John Bonnett

ow can you do this to us Roger?

Have you noticed Roger there have been over four hundred viewers monitoring our private conversations

I'm going to miss your daily posts Roger once you lose WIFI. I come in at teatime and first thing is to check for an update. Another good day and more superb pictures. It has to be said that the Italian car designers have got real flair and in my opinion lead the world; such pretty cars, all of them. I should imagine you will miss Italy when you cross the border. As a reader of your reports it seems to me that you have really enjoyed your time and experiences there and the accommodation, exceptional not even counting the bargain prices.. So, safe onward journey tomorrow and my best regards to you and Mrs Roger. John

More lovely photos Roger. What an album you'll have. I'm sure the actual route I plotted was not right but it does give an idea of the distance you have covered. As for age, I guess you and I are in the same bracket but hey, it's only a number. Have a good day John

Just to put this trip into perspective, Roger had already driven 1000 miles to get to the point where I have started plotting his progress.and look how far South he has gone. Google Maps got fed up in the end and wouldn't take any more points. but

Well said Roger, This has to be an epic holiday that you will stay with you forever; the stunning scenery, the driving roads and that little car that has done so well. Absolutely marvellous and I really appreciate you taking the time to share it all with us. The words and the fantastic photos. It makes our recent foray into France look like a trip to Tescos. You've really sold me on Italy- the mountains, the ancient towns, the rich history, and the incredible value you've found with the B & Bs. Right onto Streetview now for an update.

My heart bleeds for you both having to suffer so much ice cream to cool yourselves under the sun and blue skies. Bet you cannot wait to get back home Sounds like the old girl is behaving herself then Roger; a credit to careful preparation and maintenance.

Roger, you are a tease. I was a bit worried for you for a moment until I read on. Good thing you've got the SatNav. We find it very useful to be able to display Km/hr and Kms; much easier than trying to read the speedometer. Interesting how distances on signs in Kms seem to diminish so quickly. Another lovely batch of pictures all set under an azure sky. I suppose you could be finding the direct sun a bit hot with the roof down, not that we'd know anything about that here on Dartmoor. But the rain does settle the dust.

Ah I'll have to get back onto Streetview Roger and monitor the next stage. The still? Where on earth do you find these things? Unbelievable. I really like your comment about Euroboxes for shopping and Old people. My sentiments entirely. Not sure I followed the bit about planning for Spain. Are you saying that you have found the Spanish more friendly than the Italians? I always thought the Italians were more into their cars and would therefore be more forthcoming. Some years ago I went to Italy with a small group among which was a new Alfa Romeo SZ and this car was revered everywhere it went in Italy and especially by the Police who would stop traffic to let it through. All that came to an end when on arriving at Calais for the ferry home the owner was brutally brought down to earth by the loader who shouted Put the cheese wedge over .'ere mate!

Hi Roger, another great day. I've just been following some of your route on Streetview and what incredible landscapes and countryside you are passing through. You've whetted my appetite for Italy with your fantastic tour so perhaps I'll spend the Winter learning a bit of Italian in preparation for a foray there next year. You mention climbing up to 5000ft and I was wondering if your car was running a bit rich at that altitude? I had real problems in my Riley 1.5 on the '92 Marathon when the air became a bit thin. It was like running with the choke out. Come to think of it the car wasn't the only one; I felt a bit light headed myself when I got out of the car. Have another good day tomorrow. Best wishes John

You're not far away Aidan. Please do come and see us if you can.

I know exactly what you mean Roger particularly when you think of components that if they fail then it's game over. In my case it was petrol pump and Aldon Ignitor electronic ignition. And once these are in your mind it seems to be always there. As you say these feelings do dull with the odd glass of wine and the sheer enjoyment of a wonderful holiday. We went as three couples and there is a lot of security in numbers knowing that if one car had a problem help is to hand. This is an excellent account of your holiday and each day I go straight to it for the update. regards John

I'm very pleased to report that stage one of the bonnet repair has taken place. The dent has been knocked out and miraculously the shut lines restored. Just needs a skim of filler and paint now.

You have really found some pretty exclusive parking Roger and in good company to boot. You're obviously having a whale of time with Mrs Roger and not to mention the signorinas that seem to be blighting you today. That and the blue skies and sun; must be very difficult

I've just looked at the map Roger. You really have covered an impressive distance in a relatively short time. And what weather. Let's hope it holds for CLM.

My guess it's '81

Thank you for the daily fix Roger. What an amazing place built in a basin. And people live there. Do you speak Italian? If you do I'm sure it must be fascinating talking to the locals and finding out how life really is there. It looks as if time has passed it by. Another wonderful batch of pictures.

I'm sure I'm not the only one thoroughly enjoying your holiday Roger but I guess everyone else has been rendered speechless. I love the garage parking and I'm sure the Spitty will be quite disgruntled when you finally move on unless you have any more surprises up your sleeve to better that one..

My tailgate has at least one drain hole in the bottom. Perhaps that isn't standard and has been fitted by a PO. I'm sorry I got the wrong end of the stick.

It is a very good idea to fit drain tubes in each corner of the tailgate aperture and that's what I've done as has I believe Alan C. In my case I machined up a couple of fittings and welded them into the corners. These terminate in 7mm stubs onto which I've connected some plastic tube which exits through the boot floor. Actually there is a worse water trap on MK3 GT6s and MK4 Spitfires in the corners of the windscreen frame. Water sits there undetected slowly eating away at the metal. Fortunately having the earlier screen I don't have that problem. Here's a picture of the drain in the tailgate aperture. I hope this helps.

Stunning; absolutely stunning. No other words to describe it. What a fantastic holiday Roger and I guess you are barely half way through. Please do keep the photos and reports coming. I'm really enjoying them. rgds John

I've really had enough now and I'm not going to read any more of this Roger. It's been eleven degrees and miserable here today and there's you and Mrs Roger living the life of Lotus Eaters in a land of Ambrosia (and I don't mean the creamed rice made here in Lifton) . Am I envious- you bet your life I am! You've obviously put a great deal of thought and planning into this holiday and it really has and is paying off. Actually I can't wait for the next instalment but you'll have to go some to beat these pictures.

Fantastic Roger. Those pictures absolutely capture and convey the peace and tranquillity; what could be better? And all for £47.00!