Bellinzona

After driving through the Gotthard Tunnel (10 miles long) we finally found some blue skies!

Bellinzona is at the crossroads between the Gotthard Pass and the San Bernadino Pass.  Three medieval castles remain to tell the history of this strategic location.

 On the ramparts of Castel Grande, the first, the largest and the lowest.

 A view of Bellinzona from the first castle, just loving those blue skies!

Walking between the two towers.

Holding up the arches, still in awe at the sunshine :)

The city walls continued from the castle through much of the new city.  We called it our grassy wall of china.  We left one casualty as we rushed back to the safety of the castle walls.

Still admiring the sunshine!

Erin and Nate on the grassy wall

Nate and Ryan in the hidden passage under the wall.

More blue skies!!!

Jumping for Joy!

Castello di Sasso Corbaro (highest and smallest taken from the middle one)

By the well

Outside the middle castle--Castello di Montebello

Castello di Montebello

Kent raising the mote bridge.

Overtaking the highest castle, we didn't even use any weapons.

View of Lake Maggiore with Locarno on the right side.

Gotta love the chimney on the Castle

Kent's view of the castle.

Taking a sloth break on our way back down to town.

Taking a walk in Locarno.

Enjoying more sunshine.

Kent and Erin on Lake Maggiore

Kent's family picture--a bit washed out but Kent insisted that was enough :)

Happy Days!