Just a perfect day

Mileage from start : 3220


Woke the bright light in the sky again. Chores done, and we are off. It’s to be the SS1 coast road today, no Autostrada, so I grimace at the thought of me bouncing around. But hey, the road was not bad, better than some of the toll roads. Views of the spectacular type, villages sitting pretty in the
hills, and grand towns on the coast. Imperia is the main town, and looked interesting, but no space for Priscilla so onwards and upwards.( they wer saying that we will return one day to look deeper) They said it was a but like driving up route one in the US.

Original idea was to stay at San Remo. The book and DVD said no dogs, but its always worth asking. However, my charm did not work, and San Remo was off, dads said they were not to worried as it was a bit of a noisy, busy, and did not feel like it would be a place I would like, even though it looked like there was a big free Sosta yards away from the pay site. So it’s the back up plan, leave Italy a day early, and head for France.

So arrivaderci Italy, its been a great 4 weeks.

A short drive along the A10 becoming the A8 or in Euro language E80 all the way, (aren’t humans cleaver in naming things ). We had a great view of Monte Carlo and the principality of Monaco, It was easy getting to the Côte d'Azur and we are now at the Hippodrome site at Villeneuve-Loubet-Plage. I’ve been down to the beach twice, and they have been to a giant supermarket, and stocked up.

You know by now that dads cannot go a day without a “situation”, so today is no different. It’s the old chestnut “Internet access” for uploading my blog. This site has a nice strong wireless signal, but when dad asked the answer was “don’t do broadband in the winter” - well its original! Then they asked about using the indoor swimming pool. Oui, it is open! There is always a but! Swimming shorts are NOT allowed, only a proper speedo cosi, quite why they could not comprehend. So they went back to the supermarket, but guess what? It’s winter and they don’t sell trunks, ski wear yes, but no trunks. And its 26 °c out side, but half the population have padded coats on, not sure if this sun is good for the brain ! ( And I wont go too far on this but I was, chatted to by a leather clad dominatrix outside the supermarket, I bet she’s got a blog as well !)

Now I must say hi to Ron, who with his wife Karine follow my blog. We had just arrived and I was on my visit reconnaissance walk of the area when a car pulled up in the middle of the road and I heard my name being called. It was Ron who had recognised me from the internet and came over for a chat. We were all flabbergasted, that we should be spotted by someone who knew who we were. Isn’t the www a fantastic place, when a Bernese by the name of Leopold is known in a place he has never been to before. I’m glad I am a dog of the techno age, it’s such fun.

Tomorrow we catch up with their mates who live in Nice, and I will meet Hector, their dog, for the first time, so I will have plenty to learn from him, and his life in Nice. I suppose Hector will know all about me, if he’s been allowed access to my blog. I will tell him all about my adventures, and my cultural enlightenment. So off to Hectors House demain.

Into the blue yonder

Mileage from start : 3115


What a difference a day makes!

When it rains it can rain, and yesterday was one of those holiday days, when you just batten down the hatches, hibernate and hope for better days. And it arrived, early on I could see bright light through the edges of the blinds. As I slumbered I hoped I was not dreaming, the door was opened and there it was – the sun, bright and in a very blue sky – hooray.

There were the usual chores, packing up and paying the bill. Camping Valdevia – Deiva Marina, looked much better in the sun, and the bill was just 18€. We drove down into town, small and perfectly formed.

We drove back up to the A12 – autostrada, as we had been told by the girls in the office it was the was the easy way, even though there was an old railway line that is now a road that runs along the coast. There are traffic lights that change every 10 mins, and you go – traffic only in one direction, so you have to get through before they change. We were told that there was a restriction, and that no, motorhomes are not allowed, but nobody takes any notice – its Italy. Dads decide that maybe an Italian van would bet a blind eye but a UK plate may be just what the cops may like – so we did not even try it.

No clouds, sun, blue sky and yes the Italian Rivera is really all its cracked up to be, dads say its some of the most spectacular coastline they have seen. They pulled off the A12 at Rapello, and without the aid of Tom Tom managed to navigate through the town. Having managed to find the sea and the beach, decided to navigate along it. Very much like the Almalfi coast – lots of twists and turns.

The road started to get narrower and narrower. No chance of turning around here then. Guy consulted a map and to his horror concluded that the road ended up in a town called Portofino and went nowhere else.) Alan was just sweating and saying he did not want to do this – the road was so narrow, and curving around the edge of the coast. We had to stop to get passed an oncoming car, and a man on a bicycle was screaming at us. In Italian he said that “we were not permitted, and that we would be fined 150€. Committed more likely.

They were silent up front other than “what shall we do”! We arrived in the village square at Portofino and everybody was staring at us. A policeman started striding toward us. “oh Sh**…”, I heard upfront. The policeman asked if we spoke Italian. Guy all of sudden had lost any linguistic capability, other than pointing to a map saying “we are lost”. They got away with it anyway. Luckily he believed us, and told us we had to take the same road back – but he needed to check if the bus had left the next town yet, so the Policeman was great, and we did not have the “BIG” problem that would have happed the planets had not been in our favour !

We wanted to park up and have coffee or lunch but Priscilla was too big, so we went back to Rappelo and find the camping site, a few back streets and another site crammed into a backwater, Alan said “no way Jose” and the decision was made to go on to tomorrows site. They just kept saying how really nice the area was, and I could not disagree with them, would not mind living in the area. Maybe I can get them to do the Lottery more often !

We found our next site at Ceriale. Seemed to be a town where they grew plants and had lots of dogs tied up. All they could do was bark at me. Those poor Italian dogs! The plants were in acres of greenhouses, and dad said there were thousands and thousands of ornamental houseplants. As the campsite was undergoing renovation, they had the use of a bungalow. Proper showers for a change they tell me! They asked about internet access and the lady owner threw her arms in the air and shook her head. “It is the new state law – crazy – privacy law – we cannot offer eet!” Oh well my blogs are building up and will not get posted for a day or so.

So a BBQ with steak tonight, and while the wine is disappearing, the chat is about how nice this area of Italy is, and how they are looking forward to the last couple of days in Italy before we move into France.

Oh what grey day!

Mileage from start : 3010


It was such a nice day yesterday in Florence. We awoke to the pitter-patter of rain on the roof of the van. They needed cheering up, and as it was Sunday, they broke out a packet of bacon for a bacon sandwich. Only problem was how to make toast with a 3 amp hook up. It was a bit Heath Robinsonish, but it worked. Toaster plugged in through inverter system, and on the floor as there was no room on countertop. Then the gas alarm went off. Eeegh-aaggh!

Looks like binge day all day today as they broke out the Cornish Pastie ration last night (from our local butchers in lincolnshire, Oddlins), and cooked them ready for today. I am going to have to guard the fridge till later. Then Alan has promised to bake some home made bread for dinner.

We set off from Florence for our trek back to the coast and upto the Cinque Terre, which is a famous national park in Italy. The journey was pretty much okay apart from the torrential rain. Today it felt like we travelled past a Garden Centre 50 miles across. It was Pistoia, the tree growing area of Italy. I remember them buying some Cypruss tree a couple of years ago which had been imported from Italy. And so this was the area. All those wonderful Mediterranean trees, in all sizes and many that had been trimmed, it was just that there were thousands of them. We were gunning along the Autostrada passed marble factories toward Genoa, then our turn off was coming up to Deiva Marina. We were high in the mountains going through long tunnels and over bridges. We came off the A12 to a tiny road heading down the mountain. We arrived at our campsite for the night, and it was still raining.

The brochure promised us a WIFI hook up, and yes you have guessed it! There was one, but it wasn’t actually connected to anything! We waited till the office opened a few hours later, and as usual, I got left in the Van while they went and re-arranged the cabling the in campsite office. They returned successfully having uploaded my Florence blog.

I make no excuses, as it is not a photogenic day, I am attaching more photos of Florence in today’s blog, as there were so many good ones.

There is now lots of muttering going on. Alan has made some bread and is now thinking about all sorts of other goodies to cook for Sunday dinner. It’s still raining, but am sure some wine will soon cheer them up a bit

Move over David – your times up !

Mileage from start : 2855


Well what a different start to the day, no stress, no rage at being ripped off, just a misty morning, as we packed up for the off. We had sat and watched a brilliant red sunset, with the little fishing boats bobbing about with their lights below our terrace.

It could have been different. As we settled down last night we were a little concerned about the load music from the bar/restaurant. I went out with Alan to investigate, (I’ll go for any chance of a few extra sniffs!) Shock, it was not the bar, it came from down by the bungalows (we had seen a number of naval guys in uniform earlier – and there’s a Naval Academy just down the road), there was a BIG party going on outside, lots of flash as pictures were taken. Back to report the news to Guy. Not much we could do, just hope. We were all so tired, we feel asleep and nobody noticed it had stopped, so no sleep lost, you see perfect start.

They booked a WiFi internet session (2€ per hour),checked out, and again smiles as it was 24€ - 3 less than last night but with all the facilities open, clean, and welcoming – well worth it they said.

So now just about 100km to Florence (Firenze), using the (no number ) “Strada di Grande Communicazione Fi-Pi-Li” beats M25 !. Quite a bit of low mist, but this started to clear as we got nearer to Florence.

Then here’s a record! Tom Tom got it perfect, but they disbelieved him, and drove past the site entrance, ended up having to do some pretty cleaver driving through the town streets with double parking and difficult couriers (but Tom Tom gave them a second chance and we got here. Fantastic site, terraced Olive grove with all the pitches in between. Dads say there are not many near level ones and even less big enough for Priscilla. But we found one, Guys smiling cus he’s got clear satellite single (Alan’s always sceptical he will have a tree in the way, but come hell or high water – with a bit of shuffling back/forward/at an angle- Priscilla lines up. Guy gloats, Alan has that “might have guessed” look. The views over Florence from the site are great, and so we went down into town, and spend a few hours sight seeing.

Michelangelo may have made this city famous, but its time to move over mate. When we walked into Piazza de Signora, where his statue is, the cameras turned, and guess who was the pin-up boy – moi. Yes I was in town, and I played to my audience. Posing, standing on my back legs with paws on dads shoulders, smiling at hundreds of lenses. Hard work but I have to please my friends. I sometimes wonder how may countries there are with pictures of me in photo albums. Dads just have stand there (yawning) filling in the detail – my breed - my name – age – weight (I don’t now why so much info is needed!). And again when we got to the panoramic view point over the city Piazzale Michelangelo – the cameras turned from David to me, I even had a very close up –Mr De Ville- with a man with a very big camera ! Hope my smile was good and no bits in my teeth!

I am happy to keep doing this as long as I am not required to have a total body shave (like David) and pose to show my bits to best advantage! No I better with fur on my nuts!

As we are staying at a site in the same group as the Rome site, we get 10% discount (Guy smiles) and being within walking distance of the city centre, its great value. 26€.

Must get some quotes to have alabaster statues made – and relevant shipping cost to my fans. (Pity “Micks” not still about he could do the chiselling)

Ciao da Leopold

London Calling! - Home service returns.

Mileage from start : 2785


You know that feeling – today may not be as good as it might be !

We had decided that we did not want to pitch up under the canopy of dense trees at Camping village il Veliero. So we were allowed to use an area usually a driveway for all the cars that are there in the summer. Nice spot , hardstanding, nice aspect through the woods - BUT oh dear, they had not calculated the road usage the other side of the main fence. It was obviously a road to somewhere, as we were all waken many times by vehicles (tanks make less noise than some of the clapped out cars around here.). So all a little fuzzy this morning. Then it happened, (and of course by now I take it in my stride) Guy went to check out and pay for the night while Alan finished my walk next to the beach, and storing away our bits and pieces.

Now anyone reading this who may at some time visit this part of Tuscany, do not use is Camping Village il Veliero. Dads say there are far better sites in the area (the only problem for us was at this time of the year this was the ONLY one open. We did not use any facilities apart from the hook-up, in fact there was nothing else to use. Workmen were in the facility area, getting ready for the season. The toilet block for emptying the loo cassette was too far away to bother, the waste bins were on the main road, not on site, there was far to many old scabby caravans on permanent site, it looked like a gypsy site at the far end – then they had the audacity to charge 27€. The ACSI dvd 2007 on dads PC, shows the details, as no charge for me. Outside on the notice board it said 3€ but even then they charged 4€, what did I get for this charge?
Now look at this against last night in Rome. A fully functioning site in the capitol with EVERYTHING you need, and the charge 27€, no contest!

Anyway it was no sad parting, we just got on to the SS1 highway and headed further into Tuscany. It was just splendid. I understand why so many English humans have moved here. I had, had one panic moment last night, the “Shirley Valentine” moment. They had always joked (it thought) about the fact that if somewhere on this trip they found a bar or the like, they would tear up the return ticket, and we would exit the race. On the notice board was a poster advertising for staff to run the supermarket, and to be Life Guards (no don’t laugh!) You can see my vision – one of them at the sitting at the check out, the other doing a Pamela Anderson ! . I was going to book therapy!

But I digress, the Tuscan scenery, blue skies and our steady journey. Dad just pushes some button on his steering wheel, and that’s it 90kh. (a few bumps but we are not going there). A couple of hours and we are at destination, Camping Miramare, at Antignano which is the edge of Livorno, and a very classy popular place. Dads had a bit of a “lets look the other way” when we got to town, there we dozens of people jogging/running in groups, and what looked like a lycra fashion parade, with hundreds of “tour de France” type cyclists. Just exercise where ever you looked. They catch up in the end with a lot of glass lifting, and I must admit, I would not be seen dead with them in clinging lycra, Maybe I should book that therapy !. We also saw there was a Sosta, which had about 20 motorhomes on it, and although it’s free overnight parking – its just a car park, and its so nice here dads decide for a few € we will have a real nice time. There was one little oversight (no day goes buy – have you noticed ) the site does not allow dogs to stay – its clear on the PC and in the books. So its down to my charm (if not my celebrity ) to save the day. As long as I don’t take myself for a walk (now why on earth would I do that !) I am more than welcome to stay, and I thought I heard bellissimo!

It’s a great site, laundry for just 1€ per load (Guys in his element !) Wireless Internet (and yes they do have it ) were on a terrace pitch overlooking the sea, (fab sunset this evening while we had the bbq out and nice big steaks) we even have our own decking area with loungers and table, all with that brill sea view. And we are the only mobile guests, there are some of the bungalows occupied (not with hourly rate customers I am glad to say !). And as I get hot on our terrace I pop back into Priscilla where the Aircon is running to cool me down. I have trained my humans well. Well it is 24c and you can imagine how my black fur soaks up the degrees.

I gets even better. They switched on the satellite system, and hey presto, we are back in the land of the living, BBC is available! It is a strange thing but these clever SKY people manage to beam down TV channels in selected bits and so if you are out of the “footprint” you can only get certain channels. Anyway they are happy tonight. Good weather, good food, good technology (WIFI and Laundry), great views and good company – mine!

Tomorrow its off to Florence (but they tell me we wont be meeting Zeberdi – not sure what there on about – sometimes it just passes over me !)

“Under the Tuscan Sun”

Mileage from start : 2672


The oven has been taken apart and put back together again. The toolkit is back in storage, and we have arrived in Rome.

Our arrival was celebrated by a Monsoon, as we drove on Rome’s M25 the heavens opened, and I thought it would bring the traffic to a standstill – but this is Italy capital, so nothing happened. The traffic kept up its barmy speed with all the unreal antics of the drivers. Thank heavens the site was within easy reach. Check-in, and to pitch, and the skies cleared, and things got back to normal. The site Camping Village Roma, was very very good. It’s a very commercial site aimed at young people visiting a major city and needed an affordable place to stay. Bungalows, as well as motorhome, caravan, and tent space. All with a restaurant, bar, market, and all the things you humans need. I found just about enough sniff space, as it was low season and so I could explore without upsetting those unpleasant humans you find from time to time.

It was when they returned from uploading my blog, that they were just flabbergasted. You will remember the “Internet Point” at Pompeii yesterday – a garden shed with three clapped out computers, only one with a keyboard.
Today apparently there were 12 PC’s with flat screens, printing facilities, and you could buy time in 15mins lumps, we had arrived into the modern world – well it is the capital!

They decided dinner at the restaurant (probably because they got a welcome discount voucher _ tight as ever !). But they were very pleased when they got back, in fact, portions so big, I got a doggy bag full of really good cheesy Pizza (Cheese is my favourite food – I get them to feed me a bit every evening if I can – I hope my vet is not reading this blog !)

Woke to a VERY Mediterranean day. Blue blue skies, no clouds and that feeling all is well. A visit to get bread and milk, and they were set for chauffeuring me to my next destination, we are doing the coast and beach thing for few days (just cannot wait !). We are off to Tuscany, and dads tell me it is VERY popular with the Brits. I can see why, its just like the best bits of England but with BLUE skies.

Today we have another site all to our selves, Woods, woods and wood, it must be great in the summer, the shade and the smell of the pine trees. The beach is over the road, and we have been there this afternoon, the sea was like a mill pond – apparently it’s Mare Tirreno, the site is Camping village il Veliero.

Being under the Tuscan sun (make a good title for a book) has been great this afternoon, and I am looking forward to more tomorrow as we move up the coast. They have planned the next five days ahead, which makes a change! They are limiting a days travelling to about one hundred miles to keep more time for relaxing.

No promises

Ciao from Bellissimo

Up Pompei !

Mileage from start : 2562


It was the night before we were due to leave Onda Azzurro. Through my antics of rubbing myself against the bushes in the woods, I had attracted myself a visitor, a tick to be precise. Fortunately Dad spotted this and took me off to see the local vet to have it checked. Can’t be too careful these days are there are some dangerous varieties about. We were greeted by two vets, who insisted I be placed on a large metal table. The embarrassment of it all! Worse was yet to come. One of them inserted a thermometer up my back-end to check my temperature. The pronounced everything okay, sprayed the little critter with something, which dropped off a couple of hours later, gave me a prescription for a Frontline booster. They told my dads that in Italy, they do a boost every thirty days, and especially with the warmer weather. They went off to the pharmacy to get the stuff, but no such luck. Out of stock!

It was dark by the time we had done the doctor trip, but we did smile. All those girls with their knee high boots, were still at the side of the road on their chairs, but with huge braziers bellowing flames into the air. You could not miss the girls (Unless they were off stand and with a punter)

We went back and I was very quiet for the rest of the evening. They were planning our journey back up the western side of Italy. Tom Tom had decided to have a fit, and would not start up, then I got my revenge. Dad got out a large paperclip uncurled it and inserted it in TT’s backside. Yes!

In the morning we headed off on our way, after settling the bill. They even wangled an extra discount for cash and ended up paying €30 for 3 nights all in. Tom Tom was still playing up and so a good old-fashioned map was the order of the day. We headed for the great A3 Autostrada, but to get to this you need to do trunk roads, and yes they were up to standard. Can I suggest to any of my readers, if your humans are taking you to Southern Italy, get them to provide you with a good cushion, preferably inflated, to take some of the bang out of the bouncing!. This aside it was beautiful, acres and acres of Orange and Lemon groves, all the lovely coloured fruit as far as you could see.

I’ve had my head in the clouds – literally! Up into the mountains again, and when at the top we were in the clouds, and Alan got a bit stressed not being able to see where the road went, but we trusted him, and after one long tunnel, we exited to No cloud, just like that (when I say no cloud, it was still overcast but not fog )

They said it was going to be a couple of easy days of travelling up the Autostrada. I did say I would never mention the roads again, but Dads said I should tell everyone thinking of visiting this part of Italy, and it is great, do it soon. They are convinced that soon there will be no roads left to travel on unless you have a tractor or tank. And that may no make any difference, as a stretch of the A3 Autosrada, about 80km was either missing (yes chunks of the carriageway was just disappeared, we lane switched there were new tunnels being built, and bridges and viaducts being created. BUT the bits of the road being used until completion won’t last that long. So no more road blog (unless we can find worse – and we have Spain to do yet !)

Apparently I was to have a special treat, by being driven along the “Amalfi Drive” which both of may dads have done several times. Apparently its one of the most panoramic drives in Europe. However by the time Alan had done the road works for 150km, he did not feel up to pushing Pricilla’s 4 tonnes round the hairpins of Ravello and Positano, so we took the main road which starts on the coast, and goes through the mountains to Naples ( And that was pretty picturesque too).

So my cultural education was to continue. This time its ancient roman history. I’m to visit Pompeii, at the foot of the enormous Mount Vesuvious (and having seen it it is – but dads were smiling and saying, as they looked at the villages built almost halfway up – only Italians would build and live on the side of a Volcano what ever that is. Then I was told they erupt liquid rock and ash, and I understood and smiled with them.

Pompeii is one of the most visited archaeological ruins in the world, and you would think with so many visitors, it would be a really nice place. Well let me tell you, for me it was like the OK Corral . Packs of dogs roaming the streets and me having to have my dads fending them off. They ran across main busy roads to try to get to me, it was very unpleasant, and I offer advice to all my fellow hounds, take a human guard with you. Guy then told me the harrowing story of why so many “ruff” dogs are on the roam. He was working in Milan until last year, and he learnt that it is not unusual for a human to take its dog for a one way drive just before the humans annual holiday. Even pedigree dogs get dumped, to save having them looked after. You see not all humans are human !

Apart from the ruins which apparently are very interesting, the town and the rest of the area “Naples Bay” is a bit of a dump, run down and industrial, and even dads did not feel comfortable. We stayed at Spartacus Camping (we could have stayed at Zeus Camping or even Pompeii Camping ) all in the same area, almost next to each other, all offering the same facilities and all with the main railway line running at the back. So bad nights sleep, not a problem for some of the guests using the bungalows on site. We spotted that these were being rented for the hour or so, but I think they don’t wear high boots in this area of Italy. BUT the town did turn up my frontline (even if they don’t have 48kg dogs, so I had to have two doses for midsize dogs – I am up and running again.

Off to Rome now, but will leave you with the last smile of the day. All that rattling along these roads (sorry ) something had to happen, and it did. Dads started to set up site, to find the handle on the glass oven door had dropped off. The screws had been shaken out – so running repairs were made with the BIG tool kit being dug from the deep depths of the boot.

PS to my friend Lynne back home, our neighbour. Take a look at the “radio room” the internet point – am sure you will be envious of us finding such an upmarket room, will bring you the design home, if you like!

We have arrived in Rome for advanced info click http://www.ecvacanze.it/

(You can also see where we will be in a couple of days Florence )

Shaken and not stirred – no not a martini !

Mileage from start : 2362


Well my friends it’s been a while – and I have no apology- I’m on holiday.

My dads have given up anyway. They have told me that the deeper we go into the wilds of Southern Italy, the less technology has had any impact. If you ask about access to the Internet, you just get glazed faces, and I don’t think its anything lost in translation, Guy speaks excellent Italian (Much to the surprise of the locals – they have never know an English speak their language).

After leaving the Trulli site in Alberobello, with its Disco/ballroom, stage, bar, large outdoor swimming pool, and cats…(obligatory visit to supermarket – excuse its Sunday tomorrow! – so what?). We drove back through the town, and saw more of the “trulli” houses. Then settle down for a short 130km ish.

Now back in my village in Lincolnshire, there is one of the back roads out of the village that has been the subject of some concern by the locals. It’s a “C” road, with quite a steep hill on it, and it happens to link two main roads. There is a major recycling company in the next village and its lorries have been using this to make a short cut, damaging the road quite badly. The point of my ramble is – I WILL NEVER COMPLAIN ABOUT BEING BOUNCED UP AND DOWN IN THE BACK OF THE CAR AGAIN !

The whole of this section of our journey (apart for the last 1km) was shown to be on major trunk roads or autostradas. Well what a journey – VERY much shaken and not stirred…… my under bits are only just regaining their feeling. Our village road would be considered a new motorway lane here! and I am not exaggerating. The roads are worse than rough tracks over fields, the motorways down here in the south not much better. Large cracks, potholes, edges of carriageway sliced off. Any repairs looks like they throw the tarmac from the window of a speeding truck hoping it would fill the whole and level it ! and of course they always miss.! At one point the major dual carriageways, had 20km of the inside lave coned off because it was unfit for traffic, holes probably 6inch deep. But this had not just been coned off, it looked like it was probably done last year or the year before, and still no repairs were being carried out.

As we entered the region on Saturday afternoon, the dads noticed that there were lots of vendors selling their wares on the roadside; vegetables, oranges etc. Then as we progressed, we noticed lots of ladies sitting at the roadside often wearing knee length white boots. We never did work out what they were selling, but the Italian men always seemed to be stopping anyway.

So I am happy thet we have stayed at our new destination for 3 days, right on the beach. Its strange cus we are the only ones speaking English, and the site it almost full. Lots of long stay Germans, some with motorhomes the size of an articulated lorry ! May have to get my lot to look at this type when they change Priscilla, Just imagine the extra room for me!

The dads feel quite odd here. It is very organized and everything working. They say it is like an excerpt from the film Cocoon, with lots of retired people in shorts whizzing around on bicycles. One even has a motortrike. Everybody is extremely polite, but at a distance. The weather has been nice, around 15/18 degrees during the day, and at night you can hear the waves lapping on the beach in front of us.

There are dozens of mates here too, all of them very friendly (although there is a big German Shepard who I keep a wide berth of, just in case, he does bark a bit load !.He also has a kennel on wheels that tows behind the van Now that’s going to far in having you own space – a defiantly not for me. Numbers always count, and the pack of us decided the sign on the beach gate was just NOT for us – “Dogs not allowed on beach” and what you going to do about it. We all go on, with our humans tagged behind. Lots of my mates like playing stupid chase the ball or stick, something I have never found satisfying in any way. Sniff now that’s what I do best – and mark, Dads say I could mark for the country, and ask how I can hold so much pee, its just practice !.

Because we have an internet connecton to ourselves (details in tomorrows blog) there are a few extra pics of me relaxing !

And so mio amici. andiamo a Pompei domani.

Buona notte

Bellissimo!

They taught me to play Monopoli !

Mileage from start : 2251



Well you may notice I took a day off from the blog yesterday. Being a beach bum, had its problems. I was banned from the laptop because of sand in the paws ( similar leaves on the line I think), I am told its not good for the keyboard. Well am I bovvered ? You bet not, take in the rays instead, lets see who’s rules win !

A day on site (it’s a pity the little dog that lived on site decided to take a dislike to me – it could have been fun !)But not phased I had a good day, ending with a nice piece of stake on the BBQ, before we closed the door on the world and it was wind down time. Me with my Pedigree Chumbone ( I have one every night – well they have a gin I have my pleasure !), I fell asleep while they watched something on Sky television – probably CSI crime scene, its there “well its something to watch” programme.

And now, today it’s off again. We are continuing our journey south towards the “heal” of Italy. Apparently its was the usual 200km (They have this rule, that they should not drive more than 200k in any one day – it’s a holiday). Sun shining, we set off. Again flat just like the fens in Lincolnshire. Fields of wheat, and other veg. Then its was olive groves, millions of trees, over fields as far as you could see. There was of course the odd field of grapevine, then as we headed towards Brindisi it was building into the holiday area, with villas, hotels and campsites all in mothballs till March. Getting here took us through the Town of Monopoli, and I was given a run down of the Monopoly board game ( how funny ) We got to our destination to find all the DVD and books WRONG – site closed, not to worried though it looked a bit like Colditz.

So like to board game – don’t go past go / go to jail / miss a turn – we had to go back to Monopoli, and up into the hills. Grimace but not a big problem for dads as it was only about 50 km problem.

So we head now for Alberobello, (there are road signs for a zoo safari park- hope they don’t get any ideas!) BUT hey what a surprise when we get here, it has the most unusual houses “trulli” going back hundreds of years. There amazing. So we walked into town, and had a look as some in the town centre, and it allowed us to get some bread and odds from the shops. (I could take a dislike to this place – have been attacked by two dogs running loose, and had to pass by dozens of houses with poor things mental on the end of chains or in cages in the garden – there should be laws about treating us like this.

Here’s a link for the area : http://wikitravel.org/en/Alberobello

As you will have noticed by now, we don’t have an average day _ and today was no exception. Walk to town 20 mins – sun shinning – 15 mins hail stones and rain and wind. We make it to supermarket – closed as usual until 4pm, but with human imagination, we huddle with the shopping trolleys kept dry in a glass shed. It passed and we were just damp. Looked round town, me always looking for the next Mad dog !. Get our provisions, and set off for the 20 mins back to Pricilla – 15 mins and it was like being in a car wash. RAIN and I mean rain. We got in, and the only pleasure was my towel off (I am sorry I have just got something about being towelled, it gets me going !)

They were long faced being so wet, but we soon forgot it and its been a nice dinner.

Once again they went for a site advertised with “Internet” access, so they could administer my blog ( and do their bits). What do you think that meant? Yes you’ve guessed it, sharing the desk with the campsite owner, pulling cables out of his computer to plug into ours, with I am sure something being lost in translation. And this is south Italy, so Internet, is snail pace (do you remember the dial up speed – I was born just after Broadband was the buzz, but I have read about “paint drying” speed. Well its here, now, I just go and mark as many trees as possible, while they stare at the monitor.

Off Duty at last

Mileage from start : 2086


I am at the later part of a very very nice day.

We woke with no hurry this morning, and as the blinds were pulled down, we could see the magnificent scenery out side. The mountains in the distance covered in snow, this hills nearer, nestling little villages and hamlets in the sunshine. An azure blue lake held behind a dam, and on a distant summit a wind farm whirred quietly. We took a walk down to the lake, and spent time taking in the air, (I took in quite a number of sniff points, although as it was obvious that there had not been many canine visitors lately).

I was left to snooze while they went off to the office to use the Internet, to upload my blog and do what ever they do on line. They seemed to be away longer than expected, but when they did get back they were still chucking away. Apparently the Internet service advertised and a additional service at the site was an old fashioned dial up service, on the Managing Directors PC, which they said was probably a cast off from Mussolini’s office. Needless to say they had not been able to upload anything, so sorry you will be getting this late.

We decided staying an extra night to eat at the restaurant, was not an option, we had more of Italy to see. So off we went, making sure that we did NOT end up back in Bomba, the only way to ensure this was to keep Tom Tom locked in the cupboard.

At one point I had dozed in my window seat with the sun streaming, for once the Italian road was so smooth (must be the fact they paying a toll) I woke and thought I had been taken back home to UK, We were now definitely out of the mountains and driving through a very rural, agricultural area which was so flat it looked like the Lincolnshire Fen Lands. The forests and mountains had been replaced by olive groves stretching as far as the eye could see, Then land with vivid green wheat, but of course there were still the areas of Vineyard (I am amazed that all this wine can be drunk – but then again there’s my dads, so not that impossible)

The sun was so hot by 2pm, it got them thinking that it was time to get the barbi out. So a small detour to a supermarket for BBQ meat (never thought meat came in bottles – no there are some packages too). We got to Lido Salpi just south of Manfredonia, which gives its name to the bay. Its in an area of vast national park The owner arrived after 15 mins and told us we were his first visitors this year. Its great, just us on a whole site, so I don’t have to be on the bloody lead like a dog. Been to the beach, just us, what fun, (apparently us dogs are not usually allowed on the beach in Italy – what do these humans think we are going to do on it – dig holes & let the sea fill it?) Over 20 c them in tee shirts, I had them put on the aircon, so I could have a cool blow through my fur, while I lay on the bed with my legs in the air (well you have to get all your bits cool) We sat out side until dark, eating our BBQ, 6pm and we are going inside, perfect.

Now we are at last out of the mountains I can come of Mountain Dog duty, and become my alta ego – Beach Bum.

La Bomba!

Mileage from start : 1956



The day started well enough. We all had a good night’s sleep being cosseted in the wind and rain, than van swaying gently form side to side. Up at 9.00 and start to get ready for a long drive ahead down the Adriatic coast.

It started in true Italian style. The Dads went to check on the internet at the site office. The “Senora” was busy typing at her computer swathed in a cardigan, all looking very efficient, papers in neat piles. Alan connected my laptop up to upload my latest adventure. A bit of chit chat, Guy explaining in Italian what an IBAN was (International Bank Account Number), and the Senora was looking very impressed. Time for the bill. Oh dear! The Senora took seven attempts to swipe the credit card and finally concluded there was problem with the telephone line. She started plugging and unplugging cables madly, finally admitting defeat and suggested they return in 10 minutes when Maurizio would return. And so they did. Ten minutes later, they return. Maurizio is swapping cables back, but now the Senora is on the phone, the very same phone that is needed for the credit card system. Shrugs all around. The Senora came off the phone and suggested we stay for free. Finally Maurizio fixed the problem and we were away. It was very good value at 18€ per night.

The next adventure was at the service station. The dads were dead pleased with themselves for having had a refillable LPG system installed (by Gaslow), and so we had to stop and refuel for the heating system. Next question was which adapter was required, a Euro or an Italian. Fortunately, a man came wandering over and sorted it all out. (Surprise it was an Italian adapter !) And even a smile, as it had only cost 15€ to fill over one tank ( we have been using it for heating, refrigeration and coking for 2 weeks, sometimes 24 hours a day while we were in the high areas of Bavaria and while in Bad Waldsee.)

Still things were going surprisingly well. Smooth ride. Mountains to the right, sea to the left. After an easy 200km, they stopped for a break at an Autogrill. Confused or what. Alan watched Guy as he worked through the Italian confusion. Mass of people surrounding a counter with one cashier, Guy ordered two toasted sandwiches and two cappuccinos,( you have to pay before you order items from different areas of the counter, and somehow it all gets delivered amidst the confusion. We were on our way again. We pulled off the motorway, a mere 30km to go and you guessed it. It all went completely pear shaped. They decided that a supermarket was required, out of gin (the world is about to end!) and a few other necessities. I had watched as we sped past many Carrefours and other out of town parks, while on the motorway, but we could not get to them they told me (something to do with the toll we were paying). So we go into hunt mode ( a bit like the looking for hot spots yesterday !) Guy asked a few locals where a supermarket might be found, and we ended up going back from where we had come (well 10km anyway). Topped up with consumer delights and gin ( and you might guess there would be something from the vine – 3 lt white wine for 2€ - hope there medical insurance is up to date !)

They were now beginning to worry about getting to the site by the time light failed. The final Italian straw (or is that bread stick ) was down to Tom Tom (You’ve heard this before !) It may be a new cabin crew, American as I mentioned, but I do think I could read a map better (although I will not tell them this as I prefer to look at the sights from my window ). Following clapped out old bangers which could only do about 10 kh up hills, we followed his instruction, HORROR, we turned as told and my hair (all of it ) stood on end. We were on a road (loosely speaking !) just as wide a Priscilla, and dads wine cork screw is straighter, winding hairpins just couldn’t believe it. Guy and I were now competing for the space below the dashboard. Then at a “T” and neither of us know how Alan got round the right turn, into the village. BOMBA – we have arrived. Then it all was OK cus the locals had the same expression as us, it must have been the first time they had seen a vehicle bigger than a cinquecento. Guy face was ashen; I’ve put on a nappy. A man came to the window. Then it was “Italian”, Guy jabbering to the local, trying to remember the name of the site, when he’s having difficulty breathing (if only the gin was to hand!). It transpired, it was through the village DOWN the hairpins on the other side.

It was probably about 30 mins before any of us spoke, me first, I was dieing for a pee. We found our location (Tom Tom I think has been castrated – that was Alan’s last words as we entered the gates ).

Looks interesting, total woodland with a lake, and the mountains with snow are breathtaking, (well I am a mountain dog!). See what tomorrow brings, but from what the humans say, even though its one of the greatest places, we may not be here 2 nights- even though the restaurant opens tomorrow.

To see where we are they say the following link should give you an idea, will try to find a link for Bomba tomorrow, when we all go to the office to plug in!

http://www.isolaverdeoonline.it/


Maybe I’ll try a slug of something from one of their bottles before we leave tomorrow, just to warn you just in case my typing seems to be erratic in tomorrow’s blog. (Maybe we should have a mini countryman – if this is where we are going to navigate too).

Still we made it, it’s perfect, and I am going to sniff for England (or should that be Italy) tomorrow.

Leopold

No, you all know me now, and I’m Leo to my friends.

PS, we are in a wood, surrounded by trees and mountains. The pitches would be fine for a mini countryman – but Guy has been manoeuvring Priscilla. And just to prove me and Alan wrong – GOT a satellite single on the tele. Must be that Nature’s only mistake in its evolution was to forget the branch on the tree growing in front of our pitch (or did me miss him with the tree lopper while I had my pee).

Camping at Mar y Sierra

Mileage from start : 1755



The owners at “Mar y Sierra” are so nice we decided to stay an extra night.
We are the only campers here. There are a few humans but they are working maintaining this very large site and getting it ready for the season. (By the look of the black water in the two large outside pools, they have some work ahead of them). But they have been great! A quick conversation with the Dads this morning and all was set. 18€ per night all in. They have given free use of the washing machines, and the use of a fully equipped bungalow (owner says buggalow). They said we could use it to shower in or use the kitchen, just very nice people. What’s more they picked up milk for us, so saving having to go into the village. Dads were also ecstatic when they offered them the use of plugging in our PC to their network, and hey presto, my blogs can be uploaded.

It’s fantastic scenery, just like on television when someone wants to move to an idyllic Mediterranean spot. Two hills, two castles, with pretty little villages clustered around them (guess what? There are even vines!!) . We started a walk to one, the lovely secretary in the office had said it was about 2km, so just what I like we set off humans in tow. We got along the ridge, and then realised it was another 2km away, and of that was 1km vertically down and up the other side (they will never complain about the hill in our village back home again). We went half way down, but even I thought it might have been impossible by the time we were tired on the way back. But the bit we did was great lots of sniffs, and I did manage about 50 markers. You have to make sure you cover the area well, its target marketing!

It’s now 5.00pm and I’ve just been my last walk of the day. Dad has been baking today with the breadmaker (they call this camping!). So we have two nice crusty loaves (one for me and one for them). Dad has just poured two enormous camparis with orange juice, and is starting dinner.

We love this out of season travel, it does mean my dads will not be the only gays in the village, but we are definitely the only English and the only tourists in the village. And I’m definitely the only Bernese in the village!

Leopold

And what do you put down your drain ?

Mileage from start : 1755


Dads were making gasping noises and twitching the net curtains at the windows, watching activity against a new Mercedes motorhome parked opposite us. I jumped on my seat by the window to see what was going on. Yes it was disbelief, the owner, Italian, had been under his unit and unbolted the fuel tank ! (yes this is on a motorhome park, which is full to the rafters !) He is emptying the diesel into two age old paint buckets, carries them over to the waste water drain – yes you have it – tips it down. Back and forth with gallons of fuel all going into the Venice sewer! Why? Not sure he needed an excuse, maybe it’s a carnival tradition!

So the day could have started with a bang

Now we are at the other end of the day I can see dad just sitting with wine glass in hand (no don’t say it!) unwinding. We had planned to only do 180km to day, staying over in Bellaria apparently a little north of Rimini.

When we got there reception was closed for 2.5 hour lunch, so we parked on road and Alan cooked us some lunch, while we waited. We had a walk along the main road and it was not only the reception closed for lunch, the whole town was closed and shuttered. It obviously was OUT of season, in a big way. It was a bit like Skegness on a wet winter Sunday, (but with out the wet) dead!
The site was chosen because it was advertised open all year and with Internet access. It was open but a new Italian Law stopped them offering Internet, (Only Italy.) So because the site was not cheap and the only service dads wanted was not available, they decided to go elsewhere.

Here it did get a bit fraught, Doing it on the fly is usually a recipe for frayed edges, and to day was no exception, we headed for Rimini, but then Guy says it was using the cinema car park, Alan had reservations about that so, Riccione was the next town. Alan headed off there while Guy read the book and consulted the PC. Horror, none of them open, even though one book said one was. So finally another 45 mins on a toll road and we go to get destination, San Costanzo, by Ancona. Must admit the countryside in the late afternoon sun was fantastic, such lovely rolling Italian hills. And we must be getting south cus at 7.30pm they say its 16.5c outside. And its chalk and cheese, last night we were parked up so closely you would not get my paw between the units, (well it is Venice’s busiest time.) Tonight there is us and the stars, we are the only “campers”.

If I remember one thing about to day was Guy, sitting the whole journey with the laptop on his lap (well where else do you place it). Every so often he said got one and its strong, or there are 10 here but they are all secure. And yesterday while we walked in Venice we sat down from time to time and he would say, there are some but the Venetians all make them secure. I was going to have to find out what the tech speak was about, when the light came on - NETWORKS, He was looking for that elusive hot spot, and in nearly 200 miles we could not find one where we could park and use. So we are still looking. They tell me all this work on my blog will get to you soon, and you will get several days all at one. Well its not what I wanted but what must be must be. I hope you understand.

Buona notte

Ariba Ariba - Carnival Time

Mileage from start : 1575


Ariba Ariba - Carnival Time


What a day !

What dads didn’t tell me was its February, so it’s the famous carnival in Venice, and I was there! It was fantastic, more in a minute.

We left the campsite at Garda, Camping Trevisano, and the nice Dutch lady manager there let them check their emails before leaving. Now get this, she even gave them a bottle wine, adding not to drink now but later! Then while Guy was checking his email, she checked the postbox. “OH, mail for Mister Russell.” She promptly picked up a microphone, and flipped a switch. “ Gut Morning campers! Message for Mr Russell, you have mail”, her voiced boomed out over the campsite loudspeaker system. Hi-di-Hi!

The our journey to Venice was uneventful (Now’s there’s a first !) Tom Tom got us through the last difficult bit, and we are on Venice Island on a Sosta, and it is busy. We have water, electricity and grey water dump. Its about 20 mins walk into the main areas of Venice. Originally they had thought of a normal site, in Mestre the mainland area. However this would have needed us water taxiing all the time, so this idea is great.

Back to the fun, we left Priscilla after a bit of lunch about 2pm, and we have just got back at 6.30. I am knackered, so are the humans. We have seen it all, humans in all sorts of costumes, lots with strange masks on, others with their faces painted, and these are mostly the men. But I have never seen so many people in one place. Both my dads have been here several times before but they both said they have never seen the place like it before. There were times I cold not see any space at all just swamped in a mass of human. They got a bit miffed, cus EVERYONE wanted to touch me, photo me, kiss me (yes two Japanese girls had to photo’d with me – kissing me – the things I have to do for the fans) The narrow lanes of Venice were at times a bit scary with so many people in them, but it was fun, even if we are all sitting here like rabbits in a headlight !

We did have a little break; apparently you have to take coffee on St. Marks Sq, so we went to the very end café by the waterfront and took a table right against the entrance. I thought this was strange, and we should have sat out on the square where it was all going on. Then they told me, to sit where we were the humans were charged 3.50€ each, just to sit down (a fiver just to sit down, now there’s a way to make money) By the time you added 2 coffees the bill 18€, we did sit a good time to get our monies worth (trust them). It may have been a rest for them, but as I was sitting with them I was and easy target, and I lost count of all those who spoke, touched or photo’d me. I should have started a scam like to sitting charge, for my picture, maybe next time it’ll be 2€ (10€ if I have to endure a kiss).

I will certainly remember all those humans in Louise XV costume, powdered wigs, and big frocks the women were pretty flamboyant too. Of course the traditional Venetian masks from the outright flamboyant to the near grotesque, were amazing. I certainly am getting a good education. And I am loving every minute.

I do however have a little problem, I am so happy on this trip that I don’t always think before leaping – literally. This morning I jumped out of Pricilla, not using the steps and sprained my paw. I tried not to let it show, but Alan noticed as we set off to Venice. He said maybe he should take me back to rest – surprising the pain disappeared almost immediately, and he said I had stopped limping so lets go on – phey. But at the end of over 4 hours walking, it was noticeable that the limp had returned big style. So before their glass of wine I was treated to a spoon of anti-inflammatory painkiller, from “my” box, it tasted like s*** but I know it was for my own good, and I appreciate their concern.

And to end a FANTASTIC day they decided to do a traditional English dinner. No garlic, No herbs, No pasta, No sauce. Just brilliant Cumberland Sausage, mashed potatoes, with caramelised onion on the top, and a dark gravy, my portion went down just treat.

Until the next time

Over and out

Leopold

Off the Air for a while

Mileage from start : 1467

Off the air for a while.

Apologies to my readers for being off the air for a short while, however all will be explained later. One of our fellow motorhomers kindly booked us on a site at lake Garda. I met Oscar finally having corresponded via email. He has a human called Russell who was very kind, and took my dads out shopping in is car, and showed them where everything was. The van got a good clearout and the cavernous laundry bag was full yet again.

Things were going just swimmingly. The sun was shining, and it was a good 12 degrees. Then I heard a commotion. Now at my age I am not yet ready for my dedgree inScience, but from what I now know, Mobile phones DO seriously damage the health ! Apparently a message had come in from T-Mobile for the datacard that I use to log on when on the road. There was a problem. Seemingly, my two dads had underestimated the quantity of data we have been uploading/downloading, and the associated costs. Whoops! There was a good half hour of silence, more like disbelief. T.mobile had called cus they were at their credit limit (which they did not now they had – but have said they wished it had been a lower level) It would have been cheaper to charter a motorcycle courier every day to send back the data, than use the internet. The bill was moving over the £500 mark in 10 days !!!!! All I can hear over and over again is “Could have bought another lap top for the cost of sending data !!***fu***\\””bol**”” (think that’s how you spell it) So they have now made a vow not to use the datacard, or at least only in emergencies, and are now spending hours driving around trying to find a hotspot. Sounds like another waste of time to me, except I get to help them look, so extra walkies for me.

A pause to acknowledge some emails from my readers. A big thank you to Harry and George, the two Jack Russells in France. I think Portugal has been mentioned by dads as a destination in the future, so I’ll maybe contact you for a few tips when we have a date to visit. Also hello to Lynne, my new neighbour in Lincoln. Yes I know I must stop barking when your front door opens, but it was the previous lot I could not handle. And it was so long (far to long) and I cannot get out the habit. Will try harder on my return. I have also seen a picture of your newly renovated lamppost sent by Deb. I must check it out on my return. The fresh paint will need to be marked .

And so back to story. Yesterday afternoon we had a fabulous walk along the lake at Moniga del Garda. The sun shone all afternoon, and I was able to paddle and drink the water without worrying about a salty taste, as we usually go to the seaside. On our return, dads had a cuppa with Russell, but Oscar was having nothing of it, and kept barking for his dad to return. Think he though I was moving in to be top dog on site, but as you can guess that’s not my style. I only control the humans.

In the evening I was left on my own (sulk), and that pair went out for dinner, and of course you can guess what happened. They chanced on a fabulous pizza restaurant, and were so enraptured that the owner plied them to grappa and limoncello after their meal, what is it about booze, I feel I may have to try it, as it seems major in Human life. Most of the thousand miles we have travelled so far we have seem nothing but vineyards, and that’s got to be much more than that’s needed just for my 2 humans, isn’t it ?

Well tomorrow we are off to Venice, and I am looking forward to very much. I heard a lot about it from my friend Valerie in London. However I don’t suppose I will have quite such an “Exciting “ time as she did.
There will be pictures added, but dad is looking at better was of downsizing them for uploading. So some days there will be pics and others non, all I can say is stayed tuned in !!

Ciao for now.

WE AREBACK

We are back for the moment, see what has been happening to the intrepid travelers !

My ears pop for the first time

Mileage from start : 1467


I will get over it one day, having a holiday romance, even if it did’t go anywhere. One disconcerting thing was my dad said he thought there were 2 Bernese girls in the Motorhome, it could have been a menage a trios, but I will never know, never mind, you cannot miss what you have not had.

As I said yesterday Fuessen was a delight and well worth put in your itinerary, more information than I can put in this blog can be found at:

http://www.stadt-fuessen.de/85.0.html

A continental breakfast, perfect for me cus you know I cannot go without cheese and meat, and the fantastic white bread they have here (I can hear some of you saying this is no diet for a dog – who’s a dog ?). Then it was time to set off on what they said would be a “bit of a slog” but it had to be done, and I do trust them implicitly.

Hooray, we have a change of cabin crew. The Australian guy who got us into all this mess has been given the push (probably gone back to Quantas), We now have an American, Robert, giving us travel advice. Now my experience of travel has been gained in the UK, and I must admit I am not sure if I can go along with “take the second exit at the rotary “ and I’ve noticed a flinch from Alan as he drives. My guess is will have a British cabin crew shortly.

Now I spend all my time either sitting between my dads up front looking out the windscreen or at my side window. Today was breathtaking, we seemed to go to the roof of the world.. There was snow and skiers everywhere, hairpin bends, pine forests, and big huge rocky mountains everywhere. It took a long time to get up there, and the way down seemed to take for ever. And I was a little concerned when my ears went all funny, but when i heard my dads saying their ears were popping I knew I knew I need not worry. They had warned me about Austria, (cannot find out why, just that they are supposed to be a little different!) There country is pretty, the Tyrol is fantastic and worth anybodies time to visit. But you will know by now, we have to have a drama per day to keep the doctor away.

Priscilla is over 3.5 tonne. And Austria has a very special scheme just for us. Once crossing the boarder we had to get to a petrol station to get a “GO BOX”. A toll system for charging on motorways. We found the said station and Guy went in came running out again to get the registration documents, then disappeared for ages. The system requires you to buy a box for 5€ and a minimum credit of 45€. The problem apparently was the “computer” (how often have I heard that!). The man had to reboot his terminal as it would not issue the box. Guy was just left there smiling at the grinding bureaucracy of it all – not to mention the 30 mins to get the thing. I know they just get off on bad technology and bureaucracy, so the next half hour it was laughs & groans in equal measure. We stuck it in the window, and soon it was bleeping each km we travelled as overhead units charged our box. By the time we got to the border it was double bleeping which apparently meant that credit was running out, (anything left is good for 2 years). There were some very scary moments as we went through the Brenner Pass. At one point we all went a bit white when cross winds hit us and we must have swerved a few feet, high on a viaduct. The whole pass was a bit wild with grey/black skies all the way down to the turn for Lake Garda.

It’s the third country in 4 hours ( must get a thicker passport for all the stamps !)

One thing they do keep saying is “it’s a pleasure to drive on motorways and dual carriageways here”. Apparently the lane courtesy is perfect with everyone moving back in between overtakes, something with NEVER happens in the UK. Dads say it makes driving less stressful and the traffic keeps moving better.

Then another potential problem, and it had to be Italy. We got here and there was a strike. The petrol stations were closed (in the end we found it was just the motorway) we had a spare can in the boot, but they were smiling about another problem, to raise its head ! (Sometimes I think they court this type of situation!)

We are now at our stopover, which they say is on the edge of Lake Garda in Italy, we got here in the dark so I cannot corroborate this until tomorrow. However it does mean we are now back on track to the original plans. Apart from the fact we are doing the trip in reverse, with Italy before Spain, but who cares, it’s a holiday. I have heard the plans for the next few days, and I am looking forward with anticipation. Verona, Venice, then down the east coast. So I am going to be a culture vulture for a few days, polishing my education, (and with a bit of luck meeting a nice Venetian mate for sniffs)

We will probably stay here a couple of nights, they have plenty of things to do, including the laundry yet again. They keep telling me to keep my paws clean, but why should I worry. It’s raining now and we are all tired. At least the raindrops this time are restful as opposed to dripping through the roof.

Ciao for now. A domani.

Leopold