An unforgettable trip in Scotland, 2007

Travel by motor home to Scotland from Italy via France and England. Visit castles, towns and streets breathtaking.

 

Friday 04 May - hours 15:10 - Cuneo

After 3 months of drought and catastrophic weather on-coming Italian summer, it decided to rain just in May. This does not ruin the plans, but it certainly complicates them there: crossing the Alps, you know, is not a walk.
And now we come to the presentations:
Danilo (22), who writes, and Lorraine (21) that is running out to prepare.
Stephen (23) and Naomi (25) that are working to remove the camper we hired from Skyrent in Carmagnola.
First stage: Sommariva del Bosco, which will load the vehicle with their belongings.
Second stage: Cuneo, where the rest of us we will fill the camper with what falls to us (we hope we're all for it is only a 4-seater!).
Preparing this trip for months and now, finally, the day of departure arrived. We can only enjoy this trip despite the difficulties they present.
The first of these is the crossing of the Alps as we are in Cuneo has decided to avoid the Frejus (with its high tariffs), but to pass from the Colle della Maddalena. Rain at low altitude means snow higher up, but the Carabinieri Pietraporzio (which I called this morning) said that despite the sleet, the street is clean. My father Sergio, as indigenous expert from the Cuneo valleys, has suggested to travel with the light of day: the mountain becomes dangerous after dark.
Stephen and Naomi arrive just load up and leave: the objective is to descend from the mountains by French evening. Then we will stop for a quick dinner made of cake, then away again to Calais.

Departure from Cuneo - ore 17:34 - km 0

Sabato 05 May - 10:20 - Near Reims

We are on the A26 which becomes the A4 and then again A26: Of course I'm weird ste French motorways, but large and strange sliding, congratulations! Among the other is from Lyon who do not pay tolls: If this continues who knows how to disburse up to Calais at once. In the short stretch between Grenoble and Lyon (cca 100 km) there are parties on the € 15 ...
However I have a little 'to tell about what happened in the last 17 hours. So, let's see '...
Leave in good time, around 17:30, we lost a few minutes for those of Skyrent had forgotten to close the tap water emergency that triggered when the temperature is low enough to freeze the pipes. However, nothing serious: phone call, direct explanation and problem solved.
Stephen, who now entered into symbiosis with the camper, puts the wheel. I get your maps and immerse myself in the role of the browser (namely Ste led the handheld with GPS, the TomTom installed, but for now we do it to rest - the good old brain, until it works well, we want to exploit). The girls finished arranging the latest odds and ends, begin their interminable speeches. Ste and I recommend them not to finish it all by night, since there are 16 more days of travel.
We head towards the Col de la Madeleine; rain accompanied us undeterred, even if it is not too strong. As you go up the road narrows and the truck makes it more exciting to cross the route. Within an hour and a half we reach the summit: the road is clean but wet snow on the side are in quantities and are made tight turns and steep, but Stefano is unstoppable. As the best of times Pantani devours the ascent, wins the grand prize of the Mountain and addresses ease the descent from the French side. I, Lory and Naomi, meanwhile, pretend to trust him blindly.
Later we stop for dinner fast Gap, considering the end of the mountainous area. With this in mind and believe that after the short climb before us, we can expect a smooth descent and a boundless plain, I am going to drive the camper for the first time in my life.
As onset is not disastrous, but almost. Do not end up down the cliffs, but almost. Do not scratch the gears every time, but almost. Sudo not blood, but almost. Obviously other people are apprehensive, especially Ste, who still pretends to keep calm, giving me advice on the music. 60 km are the worst of my life, since the difficulty is not entirely due to my ineptitude, but the problem is that the roads that climb up and down mountains subalpine, with steep climbs, winding roads and treacherous descents. All stuffed by a dark misleading and, at times, scary. A La Mure we decide to make changes to the guide, even to retrieve a bit 'of time, as my pace was a little inexperienced' penalized optimal timing their achievements. Then declare publicly apologize for having insisted on crossing the hills: the Frejus was probably less traumatic.
However, the night is half and the girls spent trying to sleep sitting in the cabin, but the company is difficult. Poor things!
Stephen stands up well despite the time and brings us safely up to a rest stop on the highway, after Lyon. I'm half dead, Stephen realizes that it is not very concentrated and then you decide to stop and rest for an hour. It's 2:20 in the morning. Prepare the beds after a short walk and he jumps on the lifeless "matter".
I open my eyes suddenly looked at his watch are the 5:55! Massa! Better! A little 'rest in more than Stephen does not hurt ... Call us together and distributed.
I start driving conviction, because the mornings are nice load, Ste has his times of recovery. Today is quite another thing! Shortly before in symbiosis with the "middle" and the highway gives me courage: beautiful, straight and spacious, though still in the rain. Hours pass and the weather alternates between bursts of rain determined to clear skies. After 330 km, a couple of stops and a full tank of diesel, Stephen gives me the change to the guide so I can write this page and a half squadernino while listening to MP3 CDs that we have diligently prepared for the trip and while Stefano converse with the impact of civilization on the French countryside.
Well ... in the meantime we passed the toll of Reims (about € 50 from Lyon) and we are 200 km from Calais. The program progresses smoothly (do not speak too soon)! The weather is much improved: there is the sun! Hurray! E 'noon ...

Calais - 16:00

I spoke too soon!
We are now on the ferry P & O Ferries, which will take us to Dover, but until an hour ago we were in the Office of the United Kingdom Immigration and by a hair we would not have signed on.
But I start from the beginning ...
Getting the Car Ferry to Calais is easy: just follow the main road that is the natural continuation of the motorway - about, Reims-Calais € 28 - and you get straight to the boarding area.
Ste and I still go down and, with what remains of our English, we buy a ticket of P & O for 4 adults and a camper: € 158! Let's go back and refer to the girls and we were expecting a little 'less, but we must adapt, not much to do. While we are in the queue, open another entrance and rushed to accelerating the conviction (as the guy who sold us the tickets, the ferry will depart at 16:10 while actually on the ticket it says 15:50 and the ship and left at 16:00) and unaware of the mess that awaits us.
I introduce the crime: about a week ago, after returning from service, I notice that the number of identity card of the first side is a bit 'faded, so I have "good" idea to come back with a pen some characters, copying last front where all the writing is rather clear.
Now back to Calais: Having successfully tested the identity cards of Ste, Nao and Lory, Miss frowns at the toll the paper in front of my face and closes the door. I leave you to imagine the looks and the jokes that begin to turn inside the camper. A few minutes later Miss makes clear his doubt and invites us to dock in a place that Lorraine translated as "behind the 'Silver car'", the gray car. It is now evident that my trick did not like the English police the border.
We settle in that office and wait for someone to tell us something or that allow me to explain, because I have not yet been given the chance. With the mind begins to see the much-coveted holiday blend. Knowing that not only I but the other 3 could see the shattered dream of arriving in Scotland irritates me, nervous and afraid.
After half an hour of agony in his fifties plump officer tells me very politely that my identity card looks fake, but have found that there are no problems (after having applied for a license and after having completed and signed a modulate ). I strongly recommend to change it as soon as possible and enjoy the trip to England, explained that over the next few days the weather should improve (or so he says he understood Lorraine). I ask him a certificate that can turn freely in the UK, it says it can not do it. We leave the office raised, but this experience has hit like a boulder on my neck and I think will haunt me all the way, hoping not to repeat this rigmarole again on.
After the appropriate controls to the camper we put in the queue, waiting for another half hour and load the vehicle on the ferry. We seek a seat in what should be the second Stephen's bow in order to see the Cliffs of Dover (and instead will prove the stern) and listen The first audio messages to passengers. After some photos to pass the time, Lory, Nao and Ste leaning his head on the seat and try to nap while I vent about this leaflet.

Arriving near York - 01:00 am - km 1626

Sunday 06 May - 19:00 - One of York and Newcastle (A1)

And here we are still traveling, but this should be the last in the direction of Scotland. We started from York on their way to the Scottish Borders but first we made a detour to Castle Howard, a few miles outside of York, near Malton. When we arrived it was already closed and unfortunately it was only 17:20! Around here you go to bed with the chickens apparently ...
However, since Ste and Nao had not really want, we crept just me and Lory. I expected it to be a beautiful residence, but not so much, and say that we have not even entered the building! We were totally in love with the architecture of the 18th century and the idyllic landscapes that surround it. Well worth a watch! I made some pictures of the race but we had more time.
In any case, from Dover to York, we certainly do not teleport, so I feel it incumbent to narrate the events of the hours spent last night and this morning.
It must be said that the famous cliffs of Dover are truly a sight! Crossing the English Channel actually lasted an hour. From the deck of the ferry and I we Ste satisfied to photograph these white walls and high natural and ubiquitous gulls over our heads.
What leading expert guidance camper Stefano prepares to drive once landed at Dover. The controls on this side of the British officers are less fussy so there is no need, fortunately, to show the documents. Stephen brilliantly while you get used to driving on the left, Naomi falls disastrously in the small hallway inside the camper at a corner and peeling the knees: And all for a glass of water. However after a mixed between hysterical laughter and despair, Nao recovers from crime.
I put to good use my talents to good navigator, but at the first roundabout and take the wrong road for Deal instead of Canterbury. This error, however, reveals a wonderful opportunity to admire these little villages typically "English-style", with terraced houses and the front lawn. We note that this is the habit of parking along the road even though it is very narrow: in Italy would all be even "no-stop".
Nevertheless, after some slalom, we take the M2 towards London. Highway is much easier to drive and all is favored by the fact that not a drop falls, but the sun, which slowly drops, paints colorful landscapes and relaxing around us. We decide to take the M25 (London Orbital) via the M1 towards the south side that will take us in the north of England.
Since Stephen's guidance for several hours, despite the crossing, and since we brought back the time, but due to our stomach's already 19:30, we decide to stop and dine at a convenience store with ample parking, a little 'after Sevenoaks. Finally a normal dinner! Lory and Nao are busy and prepare a nice pasta dish that devours us quickly: more than cakes and sandwiches swallowed the fly ... Italian cuisine as it should be catering to us!
After dinner me and Ste they take the opportunity to raderci beard in clean bathrooms dell'autogrill who also have hot water, too much, because every time we burned when trying to rinse.
Not pass a lot and off again: this time I'll drive. It 'exciting drive on the highway to the left of one of the most populous cities in the world. As traffic increases, but not the mess, and after hundreds of miles, in Leicester, Stephen gives me the change to drive: about 22:00.
Stephen brings us to the end of the M1 in Barnsley, but it is obviously cooked, as are the girls who try to sleep but tossed here and there. I, during the 2 hour drive to Ste, I rested for half an hour, and I recovered some energy, so, despite my 3 companions are not very well, I put myself behind the wheel in the direction of York. 1: 00 at night I find a mega-parking lot all but empty, though with a little 'apprehension, we decide to stay overnight.
Since there is need to sleep at 10:00 and wakes them up jump the meeting (on the assets we have only 3 ½ hours of decent sleep).
The sleep, even if not comfortable, it's providential. Furthermore we are not alone, but the car park is full of English people who do breakfast at McDonald's here in front, but how?!?
However, as good witnesses, we are studying the Tower (after breakfast eaten in peace) and then we head to York, which is a few km. We look for a parking lot but they are all filled except one. Managed to enter but it's all full! (Later we realize that it has the same name as another parking lot in the same way: the face of unfair competition). Within a few minutes free parking. To view seems narrow, it was parked in a Micra, but the danger is our job! I go downstairs and cry to Stephen how to maneuver. He performs to perfection every detail of my instructions and the masterpiece is worthy of praise! A parking lot in the back with the camper in a Porsche Carrera and a blue gray BMW X5!
Loaded from the success of the company we are moving towards the center of town. We make a couple of photos to Clifford Tower and walk surrounded by the usual typical English houses.
We want to play it safe with food and then we go from Pizzahut: good no doubt, but the waitress did not really want to understand and therefore not enter into line.
After lunch we head to the Minster, a beautiful Gothic cathedral to which we devote some souvenir photos, and then to the Treasurer's House when we visit the garden and the tea-house, as free.
We return to the parking lot, we pay £ 5 and head to Castle Howard above.
Now we are almost in Scotland, lack a few km. The landscapes are fabulous and the road, albeit uncomfortable (A696), gives us the opportunity to more fully goderceli.
Allow me to give advice to anyone who wants to repeat our route: between Malton and Thirsk, near Helmsley, north of York, is a spectacular but dangerous descent with a 25% gradient. Obviously we have not followed the directions advising a path easier for the camper and we had to resort to faith in the worst moment in the middle of the hairpin turns, but you do it!
However it is time to stop writing, it is getting dark and it's 21:30. Scotland is at the gates and dinner too!

Arriving in Jedburgh - ore 22:10 - km 1916

Monday 07 May - hours 22:05 - Musselburgh

Ah, today was a day more relaxing than earlier.
Everything starts from yesterday evening after crossing the Scottish border town of Jedburgh to arrive, quite exhausted by the curves of the hillside just covered. We settled in the main parking entrance of the town and, since there are reports that impede the night, we decide to have dinner and then spend the night. Lory and Nao while preparing dinner, I and Ste we turn to walk the village in search of a fountain, where drinking water supply, but nada.
The next morning we wake up at 9:30, but the workers who are placed on trial of wooden scaffolding around the stems of the trees are still young and parking, wake us up with their noises. Breakfast and then off in a northerly direction, toward Midlothian.
We arrive in Melrose, the site of a famous abbey, but the ruins are £ 5 a head, then I take a picture from outside the gates and distributed. We head to Abbotsford House, home of the famous seven-century writer Walter Scott, but is undergoing restructuring and costs £ 6 a head. We prefer to keep the money to visit the much more famous Rosslyn Chapel, so we go over there and we go from Peebles, not hiding in secondary roads hazardous. While we are try to reach the Traquair House, but since the road narrows and becomes steeper, the intent desist.
Finally we come to Rosslyn, at about 13:30, and parked near the famous church. Admission is £ 7 a head, and Ste and Nao give a guide (who is still reading tonight, Ste.) Let's review the detailed works of art of the sculptors who have come and gone in the decoration of its religious and who have filled with images emblematic mix of Christianity, paganism and superstition. While we're descended into the crypt, just to feel like we were inside the book and movie "The Da Vinci Code." From the top of the scaffolding outside enjoying the great scenery, and the indications that an improbable run to the castle seem to get lost in the bush pierced by a muddy path.
We're back at a time in Edinburgh. Through the guide-map procured via the Internet on the website of Scottish tourism, we choose the Caravan Park, Musselburgh Drum Mhor, and only after use of the handheld and the aid of a lady of middle age, we find it. It's almost 3:00 in the afternoon and we are dying of hunger, so do the ticket (£ 18 for 4 people with caravans on pitch shingle; supplied electricity, toilets, drinking water and wastewater for black and gray) and we gorge at the table .
Not pass a lot and the overcast sky is produced in a dense but thin rain that cools the air and makes you a headache. We grant you an hour of sleep after loading the water tank and be connected to electrical cables. On awakening I try to download the cassette toilet, but I can barely, because of frequent bouts of vomiting caused by the "stench" of fetid air. Later we take advantage of the showers (10p) and while the girls wash and I Ste we relax by playing poker with plastic chips and sipping Sprite, as if in a Wild West saloon. And 'again time for dinner, thus releasing the table and we make room in my stomach.
The time now is 23:00. It 'time to go to sleep because tomorrow morning we will visit the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh. Good night!

Arrive in Stirling - 19:45 - km 2124

Tuesday 08 May - hours 23:30 - Stirling

And 'later, I'm tired and a bit' sleepy because of the beer, but all I have to wait at least midnight to sleep: I'll explain later why.
This morning we woke up at 7:30, despite Stephen's attack has put the rest to our alarm for 6:30 (actually just had not changed the alarm time adjusting to the time English). I get up immediately, disassemble the bed and, while the others stretch and start to prepare breakfast, I go to shave in the bathroom of the campsite. I feel a lot less 'refugee' than the last time I shaved my beard (Autogrill London). Then breakfast with Scripture of the day away.
We cover it well because, although the weather is variable without rain, the wind is blowing strong. Do we change the banknotes and coins go in search of the red bus 26 which should lead directly to the center of Edinburgh (on the bus could not get a rest so you have to get money exact).
We left the campground and turn right: we had not ever done! There begins an odyssey that has gone on for half an hour. We walk and walk, but the bus stop latita. Starts to rain and we have no umbrella. When we find a bus stop is not the right one. I go to a nursery to seek information and two ladies were very gracious to give me an explanation. We try to implement them but nothing: the 26 red is not found. At one point passing a bus and ask the driver if it leads to the center of Edinburgh, he says yes, and for us it is more than enough. We agree that tells us when we arrive on Princes Street and so happens.
Now we are amazed by a very high monument blackened from the elements, but Lory is not well, so let a public bath: she acts out there and everything is calmer. We head towards the Royal Mile with maps procurateci camping and admire taxi cabs and the famous red telephone booths.
Along the path leading to the castle we find a cathedral: St Giles. From outside is very nice but it seems early; inside look at the beautiful stained glass windows decorated with biblical events: Personally I had never seen so beautiful! Later we meet many kilt shops and such, but going straight to the castle. Entrance is expensive (£ 11 a head) but there is much to see and it's all very well kept, and woe to skip this step mandatory! I will not tell in detail, but the guns, the dark rooms, the royal apartments, the room with arms, the crown jewels and the mausoleum dedicated to the fallen Scots are very interesting and you do look alike. At 13:00, as is traditional, there's the shot of the gun and we will not let us escape.
After several requests to shopkeepers and passers-by, we can find a McDonald's in a street in the east end of Princes Street and we gulped down the tasty shit. After lunch we are dedicated to shopping for an hour and a half, with great participation of girls. We buy souvenirs and postcards, as the textbook of the tourist. At some point it occurs to me that we have not got the stamps, so drop everything and I start looking for some operator who sells them, but with little result. Finally I find the post office and do the tail with about 25 people ahead of me.
Alt! The rest I'll tell tomorrow, because it's midnight and I have to make the parking ticket. Then straight into bed to make the bed.

Mercoledì 09 May - 14:00 - Between Stirling and Perth (A9)

Here I am back! With full bellies we are heading to the majestic Glamis Castle. But I still have to finish telling last night. So ...
After buying the stamps ran back from my 3 mates shooting a couple of photos of the latest spectacular views of Edinburgh. Spent several bus until it comes directly to our 26 red Trenent. We agree with the driver to take us really close to the camp. The short journey seems to never end, because traffic congestionante and hot Mediterranean summer. The Scots baby sitting in front of us distracted, talking to himself and his sisters. Stephen calls for a signal to the driver and he very kindly shows us the way to go on foot to reach their destination.
On arrival at the camp (after almost an hour by bus) I rush to the bathroom while the girls go to wash the dishes and place the camper, and while Stephen controlling water, electricity and toilets. Send them to dirty water and giving back the keys to the bathroom.
Let's go in the direction of Stirling: are 17:40. We decide to stretch slightly to cross the famous Forth Bridge: £ 1 to enjoy a good show. We follow the river up to Stirling, where, after 2 or 3 car parks where we can not enter due to height, we find a temporary parking near the train station. Costs £ 3.50 a day, regardless of the time of arrival.
The girls want to be "more beautiful" to exit, and then in the meantime I write postcards. We go out with the aim to dine in a traditional Scottish pub but after wandering for ¾ of an hour, we surrender to the fact that here after a certain time (between 19:00 and 21:00 at the most) do not need more food but only drinks. So we take refuge in an uninviting Italian pizza take-away, where they work 2 Italians, who do not know hardly speak Italian, and 2 japo Sino-Korean. Lory and I take a pizza with ham and Stefano a tuna-and-onions, while Nao is a bit 'disgusted and do not get paid. We eat on a bench and walked back to the camper, but I and Lory we decide to go to the same pub as Ste and Nao are afraid of having to do with the drunken (This is the official version), then do not enter and come back to the parking .
The pub is quite nice, there are groups of men who talk about who knows what but also couples who talk about sofas. I order a pint of Guinness Red Lory takes hot tea with lemon. Despite the unfavorable exchange spend little and we are satisfied. The atmosphere is cozy and, by coincidence, we are "only" talking the day of our 5th anniversary from the moment you put together.
At about 23:00 we return to the camper and Ste and Nao are already in bed waiting for us to sleep. We turn the dinette into a bed, as Lory begins to doze off, I write some lines in this diary. I'm going to pay the ticket for the next day at 00:04 and I fall asleep too.
This morning we wake up at 8:00 but we lose time and between accommodation, breakfasts and several washes to get out only 9:40. We walk through the old town, characterized by a Gothic no longer cared for, until the castle. This time it's Nao who needs a bath so, as she "acts out", we organize the 3rd day of sightseeing: visit the castle and the tower dedicated to the great William Wallace. Naomi returns, agrees with the selection and purchase tickets: £ 8.50 per head but do not regret it. The castle is really beautiful! Maybe you can visit more local to the Edinburgh Castle and what is certain is that you can admire the beautiful hills that surround the city, the clouds, which have replaced the beautiful sunshine yesterday, create games of shadow in landscapes velvety Tutt 'around us and the Wallace Monument admire him from up here.
After spending all morning here, we return to the campers, lunch and leave for Glamis. We do not want to do again the mistake of arriving late and not being able to visit, as happened with Castle Howard.
The time now is 14:55 and we are between Dundee and Forfar; not be long before we arrive, we are quite early. Thank goodness! The next ...
P.S. The journey to Dundee was raining but now seems to be back in the sun. Do so early this morning. Do not understand anything in this weather so variable!

Arrive in Pitlochry - 20:15 - km 2327

Thursday, May 10th - h. 13:25 - Crathie

Glamis Castle is beautiful with a capital B!
We arrived at 15:30. £ 7.50 per person and parking included, with a map of the area for each. Sun and rain continue to alternate view. 2 pictures do the cows standing around and a couple more elegantly impressive castle.
After 10 minutes the tour starts. We are surprised when we are given 4 bins (but free to return) with all the detailed information in Italian on each environment that we're going to visit. Room after room were amazed by the beauty and the care with which they are held of the castle, still inhabited by descendants of the breed Lyon. The elaborate ceilings, inlaid furniture, decorated walls: surely this is the most beautiful castle we have visited in the field of interior rooms. There are some rooms with items of the Queen Mother, who spent his childhood here. Sorry to end the visit of this castle, whose bathrooms are superlatives (we have tested). Among other things it is said that there are 3 or 4 ghosts here, but of course when I ask the guide if she's ever seen, she says no smiling.
Exit from the building, after having visited the colorful and distinctive "Italian Garden" and I seek the secret room Ste identifiable from a window is not visible from inside. An old lady shows us what is distinct, when we understand who is the owner of this beautiful mansion. Throw ourselves into the shop to buy some trinkets and other souvenirs.
We leave a bit 'nostalgic castle direct Pitlochry, when it is about 18:00. The distance is not excessive, but the roads are becoming more a connotation Montana, so the speed is reduced and the girls suffer a little 'journey. Once we decide to Pitlochry to see the Queen's View before dinner. The road is even worse than before, but once there the view suffering worthwhile.
...
I'm back! First I had to stop for lunch and then we went to see the Balmoral Castle. Where I come from? Ah, yes ...
The Queen's View, the scenery is idyllic: in the valley flows the lake, the ridges extend endless expanses of vegetation.
We return to Pitlochry, and after a couple of attempts, we stopped in a parking lot near the Tourist Information Center. And 'free up at 8:00 in the morning. While the girls recover from the shock due to intestinal trip, Ste and I look for a place to withdraw the money (we are totally dry) and a pub. Deducted at Bank of Scotland and talking to girls search results. We eat in camper and after dinner we go to a pub to take a birrozza: the only Red is a brand known and tea, they want the girls to warm up, do not do more because "the kitchen is closed". I and Stec satisfied while Lory and Nao are dry, unfortunately.
An hour passes and we return to the camper to sleep. It's 23:30.
The alarm at 8:00. While others yawning, rubbing his eyes and stretched his arms, I'm going to exchange rate and pay the ticket for 2 hours, until 10:00: £ 1. We have breakfast and we settled in just one hour, so at 9:00 we're going to do some 'spending in a grocery store since we are consuming the food supplies fast. At 10:10 we leave the parking lot and make full of diesel. Do not find the A924 which, together with B950, allows us to cut enough road to reach the A93 leading to Aberdeen, so we do not turn away from Pitlochry until 10:30. Indeed, in these 20 minutes we make a jump to the Blair Castle a few miles to the north to do some photos, but only to approach you have to pay the ticket. Get off the camper and corrupts the ticket that allows me to get to the parking lot, take a picture and leave without paying. We welcome and appreciate this very kind ladies of a certain age.
The two roads leading to the A93 are those "vomits everything" but it's very nice to see flocks of sheep graze quietly the grass of this green slopes and near the road. Meet buses, tour buses, cars and off-road cars, but with a little 'common sense we pass everyone. We exit on the A93 that runs through the Glen Shee and Glen Clunie, whose meeting is bounded by a peak called "Devil's Elbow" The name might strike fear in the French Alps but the experience has shaped us, and this climb is 12% play. Apart from the aspect road, does not know how to explain in words the charm of these valleys furrowed by torrents of muddy water and hillsides bare and stained.
Braemar castle but a glimpse into Stephen did not park right away, so I run half a kilometer back: the effort is wasted because a wooden gate bars the entrance to the courtyard and the building looks abandoned and taken ill. I take the photo just is not frustrated the race.
We head to Balmoral Castle Crathie to watch but not to pay for parking, we approach in a clearing along the road and have lunch. At which point we return to the parking lot, we pay 70p to stop and we come to the castle on foot. Costs £ 7 a head, the price scares us a bit 'but the cashier assured us that there is the Italian audio guide included in the price and also from outside is a beautiful castle and, considering that a residence of the British royal family, we think it is also inside. Reach the top of the entrance ramp that penetrates the wood, transported by a tractor used for the purpose: a bit 'primitive! Audio guides withdrew leaving a deposit of £ 5 for each "receiver" and we are moving. I soon discovered that was a bit 'a rip-off, because you talk a bit' of everything but the rooms inside the castle, which can not even visit. After making the rounds among the orchards and meadows that surround the residence, we enter the ballroom, they were hung with paintings here and there and royal garments were placed in the center of the room. We use the toilets and come out a little 'disappointed. It is only fit that has stopped drizzling.
Retrieve the camper around 17:15 and we head to Aberdeen where finally we will see a gathering in the local Kingdom Hall. Along the way, shortly after Banchory, let's take a peek at Crathes Castle which of course is already closed (18:00), so we go just me and Lory and I take a picture of the gate.
The time now is 18:15 and we are at the entrance to Aberdeen. We just have to type the address of the room on your handheld and enjoy the company of our fellow Christians, trying to understand one another. We have 40 minutes for the meeting starts at 19:00: well i do all TDG here soon ...

Arrival in Stonehaven - ore 23:50 - km 2550

Friday, May 11th - 12:15 - Near Aberdeen (A90)

Yoh! I'm too happy! We were able to attend muster!
We entered at 19:25 because we have spent a lot to find a parking place for the camper. While Stefano shaving, we are preparing 3. When we come to the Hall are almost 5 minutes off, perhaps because they do not notice that we are already ringing the bell for a while '. Finally there is a brother to open up and lean in his fifties to which we say we are Italian and show them to her immediately and asked where the bathroom first. While Ste, Nao and Lory do benefit, I enter the main hall at the School of Ministry and write our names on a slip of membership and congregations to give our regards. There are 2 congregations in the room and we are witnessing the Aberdeen Deevale muster. The usher is obviously very nice prepares us 4 chairs at the bottom and try to repeat written in Italian, doing reasonably well: his name is George.
I can follow pretty well the speeches of exercise, but in the meantime we note that at the same time gather groups also Chinese and Polish, because the family sitting in front of us is following publications in Polish. Unlike the Italians, we do not get up for the song until she leaves the music. Announcements our friendly greetings from coming but not read by another brother who, as we say educated, speak a little 'to' muzzu. The meeting runs quickly and to make disciples after the song concluded without Scottish brothers come to greet us. Among them are: Diane, Sandra, Steve and Vicky. This last is extremely kind and helpful. After explaining "who we are, where we go and what is the purpose of life", we ask if there is somewhere "nice but not expensive," where dinner. She tells us to wait and came back with a piece of paper on which he designed the road to get to the restaurant area. Before leaving, we do leave your e-mail and I'm going to give a final farewell to George to whom I had the pleasure of trying (a little like 'the hero of Schindler's List).
We follow the directions of Vicky and arrive in Union Street, the central street. After careful consideration of the prices of certain local cute, we decide to go to Halo, an Italian cuisine restaurant where the waiters speak only English. Pizza soft and fragrant accompanied by Peroni. At 22:45 we leave the room and return to the camper.
Given that the next morning is expected to visit Dunnottar Castle, we decided to go directly to Stonehaven for not doing the race the next day. Once there, given that the camper is cumbersome, there lurk in the market but found a place along the road. It 'almost midnight.
During the night the gulls enjoy screaming and disturb us, making us lose sleep every time.
After breakfast we head to the castle: the weather is cloudy and, unfortunately for the photos, the sun is against but the place is exciting. The ruined castle stands on a high promontory that juts out over the North Sea, buffeted by gusts of icy wind. You pay only the entrance to the ruins, which we do not visit, so I climb up there and Ste paths that lead to high cliffs covered with green grass, while the hare runs down the slopes to the stony beach and cows chew bored by seagulls that hover over this spectacular landscape. We ran around for an hour when we decide to leave with eyes, mind and heart still full of impressive panoramas.
The girls are in urgent need of a bathroom and, given that our toilet is full, let's look for those public Stonehaven. We follow the directions but do not find it now. In total we lose an hour but the girls are "empty" and Recharge of crisps and other junk at a mini-market.
According to the program should move from Fyvie Castle before going to Loch Ness, but since the images of the brochures seem very similar to Blair Castle, we decided to skip it and instead to move from Cawdor Castle in north-east of Inverness.
Now we are on the A96 to Huntly, direct to Loch Ness, where a campsite where we will stay overnight and make the loading and unloading the camper. Typical Scottish clouds accompany us. Figürte!

Arriving in Bunchrew - 19:45 - km 2800

Saturday, May 12th - 17:30 - Shortly after Golspie (A9)

I'll be a bit 'repetitive but the scenery is really beautiful!
Now we are heading to John o'Groats, the northeastern tip of Scotland. I just saw six or seven lambs running in one direction and then come back always in a hurry, perhaps he thought the horses, they were really convinced, that soft!
Anyway yesterday we had lunch on the road near Elgin and every truck that passed us tossed with his blast. Since I was a bit 'of a headache, I jumped on the bed to rest and the others have the opportunity to take a nap. At 16:00 we left and after an hour we arrived at Cawdor Castle. I had to again "bribe" the ticket that allowed us to approach the castle to take pictures without paying. A stroll in the shop and even in the bathrooms adjacent and away.
Before we reached the search for the Loch Ness campsite near Glackossian and we went down and I Stefano level of the lake to take some pictures but unfortunately the weather is ugly and the photos do not tell.
Go back and reach the camp with the navigator found on the guide: Bunchrew Caravan Park situated at the edge of the homonymous village west of Inverness. The manager is very kind: £ 15.50 for a night with the campers and 4 people, electricity, toilets, wastewater disposal and black. It tells us where we want so that we can find a nice place overlooking the bridge and Beauly Firth, but unfortunately, there are no electric attacks because it is the area of the tents. Find another place to provide electricity and supply the camper with water and emptied the toilet while the girls are in the shower. Then we give the change: the girls prepare dinner while we wash. The shower is hot and so took advantage of free: it is a pleasure and it takes me half an hour before returning to "base".
Just before dinner, thus underlining the difficulty of living together 4 different styles of life in a small space. Then eat and go to bed.
Wake up at 9:00 in the morning, but we take it easy so we leave the camp after breakfast at 10:45 because there are chores to be done, such as shave (me), wash the dishes (girls) and empty water dirty (Ste).
Clarification on the camp: the bathrooms and showers are not clean and the thing is not to our liking.
Anyway we get to where we showed the operator: parking near the station in Inverness, you pay little but are outdoors. The morning is devoted to shopping so we went to a gallery of shops and buy some souvenir. Same thing later in the Eastgate shopping center nearby. Stephen and Naomi chose KFC (style McDonald's) and I prefer and Lory Pizzahut but eat at the same table.
After lunch we enter the Marks & Spencer and buy essential items for the next meal. To return to the campers along the River Ness and Lory but I stretch a bit 'because I want to capture the city by a bridge not far away. I have time to take the picture that starts to drizzle. Within these few short drops become a heavy shower: of course I forgot my umbrella at the Lory camper so you raise the hood of her windbreaker and I use the map of the city to cover my head. We get to the camper wet: it is part of the adventurous journey, after all ...
We pay £ 3 for parking and head to the bridge that leads north to Wick (A9). I change my jeans wet following the example and advice of my wife.
The bridges over the Moray Firth, Cromarty Firth and Dornoch Firth and provide the opportunity to enjoy the view of these long inlets of the North Sea, high and low tide swamps make their shores.
The road runs along the sea around the north-east Scotland and in the distance you can see the oil platforms, while on the mainland alternate cows and sheep in abundance. The rain comes and goes and the sky is obviously covered.
Halfway around we encounter in Dunrobin Castle, whose visit has been sacrificed to make way for shopping morning. From the courtyard outside shows, but even more so when we see the gardens, which, although not fully in flower, are dealt with and give an idea of the explosion of colors that will surely enchant us if only the days were warmer and more clement weather. The leaflet in our possession, even the interiors of the castle should be nice but now is "late", since the 17:15.
Aside from the steep descent and ascent bristling near Berniedale, the trip runs quiet. Now we stopped to do but the gas station is closed and we are going to finish the tank. We hope to arrive in Wick and we can supply. It's 18:40 and we are near Thrumster. Bye.

Arrival in Dunnet - ore 20:20 - km 3022

Sunday, May 13th - 16:00 - Leirinmore (near Durness)

As in a beautiful yellow I left you breathless! Do not worry, we were near Wick, in fact, the first distributor we loaded and unloaded fuel bladders a shame that if we did we would have found another few meters 3 other distributors cheaper.
Gradually we have come closer at last to John o'Groats. We reached the lighthouse and we enjoyed the view around us: the cliffs to the south, north to the Orkneys the beautiful setting sun allows us to distinguish clearly. The wind is strong and cold so we can leave in a hurry. The next day would like to see Ste puffin or seal or any other particular animal, so we decide to stay at Dunnet. We placed in a desolate open space at the town, in front of one of the usual inevitable red telephone booths accompanied by a pit for the letters.
After dinner we play cards, and, going against all rational rule, Naomi wins 5 games of scale forty consecutively. She goes to bed elated and disappointed us.
Up at 9:00 this morning. At 10:15 we depart towards Dunnet Head and the view is again exceptional but the sun is rising and there is almost no wind. I find no indication for visits to indigenous animals and remain slightly disappointed.
Now we have to leave, I will continue later this chronicle.

Arriving in Ullapool - 19:00 - km 3271

I take this record to 22:00. I just found out she had an unlucky black: 4 hands of scale forty of which 2 won by Nao and one each for Ste and Lory. And to say that against my grandmother almost always wins!
However this morning we took the road to Durness, where we dined. I drove because Ste is sick since yesterday and this morning has even taken a paracetamol because of fever. The road is full of those secondary curves and soon you start to have to deal with "single-track road, where small but frequent spots on the side of the road offer the chance to cross and other means of falling behind by those who proceed more quickly. I have the burden and honor to personally drive these streets in particular and is an exciting experience: certainly take much care and prudence.
The worst moment is just before Durness when a truck decided to pass through these streets astray: defile me to free space on the right even in a passing-place. The truck passes by a hair but at the restart touch with the side the signpost: Ste down and keeps it wrong while I maneuver the camper.
There is a beautiful sun that illuminates the hidden corners of the surrounding landscape, the latter is radically changed by the green hills to the rugged and rocky desert overlooking the sea.
At about 14:00 we arrive at Leirinmore, where a beautiful beach invites us to stand in the parking lot with spectacular views. Lunch, after resting and Nao Ste accompanies Lory and while I go down to the sea equipped with special shoes. The water is icy course but the idea of having his feet washed by the Atlantic to convince me to make me walk with jeans rolled up and his feet wet. We take a long sandy beach in crystal clear, almost white, and we picture the bright blue sea surrounded by high cliffs and rough. We collect some Conchiglietta as a reminder of this charming place.
We return to the camper and when we start Ste wakes up again, this time towards Ullapool. The guidebooks say that the road between Ullapool and Kylesku is the most beautiful part of Scotland and we want to make sure.
Unfortunately, the sunshine that has accompanied us so far, we are left just before Kylesku to give way to dark clouds and rabbuianti that every now and then we spit on some 'drops.
The landscapes are very beautiful loch between real and coves, but bad weather can not appreciate the view and unfortunately I've no intention of confirming the definition that has earned internationally.
This afternoon trip takes 2 ½ hours, so we stop at the town of Ullapool in a parking lot near a shop, but no bans. I'll see if I can find some information useful in the vicinity, but when I find myself on the camper in the middle of an animated discussion between Lory and Nao. The silences and the facets that go on for a week finally letting off steam and then clear all 4 of those present. Honestly I expected: on one hand are happy with the clarification but I am very disappointed with the other behavior that was adopted, I thought that between friends there was no need to get to this point.
However "make peace" and we eat "all happy." While we are on the fruit, we hear a knock at the door: an old English tells us that we are in a parking lot and, even if there is written, is private. With a smile on his lips shows us, with the map of Ullapool in hand, a camping site for caravans nearby.
We thank the lady for pointing this out, clear the table and shove off. Instead of going to camp, we head to a parking "free", but since it is "no camper" and "no overnight", we lurk in the parking lot adjacent to the supermarket where there are no prohibitions.
The girls washed the dishes and I do and Ste two games of poker. When released, join us and change the game: you know how it ends. Indeed, while I was writing, they have continued, and Ste climbed the slope, winning two matches and finishing the "tournament of the evening" at the first place.
The time now is 22:45. We're getting ready to sleep, hoping that nobody is knocking tonight. Good night!

Monday, May 14th - h. 18:10 - Near Loch Cluanie (A87)

And here we are again looking for a distributor of diesel fuel. We are heading to Fort William coming from the island of Skye. Distributors are rare here, dear and close early, we hope that the container has at least up to Invergarry, where it is easier that prices will fall slightly and distributors are open, given the proximity to areas most densely inhabited.
In the meantime I will tell the story of the day today ...
Upon awakening this morning the large car park was no longer empty but had a good 5 or 6 cars, mostly belonging to little old ladies who stocked up on food at the supermarket. Though no one has come to wake us to tell us to move out, I did not sleep very well tonight and my back to pieces this morning begging me to go to sleep. Unfortunately, the brain has won against the rest of the body, so I reassembled the dinette and, oddly enough, I managed to win 2 games to offset the scale forty 2 won by Stephen, while girls are supplied with fresh pastries and other dishes at the supermarket.
Ste Today was better so he started driving and we went to see for Dornie Eilean Donan Castle before crossing the A835 and A832 and A890 then turning to: the street is still two-lane, except between Lair and Stromferry, indicates how closely my Michelin map.
The castle is undoubtedly due to the dramatic stone bridge linking the mainland, but the ticket costs £ 4.95 per person and knowing that the interior has been rebuilt in the last century, we decide to skip the visit, rather than come back later to do some photos with the high tide and then with the water that fills the arches of the bridge.
The next stage is the Talisker distillery, famous everywhere for its whiskey, which incidentally is the root cause of this long journey to Scotland. Carbost To get to the island of Skye, we cross the bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh and Sconser just before Sligachan, we stop in a parking lot for a panoramic lunch, enjoying the sight of the waters of Loch Sligachan and Caol Mor, who meet in front of the island of Raasay.
After lunch we went to visit the distillery for £ 5 a head, this card can buy a bottle of whiskey with a discount of £ 3, but Italy is cheapest, thus avoiding wasting the little money left in our pockets .
In any case the visit is special and pretty, were it not for ...

Arrival in Fort William - 19:30 - km 3643

Sun Turna yes! Sorry, I had to stop suddenly because Ste was not feeling well again, and since we found a convenient provider open to Invergarry, we have supplied and I started driving. Stephen is now in bed, buried by the beautiful blankets, trying to nap while the girls take advantage of the showers of the campsite. Yes, we anticipated the stay at the camp scheduled for tomorrow now, because the toilet was full again, and given that tomorrow night we would watch the study of books in Oban without losing time in the camps.
However before I was explaining that the visit to the distillery was nice except that it was not clear when the guide explained to us much, because of technical words used to describe the complex process of transformation of water, barley, and peat whiskey. But we could read some brief explanations in Italian.
Exit on the contrary, we retraced the piece of road that led us in the heart of the island of Skye, up again all'Eilean Donan Castle to make the photo with the high tide.
Unfortunately, it is back to rain, because they were "already" to 17:30, were closing the parking lots, so I just went down the camper and I did a couple of shots while Ste maneuver was to get back on the road.
Following the "clarification" yesterday evening, it was decided to modify the program to skip some stages and travel less. So today we have not seen the Dunvegan Castle on Skye and took the ferry that would take us from Armadale to Mallaig, where we went to Fort William tomorrow going from Glenfinnan Monument. In this way we have used the time to reach Fort William today and save £ 40 ferry.
However on the guidance of Glen Nevis campsite I found the 5-star and, as everyone agreed, we sought and found, even with clear directions to downtown. At the reception there was no one but. between the sheets posted at the entrance and explanations in English received from one user of the campsite, we realized that we can squeeze into a spot and pay later when an officer will knock between 8 and 9.
While the girls were preparing dinner and Ste try to determine whether he was still alive, I toured the campsite and I checked out the 5 stars: if all deserve! Has laundry, toilet and drain dirty water, electricity, drinking water, showers and bathrooms clean and free, and besides it is very orderly and calm. Best of all is the majesty of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain, above us and a spectacular rainbow of vivid and complete its 180 °, to mark the peace between the rain and weather.
Now, after dinner, are 22:00 and there's still daylight, so that would seem than 20:00, an evening of this same period, Cuneo.
Now the term story and I enjoy the quiet, before they get the girls.

Arriving in Dunbeg - 18:15 - km 3725

Wednesday, May 16 - hours 13:20 - Inveraray Castle

There you will be asked where is Tuesday 15: Well, yesterday was a day of "peace" then I have not even written.
Unfortunately, the night before last I was only 10 minutes to enjoy the quiet of Ben Nevis. The return of the girls, however, scored a tournament to 3 scale forty Ste because he was ill at the end of which, very strangely, I came out the winner.
The night was cold for everyone and the next morning was also started in the most traumatic: at 8:10 I had just had time to tie the jeans that the officer of the camp has knocked on our door. I opened my eyes half closed, and as "close" to campers smiling amicably in the background, I paid £ 19.40. This camp was the most expensive of all, but also better served.
After that I recovered and went to make me need a hot shower and then shave: it takes me an hour, so the day program reserved for very few events, plus Ste was ill, Lory had gone to sleep and wash Nao plates the day before.
After breakfast I stocked the RV with water, slightly immersing the gravel lane, just another camper told me in English that there was a pump placed in the same place where you download the dirty water. I thanked him and suggested where we started. After emptying the drain cocks, we left for the center of Fort William. We parked near the bus stop, thanks all'ausiliario / controller, and I paid for 2 hours (£ 1). We walked the main street full of souvenir shops and we have seen and purchased for the rest of our stay in the village.
Since we decided to have lunch at Subway, a chain of fast food when you make a sandwich like you want, I went to pay an additional 2 hours (£ 1) staging the parking lot. This fast food is not expensive but the service there is really like and in principle, the portions are not sufficient to satisfy our hungry mouths.
After lunch, Nao and Ste are back in camper (Ste was tired and had not eaten) while I and Lory, we continued shopping.
At 15:00 we left for Oban and on the road we stopped at the Scottish Sealife Sanctuary to see seals and sea lions: the only problem is that usually the last entry was at 16:00 and we arrived at 16:02, too Later! Pity! While we were there we went through the woods to the sea and so we enjoyed the landscape, marine animals, of course, nothing ... The good thing is that this day was the first of uninterrupted sunshine.
We arrived at the center of Oban at 17:10, we paid 60p for parking for 40 minutes and we went to make us a ride, all except that Ste was not well. There is also no longer need to say it, but the shops had just closed! What a bore! The only shop open was targeted by the girls while I was taking some photos to the waterfront lit by the setting sun. We returned to the camper and we headed north of Oban, Dunbeg, where is the Kingdom Hall.
We have organized the following days and then we prepared to assist the study of books. We arrived early and we signed the Visitors' Book of the congregation.

Arriving in Maybole - 19:00 - km 3951

Excuse the interruption usual but we had lunch and then traveled so far, which are 19:00. Now we are waiting for the girls prepare to eat.
Muster with the story I arrived last night. The brothers were warm in the presentations, especially his brother Bob, who would later led the study. Our names were pronounced by him as Dan (for short), Lorin, and Stefano Neiòmi: wrong but it was nice. During the study we have provided 2 books in English because our men were in Italian and Albanian, we were able to better track and also to comment on everyone. After 'notice we were even offered tea and cake, specially prepared in the kitchen of the Hall: What a great idea! After having profited in a good way, we said goodbye to everyone, including Bob, even though we learned that holds for the Liverpool (and we for Milan) a few days after the Champions League final.
Back at the camper we had dinner and then went to Ste and Nao bed while Lorraine beat 5 games to 2 scale forty. Tonight, however, we slept well and strangely, without suffering the cold of all the other nights.
Wake up at 9:00 this morning and then at 10:30 we started towards Inveraray, to visit the castle. After an hour of travel we arrived, but again in the rain. Although I preferred to do the walk leading to the tower atop the hill, where you can enjoy from both the castle gardens, the majority had agreed to visit the rooms of the castle, so we paid £ 6.30 head and we entered. In almost every room there are explanations in various languages, including Italian, on plastic sheets. The castle is inhabited and therefore not entirely visited, but the interior is nice and the room of weapons is impressive. At the end of the tour if you may visit the gardens, but are only open on Friday and is charged separately, so we go to lunch in camper.
After eating I sleep an hour because I drive and, without "nap", I fall asleep easily.
At 15:30 we leave for Ayr and at an hour we reach the outskirts of Glasgow. We rely on satellite navigation take the A77 but it takes us over an hour to cross the city, because it is rush hour. Among other things pass in front of the stadium and Rangers, to kill the boredom of gray code and drive trucks, we look out the window. After leaving Glasgow we get another hour to reach Maybole, the village south of Ayr, near which lies the Culzean Castle that we want to visit tomorrow, definitely before leaving Scotland.
Now you are peckish Fance feel, partly due to fragrances that come from the stove. The rain did not give us a brief respite today: I can not stand more!

Thursday, May 17 - 14:30 pm - Near Ayr (A70)

First, celebrate with these few words, my overwhelming victory last night with 4 games won of scale forty, compared with 2 of Lory and 1 Nao.
But now we talk about serious things: the night has gone quiet despite the rain. We have not even suffered from the cold: perhaps the idea of Ste close all the curtains really works and there is not much heat loss.
Has sounded the alarm at 8:00 and at 9:30 we were already at the entrance of the castle. The 12 pounds apiece have been a blow, but we expected because, for each place to visit, I had already written prices and opening periods before leaving for this trip, retrieving information from the Internet. Given that the castle itself would only open an hour later, we visited the huge estate, including the deer park, walled garden and pond of swans. At about 11:30 we headed to the castle produced the tickets and left the jackets. There was a guide but it followed the same method dell'Inveraray Castle, plastic cards that is informative in their own languages, including Italian. The rooms were full of furnishings and interesting details. After about 2 hour of laps between rooms, halls, armory and kitchen, we returned to the parking lot to retrieve the camper.
We decided to skip the scenic routes as bad weather - no rain today but it's all covered and until recently there was the fog - and take the highway that we take away from these lands unforgettable. It's 15:10 and we just finished dinner in a parking lot in front of a Spar supermarket, possibly near Coylton. Time allocated in A70 in the direction of Douglas, where we exit the M74 to Carlisle.

Arriving in Worksop - 22:30 - km 4399

Friday, May 18th - 15:15 - Dover

We are on the SeaFrance ferry which has just left for Calais. The sea is rough and I write slowly because I'm tossed about left and right. We infiltrated the brasserie because there are chairs and sofas, and there is the smell of fries that bothered Nao in self-service.
Yesterday, the trip went well. At about 17:00 I asked Ste to drive the change because I was abbioccando. At Penrith we took the road that would have access to A1, where traffic has become smoother. We continued up to a motorway near Doncaster where we stopped for 2 hours to dine and play cards (Dan 2, Ste 2, Lory 1). Given that over 2 hours of rest was paid £ 8 for 24 hours, we put back on the road to the south at around 21:40 and the A1 junction with the A57 we stopped in the free parking on a campsite near a McDonald's.
The night fell quiet and warm and awake at 8:00 this morning and departure around 9:30. At 10:30 we were in Stamford, where we looked at Bourghley House since we removed the program Lake District, Bath and Stonehenge. Unfortunately on Friday but is closed around the park is free, so we parked the camper and I and Lory we went to see the gates this elegant but imposing mansion, where some scenes were filmed for the film "Pride and Prejudice" with Keira Knightley. Take a couple of pictures we left for Dover.
We have reached the M25 (London Orbital) near which has substantially increased traffic. In particular, we did queue at the bridge over the Thames (where you pay £ 1 toll) to divert to Dover via the A2. From that point on, we quickly reached Dover boarding the ferry.
We went for a ticket to P & O but we shot 145 pounds, so I left with a "We'll let you know" and we went to the SeaFrance. Here the employee has budgeted £ 108 and we have agreed on the fly, perhaps we could have asked me again to Norfolk we think of late.
We submitted all the checks with the fear of being stopped because of my documents, but the only girl who has taken them in hand to check our data did not matter to my "work of art." We lined up to wait for the boarding and in the meantime we ate sandwiches prepared by Nao and Lory. At about 15:00 we went into the belly of the ferry and the hours are 16:00: I write, the girls playing with the "word" and Ste critique their responses as a notary. In a little while 'we get to Calais and continue our watches. As regards the time, today there was a hot sun and now the channel is covered in clouds. Bye (for the last time) ...

Arriving in Rouen - ore 21:30 - km 4950

Saturday, May 19th - h. 14:25 - Near Evreux (N154)

Yuck Sob! The journey itself is not finished yet but there's nothing to see. This morning we walked through the streets of the gothic Rouen and now we are going to Italy, carefully avoiding the chaos of highways in Paris. In fact we are on the road to Orleans and then followed up for Bourges, Moulins and Lyon, up to the Frejus tunnel and our homes in Piedmont.
Last night we went directly from Calais to Rouen, stopping at Abbeville to make full of diesel here in mainland fuel costs definitely less! Since we had the tanks filled with dirty water and the fresh water vacuum, we find a campsite in the vicinity through the handheld Ste, but the closer the reported 50 km away. So we searched the information center of Rouen, and although with some difficulty, we have achieved. Yes, it was closed, but the glass I found the addresses of some campsites in the area. I've recorded on a sheet and we headed to the top of the list that is 5 or 6 km.
The camp was communal and the reception was closed until Monday, so I asked a middle-aged couple of camper British, who were stationed there, according to them if we could take advantage of the (few and primitive) facilities of the campsite. The man was very polite and even gave us a hand, while I empty the chemical toilet, and Ste, Nao and Lory loaded the camper with water by using 2 rubber tubes held together by hand. What's more it started to rain and got drenched by maneuver around his camper in Ste lurk on a manhole where empty the gray water. I asked the couple if we could pay someone to have benefited from the services, but they told us that there was no problem and that he "offered" the town of Deville les Rouen.
On the camper I have changed and we are stationed in a parking lot in front of a non-paying grammar school and we had dinner, played cards and went to bed. Lory have won their 3 games against a head of me and Ste, and the night was even hotter than the last perceived, so that I have left the sleeping bag and I was in pants and t-shirt.
This morning we headed to the city center in camper, since the majority had agreed not to use the bus, and we parked along the Seine, opposite the Cité administrative. We separated at the bridge giving us an appointment for 13:45 at the camper, since Ste and Nao you were coming back for lunch, and I and Lory we ate in some restaurants, as tomorrow is our first wedding anniversary and she spent highway.
In a couple of hours we saw the famossisima Cathedral, also visit within the Church of St-Maclou the Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, the public pay toilets and the Church of St. Joan of Arc. Near it we asked directions in a souvenir shop run by a fifty Genoese, to find an Italian restaurant, since the other restaurants and exposing prices absurd French cooking does not convince us at all.
In the meantime, we met some French brothers in service on the street, coming from the south of France, but who had gone to Bethel to Rouen to visit nearby. After exchanging a few words we have reached the pizzeria "Taormina" that there had been prompted by the store owner was run by a Neapolitan and French but now continue to move that the Italian. Lory takes me a plate of lasagna and pizza along with a bottle of Vittel water, which costs € 3.50 and raises discontent among our taste buds because of its saporaccio. After lunch the final look will be dedicated to the great gilt clock through the narrow streets of the center and then on until the camper.
At about 14:00 we leave and we are now near Chartres Ste while driving, I write and girls try to kill the boredom of these roads sleeping sessions.

Arrival in Chambery - 00:30 - km 5710

Arrival in Cuneo - 14:00 - km 5997

Sunday, May 20th - (wrote on 21) - Cuneo

Sooner or later it had come, they knew! That day has come, unfortunately.
In less than a day we covered about 1000 km. The few pieces of highway on which we have traveled we have overpaid, both in France and in Italy. Entrance into our country until Sommariva Bosco, Naomi has always felt more intense "fragrance" of his house that he was eager to achieve.
Last night we spent in a convenience store in Chambery, after supper in the parking lot of a convenience store in Lyon.
This morning the driver of a bus of elderly French tourists has seen fit to leave the engine running from 6:30 to 7:00, so the morning sleep has gone down the drain. At 11:00 we arrived at the home of Ste and Nao and we downloaded their stuff, at 12:30 we arrived at where we unloaded our Cuneo. Then we went to the carwash and have good clean motorhome inside and out and then deliver it to Skyrent, where we rented. E 'was only a problem finding a place to download the toilet, but apparently Ste must have found a way to do so by the parties of Sommariva.
The journey was not easy, but it gave us the opportunity to come into direct contact with nature and an extraordinary story. Now we just have to download photos, watch and dream of being still there in Scotland!