Thunderstorm over the Alpi Apuae in northern Tuscany. We've seen thunderstorms in the mountains each afternoon but hardly any rain the Garfagnana valley, the route of the river Serchio.
Now becoming very popular with media businesses and mountain bikers, this region to the north of Lucca combines Tuscany charm with Alpine scenery. Lots of singing birds - blackbird, thrush and a few cuckoo - in the chestnut tree forests and plenty of sparrows in the towns. The marble quarries above Carrara are spectacular both for the white of the rock and the horror of how much material has been extracted.