June 13-2013 Trieste

Johanna writing

Yesterday was a long 70km day. We got up early, breakfast at 7.00 a.m. got on the bikes and checked out the Star City of Palmanova started in 1593 as a military ford by the romans. . from above the city looks like a star. there are 3 gates into the city Udine, Cividale and Aquileia. Thers still is a moat and earthen ramparts al around. would have liked to stay longer. But by 9.00 a.m. we left and started the long ride to Trieste. we passed the ancient Castelli Grassoldo with its castles Sopra and Sotto, then on to Aquileia, started by 300 roman soldiers. Visited it beautiful ancient Basilica with Babistry then onwards to the adria which we finally reached at Grado.  Lots of traffic there, on to Montefalcon.
This was a sort of quiet country road were we ran into an Belgian Couple Bea and Mark, who were headed the wr

ong way. they had become confused by taking a little side trip to a nature trail. we joined forces on to Montefalcon. . Had to look hard to find the route and stopped at Osteria to have some Spitz apergo. Who should come along but the honeymooners from San Carlos. Now we are six and joined forces for Miramare and the hotel in Trieste. It was 8.30 p.m when we finally made it to HotelSan Giusto in Trieste pretty beat all of us. quick shower and dinner at the Ristorante Monte Carlo nearby some gelato by then it was 11,00 pm.
Im sending just a few photos Mac will write a longer blog with all the pics and histories..
Mac just screwed with the computer format and this is what happened .  the photo above is Palmanova you can see the Star.

 Castilli Grassoldo

 Spritz apergo break Montefalcon

 Mac checking route

 Montefalcon Spritz apergo

 Castello Miramare

Trieste piazza de, unita d'Italia