Matthew here.

We left Mullheim saying an emotional farewell to Anita's mum and Bill. They had been extremely kind and provided home comforts that we're sure to miss. We'd picked up a local paper that morning that had run a story on us - thanks to a friend of Anita's mum, Ilse.



For those that have forgotten their school german it says that we're very silly and should be spanked soundly with a wet fish. Honest!

A four hour blat down through beautiful scenery following the Rhine found us at Lorrach within yards of Switzerland.



This is Anita flaked out somewhere in the Rhine valley checking out which dog had been at the tree last.

We spent 2 days with Axl, Fredericke and Ullrich and their partners and children. Anita says that they've changed since she saw them 30-odd years ago! It was a joy to be around such lovely people and they were very kind to us. Hopefully one day we can repay the kindness.



The weather in Lorrach was up and down, and we left with rain gear on. 2 hours later we came out of the 11 mile Gottard tunnel on the other side of the alps into blue skies. Coming down through Switzerland into Italy it got warmer and warmer.

We parked up in Ghiffa near Verbania on lake Maggiore. Very pretty, very chic and cheap! 3 days later we left on the ferry that cuts across the lake.



I couldn't resist taking this pic - one day I hope to have a Guzzi cafe racer.....



The Wednesday was a bank holiday, and the motorbikes on the road outnumbered the cars. Plenty of Ducatis. Heaven!

We're in a campsite in Lecco further east in Italy with a beautiful view of the lake on one side and a view of the mountains on the other that is slightly marred by the HUGE flyover that's being built 20 yards away. Real estate anyone? Going cheap...

I bought maps today of the countries down to Turkey, and now have a map with Iran on it. Slovenia is 4 hours away by autoroute but we'll probably spend another night in Italy.

It's at this point that I have to eat humble pie and say to you Ian that you were right. I threw away my £15 Oxfam Goretex jacket yesterday and bought a mesh jacket. Anita might even end up getting one and posting her current one back. The cool breeze is bliss in this heat - it's been around 30 degrees the last few days. India and 45 degrees here we come.