Into Italy

Friday 13th April

We left Lucerne in sunshine again, and although it stayed sunny most of the time, it was distictly chilly as the motorway led us higher through the mountains. 

 
 
When we emerged from the Gotthard Tunnel (around 12 miles long) we were into the snow.  So it was just a short stop at the next services to stretch our legs and get back into the warm van again. 
 

This route has some stunning scenery along the way, so couldn't resist having the camera at the ready.

 
Our plan was to aim for a campsite we had found on a website at Caslano just south of Lugano, still in Switzerland but on the border with Italy.  We followed signs to the camping, but found it had a padlocked barrier across the entrance, even though it is listed as having opened on 1st April.  So plan B meant we crossed the Italian border and stayed at a site we have used before at Porte Tresa.  We didn't plan to return there really, as it is very run-down and unattractive with tightly packed ancient, unoccupied caravans (we call them 'dead' caravans).  But there are a few pitches for tourers and we found a flat, grassy one very close to the gate to the water's edge. 

Actually, a very scenic spot for an evening stroll and a bit of bird-watching.

There she was having a gentle swim ......

.... when along comes Romeo ....

...... and they started their little dance together ....

 

Saturday 14th April

First stop this morning was to the Chocolate Factory "Schokoland" at Caslano that we visited last time we were this way.  This time the factory was closed for renovation, but just a small shop was open, so at least we were able to buy a few treats.  Not sure how much will make it home - this being so early on in the holiday!

Then it was back on the motorway, down past Milan aiming for the campsite by the river at Pavia, only to find this one was closed too!  Again listed as opening on 1st April.  Plan B here was not so easy as this area is very short on campsites, but we had noted another one 50 miles further south at Garbagna, off the beaten track near Tortona.  John rang this one to make sure it was open and a very friendly chap replied that it was and looked forward to seeing us later.  After leaving the A7, we followed a narrow, twisting, hilly, interesting road through coutryside for about 20 minutes, before arriving at Piccolo Camping, built on a steep hillside with several grassy terraces on either side of the little road.  Our chap was busy working on the land higher up, but came down to greet us and have a chat - good job he can speak quite a bit of English.  We soon discovered we were the only campers here, so we are in for a very quiet night.