A Venice Rendevouz - Italy

17-08-2003

A heavy layer of early morning mist and drizzle hid the mountain view around us. This was the first cool morning for us in a long while, and too be honesyt it was a welcome relief.

From our campsite we headed towards Klagenfurt and the motorway to Villach before cutting down into Italy and Venice. Venice was'nt originally on our route but after Caroline, my (Lisa’s) sister, called to say she could meet us there with her two sons Max and Miles, and spend a week with us, we decided that the opportunity to see family could not be missed – besides, we were currently on schedule.

Caroline had arranged for us all to stay at a campsite at Punta Sabbioni but we had to be there no later than 10am tomorrow morning, as the campsite was fully booked. If we missed our check-in time out pitch woudl be soold on.

Tthe motorway was our best and fastest route from our current location to our meeting spot with Caroline just outside of Venice.

By 5pm we were on the road to Lignano Sabbiadoro, on the Italian coast, South-West of Udine and about 70k from Venice. Robert (in Austria) had told us of a great restaurant, just prior to Lignano, which served, he told us emphatically, “the best red wine ever!” and advised us to make a trip to it if we could. We knew the wine well, we’d been drinking litres of the stuff whilst in Austria and so decided to take Robert’s advice and drop by!

The restaurant called Al Fiume Stella at Precenicco, Titiano. Tel. (0431) 588547 is in a beautiful location close to river Stella and whilst there we couldn’t resist some of the wonderful seafood that was wafting by our noses. We hadn’t eaten all day! The original plan had been to camp in the area, however, we were now so close to Venice that we decided to ride on and continue until we reached the campsite that Caroline had booked. Camping Miramare di Zanella Olivo at Punta Sabbioni. Tel: +39 041 966150 www.camping-miramare.it

The campsite looked great despite it's 2-star rating and after settling into a temporary space for tonight –we will move to a two tent pitch tomorrow, ready for Caroline and the boys to arrive.

With the tent pitch and our bags stowed, we headed next door to the closest bar and had a much needed beer! The heat and humidity here is almost overwhelming.

18-08-2003

 The day started early. We had to get out of the tent as it was simply too hot.

Morning ablutions finished and coffee downed we made our way to the reception in order to arrange a new larger pitch for both Caroline and ourselvess.

Venice in silhouette sat across the lagoon temptingly inviting us to make the short journey in to explore its hidden streets. We would, but not today.

It was a stinking hot and very muggy morning, moving the tent was a long and sticky affair. With the tent in it’s new home, tucked away under the trees it was time to lie down. With the campsite offering it’s own beach location, it was just too good to pass up. Clean sand, free umbrellas and a great view, what more could you ask.

After a day of being gently frazzled it was time to get the bikes out. We had planned to ride to the airport to meet Caroline, Max and Miles. With the Venice map uploaded from the mini laptop to the GPS, we set off. Our departure had been delayed a little as we deliberated our clothing choice. Boots, biking suits, etc, are the norm for us but in this heat and humidity it would be almost unbearable. We finally set off wearing only trousers and shirt, with trainers on our feet.

Initially we felt very vulnerable, weaving in and out of the busy traffic, however, it wasn’t long before we were both enjoying the liberating sense of freedom that comes from riding unencumbered with heavy clobber. The airport was pretty easy to find…the big flying metal things, which come into land, are a bit of a give away as to location!!!

So after an hour of playing dodgems with the Venetians and tourist we arrived at San Marco airport. Caroline’s plane hadn’t landed but like most airports parking up was a silly game. 20 minutes later, Caroline and the boys were with us, Caroline and Miles excited and Max just being the cool teenager that he is. “Good flight Max”? “Yeah it was all right”?? Came the nonchalant reply.

 Back at the campsite and with their tent finally erected we could all finally just relax and enjoy each other’s company. Dinner was courtesy of Caroline and the Al Bacara Restaurant over looking the water provided the perfect location.