A good nights sleep was had - although for us landlubbers there are an awful lot of noises on a boat during the night- and not all of them man made!
Our charming hostess Lucilla served coffee (lots of it) and for non-cyclists a perfectly adequate breakfast. But as we normally empty every larder and fridge, breadbasket etc we were full'ish. But as we are not sexist and she was lovely all was well. She had suggested a visit to the picturesque town Porta Venere ( makes you wonder what they caught there in the old days!!) so we headed back north and west up the hills and down again to the loveliest colourful village at the edge of the sea with a "zebra striped" church of St Peter! Beautiful and definitely worth the 350 metres if climbing!
Back again to La Spezia and on at great soeed (20-23 mph - it really puts a smile in your face when you on a loaded folding bike overtake a young lycra clad Italian hopeful!)via various beach resorts to Pisa where we had some thundery showers but enjoyed the views - and we can confidently say that we grace the albums of many Japanese tourists- some bikes may feature more than others!
Drinks and calories were served by a charming young lady who inspite of having studied English for two years in Eastbourne spoke the language extremely well. On via a small hairpin looped climb (which our waitress had warned us about - but did we notice it? Hardly!!) to Luca where we found home in an old Ostelleria where pilgtims like us for centuries have valued the quiet and simple life. We had a few Italian craft beers to get into the spiritual mode, did our usual washing and are now ready to explore this lovely walled city. At least we should not be able to get lost- Garmin or not!
Tomortow we are aiming for Florence - a short stroll up hills! More to follow!
Ciao!!
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