A wonderfully clear day with stunning views of the mountains, we enjoy coffee in bed with an outside temperature around 5C. The Hymer's central heating system keeps us at a very comfortable temperature overnight, much lower than we would set the central heating at home.

Our friends have already gone to work, but have left a key so we let ourselves into the house where we find a note and the breakfast table groaning with food of all types. Breakfast is a somewhat leisurely affair but we are mindful of the progress we need to make today, and the fact that we have to pass through the mountains into Italy. Carrying snow chains is mandatory in France when driving in March, so we have snow chains stored in one of our lockers. We practised putting them on in Lancaster before setting off and packed a large piece of old carpet and gloves just in case we have to put them on. We really hope that chains will not be necessary, but today is the day that is most likely to necessitate their use.

I took the first 2 hour stint of driving, climbing and still passing through a variety of small towns and villages. We climbed steadily until we were surrounded by snow covered mountains, lit by intense sunshine at 17C, hardly credible but it was 17C. Took a break for lunch, then Gill took over and drove. Our progress through the mountains was steady, in general the roads had been cleared so we were driving on good surfaces. At the side of the roads the snow banks were often several feet thick and at one or one places there was blown snow on the road that caused us to slow down but not stop.

With about 45 minutes to our destination we swapped drivers again and reached San Germane Chisone around 1720. The strada (Italian word for aire) had only just opened for the season, so the water and electricity were not turned on. The strada is located behind a sports centre, on a raised piece of ground. The staff were very helpful and got the electricity turned on within about half and hour, the water was turned on early the next morning. Only one more day then we should reach our destination of Sanremo on the coast.

We sipped wine and Gill made a delicious meal, corn chips and humus for a starter, followed by a stir fry of red salmon, mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes with rice.

Summary of motorhome trip

Today

Cummulative