An early check of the pass status website shows Col Agnel now open so thats a must. Today we went back over Col d'Izoard,the into Italy via Col Agnel which was probably the best of the trip. Once in Italy, along the road to Casteldelfino where we stopped for a coffee at a petrol station/coffee shop/old folks home/sex emporium. Three archetypal Italian old fellas already half cut, drinking wine and taking the piss out of us at 11 in the morning, but very nice with it (we think).
Turned off this road on what eventually seemed to be a footpath with grass growing up the middle!! Apparently it's the Colle di Sampeyre, and well worth the trip up for the all round panaoramic views at the top. Down the other side (which is marginally better) and a run in with the law at Stroppo!!!!
Steve was the guilty party - he had blocked in the local Chief of Police's cruiser with his bike and resolutely refused to move -shouting "you'll never take me alive copper". (actually we pulled up behind a Fiat punto and a very nice man in a police uniform asked us if we would be long as he needed to be somewhere else shortly).
After that, around Cuneo and back over the Col de la Lombarde again (it was sleeting at the top, 8c), over the Col de Bonnette (again - but this time it seemed even better 17c), and then towards Col de Vars (again - but this time it was shut 'till 18:00 so we had to wait behind a chain barrier), then back to Briancon via N94 - 251 miles all in.
Briancon on a Monday night resembles a town that has recently suffered a germ warfare attack - no living souls on the streets after 19:00 - or perhaps they had all been in next doors bar all last night.
Thank goodness the bar at the digs was open and friendly and we'll certainly be back.
Col Agnel
Steve as Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music!!
Miserable git wants to know why we've stopped
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