Recently Larry and I decided to take a road trip over to Lake Trasimeno and the nearby town of Castiglione del Lago. We had wanted to get a closer look at the famed spot of the battle between the Carthaginians and the Romans, and had heard the town was worth seeing as well. While in Castiglione del Lago, we explored the ruins of a fortress which overlooked the lake. It was surrounded by old, gnarly olive trees full of ripe olives (it’s olive harvesting time – fun!). These olive trees have so much character – I just love their silver-green leaves and gnarly trunks. We walked through the town where I decided to buy a hat from the local knitting shop. The elderly woman who ran the shop cut the tag off for me, put it on my head, put her hands on my cheeks and pronounced, “Bello!” So sweet!!

Lake Trasimeno

Fortress, Castiglione del Lago

Perspective, Fortress

Lake Trasimeno and two lone fisherman

Ripe olives, fortress

Split olive tree trunk

Looking up at the fortress

Looking through the olive tree

Olive tree trunk Rorschach

Looking down the main street, Castiglione del Lago

Building detail, Castiglione del Lago

Church interior, Castiglione del Lago

Town church

Ancient town gate

Larry caught this antique shop owner, reopening after siesta, conversing with his neighbor.

Flower shop

Out for an afternon stroll