In Crema: A loop to the north

October 8, 2021

There’s one thing to be said about biking in plane terrain - there’s less to be said about it. As good a time as any for a blog break, if you know what I mean. Nudge nudge, wink wink, say no more, say no more.

As we crossed the Serio leaving town, two nutria were slowly working their way up the rushing river. It looked like hard work for little gain, but maybe it was just their daily aerobics workout.

We’re headed north today, moving closer to the mountains. By the time we finally turn back south at Pontoglio we’re only five miles from the foothills just south of Lake Iseo.

I think already there’s less snow up there than there was yesterday. If we really do have two dry weeks coming they’ll be bare by the time we reach Cuneo.

Around the turn and heading south, we stop to assess the raging Oglio. The bridge at Pontoglio is visible in the background.

Very strange looking plant, in my estimation.

The Oglio, like all the rivers we see now, is full to the brim.

The mill on Canale Vecchelli, at Pumenengo.

Video sound track: Shades of Grey, by Al Marconi

There’s more to be shown and told about Crema, a beautiful little place that might suffer (or benefit) by people who get confused by the similarity of its name to that of its nearby neighbor Cremona and overlook it. It made a fine place for a longer stay, its small and inviting historical center a rewarding place to wander around while you’re waiting for dinner or for the morning to warm up. Its character reminds me of Cremona’s, a city we fell in love with three years ago on our too brief stay there. The heart of town is pedestrianized and bicycles are everywhere, ridden by people just out living their lives - commuting to and from work and school, running errands, or just out socializing.