Sunday June 2, Lago Serino

...and more rain tonight!!!!

More overnight rain but woke to the sun shining, bliss. We were reasonably early getting to the ruins and very few people were around, but as the site covered a huge area it was easy to wander around. Heard a familiar accent, a couple with their two boys from Australia, and he was originally from Mount Maunganui. Good to have a chat with them.

These are the first ruins that we have been able to walk around in and the size and scale was extraordinary. As my guide book said, these are the oldest Greek temples outside Greece itself and make “Rome’s Colosseum feel positively modern”!!! The pillars of three temples still remain but everywhere you can make out the streets and the houses and there was excellent signage in both Italian and English. Loved the fact that you can walk through it and actually really get the feel of what remains. Ian spent his time trying to work out how they built it! Such a peaceful feel and we really enjoyed wandering around with the sun on our backs.

Then it was back on the road and the first stop was at Lidl in the nearby town to restock the cupboards, has been six days since we had been near a supermarket so supplies were getting a bit low. First in the trolley was a loaf of their wholemeal bread which we have really got to enjoy and it stays fresh for a few days. After unpacking the groceries we sat in their carpark and had a very late lunch, then it was back on the motorway and headed south, the country is getting more mountainous but you didn’t really notice it too much as the Italians just build tunnels, we went through a great number this afternoon.

And once again we could see the clouds building and the rain started as we left the motorway. Had read on our app about Lago Serino, about 20 minutes from the motorway which had a really nice town, great views and a good overnight parking area with all facilities. We wound through the hills on a very good road and the rain got heavier and heavier, the temperature dropped to 11 degrees and we were up in the clouds. No chance of seeing the view as we parked in a very well equipped site, then the thunder started and the rain just continues. This weather is becoming quite farcical, can’t remember when we last had a full day without rain. And hear that France is having a mini heatwave, can’t win. And no barbecues yet….unheard of. Tonight I am cooking a chicken in an oven bag in my gas oven with vegetables included, perfect night for it.

Saw so many of these "critters"