Briancon to Modena

The scenic exit from Briancon was taken over Col de Montgenevre but the col itself, being a ski resort, is grossly over-developed for such a beautiful mountain location that has green areas of woodland steeply sloping up to snow capped peaks. Across the border the road drops down to Sestriere. A stroll up and down the main street and an interlude over coffee sets us in relaxed mood to enjoy the onward journey.  Helen is apprehensive - with just cause - the further we go the heavier the traffic becomes. The A55, A21/E70 takes us towards Asti, E70 past Piacenza, then A1/E35 to Modena.
The overnight stop at Ai Prati B&B. was a little tricky to find, but with the help of the local fuel station manager the farmhouse was soon located. A far cry from the previous night stop. Nice location, a clutch of  hostelry awards, and a warm welcome with the best of facilities. For some unknown reason the trip adviser booking had not properly registered and we were lucky to find a vacant room.  Modena B&B.

Only another 115 miles to go before reaching our first destination - Licorice and Lemon real flavour Ices at Chioggia, the fascinating working port and resort forming the foot of the lagoon where Venice lies, no more than an hours ferry ride away. 

Sestriere looked inviting and the coffee shop shown left is found to be quite reasonable 

A brisk walk up this hill gets our circulation moving

Spot the beehives on the unguarded balcony.  Sadly no bees seen using them

Close to Modena here we are Overnight - Best of the rest  and where the pair of us have sunk deep into a luxurious suite that can be described as exceptional. There is the sound of fast electrified trains nearby and the farm dogs barking at feeding time but that is more than compensated for by the rural backdrop of cornfields and Walnut trees outside our first floor double window.