Up at 5.00 this morning to make sure we had an early start for the long journey north. Peter and Lin left for Rome and the flight home at 6.15 while we finished our packing and loading the car. It was with a wrench that we finally left at 7.00 enjoying our last views of the mist filled valleys and the sun rising above the mountains ringing everything with a warm glow. We have loved our stay in Casale Cocchinella, set as it is high on the ridge next to the ancient village of Castelvecchio and an excellent local restaurant with very reasonable prices. The wildlife has been amazing and I shall miss the intense, throbbing sing of the many nightingales all around. The orchids also have been staggering, flowering in profusion. I have seen and photographed 15 new species!!!
Our drive went well and the nearly 400 miles sped by in 8 hours. We arrived in Lugano at 3.00 pm but then proceeded to get lost, not once, but twice. Still Sally SatNav saved the day. The change over of kit was accomplished quickly and we then had to return the hire car to the airport. By the time all was complete it was 6.00 and with an hour to drive to our intended campsite and rain threatening, the decision was to stay in The Hotel Vezia once more. Now, following, a delicious meal it's time for an early night ready for the fray again tomorrow.
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| Drinks on the terrace, Casale Cocchinella. |
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| Early moring mist fills the valley. Taken from the Casale as we left. |
Pleased all went well. The yellows and blues in your first picture reminds me of Van Gogh's painting of a cafe at night. http://tinyurl.com/oyl2xfy
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