Tirrilstrip12
 Days 88 & 89 Day 88 Well – it’s been 3 whole months now since we set off from home. Things are generally going well for us, other than the van problems, more of which in a minute but we are starting to spend a bit more time thinking about folks back home and realising just how far, in a practical sense, we are away from friends and family. Would be nice to be able to teleport to and fro now and again, although given our track record on travel technology so far, that may be a wish too far. By the way – forgot to mention that neither of the towns we went to yesterday were medieval hilltop ones – even though we passed several on the way. In fact, both Rieti and Civita Castellana were rather drab, uninspiring places, as was Terni the day before. This was offset though by the lovely drives we had between each of the towns. But - I’ve also got to say – much as I love Italy and the Italian people – the Italians just cannot do signs – whether they are road signs, footpath signs, shop signs, places of interest signs etc etc – but I’ll save that rant for another time. So anyway – got to the garage this morning and of course, they didn’t have the engine valve in stock after all. But, after some phoning around, they did reckon they could get hold of the valve by tomorrow and fit it on Friday – so that’s what we have arranged – we’ll see – don’t hold your breath. In the meantime, we’ve headed west to a campsite set within the crater of an extinct volcano. There are several of these around here, each with a lake entirely surrounded by the steep, wooded hillsides of the volcano. There’s no-one else here – I can’t believe it – such a lovely spot. Only downside is there’s no TV reception, so will have to forego another night’s footy. Had a really good walk this afternoon up to a mini volcano (hill) within the main volcano crater – only thing is we got to the top expecting a lovely view of the lake, and all we could see was more trees! What a disappointment. Anyway – Tirril wasn’t bothered and had a great time – especially at the drinking fountain at the foot of the mini volcano which was big enough for him to swim in. Back to the site for a feet-up and then a BBQ accompanied by a bit of music on our stereo as we had no neighbours to worry about! Will have to try to think of something to do tomorrow to while away the time until the van is due back at the garage on Friday. Weather forecast is for more sun. Questa è la vita. Day 89 Yes – another warm sunny morning. I’ve been reading about all the rain/flood problems you’ve been having back home despite it still officially being a drought (down south anyway). Gladly, no such problems for us. Decided to have a drive around the crater, stopping off for some provisions on the way. Incredible views across wide areas of flat land beyond the crater. Found a good, shady car park and went for a walk through the woods to the edge of the crater lake where there was a bird hide. Spent a while there – saw some marsh harriers and what turned out to be a great reed warbler (bigger than your normal one). Also spotted what must have been a coypu swimming casually across the lake. Walked back and decided to go back to the same campsite for the night – albeit that we’d need a really early (I’m talking about a pre-7 O’clock alarm here) start to get to the garage tomorrow. As it turns out, they had a big screen in the campsite bar, and although there was still no-one else staying at the site, two of the staff were watching the Italy game so I was able to join in with the cheering & groaning as the match proceeded. They seemed to take the result quite stoically.
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Diary Photos
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Scenic drive |
 Walk near campsite |
 Roccaraso |
 Planning tomorrow's route |
 Gardens at Tivoli |
 Tivoli |
 Tivoli |
 View from 'grotto' |
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