(written by Dave) I’m posting this from the ferry – they have pretty good and cheap internet.  Technology, isn’t it great! I’m happy to report that while we’ve not reached Patras yet, Nancy is doing great.  Equipped with saltines, wrist bands, ginger tea and Dramamine, when conscious, she’s had a big smile on her face.  … Continue reading Ferrly easy ride – Ancona to Patras

(written by Dave) To Ancona – we’ve made it across Italy.  For a long time, Ancona was merely a dot on the map, a place to catch the ferry and begin our escape from the Schengen region.  Now it’s a real city with a port, ancient roman ruins and plenty to see.  Too bad we … Continue reading Across Italy completed – Jesi to Ancona (39/12,785ks)

(written by Dave) Today was one of those days on the bike that you want to put in a bottle, store in a safe place and save so that you can pull it out and enjoy it over and over again.  Riding SR298, we had 7k of uphill right out of the hotel.  We knew … Continue reading A great day on the bike – Gubbio to Jesi (82/12,746ks)

(written by Dave) The hotel was quiet overnight and we both got a good night’s sleep.  I think the hills of Tuscany are taking their toll as we were both pretty tired.  Today based on advice from the hotel owner, we took the long-cut around the big climb out of Camucia.  So much for local … Continue reading The not so flat, flat route – Camucia to Gubbio (78/12,664ks)

(written by Dave) Today we spent almost the entire day riding through Microsoft wallpaper.  When Windows XP was released the default wallpaper was a photo from Sonoma County, California.  Many of us who spend too much time looking at computer screens would know this image from heart (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bliss_(image)).  I sadly fit into that “too much … Continue reading Riding Microsoft wallpaper all day from Siena to Camucia (75/12,586ks)

(written by Nancy) The youth of Florence were out in full force last night – it seemed like most of them sauntered down our street at some point during the night, usually singing or at least talking very loudly.  So, not a great night's sleep unfortunately.  The hotel was really nice but I would really … Continue reading Through the rolling hills of Tuscany – Florence to Siena (71/12,511ks)

(written by Dave) Florence is massive and full of so much history that it would take months to see everything properly.  We had one day.  Okay, that’s not long enough, especially when one of the things we like to do is to find little corners of non-tourism like cafes and shops.  We settled on seeing … Continue reading Sightseeing in Firenze (Florence)

(written by Nancy) Okay, last night was officially very cold – coldest night in the tent in a long time.  We both wore most of our warm clothes, including our down pullovers and hats.  Dave even wore his one pair of pants to bed – he says he wasn’t cold but I was cold most … Continue reading Tough day into the ancient city – Montopoli to Firenze (Florence) (53/12,440k)

  (Written by Dave) Very quiet overnight in the Campeggio Italia – we were so far out the back of the campground that no one would have known if we were even there.  As a matter of fact, this morning when we left, I tracked the mileage and noted it was 650 metres  from our … Continue reading Leaning Tower day – Marina Di Massa to Montopoli in Val d’Arno (84/12,387 ks)

(Written by Nancy) We woke up to blue sky and no clouds today – yeah!  Dave ran out to the bakery to get some things for breakfast - saving the oatmeal for those times when we don’t have anything else nearby.  We hit the road about 8:30 on what looked like a perfect March day.  … Continue reading Over Passo del Barcco – Sestri Levante to Marina Di Massa (82/12,303 ks)