Once we'd managed to get some fuel after a backtrack to Troyes, we spent the night in Lyon, then set off the next morning for Italy. This involved crossing the Alps at something like 9,000 ft, by far the highest I've ever taken the aircraft and, considering we were up to maximum all-up weight or a little bit more, quite an achievement for the little aircraft.

We arrived in Albenga and took the afternoon off, mostly spent in beach bars and restaurants. Lobster pasta - scrummy!

Next morning for the final leg we departed East across the Med aiming for Elba. I wish we hadn't! The landing fees were low, but the fuel was almost £1.80 per litre, as against £1.20 over in the UK.