It was late September, and with my adventure in the Balkans complete, I bordered the overnight ferry from Split to Ancona.
From Ancona, it was an easy ride across Italy to Civitavechia, the Port of Rome to catch the ferry to Barcelona.
A restful way to travel and 14,000 km touring.
The village of Civitavechia is a little way from the port, but it is a nice place for a bit of sightseeing while waiting for the ferry.
There is a certain chaos at Italian ferry ports. There are no electronic tickets, and the ticket office always seems to be placed a long way from the ferry dock with a myriad of one way unmarked lanes to be negotiated between the two.
But the Italian ferries are relatively inexpensive, and it was a restful 20 hour crossing from Rome to Barcelona.
From Barcelona, I took a route across the Pyrenees through Andorra. Agh the beautiful Pyrenees.
I stopped for the night at Ax les Termes in the Midi Pyrenees. A beautiful hot spring village. With public hot foot baths.
My next destination was to Cahors and its famous bridge. Travelling along the tree lined back roads, past the Midi Canal, rivers, and beautiful villages.
Cohors is a vibrant city. To complement the famous bridge.
My last stop in Europe for this trip was the port city of St Malo, with its old walled town right on the Atlantic Ocean
Of course I had to join in for a swim!!!
For lovers of the maritime world the port at St Malo is a treasure.
The overnight ferry had me soon back in England and my sister’s house in London.
Before boarding the flight back to Australia, I caught up with a mate for lunch in the Cottswalds. A beautiful part of England and reputedly an inspiration for the writing of ‘The Hobbit’ and the ‘Lord of the Rings’.
It’s February in Australia as I reminisce about last year. There are some adventures to be had here at home, but my mind keeps back to a sign at Civitavechia.
I’ve been to Spain (Spagna). Ive been to Greece (Grecia), Sardinia (Sargegna), and Sicily (Sicilia): but I haven’t been to Tunisia.
I think I’d better fix that this year!
🤍
I particularly enjoyed this post, Mick with your trip through the high mountains of Andorra, the glorious Pyrenees, Cahors and St Malo. It took me back to great memories. That beautiful old door flanked by two huge trees looks amazing too. The Cottswalds are a nice region in the UK.
Thanks Chris, I think the Pyrenees is my favourite alpine region of Europe. I loved St Malo what a gem of a place.
Hope your recovery is going well and Im sure Wade is looking after you
Terrific shots Mic! Loved the “Panicky in the UK” one! Not sure about the public foot spa but good to see that you got another swimming selfie in! And I was wondering where you were headed this year! Tunisia here we come!
The foot spa was special, hot enough and fast flowing enough to be very clean. Its a big bushwalking area and the foot soak after a big walk is part of the ritual
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