Lunch at Marina di Pisa

Since I now know how to post to the blog via email, I am now trying to see if I can include pictures.

Yesterday we ended up driving to Marina di Pisa.  It all started as a jaunt to retrieve Dom's fleece jacket from the barber's. After we did that we decided to see how easy it was to go to the Pisa Airport via Pontedera, a town south of Capannori (our new location) and east of Pisa.  It was another beautiful day so driving through the spring countryside was interesting in itself.  There are a hundred shades of green in the grass, leaves and flowers.  Along the roadsides red poppies and purple iris are mixed into the grassy verge.  The breeze is still fresh so it is never too hot and without the heat haze of summer the views are spectacular.  Everything looks new and fresh.

Once we reached the Pisa Airport we actually parked briefly and did some research using the built-in Tom Tom GPS in the car.  Using toll roads (the Autostrada) it is about 35 minutes from the airport to Capannori and avoiding toll roads it is about 45 minutes.  Neither route suggested was the one we had just taken.  Now we know. :-)

After that we decided to drive to the beach, buy some sandwiches and find a spot to picnic on the shore.  Most of the beach areas along the coast in this area are leased to concessionaires who then charge a useage fee to the public.  Of course, for the use fee one has the convenience of changing rooms, restrooms, a bar and/or restaurant, lounge chairs and beach umbrellas.  After stopping at a bar for food and water, we drove along until we came to a spot that really was free to access.  There was no sand but we did find smooth white rocks (marble) which I think was much neater and cleaner.  There were a few other people on the shore a few of them sunbathing.  We actually stayed rather bundled up because in spite of the sunshine the breeze off the water was chill. 

Here are some pictures of our picnic spot: