Day 23: Aulla to Pisa

I don’t know what to write about today. Here’s a list, notes to self, that might have helped if only I had the energy to expand them. I’m ready for sleep.

• Bikes serviced and ready by 9am – brilliant
• EuroVelo 5 from Aulla – avoid
• Second breakfast in Sarzana – needed but market day underwhelming, sad somehow- reminded me of Northampton market where one stall was selling second-hand socks
• Papyrus-like edged trails with Cetti’s Warbler serenades – not sure but I loved the song.
• Finding a sea and naming it Mediterranean after JRR Tolkien’s Baggins Middle Earth – brilliant.
• Cycling continuous 25 km on perfect and flat cycle paths – brilliant despite 25ºC heat and humidity
• Crashing into another cyclist – loss of control while adjusting her phone, utterly her fault but gives you pause – no serious injuries but I suspect she’ll limp for several days.
• Leaving EuroVelo5 – mixed blessings.
• Superyachts in Viareggio – wow was the first thought then I thought about Sarzana
• What a coast line – kilometre after kilometre of beaches, marinas, bars, restaurants, shops – skip in high season
• Arno delta region – so pretty
• Cararra marble discards – bring a pickup next time
• Quarry scarred mountainsides – somehow the scale of the quarrying enhances the scenery but take a breath, say it – it’s nimby ugly.
• Snot black with insects – yep, that explains
  • Covid masks on cyclists
• Lunch on the beach – magnificent
• Skipping Carrara quarry tours – bitterly disappointed
• Cypress trees – medieval castles, country house perched high and proud – no time to wait for the decisive photographic moment.
• Pulling up in Pisa – unexpected exasperations.