Day 106. Ealing to Wimbledon
Another blue sky day. After saying our goodbyes to Henry drove from Ealing to Wimbledon and packed our bags ready for an 11am flight to Halifax. A nice last meal with Steph & Ryan. Here ends the European part of our wanderings, and a lovely 20 days in the UK catching up with family. Next stop Canada...
Day 105. Bournemouth London
After breakfast at the Tudor hotel and a sandwich at EVs, headed back to London. The family's carbon footprint is not great this week with flights to Morocco and Nova Scotia, and a road trip to Lisbon. Only Henry and Zoe will be in the UK. Motorhome is crossing the Atlantic on the Atlantic Sea RoRo...
Day 104. Bournemouth
After breakfast went down to the beach for an afternoon of games - kubb, rounders, limbo, tag bulldog, tug of war and hilarious sack race. The weather cooperated with blue skies and the beach was empty. In the evening another sumptuous meal prepared by Hugh - middle eastern this time. Ended the nigh...
Day 103. Bournemouth
Down to Bournemouth for EVs surprise 70th birthday weekend organised by Sophie with partner Hugh (Branson's ex chef) doing the catering and the probably the best lasagne we've ever had. Lovely to see the whole family and a lovely venue. The ship finally departed the port at about 6pm.
Day 102. London
Woke to clear skies and took a walk around Gunnersbury Park. Waited for the motorhome to move - should have been sailing at 3.30pm. Disappointed to learn that shipping has been delayed further. We now have to arrange hotels and car hire for 8 days (or more if they keep delaying it) an expense we cou...
Day 101. London
EVs 70th birthday celebration and a surprise trip to Mamma Mia the Party to see her nephew.
Day 100. London
We've been homeless for 100 days now. Do we miss our bricks and mortar ? Not at all. Spent the day doing more sorting and admin and in the evening used a birthday voucher to see Mean Girls which was on a par with an Arts Ed production. Found out that annoyingly motorhome shipping has been delayed by...
Day 99. Bristol Swindon London
Left Bristol early to do some maintenance for the tenants, some other admin in Swindon and to see Babcia. Drove to London in the evening for more sorting of stuff. Only 8 days til we fly and today it appears the Bison has been loaded onto the container ship.
Day 98. Bristol Chepstow
Drove to visit grandma then grandpa. Then back to Bristol and some games of Shanghai with Sammie and Andrew.
Day 97. Bristol Minehead
Drove Zoe back to college toda and set her up in her lemony room. Went to the arcade (came out £15 poorer) and had an ice cream. Said our goodbyes just before they started serving tea. Back to Bristol at 7.30 and time for a curry and game of Shanghai.
Day 96. London Swindon Bristol
After a 2 hour tube trip to collect Zoe from Wimbledon, set off to Swindon for dentist, med collection, admin and visit to Babcia for Zoe to say farewell. Soup and apple cake lunch made by Babcia's very caring carer Grażyna. Arrived in Bristol at 7 greeted by Colin, Scruffy and Andrew. Got news that...
Day 95. Liverpool and London
Our tracker told us the motorhome was moved slightly at the dock. Meanwhile Stuart had an appointment in Oxford, Zoe and I went to the Barbie exhibition at the Design Museum, followed by the musical Six for Zoe and Steph and Mamma Mia the party for us - nothing better than watching our offspring per...
Day 94. Liverpool and London
In Liverpool the motorhome was driven to the docks and keys were handed over to the shipping company. Parked it next to Range Rovers and Lotus sports cars also doing the journey. Was informed that shipping is already delayed by a day - I guess container ships go at a different pace. In London there...
Day 93. Weston to Liverpool
The motorhome engine was serviced in Weston. All ok just one bulb required. Then the long drive from Weston to Liverpool. Meanwhile in London athe 9 mile drive from Ealing to Wimbledon took almost an hour thanks to the ludicrous 20mph speed limit most of the way. 4 hours of sorting Zoe's stuff and t...
Day 92. Bristol - Swindon - London
Left Bristol early for a hectic day of chores in Swindon ending in London and a musical. The motorhome had a habitation check in Weston and overnighted in Weston.
Day 91. Chepstow and Bristol
After a night on babcia's drive, visited grandpa in Itton and grandma in the care home today. Sorted out the motorhome some more and drove to Bristol to stay with Samandrew and the cats.
Day 90. Bournemouth to Swindon
Left Bournemouth after another comfy night on Ev's drive and drove to Swindon and more washing and lunch at Luce's. Then onto babcia's, more washing and sorting of the motorhome which we didn't manage to complete.
Day 89. Bournemouth
After a comfortable night on Ev's drive we had another day on Bournemouth beach. Wandered around the armed forces displays and relaxed watching the planes - a lovely calm sea and nice temperature. It's such a great event, we hope it's not the last one as rumour has it. After tea with Ev, Sophie and...
Day 88. Swindon to Bournemouth
A comfortable night's sleep on Babcia's drive, set off at 9 for Bournemouth and what they say is their final air tattoo. Spent a sunny day on the beach with family watching an assortment of airplanes
Day 87. Calais to Swindon
Left St Omer at 9 and drove to Calais hoping for a earlier crossing. They offered us 12 but whilst in the 12 o'clock queue someone flagged us over to the 10.30 ferry - result! The sea was like a millpond - could see hundreds of purple jelly fish. No "other" boats spotted despite favourable condition...
Day 86. Travel to St Omer
A sunny morning, woke early and fed the goats and the dog demanded attention. Such an idyllic spot, like English countryside before it was over developed, but with better weather. Set off at about 10.15 and reached Boulogne at 4ish. Had an hours break before continuing to a parking spot half in St O...
Day 85. Trestraou beach to Le Perron
After filling water tank etc. we set of for Trestraou beach. The sea was refreshing and clear and waves powerful. In the largest waves we could see shoals of fish surfing and we also watched surfers of the human variety for a while. After a couple of hours we set off for our first stopover, 2.5 hour...
Day 84. Perros-Guirec
Set off on our bikes at 11am and the tide was in - so far in that the path was submerged and we had to wade through the water. Parked the bikes for a long walk on the Ploumanach coastal path. I think we can safely say we've thoroughly explored this lovely bit of coastline! Planned to have a swim tod...
Day 83. Trégastel
As soon as the weather settled (1pm) set off on a bike ride around the Trégastel headland which was really interesting. Pretty beaches flanked by pink granite boulders to clamber over. Some were huge and very precariously positioned. Tried a traditional Breton ice cream which turned out to contain b...
Day 82. Rose Granite Coast
The weather improved at around midday which is when we set off on a bike ride around the coast, to beautiful Plage de Trestradou where we had a paddle, equally stunning Plage de Trestrignel and Port de Plaisance where Zoe had a ride in a ferry at the mini port. The tourist cycle route back took us o...
Day 81. Ploumanach
Gave Couscous and Tagine their last treats and after shopping, drove 45 mins to our basic €12.50 a night pitch in Trégastel on the rose granite coast. Set off on our bikes and even though it was overcast and the tide was out it was very picturesque winding through the small coastal villages and harb...
Day 80. Brittany
Decided to stay here at Hortensia (hydrangea) camping for one more night. Why not when the weather is pleasant the beach is vast and has rock pools with crabs foe Zoe to explore. Enjoying the slower pace of travel and feeding Couscous and Tagine.
Day 79. Brittany
Late getting up we made it down to the beach for 1pm and again we had it almost to ourselves for a good 2 hours. Weather a pleasant 20 and sunny. Relaxed, watched men playing boules, Stuart built his signature pyramid and we left with the high tide at 6pm.
Day 78. Brittany
Did some shopping at the supermarket then after a couple of scrambled oeufs and croissants walked to the beach. We pretty much had it to ourselves at first, possibly due to the fact that the tide was a long way out. The sun came out and it was a very pleasant 23°. At 4 the tide started to come in qu...
Day 77. Travel to Brittany
Left in the drizzle and plouged west for 5 hours stopping at a McD on the way as Sunday and no shops open. Driving into Brittany was like driving home - rolling green countryside. Got the last pitch in the basic campsite and took a walk to check out the beach - a very steep path down. Stopped for a...
Day 76. Honfleur
Stuart spent the day in bed with what was probably gastroenteritis. We thought it could have been the jar of pesto that was 2 weeks out of date and would have been warmed to 46 degrees in the Hungary heatwave. We should really ditch all food that was in the van at that time. Whilst he rested we took...
Day 75. Honfleur
Left Rouen after a fruitless hunt for Campingaz which we'd run out of and set off for Honfleur in the drizzle. Found gas in Honfleur and after a bit of shopping (first croissant of the trip) made it to the park up at at 3pm. Still raining so we chilled in the motorhome. The insurance company have fi...
Day 74. Rouen
The news that a 3rd person from my class has died suddenly in the space of just one year has confirmed we're doing the right thing adventuring now - tomorrow is not guaranteed. Drove around Paris, right past the Olympic stadium. Decided we may as well stop in Rouen for the day as we were passing an...
Day 73. Disneyland Paris
Woke early and drove to Disneyland Paris. For €40 you're able to park a motorhome overnight. 14 hours and 24,000 steps later we'd done most of the rides, a parade, 3 shows and a fabulous drone and fireworks display. Even the weather cooperated - around 22 and cloudy. We do love a Disney day though w...
Day 72. Paris environs
After our stay at Bamberg we put the ticket in the payment machine it came up with 'kaput". Luckily service men were there emptying machines and they gave us a replacement ticket. The charge was €2.50 and who were we to argue. Filled the water tank and left for a 745km journey west. In 35° heat an a...
Day 71. Bamberg
Extreme heat forecast so decided to have another day at the pool. Swam 1500 meters.
Day 70. Bamberg
Had a leisurely breakfast and when temperatures started rising to 30° headed to the Bambados pool complex and spent the heat of the day there. Managed to swim 1km. All had too much sun and a tad burnt even with the umbrella out. In the evening cycled into Bamberg for the jazz festival. Finished the...
Day 69. Bamberg
We found our boring car park had something fun right behind it - an impressive open air swimming pool complex "Bambados" with pools, slides, jaccuzzi, table tennis and more. A fantastic place and only cost us £8 entry for all 3 of us. The only downside was a group of shifty looking algerians who wer...
Day 68. Bamberg
Spent the morning servicing the motorhome and shopping and set off for Germany having crossed the whole Czech Republic from East to West. Decided to stop in Bamberg and found a pitch about 5k from the old town. Cycled in. It was very picturesque but took a lot of effort climbing the hills in the 28...
Day 67. Karlovy Vary
A late start today as Zoe had a lie in til 11.55. After a couple of scrambled oeufs we set off on our bikes for the thermal springs and thankfully it was a much more bearable 25 and cloudy. Spent 3 hours in the 38° mineral waters (with Americans, Russians, Germans, Arabs and Czechs all coexisting)....
Day 66. Karlovy Vary
After a hearty buffet breakfast headed west out of Prague past fields of hops and towards the spa town Karlovy Vary - also known as Karlsbad. Another very hot day at 29°. Arrived in the heat of the day and firstly did some admin and washing before finally setting off at 4 by bike to the town centre...
Day 65. Prague
Started the day with more scenic tram rides catching trams 25, 17 and 3. Next had some fun at the museum of Illusions. After a sandwich in the park caught tram 22 to the funicular up to the observatory then up a lift in a viewing tower for some spectacular views of Prague. A lovely temperature in t...
Day 64. Prague
Left the campsite at 8am after the owner had built a haphazard ramp to let us out. Very soon we passed the "Spalek" vineyard. Unfortunately didn't have time to stop and buy a bottle for cousin John whose grandfather Spalek was a Czech pilot in WW2. Stressful journey full of roadworks and detours but...
Day 63. Národní park Podyjí
Set off on our hike around the Národní park Podyjí at 11.45 past vineyards and rolling hills and into a forest. Read an article in the "i" newspaper suggesting it was the Czech version of Tuscany - a bit of an exaggeration but still worth it for the peace away from tourist crowds. On our 5 1/2 hou...
Day 62. Znojmo
In the morning did some more phoning around to banks and other admin regarding the thefts. Today we planned to cycle around the Podyji national park but first wanted to "pop" to Znojmo hoping to buy toothpaste and milk. Once again didn't check the contour lines on the map. Turned out to be a very st...
Day 61. Cieszyn to Konice
A disastrous day today. On waking Stuart couldn't find his phone, then he couldn't find Zoe's, then the iPad was missing and then we noticed my backpack was missing (complete with a set of motorhome keys and purse). Realised we'd been broken into overnight. Spoke to Dutch folk next door who also had...
Day 60. Cieszyn
Woke early to get the flat tidy. At midday Rysiek came for the keys and John arrived to take us back to Bronow where we had a nice tea before picking up the motorhome. Zoe left with a bottle of Bernadetta's home made cordial. So kind. Cieszyn was only about half an hour away but we were curious to s...
Day 59. Żywiec
After watching the thrilling GB golds in triathlon and rowing we bought cabbage and lettuce for Zoe's favourite passtime- feeding the animals in the mini zo-o. Had a good look at the chicken varieties for when we can eventually keep them ourselves. Sat by the salt water thing for a while. Followed t...
Day 58. Żywiec
After pączki In the morning Zoe enjoyed feeding the animals in the mini zoo. In the evening we went to watch more of the folklore show, this time finishing with Macedonian and Peruvian dances Have come to the conclusion the best things in Poland begin with P - pierogi, placki, pączki and piwo!
Day 57. Żywiec
Today we did a lot of walking (11 miles) to the lake in Żywiec. It had a small sandy beach where we relaxed for a while. On our return we stopped at the Karczma Żywiecka, a lovely thatched wooden restaurant. Had a delicious Polish meal of soups, pierogi and placki. Sadly the phone ran out of battery...
Day 56. Żywiec
Woke up to rain so had a relaxed morning watching the Olympics. Late afternoon wandered into the park to feed the animals and on again to the folk festival.
Day 55. Żywiec
Woke up late to blue skies and 29°. Stuart did some work. Took a walk around the town square and park with small zoo which Zoe enjoyed. Very hot so we rested for a while by the "tężna solankowa". Brine from a stream in Zabłocie drips down twigs and the salty iodine air is supposed to help lungs an...
Day 54. Bronow and Żywiec
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Left Krakow, picked up the motorhome from the secure parking and made our way to cousin John's house in Bronow. He's kindly arranged for us to park the motorhome in his brother in law's drive for a few days while we spend some time in Liz and Chris' flat in Żywiec. Loads of cake and tea in typical g...
Day 53. Kraków
An unscheduled extra day in Krakow. Why? Because Stuart and Zoe didn't get to the hotel until 7am due to Ryanair's incompetence. Late taking off, the flight was then diverted to Katowice, then more waiting on a bus which eventually took them to Krakow airport 6 hours later than expected. As well as...
Day 52. Kazimierz, Kraków
Rainstorm and thunder this morning. In the afternoon took a walk to what I thought was Oskar Schindler's factory tour. Bit disappointed to find it wasn't an actual factory but a museum - interesting all the same. Reminded me that my uncle Richard helped Polish soldiers escape the Soviets by passing...
Day 51. Kraków
Kraków is food heaven. First place I pass is a pączkarnia and watch them making pączki for a while. They also have a "bar mleczny" where you can get traditional Polish food at half the price of the restaurants in the square and I had some cheese pierogi and surowki. Walked around the park which enci...
Day 50. Wieliczka Salt Mine
Upto 32° forecast today so decided to brave public transport to Wieliczka Salt mine which has a constant temperature of 16-18° at 125 m below and 14° at 135m below. A bit nervous as last time I used trains there was still a hint of communist service (ie. none). In the end it was quite straightforwar...
Day 49. Kraków
Left Slovakia and the Dunajec which has been wonderful - what a difference perfect weather makes! Now on to Poland, our 8th country. No sooner had we crossed the border storks were everywhere, on top of chimneys, lamp posts and in fields. There were also many roads and even a roundabout called Pope...
Day 48. Kayaking the Dunajec
We've now completed all forms of transport down the Dunajec gorge - walking, cycling, rafting and today kayaking. Set off just after 9 and it was already getting busy on the water. When we did this with the kids back in 2017 it felt like we had the river to ourselves. Walked the 5 miles back along t...
Day 47. Cerveny Klastor
Today was spent floating down the Dunajec on a traditional wooden raft - made up of 5 wooden canoes strapped together with rope. The Slovak student punting did an impressive commentary in 3 languages. After this walked the 7 miles back along the river. Visited the 13th century Cartuzian monestary at...
Day 46. Dunajec Gorge by bike
Woke up not feeling as broken as expected after yesterday's assault course. Maybe we're fitter than we think. Shame the physique doesn't reflect this. Spent a leisurely morning watching traditional wooden rafts steered by górale float down the Dunajec. Also watched many inflatables struggle to f...
Day 45. Sucha Bela
Today was an exciting day. Woken at 4am by another storm - very close as lightning was striking every 2 seconds. A bit unnerving but fascinating to watch. At 7.30 drove 40 mins to the Slovensky Raj National Park for a hike up the Sucha Bela gorge. Set off at 8.30 and very soon realised there was not...
Day 44. Vesoké Tatry
Both woke up groggy probably due to long walks and too much sun the last couple of days so decided we need a rest day. It was also very humid. Our €10 restaurant park up has a nice view of the local park so decided to stay put and rest before a challenging hike tomorrow. As it happened around luncht...
Day 43. Lomnicky Štít
Today we spent most of the day on top of the Tatras. Left at 9am to avoid the chance of storms. Took a short walk to the chairlift, then a gondola to a restaurant where we stopped for a while as it was cloudy and we couldn't see a thing (but were really enjoying being cool). When the clouds lifted w...
Day 42. Skok waterfall
Woken at 4.30 by an almighty storm - thunder, lightning and hail and the storm went on til 8am. After a couple of scrambled oeufs we set off on our hike to the Skok waterfall. Lovely scenery but the "path" was more like an obstacle course with boulders, rocks and roots. After a 4.5 hour round trip w...
Day 41. Štrbské Pleso, Vysoké Tatry
Woke in an air conditioned room and had a nice outdoor breakfast in the motel. Showered with soap that had melted in its tin after being left in the motorhome the last few days. The temperature was already in the 30’s at 9.30 so after spending our last Hungarian Forints in a shop, we set off for the...
Day 40. Towards Slovakia
Left the hotel around 10 and did some laundry in a nearby town. Then killed time in an air conditioned Tesco, McDonald’s and KFC until Boz’s flight landed. Drove north to a town near the Slovak border for another air conditioned night.
Day 39. Szigetszentmárton
Spent most of the day in the air conditioned room away from the 36 degree heat. Cleaned out the motorhome and checked oil and water ready for longer drives. Then a brief stroll down to the local post office to post Zoe’s postcard from Lake Baliton. Onemore night of cool temperatures and then off aga...
Day 38. Budapest area
A fitful night's sleep in the 36° extreme heat and up to 37 today. We've never experienced this whilst motorhoming before and we'll escape at the earliest opportunity but can't leave Budapest area til Friday. Not sure how far north we'll have to travel to get away from this but we'll have to be some...
Day 37. Budapest
Had a reasonable night's sleep with the fan on. We decided the best way to beat the 36° heat was to ride trams and boats all day and experience Budapest that way. In the end walking around the streets wasn't as bad as expected as the buildings provided a lot of shade. A very interesting city We love...
Day 36. Budapest
An uncomfortable night's sleep. Set off past sunflowers and corn fields and by 11 we were in Budapest. Drove through it to our city park up, a basic car park with electric, stopping at Tesco on the way for ice. Fan-oven temperatures outside so after salad packed our stuff for the famous Szechenyi Sp...
Day 35. Badacsony to Gardony
Left the campsite just as another old train was passing. Drove 15 mins to Tapolca past the Horvath vineyard. Regret not stopping to pick up a bottle for Mrs Horwat. At Tapolca we visited the caves under the town (discovered when a man dug a well in 1903), and took a boat ride in its crystal clear wa...
Day 34. Badacsony
Already hot at 9am. As swimming was off the agenda, decided on a short bike ride to an arboretum. The 25 min journey actually took 50 mins as the satnav sent us inland up and down steep roads between vineyards. Men were doing gardening in their underpants, that's how hot it was. Spent a couple of ho...
Day 33. Badacsony
Left Maribor after filling up with petrol and shopping. Passed a couple of ski runs. Set off to lake Balaton as it's expected to get up to 34° in the next week so want to be near some water. Crossing the border into Hungary, the land got much flatter and one is struck by the amount of space - miles...
Day 32. Maribor
Set off via Žalec, a town surrounded by fields of hops and its own beer fountain. Drove an hour further to Maribor, Slovenia's 2nd city. Was expecting the terrain to flatten out but still hilly. Cycled in along the Drava river and mooched around the city centre which was picturesque, very compact an...
Day 31. Žalec
Woken at 7 by church bells and after a leisurely breakfast set off down the ever widening Soča river in its deep gorge. Took a left onto the motorway and Stuart finally got a break from driving. A scenic motorway with lots of bridges and tunnels and after 2.5 hours stopped near Žalec at a very peace...
Day 30. Kanal ob Soči
Woke to blue skies and set off following the Soča river, a lovely scenic drive past the Boka waterfall passing many commercial beehives (and wondered how our bees are doing in Wroughton). Drove past Kobarid where we stayed in 22 and considered dropping in to visit Samantha the campsite cat, who woul...
Day 29. Bovec
Today tested the water fastness of our motorhome. Torrential rain, thunder and lightning from 10am. Incredibly noisy on the metal roof and a river flowing down the kitchen window. We did indeed have some water ingress (probably through the vents) as water leaking from under the fridge. Our Dutch nei...
Day 28. Cezsoca to Boka
Woke early as we'd signed up for kayaking the stage 1 rapids of the Soca river. After a very short training session in cezsoca we set off. The leader stopped a short way down to show us how to turn on rapids and that's where we both capsized into the glacial waters. Took ones breath away. Took a lot...
Day 27. Cortina to Bovec
Took our time getting up, surprisingly free of aches and pains considering we did a 11.5k hike with 2000 metres in ascent/descent yesterday. Departed Cortina and set off down the Valle Di Cadore past the Hotel Colli (Stuart wondered if they accepted dogs) and down into the tree line through many sma...
Day 26. Lago Di Sorapis
After a couple of scrambled oeufs left the campsite at exactly 7 (barriers don't open before then) and set off for Passo Tre Croci, the trailhead for Lago Di Sorapiss. Started off nice and easy in pine scented forest full of ferns, wild flowers and butterflies - even saw wild roses and small pink rh...
Day 25. Cortina
Woke to glorious sunshine and after morning coffee took a walk around Lago Antorno. Reluctantly left our free parking spot and drove to do a rekkie of the trailhead of tomorrow's hike (the hardest we'll ever attempt and will seriously challenge Stuart's fear of heights). Stopped in a carpark with sc...
Day 24. Tre Cime Di Lavaredo
Woke up to 360° low cloud. Our boots were still wet so had to oven-dry them. Were contemplating not going anywhere but looked at the mountain webcam and it didn't look too bad so caught the 10.30 bus up to Cadini de Misurina and set off on the trail to get some iconic mountain views. After half an h...
Day 23. Lago Di Braies to Lago Di Antorno
Took another walk around Lago Di Braies at 10.30. Gorgeous views but lots of tourists. Set off unprepared again and there was a sudden downpour - got soaked to the skin. No internet so headed down to the next big town for supplies and to plan our next step and we decided to head for the Tre Cime vie...
Day 22. Großglockner pass to Lago Di Braies
Today was a day for spectacular scenery. Set off on the Großglockner pass at 8.15. After about 20 switchbacks (and overtaking many cyclists) reached the top and stunning views for breakfast at 2550 metres. Drove on up to the Franz Joseph glacier. In trainers and unprepared for any kind of hiking we...
Day 21. Zeller See
Woken very early by rain and a cuckoo! Low cloud so didn't venture out in the morning. Chickens demanded some breakfast. One of us read and one of us binge watched the entire season of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Did some yoga. Nervously watching the weather forecast as the main reason we stopped h...
Day 20. Zeller See
Woke up to a tantalising glimpse of snow-capped mountains and a bit of blue sky before the clouds rolled in. After breakfast a 7.5 mile cycle around the lovely Zeller See lake. Stopped for a walk around Zell am See where we were entertained for a while by a school band and choir and then watched a f...
Day 19. Gerlos pass and Krimml waterfall
Left the campsite (unusually full of Dutch) at 8.45 and set off up the mountain to the Gerlos pass. Amazed at how the farmers manage to mow grass on what appear to be vertical slopes. Some beautiful mountain views en route and stopped for breakfast above the Krimml waterfall which we wanted to visit...
Day 18. Zell am Ziller
We've been meandering Germany waiting for the weather in the Alps to improve. It doesn't look like this is going to happen but there is a 3 day window of ok-ish weather before a week of storms so today we're heading to Austria. Beautiful scenic drive through the Alps to Innsbruck where we had breakf...
Day 17. Füssen
Rain woke us early so bade farewell to the storks and we were in Fussen by 10.30. Whilst there thought it would be rude not to take a walk up to Neuschweinstein Castle so did a 2.5 hour round trip for some magnificent views (keep forgetting to visit these places after 6pm when coach parties are saf...
Day 16 - Dinkelsbühl
After stocking up with supplies at Aldi, Drove for about an hour to Dinkelsbühl along the country roads of the Romatische Straße. Took a walk around for an hour and a half - every house is picture perfect with shutters and window boxes. Today was the first hot day (28°) and as if to herald the start...
Day 15 - Rothenburg ob Tauber
Early bike ride into Würzburg to look around the Residenz which was very opulent and had an impressive mirror room (all of which we bombed to smithereens in WW2 and they have since reconstructed). Drove an hour south to Rothenburg ob Der Tauber which is a beautiful medieval town with loads of old bu...
Day 14 - Würzburg
An 8.30 am departure from Titisee and 3.5 hours later we arrived in Wurzburg at the motorhome parking by the river Main (€15 per night). After a bit of scrambled oeuf we got on the bikes and spent 5 hours exploring the town and have come to the conclusion that Wurzburg is Wunderbar ! In a valley sur...
Day 13. Titisee
Not a great night as rain was hammering on the roof but were rewarded with the sight of the beaver swimming in the rain at 5am. Spent the morning watching trooping the colour which we were privileged to experience two years ago. Cycled 8 miles round trip to Titisee Neuschtadt for supplies as it's Su...
Day 12. Titisee
Woke to light rain and cloud so a day for admin, laundry, cleaning and Stuart doing report writing. In the evening it cleared a bit so did our daily exercise walking a 3 mile round trip to the tourist spot on the other side of the lake. Looked for the beaver's lodge. Didn't see it but did see eviden...
Day 11. Triberg
7.30 wake up call to church bells ringing. A pre-breakfast walk to the Triberg falls past Hotel Pfaff (which Stuart thinks must be a pain to stay in). The falls were very nice but we had to share the views with 2 coachloads of tourists. Our overnight parking ticket (£28) included entrance to the fal...
Day 10. Baden Baden
A morning bike ride into Baden Baden via the cycle track right outside the motorhome park. The town is a gardener's delight with beautiful flower displays everywhere. First was stop was probably the most impressive rose garden we've ever seen. Then a cycle/walk up the hill to the church and view. 9...
Day 9 -Völklinger Hütte to Baden Baden
Getting up cold with breath condensing takes some getting used to and it was one of those morns. Decided to back track and visit the Völklinger Hütte, a UNESCO Heritage site iron works in operation from 1882 to 1986. It was VAST and in two and a half hours we did 8000 steps (4 miles) and a lot of st...
Day 8 - Saarbrücken
Woke up to an overcast and chilly day. The Black Forest forecast isn't looking that great either but we're heading that way regardless via the industrial town of Saarbrücken. Drove through the forests of the Ardennes and in and out of France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany all in the space of 3 hou...
Day 7 - Fumay
A beautiful morning. Packed up and wound our way in and out of Belgium to the pretty town of Givet in the Ardennes. Had a walk around the town - very quiet as it's Sunday. Drove half an hour further along the river Meuse to our Aire (€14) at Fumay on a bend in the river. Waited with baited breath to...
Day 6 - Felleries
A very good nights sleep and a morning "AeroPress" coffee using beans direct from Stephanie's Colombia travels. Today's challenge was trying to sort out several issues. Firstly an electrical problem which developed after using the air fryer. We hope this is down to the weak 6 amps at the aire and we...
Day 5 - Dover to Felleries
Boy racers revving til the early hours meant we didn't get a great night's sleep and were awake by 6.30. Managed to get the 7.50 ferry (delayed due to industrial action by the French) still not knowing quite where we were going as weather in Europe is unsettled. Some parts of Germany had cars washed...
Day 4 - Eastbourne to Dover
Morning coffee with a sunny sea view then s tocked up on food (last time in a UK supermarket). Took the slow road to Dover hugging the coastline via Hastings, the vineyards near Winchelsea, Rye, Camber Sands and a very bleak Dungeness where we had a short walk - places we're curious to see. Parked u...
Day 3 - Seven Sisters Country Park
Departed the New Forest at 9am and drove to the Seven Sisters Country Park between Brighton and Eastbourne. Spent the afternoon walking 8 challenging miles of cliff path from Exceat to Eastbourne passing the Birling Gap and Beachy Head. Spitfires and by-planes were flying overhead - presumably getti...
Day 2 - Lyndhurst
Morning spent sorting more things we'd thrown in the motorhome yesterday. Need to figure out a tidy way of setting up our new air fryer, Vango hob and the various other appliances which come out when we're connected to an electric hook up (saving gas reserves for when we're wild camping). Found a yo...
Day 1 - Swindon to Brockenhurst
A 4am start getting the last of the house tidied and mopped. Cats already despatched to Bristol, beehive despatched to Wroughton. Three solid weeks of cleaning and house is ready for the 3 American interns and our permanent home is now on four wheels!. Left at 8.30 then a brief visit to babcia to sa...