After two pretty grueling days of travel, we finally were able to start enjoying ourselves. The grands had earned it as the travel was as hard as any we had done in the past, and they handled it like professionals. So once we were up and moving around, we were off to explore Monterosso.

The weather was perfect for looking around town (and not much else) so we hit the local market for breakfast foods and took a few sights.

We ate gelato and then Audrey’s efforts paid off and the grands were able to get in some beach time

It was just enough to exercise to make sure everyone got a good nights sleep.

And with our second full day in the Cinque Terre, the big fun was about to begin. We trained to our second city , Vernazza, and after a quick look around, began our two mile hike back to Monterosso.

It is amazing how much faster the grands hike even though they are less experienced. Must be one of those inverse laws of physics. So much of the hike was Becky and I rounding a corner to see the grands waiting patiently at a good picture spot before they left us in the dust again.

The hike proved to be more of a challenge than expected. 2.2 miles, 679 foot elevation gain, and very few stretches of level ground.

The grands had earned more:

Beach Time

Gelato:

Sports Court Time:

All in all, a pretty good day.