Yes the weather continued to literally cloud in around us. A terrible nights sleep was had by all I would conclude. I usually sleep log-like. However I awoke at midnight. The thunder in the mountains was quite amazing. Waking at midnight though doesn't help raise the interest level on amazing when all you want to do is sleep. I had a taste of insomnia, which I would conclude is deeply unpleasant. The lightening had Clare and I both counting "1, 1000, 2,1000, 3,1000, 4, 1000 etc" and waiting for the thunder. The noise was quite astonishing. It actually made the van shudder physically. I've never experienced such deep and resonant thunder like it before. Another memory put in the diary though.
Terrible roads once again, another billion and one hairpin bends, and so so much rain, equalling the Lisbon rain quantities that we had. Hugo though was a star. He has just plodded on and on. His front tyres are clinging on for dear life as we approach his half way service down in Bari. What a van!
Our motive today was to get off the mountain. So we did. A shocker of a journey. We went back down the road we came up, the Passo di Pradarena, through Busana and on our way down the Secchia valley. I can only liken the journey to being like a thread in a woollen jumper, all twists, turns and endless as it doubles back on itself goes through itself etc...
Loads of this with steep uphill and steep downhill sections..oh for my MX-5 back!
The conclusion of today was approaching a 'grim' grading. Passing through Pisa and seeing the leaning tower was a highlight as the thunder and lightening continued to shudder in. We decided not to stop though and instead headed for our camp. Sadly, it was another nail in the coffin for our general mood at that time. Such an appalling place that we decided to leave! No point paying for an awful stay. Life improved though as we found an Aire for the night on the Marina de Pisa. It could be a free night, and it has electricity too! Whatever happens, it feels right and it is beginning to feel good, despite the rain continuing to fall. A walk around the Marina really helped us though. An amazing set of fishing nets and huts on stalks in the sea really gave us a bit of a National Geographical moment. This might be the start of it all feeling better again?
We realise that we are "out of season", we realise that the weather is not great, but all we want to do is drive through and enjoy what Italy has to offer. Here's to hoping it starts as of now!
Ed
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