Exploring Barcis Lake with Micina! ๐๏ธ๐ธ
Meow adventurous friends! ๐ธ
I’m Micina, the globetrotting kitty, and today I’m taking you to a truly special place: Barcis Lake in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, precisely in Valcellina, in the province of Pordenone.
Valcellina is a vast valley under the Prealps, named after the Cellina stream that runs through it. It’s a curious kitten’s favorite spot… plenty of space to run and play, or to roll under the sun โ๏ธ with the lively chirping of birds ๐ฆ in the background, or to stop and observe everything without being seen by anyone.
But back to us! Get ready for a journey through nature, relaxation, and breathtaking adventures! ๐ฒ๐ I’m so excited, my tail can’t stop moving!
A Jewel Among the Mountains ๐๏ธ
Barcis Lake is artificial, but its beauty makes it look like nature’s own creation. Its crystal-clear waters, of an intense emerald green color, reflect the majestic surrounding mountains, creating a postcard landscape. Perfect for a kitty like me who loves to explore! ๐พ
I immediately stopped to admire the reflection of the sky in the water, reproduced so precisely that it seemed like being in a parallel world. It looked like you could dive into the softness of the clouds โ๏ธ that looked like many white wool balls, ready to be caught, but no… water is not really for me! ๐ But it was nice to dream. ๐ธ
The Tour of Barcis Lake: An Unforgettable Experience ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ดโโ๏ธ
Admiring Barcis Lake is best done by walking or cycling around its perimeter. ๐ฒ A 6 km route offers breathtaking views and moments of peace immersed in unspoiled nature. Along the way, ducks and geese ๐ฆ swim peacefully, while colorful butterflies ๐ฆ dance above flowers ๐ธ in full bloom. How wonderful! I tried to silently approach those birds, but they just looked at me and continued swimming indifferently, as if I were just a small spectator of their aquatic dance.
Picnic Areas and Playgrounds: Relaxation and Fun for Everyone ๐ฝ๏ธ๐
Around the lake, you’ll find several picnic areas equipped with tables, benches, and grillsโideal for an outdoor lunch break. Some are nestled among the trees ๐ณ, perfect for cooling off on the hottest days. Ah, the aroma of food in the air! ๐ We brought sandwiches, focaccia, two kinds of roasted potatoes seasoned with curry and smoked paprika. And of course, we didn’t skip dessert! ๐ฐ We had pancakes and chocolate salami, which unfortunately couldn’t withstand the heat that day and ended up melting.
For the little ones, there are playgrounds with swings, slides ๐, and adventure trails. I sat down to watch some children: I wonder if they, like me, dream of exploring the world when they grow up! ๐ง๐ง The kids noticed me, came over to greet me, and gave me some lovely pats. ๐ป No one can resist feline charm,
I received so many cuddles that I had to take a nap to recharge, under the shade of the trees. The gentle breeze, the soft rustling of summer leaves ๐, and the children’s laughter lulled me to sleep… Mission “Afternoon Snooze” successfully accomplished! ๐ด
The Valcellina Train: A Journey Through Time ๐
If you don’t feel like walking too much, you can hop aboard the Valcellina Train ๐, a tourist train that takes a scenic route through the valley, passing through dense forests ๐ฒ and damp tunnels. During the ride, you can admire suggestive landscapes and discover the history of this fascinating region. Around every bend, thereโs something more interesting to seeโfrom the captivating play of light and shadow as the sun filters through the thick pine needles to the slopes of the towering mountains ๐๏ธ that surely hold many secrets. I hid under a seat when the train started moving, but then I realized there was nothing to fearโฆ what an exciting adventure! ๐
The Cellina Gorge and the Old Road: A Canyon to Explore ๐๏ธ
For adventure lovers, the Cellina Gorge is a must-see. This spectacular canyon is crossed by an old road that once connected Barcis to Montereale Valcellina. Today, it is a scenic pedestrian path with tunnels carved into the rock and breathtaking views of the gorge. I heard the sound of the water ๐ง flowing below me and the wind tickling my whiskersโฆ a unique sensation!
For the more daring, there’s also a Tibetan bridge that allows you to walk above the gorge, a thrilling adventure! ๐
The Lakeside and the Centre of Barcis: Relaxation and Shopping ๐๏ธ
A walk along the lakeside is a must. There you’ll find panoramic benches to relax on and various places to enjoy a delicious snack. ๐ฆ The centre of Barcis, with its typical houses adorned with colourful surfinia, is perfect for a nice exploration tour, occasionally rubbing against a bench because hey, other cats need to know that Micina on the road has been here! ๐๐พ
At certain times of the year, there are also markets selling local products like honey ๐ฏ, soaps ๐งผ, lavender, and handmade wooden decorations, offering a warm and traditional atmosphere. I curiously slipped into a small grocery and souvenir shopโฆ so many interesting things! What do you think caught my attention the most? The butcher’s counter, of course. ๐ฅฉ
What do I recommend tasting? Definitely the local specialties like smoked trout, frico, and polenta. I gave my humans my best “hungry kitty” look to get some fish, but I think I have to wait for tonight’s dinner. What an injustice, I wanted to bite into it right away. ๐
A Dream Place for Little and Big Adventurers ๐พโจ
What can I say, friends? Barcis Lake is a real gem, a place to relax, have fun, and live an adventure in nature. If you pass by, don’t forget to take a nice walkโฆ and who knows, you might meet an explorer kitty with a backpack, ready for her next adventure! ๐
Until the next exploration, meow!
PS: I recommend staying until evening to admire the beautiful sunsets. ๐ The sun sets behind the mountains, reflecting on the water ๐ง.
Here are all the photos we took. ๐ They are few, but the scenery was so beautiful that we forgot we had the camera. ๐ธ Next time we return, we will upload more photos. Stay tuned! โจ
