Trans Europa Day 43 Venice Rest Day - 0km

Today we moved from our hotel in Venice Lido to  Hotel Villa Alberti  which is in Mira about 25km from Venice en route to Padua and from where it will be much easier to continue on our bicycle adventures.

First a vaporetto ride to Piazzale Roma and then by bus.

 
 

John and I decided to stay in Mira for the day but, being Sunday, nothing much was open apart from Trattoria Marina where Brett joined us for an excellent lunch. John had the black tagliatelle with squid and I opted for the spaghetti vongole which was delicious.






















After a rest back at the Villa, parts of which date back to1650 and now renovated into very comfortable airconditioned apartments, we walked into the ghost down for a drink at the only bar open and then returned as a group of 7 for a further delicious dinner at Trattoria Marina! They were happy to see us and we were the only customers for the night! We shared a selection of antipasti including polenta with whipped cod. sardines and sea snails, and I opted for the black tagliatelle while most of the others had fish cooked in a bag.. Tartufo for dessert and we were a very content group headed back to the Villa.

 

Day trip to Venice tomorrow.

Trans Europa Day 42 Santo Stino di Livenza to Venice - 46km + water taxi

The plan for today was to ride to Punta Sabbioni and then take water taxis to our hotel on the Venice Lido to arrive for a 2pm check in.

As usual, breakfast at 7am and then we were on the road. It only took two and a bit hours so we had plenty of time to hang out at a trattoria at the dock where the owner was quite happy to sell us food and drink and then to provide complimentary food and wine to boot!

We put the bikes on to a separate boat and then had two taxis to give us a tour of the canals and get us close to our hotel.

 

It was an excellent entry into magnificent Venice but our hotel was way off the main drag so we stayed on Lido and attended to various chores (mine being to find gelato) before attending a "farewell dinner" at a nearby restaurant as quite a few riders and one crew member Ciaran leave us here in Venice.

I hurried back to the hotel before dolce was served to watch my son Elliot perform in the final of the Hallelujah Global Jewish Singing Contest in Israel. He was the final act and played guitar and sang fantastically well but not well enough to take a place. He had a great time in the 3 week competition and I am extremely proud of his achievements! Turned in late tonight but well worth it!

  

Trans Europa Day 41 Ozeljan to Santo Stino di Livenza - 105k

A great day's ride in warm and sunny conditions into Italy - probably my favourite European country.

Quite complicated navigation today but managed well. A few of our riders got a bit lost and ended up baking in the sun for a few hours too many.

Nice little campsite in the back of Casa Mia with some shady areas and the house to rest in. Dinner of gnocci and sausages. I cycled back to the supermarket after dinner and brought back icypoles (popsicles) for the gang. A cool finish to the day.

Venice tomorrow!!

Trans Europa Day 40 Ljubljana to Ozeljan - 82k

We set off in convoy from our lovely hotel in Ljubljana with the promise of hills to climb - not my favourite activity.

I was too busy climbing to take many photos today. I would have liked a shot of the kids on the cross country roller blade skis passing me uphill - but I got them on the flats.. :) There was information about the old Roman relics at the top of the hill.

Camping at the very friendly Lijak Camp. Welcomed along the way by yet another Slovenian fan..

Trans Europa Day 39 Ljubljana Rest Day - 0km

Public holiday today so not much going on.

Enjoy the pics!