Part IV - The Return Journey
After the Autostrada event, I hummed happily southbound. in the afternoon, after a steep downhill experience. We entered Imperia at the Italian riviera. According to Lonely Planet Guid, the place was not suitable for tourism. Sounded just about perfect. A great place, nice camping, ocean close, warm water. The local tyre outlet had even 125x15 ZX retreads in stock. I got a pair in the back.
Also, 2CV friends from Finland arrived in Imperia. My driver received much needed expert advices and assistance to fix the air filter and hand brake. Markku from Tornio made me aware of the APUA Association Booklet with a list of knowledgeable Duck lovers around the world. Very useful book that noone should be without. Our Norwegian friends called enthusiastically from Hamburg later in the summer, telling about how the APUA book had brought them immidiate assistance when the fan hub disintegrated at the Autobahn!
After several days with swimming, meeting our Norwegian friends and sight seeing (Monaco, Nice . . . ) we ventured onto the return journey toghether with our friends that had to take the hardship of sailing a VOLVO XC70.
Day 1 (red line) - Imperia (I) to Aigle (CH) - 500km.
The journy brought us to the beatiful Aosta Valley
and we crossed the Great St Berhard (over the 2469 masl pass, not through the mountain).
An adventure, with tourist busses in both directions. My driver and the staff look happy
at the pass, right?
The campsite in Aigles offered great facilities and mountain view
Day 2 - Aigles (CH) to Metz (F) 450 km - blue line
This was a very warm experience with temperatures from 35C to 40C. We stayed at the Youth Hostel in Metz . . .
Day 3 - Metz (F) to Braunfels (D) 450 km - blue line
The trip via Luxembourg went through nice countryside until we accidentally found the little dorf of Braunfels.
    |
There, we stayed at the castle hotel and the following day, we visited castle itself! |
Updated by Duckbert 01/06/04
