Day two in the sun

Today we were driven from our hotel in Buje to a hilltop village called Orptalj.This was a shorter walk than we were going to do but because of the weather we decided to take the shorter option.
We had a wander around the old town and wished we had time to sit with the locals under shade umbrellos overlooking the valley below and consuming their morning coffee.

We set off about 9.30am and naturally headed down the wrong pathway.Once we found ourselves in the local tip we retraced our steps and found the right pathway.

Today we walk an old railway line connecting local towns in earlier times.It is rather like the Otago Rail Trail as we saw many bikers but no other walkers along the route.

It was very hot again today and in no time our shirts were wet with sweat and our faces bright scarlet but we soldiered on along a very pleasant trail, thankfully quite a section was through trees and shady so we could enjoy this section.We had a couple of stops before reaching Livade, the truffle capital of Istria where we collapsed under a tree and recovered before finding a cafe and enjoying a cold drink under a canopy of vines.
We spent some time visiting the truffle shop and tasting the samples on hand.I think it is an aquired taste treat but very much a local delicacy in this region.It is served on scrambled eggs,on pasta dishes just about anything.
After leaving Livade we got caught in a thunderstorm.It was a biggie and we took cover under a bridge until the worst was over.It was impressive as the claps echoed around the hill tops and lightening lit up the sky.
We eventually emerged from cover and set off for Motovun which towered above us.We took the road option as it was not clear if the storm was over so we hiked up the hill at high speed. Eventually we arrived at the cemetery on the outskirts of the town and according to our notes we could catch a bus up the last section and avoid the Istrian steps all 1026 of them!
Guess what our decision was? Yes, a nice ride to the top.
The old town walls enclose the town and you enter through century old gates along stone flagged streets going uphill into the square where a wedding was underway as we arrived.
We found our lodgings at the Villa Borgia a nice little place with an amazing view out over the farmlands below.A rest and recovery phase followed before we could explore the town.
We walked around the walls in the setting sun and enjoyed all the tiles and hand crafted doorways,metal decorations over the windows with shutters and stone decorative features.
Later we ate at a restaurant overlooking the valley below.I had wild asparagus and local ham with home made pasta which was delicious.
Time for bed now though as another hot day tomorrow so I need to get mentally prepared.......