La Spezia in January - Lerici

On Tuesday we get off to a slower start and set off on foot through La Spezia in the direction of the open air food market. This morning the city is more cheerful than when we first saw it on Sunday afternoon. A little warmer, a little less cloudy, hardly any wind, people about and shops open. 

First, we walk as far as the Thaon bridge and this time go right over it to the marina area, it's mild and warm in the weak sunshine and quiet, a few walkers and runners and the boats to look at. By the time we get back to the market it's nearly eleven. The selection is nothing special apart from a stall just selling several different types of artichokes from Sardinia so we get 10, five of two different types. The fish is nothing special as regards selection and price but we decide on some cuttlefish.

Cleaning the cuttlefish takes time and considering eating, washing up after and some indecision on where to go it's nearly 2 by the time we are in the car and heading towards Lerici. The Plan is to park near Baia Blu and then follow a path to San Terenzo and then continue along the promenade to Lerici. In the end we are confused by different parking restrictions and park down a different road and end up heading down the steps directly towards San Terenzo. 

From there the walk to Lerici is a relaxing stroll along the sea front. The afternoon is mild but a little cloudy, the sea light grey metallic almost and the empty beaches washed clean by the tide are almost platinum in reflection where the waves retreat. Lerici is very different from our last visit on a sunny and hot day in May, with a more melancholic and quiet charm. The tall coloured houses are a little subdued in the January light. 

We walk up to the castle for the views back across the harbour and to San Terenzo. 

It's a quiet and relaxing afternoon. On the way back up to San Terenzo we follow the official path to Baia Blu but without actually going down to the bay because it's almost getting dark.

Time to go home, we haven't been hiking but the two walks morning and afternoon make for a total of 15 kilometres.