I had had enough of Italy -the heat and the bad roads and decided to get out. But i wanted to visit the Dolomites before leaving. It was a pretty drive through fields and hills. Villa Franca was a nice town and it seemed strange going through Verona again. It makes a change to recognise things instead of the constant unknown. Coming into the foothills of the Dolomites I was desperately looking for somewhere nice to stop. It is made so difficult to stop by the r...

Had Coffee and chocolate croissant for €1.80 for breakfast and drove up and up to Cervarezza Terme. It was a beautiful drive through hills and panoramic vistas. It is such a shame that there are no picnic areas. Where there are lay-bys they are full of rubbish. I considered a campsite there but it was too early to stop to camp. So instead a stopped in a 'spa'. Had a dip in a strange small warm thermal pool with a couple of teenage lads in charge - sort of. ...

What a negative day. Woken 6.30 by workmen shouting whilst sweeping the leaves in the car park. Walked to the spa with a slight hope that my gold ring was found when they cleaned the pool - but no. Hoped that I could have final dip in the lovely thermal pool but it was closed until 12pm and I needed to get going. Went to the gorgeous Tettucio bar to have breakfast again but was told that dogs are not allowed. I don't mind but she was with me yesterday and i...

Took the train to Lucca as seen in picture above. . Relaxing as left Sacha in charge of the van. 25 minute journey. Lucca is very old and recommended but I found it touristy and less exciting than expected. Pizzeria after pizzeria. Had traditional slow cooked meal but it was exactly that - a meal that had been cooked for too long. At least I got some wifi time. On the return journey met nice young girl from Hong Kong and a local lady and we had a good chat on t...

The picture above is of my breakfast cafe - read later. After my unplanned stay on Lake Tramiseno I decided to visit the nearby village of Castligoni. So glad I did as it was worth the extra 9 kms to see this friendly clean and not too touristy village with some interesting old buildings. . Although it did have the usual shops selling local wines, cheeses, pickles, truffles, honey and so on. You were high enough to have a wonderful view over the lake. I then w...