More Otranto photos

DON'T STOP THE BOATS!

Just a reminder whilst on a fab holiday that some people's worlds remain in chaos and suffering. Otranto port is presently harbouring Conscience, a boat that is trying to enter Gaza with peace campaigners/aid workers. They recently came under fire from drones whilst in the Malta area. About 100 people are due to try and sail again for Gaza on 3rd October. Many of them are occupying the mobile homes on our campsite and occasionally I listen to their morning briefings. Great bunch of brave people from around the globe.

Approaching our fourth night in Otranto.

Really enjoying this place on our second visit. Bikes are out for our daily ride down to the far northern beach area for morning coffee. Water temperature must be around 25 so really comfortable. Been getting 2 swims a day in. In the evening the old town has a great vibe about it with festive lights, fantastic choice of restaurants and bars. Not too packed and the battlement walls around the city further enhance it's beauty. One of our favourite places in Italy.

Just arrived in Otranto

Termoli overnight stop.

Always the exceptional stopover, the port camper stop at Termoli. Works out 29 euros with 10 amp electric. Cheaper than last visit and the place has improved with

lovely grassed pitches. 5 minute walk into lovely old town where we had one of the best meals of the holiday selection of meats, steak, lamb, pork, sausage for 16 euro. Met a lovely Jersey couple who knew some friends from Jersey. They got me thinking when they said they were staying a few days. We could easily do that, but not this time as we're booked into Otranto.

Entering our third night at Camping Riccione.

Pleased with myself for discovering this outstanding site. Just paid for a third night. The 27 euro acsi price rises to 31.80 with environmental and tourist taxes but still worth it. Restaurant serves good food at good prices. The pool is always empty, if you need it there's a gym. Site has a lot to offer. Went with Jonesy to the beach yesterday as there is a small section that allows dogs.

Riccione

Just arrived at Camping Riccione between Rimmini and Catolica . Site quite empty with omly about 10% of pitches occupied. Had the amazing pool to ourselves. Earlier walked to impressive beach, gorgeous mid September sunshine but there are suggestions it will change in about 4 days time,becoming much cooler.

Last of our 4 days on Garda.

Really enjoyed the stay. Delightful swims in both the pool and the lake. Really been chilling out, pics of pool and site beach.

4 nights on Garda.

We tried our usual site Le Palme, but they were full. 2nd choice Camping Belvedere proved to be an excellent alternative. Nice shaded pitch next to another beautiful swimming pool. Tuesday 16th,got the bikes out and headed to Lazise, an old attractive town with castle walls and battlements. We stayed here and visited it a few times but it was still busy as was the cycle track. The last section of the track is still troublesome with sandy sections. After a quick coffee we headed to Bardolino, on this section the path was excellent and it was noticeable that the area was less packed and even looked more picturesque. Bardolino really nice and I think if we ever return to Garda then the Bardolino may take preference.

Wines By The Mile

There is no denying Châteauneuf-du-Pape reigns supreme among southern Rhône cru wines. . However, these highly regarded wines come with a steep price tag, and often need years of storage time to reach their peak. Rather than heading to your nearest supermarket and blindly taking a bottle from the shelf you may be better served by the cheaper option of the more southern Cru wines of Cairanne,a similar style of wine within a much lower price range. Here we compare one from E Leclerc and one from Lidl. Bonpas Grand Hospitalier Cairanne. 8.99 euros E Leclerc. A young wine that might come on with age. Improvement necessary in its aftertaste and body. OK but not my favourite. Cuvée Tradition Cairanne 2022. 5.99 euros. Full bodied,, fruity and smooth, has got to be the best budget wine available in Lidl, France. Bypass Leclerc and go straight to Lidl

Triathlon

Sat having lunch in Iseo watching the Triathlon.

Still in Isseo, 2 days left.

Iseo quite busy with the ferries to the island Monte Isolo rammed packed with people visiting the island for the every 5 yearly paper flower festival. Managed to get to the island. Short walk, lunch and return. The island is the best location to see the beauty of the lake. Campsite very busy still but we are lucky to only be paying 27 euros for a fab site with two large swimming pools with fabulous facilities and tremendous location on the lake edge. Met someone yesterday who were paying 70 euros a night with basic facilities. The Blog had 733 viewings yesterday.

6th September arrival at Camping Del Sole Village.

So glad we booked this as everyone in reception were being turned away as it was full to the brim. Got a decent pitch overlooking the pool. Had a swim and went to meet Owen at a bar in Iseo Town. As it was Saturday the place was rammed. After a few drinks we accompanied Owen on a "voyage of discovery" to find his apartment. I say V. O. D because we may have been in the dark forests of the Amazon jungle. Eventually we did find it leaving me, Barbara and Jonesy to attempt to retrace our path back to our campsite. Eventual return time 1.30am. First few days in beautiful Iseo less eventful and enjoyable.

Camping Village Lago Maggiore.

Having two nights at this fab site on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Great pool, pitches etc but the only negative is the caterpillars that drop from the numerous oak trees. I think they are processionary. The ones that walk behind each other. These carry harmful toxins but I believe the toxins are only active in the spring but as they can be dangerous to dogs. We're not taking any chances so jonesy confined to Motorhome.

Site beach at lake Orta. Grtat swim