The drive down the coast is good with some spectacular passes through the steep hillsides, looking to my right is the sea and as I drive further south the length of Italy begins to show itself. I think I can see snow on the far off mountains but soon realise that these are the Alpi Apaune which I have been seeking.

I arrive in Carrara at 7.30pm and as I drive into the centre of town I am struck by the harshness of the place. Its industry seems to have taken over and produced a sprawling mass of yards where marble is cut, carved, blocked and sawn. All of these are closed and as I drive with my eyes looking left and right I see one small marble yard open. I stop and walk into the yard and a big dog looks me up and down and just lies there accepting my being there as totally normal.