July 30th Albisola to Embrun, France

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When I set the Dyson, the route here took us on the motorway north via Turin then down to Embrun which wasn't in the plan at all. So we chose another route, shorter, more time consuming but through the country & what a great decision it was too! I know that it's only 3 months since we've seen the Alps, but this road was one of the, if not the best we have ever been on. Part of it was La Grande Route des Alps apparently. Anyway, it was fantastic...it took us about 6 hours (including lunch & a quickshop) It just got better & better; every time you went round a corner there was another incredible view – if you haven't been here, then do! I've seen the Alps when skiing which is tremendous but to see them 'unclothed' is great. I could go on – oh I will then. One stretch of road out of the mountains involves 18 hairpin bends so no wonder there were quite a few touring motorcycles zooming around. There were also a lot of cyclists too – they must be very keen that's all I can say! I took so many pictures!



We stopped for lunch outside a small town that had a free campsite with running water only & 2 strange sculptures, probably sponsored by Michelin. An empty log carrier HGV arrived that was also called Billy whose driver drove like a nut-case when he passed us on the way down the road. We also passed a campsite that was 5 euros a night – basically in a massive car park outside a skiing venue that housed a hotel, chalets, restaurant etc for those that are interested.



We arrived at the camp site, the same one we used on the way down as we liked it, found a good pitch & settled in. A French couple who I'd helped on the way in set up their tent close by & told us that they had seen a red squirrel - I now know the French word for squirrel as we have found 2 people who don't speak English! The owner's brother in law also came over to greet us- he recognised us from last time & we had a laugh together, just like last time, another chap who speaks no English but loves my attempts at French!



Looked on the phone & the temperature is set to drop to 11* tonight & it's cooling down fairly quickly; so much so that I put on a fleece earlier..the most clothing I've worn for ages!

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