Having caught the late ferry from Dover to Calais arriving in France after 1am, I drive down to Reims and stop for the night. I am up early (sleeping in my van gives me the total freedom to stop when and where I wish, also having cooking facilities in the back makes it all the better!) with a view to getting to either the mountain pass of Mont Blanc or the Frejus tunnel. I'm not sure which to go for yet but as I get near I make the decision with the toss of a coin. I tend to use this method to help when I can't make up my mind, heads the Mont Blanc and tails the Frejus route. It's tails so Frejus it is and I'm not unhappy with the route as it proves to be a gentle climb with spectacular views.

View from the van heading towards the mountain pass.

I arrive at the other side of the tunnel at 8 pm and stop for a coffee and food. I have the boot of the van open and am watching the remains of the day: the soft light behind the snow capped peaks draws me to reflect what an epic journey I am on. It is all very humbling and I give thanks for getting this far. Today, when I look back only a few years, I am struck by the changes I have made and that the place I am now sitting, on this road to Pietrsanta and Carrara, is one I could have only dreamt of, and yet here I am.

I drive on and down to the Italian Riviera where I stop for the night right next to the sea at Celle Ligure. It’s 1am and the moon is out, the night is calm and with only a few fishermen at the water’s edge I can see the full length of the water front dropping away into the distance to the south where I shall be later this day. I am tempted to go in but am tired from the drive so content myself with the thought of a swim first thing.

Saturday 28th

After only one full day’s drive I awake to the full sun and early morning calm. I get to the water as fast as I can, and although it’s not warm, it is refreshing to submerge myself and swim before breakfast. I spend the best part of the day enjoying this spot and leave for Carrara at 4 pm. Given the fact that it is now Saturday I don’t hold out much hope for finding my marble but will see what happens when I get there.