SERRAIA,  THE  FROZEN  LAKE

     I had first noticed the Frozen lake in the village on the day of arrival in Baselga. It
had been mentionned by one of our co-drivers en-route. After the long descent from off the
Brenner Pass, having eventually found the 'village' and put luggage in our own rooms, we
each individually explored according to our own desires.

     So, in the evening of Monday, 22nd January (of 1996) I walked expectantly out of our
drive which connects to the main road through the village. Turning right past restaurants,
shops, tourist information places etc, I headed along the frozen, heavily-snowed pathway on
a slight incline to see what was there. 

     It seemed, within a short distance, like a heavily-buried recreation area, with a great
area of flat, deep snow. This looks beautiful. I'd like to stay here for a long while (longer than
we've got available). This great area of flat snow turns out to be the covering over the Frozen
lake. What with this feature of our large village PLUS the Speed-skating arena (elsewhere but
hopefully in walking distance) I decide to "do-my-own-thing" in two days time, instead of
taking the 'optional extra' to Lake Garda. I plan to return, then, to 'discover' the whole area
in detail on the Wednesday. The anticipation is enormous - hope that conditions are OK and
that it doesn't rain!!

     On Tuesday, we visited a couple of mountain villages not too far from Baselga. They
were called Cavelese (with great frozen scenery) and Predazzo (where we chose restaurants
for our lunches). The former of these two villages saw me exploring in detail and doing a fair
bit of photography. The attractive features in this village included its ice-sculptures. The local-
authority workmen were involved, in part at least, in these processes.

     Wednesday (24th January) arrived. Most of our company was to go to Lake Garda,
and such people included, from my table, Neil & Freda (the Davies's) plus Michael & Glenda
(the Prescott's) but I was looking forward to the frozen Lake rather than the 'touristy' Garda.

     The snow is deeper now, - should be good!! My first walk after breakfast was to a
small supermarket (their only food-shop!) but the operators don't deal with plastic-money!!
I thus purchased a smaller amount than first anticipated (using a basket instead of a trolley)
and handing over some loose change  :: 20310 lire, to be precise!




     On my second walk, after restocking my room with this food, I took my camera with
me in the direction of the frozen lake (Lago di Serraia). On arrival at the nearest 'corner', I
came across a 'recreation ground' complete with deeply-buried climbing frames and
roundabouts etc for children. I then met a 'couple' there and they were part of the company
from our coach. They were both quite a bit older than me but thoroughly enjoying themselves
in this 'totally white' scenery on the edge of the lake. I took a photo of them with their
camera (how else does a lone couple in the middle of nowhere get a picture of themselves?).
They were also good enough to take one of me with my camera. We each marvelled and
spoke about the beauty of the place and were all glad that we'd stayed here - rather than go
off to a wet lake.After a small walk around the near corner of the Lake, I returned to my
'base' (now transformed into a self-catering hotel-room) and then, on my third walk, revisited
the Bank to obtain more lires from Travellers' cheques. After the bank, I continued to the sub-
village of Baselga called Miola.
     It is in Miola where the Speed Skating track exists - that being covered in the next tale
(No4). On return to 'base' (the Villa Anita) from Miola, I indulged in more refreshments and
relieved my feet from the soaking footwear.

     Then, in the afternoon, I had my fourth walk of the day, - this one being a complete
circumnavigation of Lago di Serraia. This was taken at a very relaxing stroll, sometimes in
deep snow, only partly in easily negotiable depths. There was  a wonderful solitude in this
very long walk. Such beauty had to be taken at less than a snail's pace (several such creatures
flashed past me in their respective hurries!!). That solitude was most pronounced and beautiful
on the side of the lake remote from the road (surprise! Surprise!!).

     Apart from being overtaken by the odd snail (I jest!), there was one dog doing his own
version of the Pavlovian reflex and response experiments on humans!! (Not jesting now; - I'm
serious, but not as serious as the dog!) This dog was in the loose-company of its master
(sorry, - mistress!) and approached me on two occasions, casually dropping a "carrot/pine-
cone" object and running off. On each occasion, I left (or ignored) his offer where he dropped
it.

     The dog's experiments with me continued a third time - and he ran a short distance
ahead.He then looked quizzickly as if to say "Don't you know what you're supposed to do?
You prat!!" So, after his fourth drop, I then threw it near him and he caught it before it even
hit the ground from my low lob!! He (or she, as I didn't notice) became even more excited
and ran off to tell his female (I did notice that in the human) friend - the girl in the red ski-
boots - that this 'English Nut' does know what to do with dropped items. The dog didn't return
to play, having successfully concluded his experiments.

     I continued the slow loop in the now deeper snow in wonderful solitude. I don't think
that I'll ever forget being the guinea-pig for this canine experiment!! Rounding the other end
of the lake and climbing the slopes, I then returned to the village by road (not as interesting
as the other side!)

     In the bar, before the evening meal, I spoke with a couple (mother & son, Dave, in
separate rooms, I now believe) about their past experiences. Amongst other things, she'd been
knocked-down by a lady-driver just before the holiday. That accounted for her current
walking speed and method of doing it.

     I also spoke to one of our 'drivers' (another Dave!) who has reminded me, since he
first talked to us (both as driver & 'waitress') of the Country Music performer and promoter
Tony Best. His style of humour, accent, 'build' and many other aspects of him were virtually
identical. They must be very close brothers, I thought. On talking about this with Dave, he
revealed that not only aren't they brothers but he doesn't even know Tony.

     In my room complete with kitchen, shower, bidet, etc., I decided that, after four walks
lasting all day, I'd use all the facilities - even on this occasion, the bidet!!