Castello del Arco - 22nd August

When we were going to the supermarket yesterday we passed a fantastic looking castle which looked like it was sliding down the side of a very steep hill.

We drove into Arco again this morning to see if we could pay it a visit. The centre of Arco is pedestrianised around a beautiful square, and the path to the castle starts here.
It was a very long and steep climb and we were thankful that it wasn't as hot today as yesterday – only 34 degrees!


The signposts which direct you to the castle say that it is a 20 minute climb – they're not wrong. The views on the way up, and from the top, were extraordinarily gorgeous. The original castle was built in 512 AD and has had a checkered history. Chris will fill in more details about it later.

After a very hot descent, ice cream was definitely in order, followed by a picnic lunch and back to relax at camp.

Our pitch is fantastic being under a plum tree and a peach tree. There is nesting box on another tree next to the tent and we sat listening to the birds cheeping away while the children played in the pool.

We are starting for home tomorrow – up through Italy, Germany, across past Brussels and Antwerp to Dunkirk. If all goes well, we will be on the ferry home either Monday evening or Tuesday morning.

Alex was asking us all what we missed most about home. He and Chris decided it is Neo. Shannon said she hates not being connected to her friends; either on MSN or by phone. For me it is cooking – don't get me wrong, I love eating out and even basic camp cooking but it's not the same as being able to cook a lovely meal with all the equipment and ingredients you need to do it.