What a negative day.
Woken 6.30 by workmen shouting whilst sweeping the leaves in the car park.
Walked to the spa with a slight hope that my gold ring was found when they cleaned the pool - but no.
Hoped that I could have final dip in the lovely thermal pool but it was closed until 12pm and I needed to get going.
Went to the gorgeous Tettucio bar to have breakfast again but was told that dogs are not allowed. I don't mind but she was with me yesterday and it was alright. The girl was quite nasty about it.
Took Sach back and went in and had an omelette and met up with the friendly owners daughter again and we exchanged addresses.
This time there was a dreadful singer and electronic keyboard player. It seems sacrilege in this beautiful place.
I was reluctant to leave Montecatini but it was time.
I had been told that the village of San Guiliano was beautiful so went out of my way to see it. There was nothing worth seeing for me but maybe I missed something.
Sat nav took me on to Pisa where I didn't want to go and the traffic was awful and yes it is understandably touristy. I had visited over 30 years ago and didn't wish to see it as it is now.
Then on to La Spezia a very busy port and on to Riomaggiore the first of the pretty 5 villages of the Cinque Terre National park. All the parking was full despite the prohibitive cost of €3.50 an hour. I was told to try to park at the side of the narrow road at the top of the cliffs. It was too hot to walk down and up the steep road.
I had been told that because of landslides you couldn't drive past the Corniglia the third village. You had to drive back to La Spezia whatever.
It was magnificient scenery do I drove on anyway to Corniglia and hoped to park there but that was impossible too. Obviously the trail is amazing that so many walkers come here.
I stopped at a little cafe high up on the hill. Thought I would treat myself to a late lunch and had a disgusting greasy batter mixed with potato with a hint of fish. It cost €10 and was advertised as fish and potato.
Now I had to make my way back to La Spezia and find a place to camp.
I headed for the Appenine hills and had to do a long detour owing to a road closure.
Eventually found a car park near a closed information office with a couple of trees and a bar up the road. Perfect! I needed a drink and shade is so important with the heat.
I had a nice glass of white wine in the bar for only €1.50 although they did stare at me as an odd ball but I was so tired and relieved to find a place that I didn't care.
I went to have a snack in a convenient little park. 3 little girls came along which I didn't really want but they were very nice and desperately trying to remember the English they have learnt. I think they will be have more incentive at learning English in school.
It had been a long day and my shoulder was so painful again. Slept alright except when an express train came through. I hadn't realised I was next to a railway line.