Verzasca Valley
Driving through the Verzasca Valley was quite an experience. The road was both scary and beautiful, with numerous tunnels and steep, winding stretches. It was incredibly nerve-wracking each time a large public bus came from the opposite direction on the narrow road. Thank goodness Gabe is such a good driver. As we climbed higher, the massive dam wall came into view, leaving me in awe of its length and the deep valley it spanned. We continued through more tunnels, flanked by a river on our left and towering mountains on both sides. Along the way, we passed charming stone villages, complete with colorful flower boxes, church steeples, and gardens on terraced slopes.
Our first destination for the day was Corippo, a small village nestled on the steep mountainside. As we turned onto the narrow road leading to Corippo, I couldn't help but wonder how people navigated these roads every day. The road was wide enough for just one car, with occasional pullouts. We parked our car and walked the steep road to find Corippo. What a find! This little village feels like a trip back in time. There are narrow paths and stone houses – it's like something out of a fairytale. Corippo is Switzerland's tiniest municipality, with only nine inhabitants. When we arrived at the village center, we found ourselves in front of a church, hotel, and fountain. As I looked around, I noticed an elderly couple on their balcony, casually smoking. I offered a friendly "Ciao" as I walked by, minding my own business. However, the village wasn't entirely deserted. There was another couple who, like us, were exploring this locale. The man from the couple positioned himself across what could be considered the village's "plaza" and aimed his camera toward the elderly couple's house. The elderly man on the balcony didn't take kindly to having his picture taken. He reacted strongly, vehemently waving his middle finger at the photographer and repeatedly shouting, "Fuck you!" It was evident that he had no desire to be photographed. Oops! After wandering around for a while, we decided to take a break and enjoy a cold drink at the only hotel in Corippo. From the hotel's vantage point, we took in the breathtaking view. Saluti.
Then, we went upriver to Lavertezzo. At the sight of the river, we couldn't resist taking a dip in its inviting pools. The highlight, of course, is the "Ponte dei Salti," a double-arched stone walking bridge that spans the river. We watched several brave souls leap off the bridge into the river (around 45 feet). Luke, being the daredevil he is, couldn't resist asking if he could give it a try. Our collective response was a resounding and unanimous "NO!" Watching those daring jumps was a spectacle, and I can understand the temptation. Still, we couldn't help but prioritize safety over the adrenaline rush. In my opinion, it's just as exhilarating to be the spectator and soak in the breathtaking scenery without taking the plunge ourselves!
As we left that area, Luke had another spot in mind, a bridge and watering hole he had discovered online. Standing on the bridge, we marveled at the deep green water hole below. That's when we spotted a group of guys on the mountainside next to the bridge, armed with cameras and GoPros. I couldn't help but wonder aloud, "Do you think that guy is going to jump?" And just as I said it, he took the plunge. I gasped in shock, and Luke referred to it as a "death jump." Both boys agreed that we need to come back to this watering hole tomorrow. Smaller. Less crowded. And maybe we will see a few more jumpers.
