometer markings and some other concrete posts used for track spacing. 
As it began to drizzle, we turned around to take the walk back and fortunately it was downhill all the way!

Today we woke up to bright sunshine and couldn't wait to get outside again! In the morning we walked to the very end of the highest street in town, where it ended in a mountain path which led through some farmland and finally to the top of a small mountain where there is a big white cross. We had seen this cross from below and had been trying to find the right path which would lead up there. We found it! And what a beautiful path! The bonus was also seeing a little baby lamb - so cute!

In the afternoon Rick needed to work on getting football practice set up for tonight. I had to get out again, so I followed the train path going down from Pregassona. There were a couple small breaks in the path - I'm still trying to locate the exact route, but I DID find another tunnel - although closed. 

So here are my pictures from yesterday (just one - it was dreary) and those from today.

Remnants of one of the bridges from the Lugano-Cadro-Dino railway. This one is near Davesco.

The view along our hike this morning. At this point we are still on the street leading up the mountain. You can see the church tower in the middle. You can also see Lake Lugano and Mt. San Salvatore on the left. 

One of the many typical outside tables in Ticino. Just about everyone has one - and they are made from slabs of granite. This on is quite exact - usually they are more rustic. A great view when eating outside!

Rick enjoying the controlled waterfall along our hike.

We spot the sheep with her lamb, and she was very protective. Nice view they have over Lugano. :-)

Isn't this little lamb cute???

I just love the Swiss mountain paths. This actually cuts through someone's property, but a path is maintained through it for access to the mountains and woods for all to enjoy! Look closely at the mountains in the background. Those are a couple of towns way high up on the mountain range behind the first.

At the top of this little mountain with the big white cross.

Rick looking over the ruins of well, we don't know what. A little house? Chapel?

Enjoying the view from the top! Lake Lugano and Mt. San Salvatore in the background.

How nice! Running water along our way. It is very common to find Artesian wells on Swiss hiking paths.

Hiking the path with my trekking poles!

What a great trail. It's amazing the work to build these stone retaining walls!

End of walk and in front of our apartment building. The magnolia tree is lovely!

View of the top of the magnolia tree from our apartment.