Sotomarina

We are in the southwest corner of the Venice lagoon. Sotomarina is connected the Chioggia, which is on the land side of the lagoon. We had a busy day, starting with a lecture about the history of Venice's maritime republic (hard to cover it all in 1 hr) the a water taxi ride to Murano the glass island. We had a better demonstation of glass blowing and as described in rick steves they made a little 'orse. Then we had a little time to eat lunch and shop and also make our way back to a vaporetto stop. Two rides later we were back on Lido, the barrier island. We quickly got ready to bike and rode to the other end of Lido. We took a ferry to the next island, then rode it lengthwise and met a boat which had been hired to take us to Chioggia. Picture a 40 ft powerboat, the add 20 bikes and riders. Both boat rides were short. Total bike distance was under 15 miles. We were under gray skies with some sprinkles and wind. The temp was cooler and we all were cold.

We will get up and ride the 36 miles to Padua tomorrow. We had a pleasant dinner tonight ans are now listening to the wedding reception music from the banquet room below us. I think we'll sleep well tonight.

anne