Our Family Holiday Touring in Europe - Part Four

Bonjour from Lake Annecy in France! Our last night in Italy was an interesting one to say the least. Camping Conca D'Oro was hit by the biggest storm I've ever witnessed. The thunder and lightning seemed trapped overhead and the rain pummelled down on the Bailey roof for five straight hours.

On the far side of the site a tree was struck and came down on a caravan - fortunately nobody was hurt. Branches were torn from trees all around us too - I just felt sorry for the tent campers who must have had an awful time.

The receptionist (who doubled up as an ambulance driver!) said she had never seen anything like it.

As we left on Sunday morning, the clean-up was well underway. What a great site - efficient, friendly and clean. Highly recommended - especially if you have little ones.

Now we're at Camping Le Familiale about 1km from Lake Annecy itself. Funds are running a bit low (the Mont Blanc tunnel fee and French tolls have seen to that) but we're having a terrific time. This is a small but pretty site where the owners arrange entertainment for visitors each evening. Tonight there's a communal fondue meal followed by boules - last night my youngest finished second in 'who can knock the most cans over'. We're heading off in the morning for Saumur. Stats: money spent on tolls to date - at least 130 euros; family insect bites - 15; bottles of suncream used - 2.