Wednesday June 19th, Lago di Barrea

Lovely puffy clouds today.

Last night we had the maps on the table working out where to next, felt it was time we really put our skates on and headed north as we want to be away from the busy areas by the end of the month when the holidays start. We have seen so many wonderful cities, towns, ruins and beaches since we have been here and decided to head for the hills and see a different part of Italy. There are so many places that we could have visited, but we realise that it is not possible, maybe another time!!!

The Appenine Mountains run right through the centre of Italy. We found a very nice lake high in the mountains at 1000m above sea level in a National Park with a well reviewed camping ground. Decision made. It was at least five hours driving time but felt that it was well worth it for a change of scenery.

It has turned out to be one of the best days driving we have had. Joined the toll Motorway south of Bari and continued on it for over 200kms (€15). Once we left the coast and headed west on the A16 we travelled through some vast areas of cropping and vineyards, with wheat being harvested and large round bales of hay dotting the landscape. Great roads and easy driving.

We left the toll road just south of Benevento and called into Lidl to stock up on fresh supplies. Late lunch in their carpark, but didn’t hang around too long as the temperatures were in the 30’s. Then it was North West for another few hours, climbing into the hills through wonderful scenery. Lots of small towns built high up in the hills and a much greener landscape than we have been in. The last half hour we climbed and climbed through a series of hair pin bends, but the road was good and we arrived without any issues, and the temperature was a very pleasant 24 degrees. The Sosta is great, and the owners Maria and Roberto were so welcoming. They have only been running it for several years and it is so clean and tidy. Even has a bar! Planning to spend a few days here chilling, and tomorrow Roberto will drive us back into town to have a look around.

Just some drive by photos today.