Sunday June 23, Carrara

A distant view of the marble mines

Looking on our Park4Night app last night we found an interesting overnight spot on our route north that had been extremely well reviewed, and seemed a perfect. We were awake early and set to and gave Ruakiwi a good wash and clean before breakfast. There was really good water at our site and as no one else was there it was a great opportunity. She is looking so much brighter.

Took to the motorway again and just continued north. Seems like many people are going on holiday, cars were passing us all loaded up and so many more campervans on the road. And around the beach areas the campgrounds are full to overflowing already.

The last part of the drive was really interesting, with the mountains rising steeply to the east. Fascinating to see so many yards beside the road processing huge blocks of marble, and realised when we looked up into the hills that this is where the Italy’s marble comes from, the hillsides are white with numerous quarries.

We arrived at our camp area by mid-afternoon after wending through some very narrow streets. It is an agritourism property that grows its own vegetables on 5 hectares and has a restaurant in the grounds using much of their produce. We have a lovely spot on the lawn, under the trees, perfect to relax.

This evening we walked through the trees to the very casual dining area, with tables and chairs in the garden. They offer campers a set menu for €25 a head which includes as much house wine as you want! There was a buffet of starters, mostly vegetables from their garden which included courgette flowers cooked several different ways, stuffed courgettes, as well as finely sliced marinated beef, mozzzarella and many more dishes. They explained all the different dishes for us.

Next course was home made tagliatelle with pesto, fresh beans and little pieces of new potatoes. And then they came out with grilled chicken, pork and meat patties. I could only eat a very little by this stage, but when the desert came out I just had to eat it. Finished off with a shot of excellent coffee. We “waddled” home, feeling extremely full, but it was a real highlight after a bit of an ordinary day. 

And another day of not many photos, no chances with these long drives.

Roman ruins of a burial site near the restaurant.

Shady cool spot.

A huge selection for starters....

...and I had to try then all!!!

As a consequence I couldn't eat all the
beautiful pasta!