Come on in, the water’s fine!

Another early morning departure (6:30 AM) to escape the heat. Fortunately, an easy ride — only 16 miles and mostly downhill from Arpino to Cassino. We are saving the 1000 foot climb to the Abbey atop Monte Cassino for tomorrow. After checking into our B&B, we walked around town….I was really hot and hungry and honestly, pretty cranky. Cassino is a big city - dirty and noisy - which didn’t help my mood. M. saves the day by suggesting a walk along the river…mostly shady and mostly clean. Sill, I could find nothing worthy for today’s blip until M. points out this creature swimming in the cool clear river water nibbling on some plants. I was envious of the furry fellow. This little guy is a “Nutria” or “Coypu”, a semi-aquatic herbivorous rodent, introduced to Italy in the 1920’s for the fur-trade. The fur business failed and the 5 South American transplants exploded in population and now considered an invasive species.