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Euroadster ’23
  • Peter Dannock
  • Rob Dannock
  • Peter Dannock
  • Rob Dannock

Euroadster ’23

Combining a desire to travel with a passion for the world's best-selling convertible sports car, my brother and I are embarking on a ten-week journey through the United Kingdom and Europe in a Mazda MX-5. Read more
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  • Euroadster ’23
    GPX

    Day 48 - Florence to Fondufau

    August 4, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    After leaving Florence, we made our way to Pisa so that we could have a look at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Unfortunately, I got flustered when we entered the ZTL (no-go for outsiders) zone in the middle of Pisa, which we were not permitted to do. So, to Rob that we turn around and leave. He agreed, and we left Pisa without seeing the tower. I suspect a fine will appear in the post in the following months.

    We then drove along the autostrada back towards Genova on our way to Fondufau, near Torino. The autostrada was busy with trucks, but we did get an opportunity for a 130-kph run. European drivers appear to respect the fast lane, and we made significant progress.

    After Genova, we headed north towards Torino. It wasn't long before we could see the peaks of Northern Italy. Grey clouds sat on the top of the hills, and we could see some rain coming our way. When it hit, it came with hail, so we took refuge in a petrol station. I didn't want any damage from the hail.

    Sergio and Giavanna have kindly let us stay at their small house in the hills. Since 1991, they have been restoring an old abandoned house, and they have created a comfortable home away from home. It is noticeably cooler in the hills, but it is a respite from the heat and humidity in Florence.    Read more

  • Euroadster ’23

    Day 50 - Walking in Prageloto

    August 5, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    Our hosts, Sergio and Giovanna took us on a walk in Prageloto, a short drive up the road from their house in Fondufau. It was a perfect day for a walk, sixteen degrees Celsius, with a blue sky. We set off on our walk late morning with their new puppy in tow. We walked along Via Val Troncea for about half an hour and came across a lovely restaurant called “Mulina de Laval” for lunch.

    After lunch, we continued our walk along the Via Val Troncea, with beautiful mountains on each side. Even in summer, the mountains were spectacular sight, with most peaks higher than the highest peaks in Australia. This scenery is the preview of what we will see when we head to Switzerland tomorrow.    Read more

  • Euroadster ’23

    Sestriere

    August 6, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C

    Sestriere is a charming village nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, in the Piedmont region. This picturesque location is renowned for its stunning ski resort, which is one of the largest in Italy. The resort is situated at an impressive altitude of 2,035 meters, and boasts an impressive 400 kilometers of ski slopes. With such a vast area to explore, skiing enthusiasts and snowboarders alike will find plenty to keep them entertained.Read more

  • Euroadster ’23

    Lake Como

    August 6, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy and is known for its picturesque scenery, charming towns, and luxurious villas. The lake is surrounded by mountains and has a pleasant Mediterranean climate, making it a popular vacation destination.Read more

  • Euroadster ’23

    Gotthard Pass

    August 6, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ⛅ 6 °C

    Gotthard Pass connects northern and southern Switzerland and is an important trade route. The pass has a long history of use, dating back to prehistoric times. It was also an important military route, with fortifications and tunnels built along the way. Today, the pass is known for its scenic beauty when traveling between northern and southern Switzerland.Read more

  • Euroadster ’23
    GPX

    Day 51 - Fondufau to Andermatt

    August 6, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C

    We bid farewell to our hosts at Fondufau after breakfast and made our way to Sestriere, a village in the heart of the Italian Alps in the Piedmont region. This picturesque location is renowned for its ski resort, which is one of the largest in Italy. The resort is at an impressive altitude of 2,035 metres and boasts 400 kilometres of ski slopes.

    After descending from Sestriere, we had a long autostrada drive around Torino and Milano before arriving at Como. We picked up some lunch and fuel at Como before driving along the edge of Lake Como. Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy and is known for its picturesque scenery, charming towns, and luxurious villas.

    From Lake Como, we drove to Lugano, and we were now in Switzerland. We then drove north towards the Alps, with the intention to then drive up the mountains to Andermatt. The freeway was exceptionally busy with holidaymakers returning from the south via the Gotthard Tunnel. At one point, we came to a complete standstill. When we got further down the road, we saw they had a traffic light system controlling the traffic flow, a bit like the on-ramp to the Monash freeway.

    To get to our accommodation, we drove over the Gotthard Pass. This would have to be the most spectacular road so far and is a precursor to what we drive tomorrow. Simply outstanding!    Read more

  • Euroadster ’23

    Oberalp Pass

    August 7, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ 🌫 0 °C

    The Oberalp Pass is a high mountain pass in the Swiss Alps. It connects the cantons of Graubünden and Uri between Disentis and Andermatt. The pass road is only open in the summer months, typically from late May to mid-October, due to heavy snowfall during the winter.Read more

  • Euroadster ’23

    Furka Pass

    August 7, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ -1 °C

    The Furka Pass is a high mountain pass in the Swiss Alps, connecting the cantons of Uri and Valais. It reaches an elevation of 2,429 metres (7,969 feet) above sea level and is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

    This was the first road that was put on my driving wish list for Euroadster ‘23.    Read more

  • Euroadster ’23

    Grimsel Pass

    August 7, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C

    Grimsel Pass (2,164 metres) is located in the Bernese Alps. It connects the Haslital, the upper valley of the river Aare, with the upper valley of the Rhône. The pass road, which is open only in summer, offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.Read more

  • Euroadster ’23

    Susten Pass

    August 7, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 2 °C

    Susten Pass is a mountain pass located at an elevation of 2,264 meters above sea level. It connects the Reuss Valley in the canton of Uri with the Haslital in the canton of Bern. The pass road is open from June to September, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. On this occasion it was closed to through traffic. The pass is also known for the Sustenstrasse, a scenic road that features hairpin turns and tunnels.Read more