Monte Carlo or bust

Since we last gave you an update we've traversed the whole of the Cote d'Azur, raced round the Monaco GP circuit, popped into Italy for a visit, left the Med behind and peaked across the Alpes.  Not much for a few days?  Now up to 3700kms, whew...

So we've seen lots of coastline which is properly rocky and has tiny beaches.  Some of the beaches are already getting busy with sun-worshippers, but sharing a 10 metre depth bit of beach for the day doesn't really appeal.  We have stopped a few times and chuckled at the madness of it all, but not been for a (full immersion) swim.

We stayed in a great camping village near St Tropez and ate salad on the beach as the sun set.  And tried a "typical" Italian campsite, which if it is typical will not be tried too many more times! 

We went to Monaco to try and find some of the GP sights, and they we in preparation for some racing so most of the armco and stands etc were all set out.  Following the course was therefore a doddle and we did virtually 2 laps taking in the tunnel, casino hairpin, swimming pool, start/finish straight etc...  I loved it.  Fran was unsure about the fuss and yelps..!!

Last night we stopped in an Aire in the ski resort of Montgenevre just into France from Italy.  We woke a few hours ago in beautiful Alpine scenery (and 6 degrees), but we wouldn't have it any other way.

The plan was to drive over a few col's and pass through Val d'Isere, but it's that weird time of year when there's still snow around but not enough tourists for the authorities to justify keeping the roads open.  So we can't go up and over and we need to go round!  Grenoble and Geneva here we come.