Gallivanting on Garda – A Few of the Fab Four’s Favourites!

P1080490 Torbole viewed from a 4000 year old road
Torbole viewed from a 4000-year old road!

You are often urged to ‘buy local’ but on our travels, we have discovered that in terms of maps, that can be a serious problem!

In Monte Rosa, we had to send off to Stamfords of London to get a detailed, topographical map of the area. On Garda, we could get any number of cycling and hiking guide books in German or Italian. Maybe the English versions were just so popular that they sold out…

We did finally succeed in purchasing a map showing some of the many walking routes, so we worked out a couple of walks of our own. Here are a few of The Fab Four’s favourites!Continue reading “Gallivanting on Garda – A Few of the Fab Four’s Favourites!”

A Gad on Garda – ‘The Functional Walk’ along the Sarca River

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The Sarca River never disappoints!

We leave Campsite Maroadi via the lake entrance and turn left; over the bridge that straddles the slipway and past the watersports centre. We cross a larger bridge over the River Sarca, where it flows into the northern end of Lake Garda. We turn immediately left to join the path along the far side of the river

We usually stop to throw the ball into the water here. A crowd often gathers on the bridge to watch Kai and Rosie swim tirelessly, while Ruby paddles, or bounces up and down on her front legs like a toy dog; barking furious, excited encouragement from the shore. Continue reading “A Gad on Garda – ‘The Functional Walk’ along the Sarca River”

A Life Lesson Learned on a 3000ft Cliff – Via Ferrata Michielli Strobel, Dolomites, Italy

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h Summer in the Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo

I felt like I was about to be hanged.

A sleepless night had been a lurid maelstrom of technicolour possibilities; dreams of wibbling on a busy route; being stuck with no option to go back; an exposed move at the top of The Ladder; falling, being inverted by the weight of my rucksack, pulled out of my climbing harness, plummeting head first like the start of the film ‘Cliffhanger’…

The scenic drive to Cortina d’Ampezzo over the dramatic Lagazuoi pass was overshadowed by a growing sense of my impending doom. As soon as we parked and I got out of the car and looked up at our challenge for the day – Via Ferrata Michielli Albino Strobel; 1000m (3000-ft) straight up the sheer, rock wall of Punta Fiames – I felt sick.

So sick that I had to run straight into the woods to vomit.Continue reading “A Life Lesson Learned on a 3000ft Cliff – Via Ferrata Michielli Strobel, Dolomites, Italy”

Royal Cats & Dogs Portraits – Pawsome Pressie Ideas!

I love giving presents – the more thoughtful and unique the pressie, the greater my pleasure.

Such things take time. I’m not going to start scare-mongering about it being only two months until Christmas. I certainly won’t be singing carols or decorating the tree, but I do plan to help you with some benefactions for your besties – gift inspiration for both your canine and caravan companions!

I will suggest presents that say “I LOVE YOU” in a way that a tin of Chappie or a box-set of screenwash and a Jumbo Sponge panic-bought at a garage, late on Christmas Eve, can never convey!

First up is Royal Cats and Dogs Portraits and their beautiful, bespoke pet portraits at a surprisingly reasonable price – and with additional discount if you’re quick!

  • Prices
    • from £53.00 for art paper print
    • classic & Royal canvas prints from £69.95
    • 5% DISCOUNT CODE GDG01 – off the prices quoted above, valid until 15th November 2018
  • How Long will it Take? – Your portrait will be ready in 1 week
Continue reading “Royal Cats & Dogs Portraits – Pawsome Pressie Ideas!”