June 19, 20

 June 19 we left Naples and headed up the coast to a campground.  I have been spoiled by the Amalfi Coast because this coastline was very unimpressive.  In fact a lot of the area was economically depressed - some places very depressed.  Many buildings were shuttered and others looked as though construction began years ago and has since been abandoned.

The day was hot and sunny - it hit 98 degrees.  We went 54 miles and stopped at a campground to check their prices.  They wanted 50 euros for 1 night, using our own tents!!  I politely told them no thank you and we headed down the road to another site.  The next campground was only 32 euros - what a bargain!  But wait - the tourist tax was 4 euros each and it cost 1 euro each to use the shower.  On top of that they had no wifi, the toilet bowls had no seats, and there was no toilet paper or soap.  Luckily we carry all that we needed.


June 20 we got up at 6:20 because it was scheduled to hit 100 degrees today.  We hit the road at 7:20.  It was 87 degrees and 92 percent humidity.  I was dripping before we got out of the campground.  Progress was slow.  At times we were right on the coast - and today we passed some very pretty beach towns - and other times my mapping software took us through farm roads.  These farm roads were just dirt and rock, with terrific potholes that looked like they haven't been filled in years.  They were so bumpy we had to go slowly or else our bikes would fall apart!!  By mid day it hit 100 degrees and we each polished off 4 bottles of water.  We stopped anytime we found a grocery store - first to get water - and second just to stand in the freezer section and cool off!!  I cancelled our campground for the night - it would have been so incredibly hot in a tent - and got a hotel room with air conditioning.  Heaven.

One of the pretty beach towns we rode through today.
Olive trees line the road everywhere.






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