Orchids in Tuscany near Florence.

A beautifully warm evening and night last night, although there were a couple of spells of rain in the night!  Nevertheless we woke to a wonderful fresh misty morning.  As the day progressed, however, the temperature climbed and  we were soon seeking the shade.  Breakfast was outside with yesterday's bread - it's bank holiday in Italy.  It's amazing how our travelling days manage to coincide with bank holidays, though it's generally 15/16th August when the whole of France shuts down.  Over breakfast it was enjoyable to watch a pair of lizards chasing each other along the bank and a serin entertained us in the tree above the tent. All day roadies (cyclists) have been riding past the site as they tackle the Passo della Futo climb.  Less pleasant has been the constant racket of bikers on the same challenge.  Despite having a chilling out day, I left Heather reading and wandered off along one of the local footpaths  and then later we went out in the car to look for the orchids that we had seen.  And what a find, four new orchid species: provencale orchid. green winged orchid, one I have still to identify and the best of all lady orchid.  Not only were they present but in large numbers and right beside the road.  I may have been muttering under my breath about the bikers, but I am sure they were wondering what the madman was doing on his hands and knees on the grass verge trying to commit suicide!!! The lady orchids were amazing; not only intricately beautiful but huge, a good foot tall!!   Eventually it was time to return for tea; tinned cassoulet from our favourite emporiu. Aldi.  Quick tasty and minimum washing up.  What more could one ask for - oh the beer that preceeded and the red wine that accompanied!!!  Washing up done, now enjoying hot chocolate.

Violet growing on the bank next to the tent.

Euphorbia growing close by.

Lady orchid.

Green winged orchid.

Green winged orchid close-up