In Sarzana

We’ve arrived at our next stop which is in Sarzana, just outside La Spezia. It was a really tiring drive up and down the mountains again, but along the coast this time. I had a glimpse of some beautiful views here and there (remember the car ride in Monaco along the sea with its twists and turns in the movie To Catch a Thief?) It was exactly like that only with lots of tunnels thrown in. Unfortunately, all the lay-bys were occupied by semi trailers so no stopping for photos. My fabulous Transition glasses unfortunately don’t adjust as quickly from light to dark as I could’ve hoped for. Going from bright sunlight into one of these not-so-well-lit tunnels I found myself completely blind for the first 5-6 seconds. Scared the crap out of me! I’ve learned to take them off before entering. Better that my vision is a little blurry than non-existent for a few seconds.

I didn’t realize that this area is really close to the Cinque Terre which is where all the tourist go. There is a bus to the beach and then I think you can get a bus to walk along this stretch of coastline. It’s supposed to be magnificent. We’re here for several days so I might try to go.

it was warm earlier. Some of the readings I saw were only 26-29 degrees Celsius because it was overcast but it has cooled off quite a bit now. I don’t mind saying I prayed it wouldn’t rain while I was driving up and down those mountains. I don’t think I could’ve handled it! This campsite is called Iron Gate Marina 3-B and it really is a marina of sorts. There are more boats on the other side of this river (the Magra) but there is a harbor here. There’s also a pool and a pretty fancy restaurant that you have to have a reservation to eat at. The campsite itself is all trees and grass with graveled areas marked as “streets”. We’re only one row back from the river but that’s okay with me because I suspect the mosquitoes will hit the folks in the first row before they get to us!

A view of the river and a tiny bit of the marina.

Apparently there is a food market that opens up near the restaurant at 8:30 in the morning and I need to do a bit of restocking. The dogs have already crashed and I’m about to do the same.