As the museum awoke this morning, and the first coach full of visitors arrived, something attracted our attention in the nearby stream.
Diving in from the bank, frogs, taking an early morning swim. In the trees above, pigeons, clumsily bounced from branch to branch. The other English couple who stayed here last night, left fairly early. They had not left their van since arriving. We could not understand why, when you could view the gardens and outdoor exhibits, even when the museum was closed. Each day, when we arrive at our overnight aire, we take great enjoyment, from taking a walk around. Just before we left this morning, we visited the museum shop, which was full of Army surplus items, some from Canada and Russia. As we made our way back to Marge, a very large military vehicle, which we deduced to be, a vehicle used to make up a floating bridge, was being loaded onto a low loader lorry.
There was much precision involved in the process, but little health and safety.
A final walk under the eucalyptus trees, on the way back to the van, we stopped to photograph the very large woodants, on the ground.
Nearby, lizards, warming themselves in the sun, with one eye open, waiting to pounce.
(picture from the Internet as we where not quick enough to take a photo)
As we drove away from the aire, we saw a Hoopoo.
As we headed south, the Italian driving became worse. Today, they've taken to heading straight at Marge, so desperate to overtake. On one dual carriageway, we saw a motorcycle overtake a small van who was already in the overtaking lane, even the van driver seemed shocked. Along the coast road, we travelled through tunnel after tunnel, through the mountains. In between two of them, we stopped to look at the amazing views, and take advantage of a photo opportunity.
Continuing on with our journey, we were finding it difficult to find somewhere to stop and have our lunch. Finally, at just after 2 pm, we pulled in to the car park of a Euro Spin Supermarket, (Italy's equivalent to Aldi). Once re-fulled, we ventured into the supermarket, for some much needed supplies. The wine was priced very reasonably, so we stocked up on that as well. Two litres of decent stuff, for less than two euros! Whilst in the supermarket, we saw a range of female bodysuits, made from sheer material. Now we know where the working girls buy their outfits!
Tonight, we should have stayed in Caserta, where there is a Roman amphitheatre. Driving into the city, it was a bit like riding into Dodge City. The area was very run down, and there were lots of dubious looking people. We found the aire, parked with the few other vans already there, and feeling more than a little vulnerable, set off in search of the entrance to the amphitheatre. In the end we gave up, the area seemed to be secured, and we weren't happy about leaving Marge. She had already attracted the attention of some east Europeans in the car park of the supermarket, looking so new and modern, against their older cars. So adopting the policy, if something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't, we left the city of Caserta. Ironically, whilst driving out, we saw a restaurant, aptly called, The Wild West. Well Marge was riding out of town! We had decided to head for an overnight stop, which had received good reviews on the internet. for its position, with great views over the bay of Naples, and the islands of Ischia, Procida and Capri.
After about a hour of very stressful driving, resulting in a very slow climb in second gear up Mount Vesuvias, with fast moving downhill traffic, narrow roads and hairpin bends, we arrived at tonight's overnight resting place. Marge had held firm, persisting slowly, whilst her driver felt increasingly unwell at the stress of it all, knowing Marge would say, 'get a grip!'. Eventually, we pulled into the car park for the Ristorante Piana dell Ginestre. After some discussion with the manager/owner, we paid 10 euros to stay the night.
We have a nice secure spot, on grass, under the trees, with views towards the bay of Naples and the islands. Just after we arrived, a group of young men turned into the parking area, in a blaze of flying gravel. They asked John if he could photograph them as a group, with the bay behind them. On leaving, there was the boyish prank of pretending to leave one of them behind, this resulted in the young mans right foot being run over, he seemed O.K. though. Whist we ate our evening meal, a group of people arrived, for what appeared to be a party for twin teenage boys They appeared to have brought an official photographer with them, but the boys seemed unwilling to meet his demands on how they should pose for his photographs. In the end he gave up.
It has been a warm day, but this evening it is raining a little. We are hoping the weather will be clear in the morning so we can obtain some good photographs of the view. Some years ago, we used to frequent an Italian restaurant in a local town. The couple, originated from the island of Capri, and on the wall in their restaurant, they'd hung a tourism poster of the island. We would never had thought all those years ago, we would be in sight of the island of Capri, ever.
Tomorrow, we will head to Pompei. Before we set off, we may drive further up Mount Vesuvias, park, and take a walk. The volcano, has not erupted since 1944, and is constantly monitored, but hey, what a fantastic photo opportunity! Behind Marge is some molten, fossilised lava, how cool is that?
Outside, we can hear the fireworks going off in Naples. From our position, we can see just how vast the city is. We have decided not to visit it, but enjoy it from up here on the mountain.
Note if you want to use any of the photos for any purpose please do so, but put a link to: https://www.muddymarge.com
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