An early start from base camp Peccioli saw us on the road at 7.30 a.m. in order to beat the heat before starting our climb into the Apenines.
Riding through the Tuscan valleys on quiet roads drinking in the scenery is like soul balm. After the dryness of Australia it was like pouring cool water over a thirsty man. While the small towns as usual offered their own charm.
We stopped for lunch on the northern bank of the Arno River taking on some nourishment for the climbig to come. The landscape keeps changing, just when you think you have it down pat the mountains rear up with amazing vistas.
Coffee time on the road, always a morning focal point.
After some serious 10-14% climbing we pulled into our campground at San Giusto mid-afternoon. Greeted by Peter and George and their dogs with a nice cuppa, two English expats who live in Spain and seem to spend all their free time travelling Europe. We hit the sack early that night with thoughts of the Futa and Raticoso passes that needed to be climbed in the morning. Some people hit the sack a little earlier than others, the climb into camp was steep.
Traffic in this area was pretty reasonable, the Italian drivers have been almost without exception courteous. I would describe them as assertive but patient.
Coffee time on the road, always a morning focal point.
After some serious 10-14% climbing we pulled into our campground at San Giusto mid-afternoon. Greeted by Peter and George and their dogs with a nice cuppa, two English expats who live in Spain and seem to spend all their free time travelling Europe. We hit the sack early that night with thoughts of the Futa and Raticoso passes that needed to be climbed in the morning. Some people hit the sack a little earlier than others, the climb into camp was steep.
Traffic in this area was pretty reasonable, the Italian drivers have been almost without exception courteous. I would describe them as assertive but patient. A point to note for future travellers is that internet points are not as common as they are at home. One way we have found around this is to join the local library, or for this blog the Ferara University, where access seems to be faster and best of all free.
If I was a thirsty man and you poured cool water over me, I'm probably kick you in the shins, take your water and have a drink. :)
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