Another really warm morning. As we are using the service point workmen are putting up signs. They tell us this aire has only been here a month. The waste well has a magic eye and every time anyone walks near it there is a fine spray of water. We leave and drive up through the piazza. The market has gone but marquees are being erected for some other event. A twelve mile drive through pretty tree covered mountains brings us to the roadside restaurant I-Lauri, ...

It is warm from the minute we wake up. Nick W sets off on the bike and Grete leads us to the funicular which runs up the hillside to the town. A short walk leads us to the huge square, entered at each corner through arched gateways. Tuesday is market day and the square is filled with stalls and white vans. We amble through the aisle of clothing, shoes and houseware before meetng Nick W at the far side, right beside a convenient coffee shop. From the square w...

The car park fills quickly from about 06:30. We are ready to leave at 10:00. No motorway today, just a 45 mile cross country ride from Alba to Cuneo, passing Bra and following roadwork diversions through Fossano. Ir's lovely lowland alpine scenery, tractors working fields, herds of cattle and alpine style buildings with overhanging roofs. We drive through Cuneo's huge central square and down to the aire. 11:30 we arrive at our rendezvous and once again Mary*...

Dozza's little car park was really peaceful and it really doesn't feel like Italy here. The fortress town is amazing; two cobbled streets run its length from the 12th century castle, connected with little alleys. Many of the facades are decorated with bright, artistic murals and a high proportion of businesses are restaurants. It was once the stronghold for the area's wine, said to be some of Italy's finest, and the castle cellar still stores a valuable collec...

The relaxation didn't last all of last evening, around 21:30 thunder, lightning and torrential rain came and carried on through the night. This morning is fresh and cool but at least the skylights are cleaner. This site has been a lovely spot, worth a longer stay but we must move on. The staff are really friendly too, as Ali gets out to dump rubbish a man takes it from her, then they wave us off up the lane. The A14 is not busy and driving is easy as we trave...