Stage 17 - Don George and a world record holder

Stage 17 - Rest day - Lenno, Lake Como

Distance travelled 0 miles

Time for an update of tour statistics:-

1. Distance cycled: 1012 miles

2. Height climbed: 11,152 metres

(1 Mount Everest and 3 Ben Nevis's)

3. Countries: 7 

4. Rain days: 10 out of 17

5. Blue skies: 3 out of last 3 days

6. Gruffalo sightings:7 Still zero confirmed 

8. Weather for tomorrow: Glorious

9. Tomorrows distance: 70 miles

10: Tomorrows destination: Lodi, famous for it's Salami -  I love Salami. 

After an early breakfast, I drove Dad to Como to add him as a named driver on the tour vehicle at the Europcar depo. Meanwhile, Dominique and Mum spent the morning looking around the local market that had sprung up overnight by the hotel. 

Dad is in his element here in Italy, here is "Don George" on the streets of Como:-

After fulleing up on yet more pasta for lunch by the lake again, I had plums for desert, although they could have done with some cream, that reminds me, where did I leave that Chapeau? 

We all enjoyed an ice cream, then waved Dominique off as she headed to the airport once again to get back to our children. I am missing them desperately. 

And, finally today.......I was fortunate enough to meet with Norma Rowlerson. 

Norma had picked up on the chatter about our exploits whilst staying at our hotel, had sought me out to give a generous donation and wish us the all the very best. Norma was most impressed by my efforts, which turns out to be high praise indeed as she is THE worlds first woman to ski all seven continents. You can see her achievement in the Guiness book of world records 1996. How about that! Another kind gesture, from a wonderful lady. 

I wonder what will happen, and who we will meet, as we head to Lodi tomorrow...

Until then, Brett x