But in spite of well-marked trails we were still unsure which way to go to reach our destination. So it was very good that we happened upon ... a priest, who was leading a group of school-age children on a nature walk. He pointed us in the right direction; and he would catch up with us from time to time, sharing interesting bits of information about the formations we had come to see. 

We surface into the light again, climbing stairs to a road. There are some waterfalls, and the next stop on the hike brings us to the source of the falls: the Marmite Gigante. This section of the Toce River has been polished by tens of thousands of years of erosion into beautiful white shapes, contrasting with the surprising aqua blue of the river. A bridge crosses over; good for viewing and to reach other trails. We've run into the priest again at this bridge, and he has a suggestion for us. So we gladly join him and his group. He knows a shortcut back, and it passes an original Roman bridge crossing the Toce. Only the metal railing is newer than 2000 years. He's been a lucky guardian angel guide for us, this lovely priest.

So there you have it. The story of an Italian and an American, hiking in the Alps, with a priest and an astronaut. Just another day offering unknown and definitely unexpected pleasures.

Baceno and the Orridi are here. The green pin at the top is Baceno; Stresa is at the bottom. It's a drive mostly up one highway; at the Orridi we are just a few kilometers from Switzerland.

Obviously this is for those of you with cars. But it allows me to mention, again, the vast amount of trails of all lengths and difficulties, crisscrossing all of the mountains around here. This was a very easy day trip, and there were many children making the hike. 

From Stresa itself it is possible to do several different walks that start and can circle back to town. Stresa's 'general store' sells hiking poles. So bring your sturdy shoes and your water bottle, and start walking.

Read more about walking.