September Update 2009

1. Guard soldier at Brivbas Pierminelkyi Monument - Riga Latvia
2. Sunset at Lake Mundsee, Czech Republic view from Hugo at the camp
3. Prague castle & St. Vitus cathedral, Prague Czech Republic
4. Four frauleins out to create mayhem at Oktoberfest Munich
5. Table full of Kiwi & Aussie revellers in the Hofbrauhaus - Oktoberfest Munich
6. Briar & MC in full swing at the Hofbrauhaus - Oktoberfest Munich
7. Briar in the Nymphenburg Schloss Gartens - Munich Germany
8. Briar & MC in Cesky Krumlov town - Czech Republic
9. The Coal cranes on entry to Riga port - Latvia
10. Briar & MC at Trakai castle - near Vilnius - Lithuania
11. The gate guards window outlook over Ausczwhitz-Birkenau
concentration camp & inbound rail line near Krakow - Poland
12. Briar & MC at the Hill of Crosses - Siauliai Lithuania


September Update 2009

After it got to chilly to sit up on the sundeck and watch the hundreds of islands of the Stockholm Archepelago pass the Romantika by – some within 50 metres of this 9 storey high ferry/ship, full compliments to the captaino, we headed back to our cabin for a bit of chill time and catch some BBC news before heading to the next deck up for something to comer (eat). Had three restaurants and two cafés to choose from – almost like being on a cruise. We chose the buffet – which gave us too many choices to choose from of course – it was also the most cost efficient in my reckoning – my stomach had the major say I think. But as would expect plenty of hot & cold dishes and many off the local fare (both Swedish & Latvian) – plenty of seafood as one would expect and I certainly had my share of both smoke cured salmon and several types of caviar and not afraid to say the desert table also got a hammering. (a serious case of no longer smoking…)
The on board entertainment was also hard case – had karaoke at the bar at one end and a Abba like stage show at the other. We chose the karaoke for some entertainment and we got it in English,Swedish and Latvian. After an hour of laughter we headed back to our cabin – had a sea view cabin – but one could see little of the Baltic sea as we ventured on through the sea night darkness. Watched a bit of telly before drifting off to sleep with the gentle roll of the sea & the constant deep humm of the engines.
Awoke the next morning to cloudy skies with patches of blue – also awoke an hour later than thought because of the time zones – so both showered quickishly and headed to the buffet restaurant for brekkie – where once again were presented with many dishes of local fare for breakfast and some rather unusual dishes as well. Fried crumbed broccoli ? cold salted herring ? Marinated baby octopus . hhmmm!
After brekkie back to the cabin where we packed up ready to go – then back up to the top deck to get our first glimpses of the Eastern Block, as we cruised past the coast and then on into the river Daugava toward our destination Riga which is about 5/6 km’s up river one got the sense almost immediately of being in Eastern bloc territory – the Russia of Olde.
The old river houses, jetties and many old derelict buildings all old unrepaired, stark and Russian grayish in appearance and then a massive area for unloading coal – about 2 dozen cranes along the rivers edge for unloading ships into stockpiles for big trucks to deliver to a nearby power station perhaps. All the way along almost everything looked aged, tired or unused – as we neared our wharf for docking at – one could see in the city of Riga itself many church spires and also a couple of very modern tower blocks and a very modern suspended bridge – the one we drove over to our camp after unloading was a different story. Well wasn’t long before we had to head back down to the vehicle decks sfter docking, and we had around a twenty minute wait before unloading – we thought border security but as we drove along the wharf to get to the main rd out – we gathered the hold–up to be traffic lights only, once again no border checks – did pass a couple police as we drove out who did give us the once over look – in fact I don’t think anyone got stopped – we were both sure this time we would finally have to have the passports looked at – but no. Some not all of the eastern block countries are part of the EU – so no border control – if we had ventured into Kallingrad that may have been a different story.
Still found a park close by and stayed on guard whilst Briar went looking for a ATM machine to get us some Latvian currency – Kroner. Decided to head straight for our camp stop as it was only a 20 minute walk back into the Old town part of Riga from the campsite – found it eventually – more like a Campervan – aire de Stationment than a campground –it was also on an island in the middle of the river Daugava – but very close to the City – good enough for us. Set Hugo up and ventured back across the bridge I mentioned earlier – the not so modern one – shades of Russian construction here man – the entire thing was made from steel which had not even been galvanised – fortunately they had the good sense to build the pylons into the river outta concrete . There was healthy evidence of rust everywhere from the steel girders/beams to the wire rope staunchions, guardrails and handrails even. It almost made ya want to run across – let alone drive across to get to the other side quickly just in case it fell apart – did I mention that it was also four lanes across and probably Riga’s most busiest bridge. As you guessed we got to the other side or I wouldn’t be sharing this with you now would I.
Very interesting little city – although the biggest and the capital of Latvia – bout the size of Wellington – had several grand cathedrals and churches – Interesting cobbled backstreets and lanes – quite similar styles of architecture to a lot of other European cities but with less glam or bling maybe, but plenty of dull Russian flair. Did the usual wander around the olde town part for a few hours found a café for a coffee and some local fare – potato pancakes – not bad. Did abit more wandering through the main park before heading back across the dodgy bridge and calling in at the supermarket down the road from the campground. Had one of the most impressive salad counters we’ve seen so far in Europe – stocked up on a few items back to base camp. Made it back with a few minutes to spare before a shower came over, it did pass on. Had an interesting conversation with a Spanish couple well travelled, he could speak enough English.
The ususal BBQ dinner, Dvd and bed but not before a steaming hot shower, great.
Latvia decided to turn it on for us with a buonissimo morning next day, after brekkie hit the trail and headed north of Riga into the Gauja National Park – to Sigulda – only a 70 k drive for us not too far. The main motorway north east was two-laned and almost in a straight line – probably designed for easy tank access from Moscow and by the way the ruts in the tarsealed road from trucks were – you would almost think tanks had been on it recently as well – in some parts the ruts were at 4/5 inches deep – saw a bit of this in Italy – sign of things to come here in the eastern bloc. Did a bit of sightseeing in the Turaida reserve – Turaida castle and church – had some interesting stone sculptures in the park grounds- didn’t do the cable car across the gauja river to Krimulda castle – but did go have a look at the ruins of Sigulda castle and some more park wandering – camped across from a bobsled/ski come downhill track right next to the Gauja river – $12.00 Latvian for the night – had hard case kitchen and toilet facilities & electricity – shower stall in the kitchen with a doorway to a sauna off the kitchen – then thru the next door enough space for a table, two chairs and an enormous fireplace - had a bbq dinner – so all good. Real mixture of nationalities at the campsite – only one other campervan besides us and several tenters.
The weather again the following day was superb for travelling the deep rutted roads of Latvia – even the secondary roads were rutted. The usual 3 x S’s and brekkie – did a quick supermarket stop and then Lithuanian bound today and the infamous Hill of Crosses near Siauliai – the countryside we passed in Latvia was noticeably the most unused land in Europe so far – god knows what there major income is, had around a 200 k drive first across another border which in earlier days looked quite intimidating to cross – but once again a few Policia in tinted glassed cars – but no one stopping anyone. Once across, the roads also suddenly got better and noticeably the countryside also well cultivated again – no wonder Latvia has repeatedly being refused to become part of the Euro dollar zone but Lithuania I expect will become part of it very soon. They were once a very dominate empire back in the 15th century but were overrun by their bigger neighbouring countries but nowadays have come back strongly ecomomy wise. Arrived at the Hill of Crosses around 1.30 ish – had a couple filled rolls to munch on before doing the pilgrimage to the hill. The pilgrimage is about a 600 metre walk from where we were parked, amongst several other campers and tour buses. The hill is sought of just stuck out in the middle of some fields – in fact whilst we were there, there was a couple of massive harvesters mowing down barley or wheat in the fields across the road as we visited. Had a very good info. centre near the parking lot. We managed to time the pilgrimage with a couple of busloads of Lithuanian tourists – an amazing sight both near and from afar– but very touristy unfortunately these days. Did the wander around, through and over some of the narrow paths thru the maze of thousands upon thousands of wooden crosses – some old and some recent. Even Pope Paul had visited a year or two back and had left the biggest cross in the middle of them all of course. After several more piccies time to get back to Hugo and hit the trail again – needed to stop somewhere to get a few Lituanian kroner before stopping at our next campsite.
Stopped at some town on the A12 before arriving in Kelme where we had to venture off onto one off the secondary country roads which were suprising in good nick to our campsite which was near Segulda Lake – didn’t have a lake edge site but did have the campervan part and the toilet block all to ourselves - $30.00 Lithuanian kroner ($8.00 euro) – bargain. Very peaceful camp with many cabins and a big restaurant & café. We didn’t patronise either preferring the Barbie for tea and cups a tea and chilling in the late afternoon sun and warmth with a book. Did have a wander along the lake edge for a bit – couple a piccies and fed some swans with some stale bread. The morning wasn’t quite as good as the previous day and once on the road and heading down the A1 into Vilnius it became greyer and greyer – stopped at a massive Maxima supermarket outside Vilnius – one of the busiest supermarkets we’ve been in so far, plenty of fresh fruit, veggies and once again a comprehensive salad counter for Briar. We found our campsite in an Exhibition centre parking lot converted into a campervan stop during the summer months – handiest to the city centre. Had very good facilities and for $70.00 kroner.
Parked next a Irish camper – had a bite to eat – one of the biggest rotisseried chickens bought so far ( $12.00 kroner - $3.00 euro) and beautifully moist. Locked the van up packed the brolleys and caught the no.3 into central Vilnius – all the olde charm again one would expect of a 13th century eastern bloc city – relatively untouched by European wars over the centuries, a myriad of cobbled backstreets and baroque churches everywhere dotted amongst some grande Prussian style architecture. We followed the tourist trail firstly through the Gates of Dawn (only one left) where we saw weddings no’s 1 & 2 happening then strolled down the Vartu gatve cobbled street – with the usual souvenir and tourist shops – Lithuania has one of the biggest amber deposits in the world – so off course their were also many stalls with amber jewellery all the way long – stopped for a piccie off St.Casimir’s Chapel , then St.Teresa’s Church, Holy Trinity Church, The Rathuses Aikste (town hall) then onto the main Vilnius Cathedral and Royal Palace. Then we headed up to the Gediminas Tower via the funicular tram, which gave us a panoramic view between the drizzly showers over Vilnus. Then wandered further up another blocked off street where they had put temporary basketball courts – no.1 sport in Lituhania. The street almost reminded me off a back street in Paris. Stopped for some dinner at a sidewalk café – had excellent pizza and coffee.
During our wander we encountered 9 wedding parties all up, being a Saturday maybe. The drizzle never let up – we also got checked by a bus inspector – almost our first in Europe and hardly someone you would expect – an old lady in her early sixties. Settled in for the night with a Dvd and book for Briar after doing some wifi and a skpe to Carolyn & Rhys. Did rain some more during the night but woke to a reasonably fine morning – bit of a late start – did some more wifiing before we left. Had short drive out to an old castle on an island in the middle off a lake – very typical over here – Trakai castle , also very touristy as we found out – but hey well worth the visit as most things in Lithuania are rather cheap , paid the entry fee and had a good hour and a half wander around – Briar also had a shot at old style bow and arrow archery – even hit the target several times – on ya girl. The castle was very picturesque in its setting – there had been major renovation and restoration to get it back to its former glory – but one could also see much off the old original stonework. The museum part had an amazing array of curios and collections from previous tenants no doubt – fascinating pipe and plate collection. Many pieces from Asia – South Americas & Afrikans – perhaps well travelled tenants also. Stayed at a nice camp on opposite side of Lake Trakai – gave views back over the castle. Must have been another wedding going on – lotsa celebrations at the restaurant part of the campground. Ran into another aussie couple doing the Europe tour similar to us, shared a few stories. Had a Barbie for tea – nice & warm . did however get a light shower during the night – but back to a nice fine morning as we parted.
Couple days of long travel and many k’s involved – did stop in a campsite – only ones there – Stare Jucy off the beaten track summer town just over the Poland border sought off. Stopped at a shopping centre in Marijampo – tried some over the local fare – dumplings – OK – Briar had something similar – more like Ravioli . Had to put couple things back as we overspent on the monies – but only had a couple Lithuanian kroners left . More rolling countryside with fields of the usual grains we’ve seen throughout Europe – no wonder bread is such a staple of the Europen diet. Did stop in a town called Suwatki for Briar to get a couple of snaps of some very colourful apartments their.
Once again across the border into Poland a couple of Polizia cars watching and only one female Polizia standing on the tarmac watching people go by. Looked as though it would have been a heavy crossing back in its day – had several checkpoints one would have had to pass through once upon a time. Rather weird camp at Stare Jucy – facilities OK – not suitable for campervanners really – manouverability very limited and very shady – hardly any sunlight at all – had a 4* rating as well. Still did the usual Barbie deal for dinner and had the showers to ourselves. Woke to another stunning day next morning – the ususal 3 x S’s brekkie and even opened the gate ourselves as we headed out early – another long day of travel ahead. Had been warned by the aussie couple we had a chat with at Trakai campground in Lithuania about the bad roads in Poland – with rutted tarmac from massive truck use and yes there was evidence – it wasn’t that bad – thought Latvian and Italian roads were worse by far. Had a reasonable drive – mostly on the motorway apart from our beginning 50 k’s or so. Stopped for lunch at a roadside diner – Burgers and frittes for $ 4.00 euros each – as good as Macca’s I thought. The countryside again flat lowlands with forests – more fields of grains either cropped – or dry and waiting to be cropped.
Headed straight to our campsite destination in Warsaw, had a longwinded old single lane road with shitloads of traffic on it – booked in around mid arvo – did a load of washing and spent the arvo chilling in the sun – the campground wasn’t very full – small in comparison to most we have stayed in – new toilet facilities – had a restaurant and free internet use ( although rather pedestrian access to the net) reminded of days before broadband. Had excellent kitchen facility which we used to cook our pasta for dinner. Snuggled in for the night with a Dvd and a book for Briar of course – did have long hot showers before hand. The weather again turned it on for our bus ride into the city – had a bus ride followed by a tram ride to get into the centre – where we had another bus ride to get the Old town. Very impressive part of Warsaw – many olde buildings, monuments , castle and palace of course – ran into a kiwi couple in a souvenir shop. Stopped for a bite in a traditional polish restaurant – I had polish soup in a bread bun followed by dumplings – Briar had rabbit food – a chicken salad – on ya girl, watch the waistline, God I love being a bloke.
From their we caught another tram to the Pawaik prison – amazing but pretty sad stuff – during the Nazi Occupation of course – also walked past the Monument to the Warsaw Rising and the Jewish ghetto – which nothing remains except the plaques and visible reminder lines of where the outer walls of the ghetto once stood. From there we took an elevator ride up to the top of the Palace of Culture & Science (a gifted building by the Russians who also had occupied Poland in the latter years). From the top which is Polands tallest building one got need I say spectacular panoramic views over Warsaw.
We then moved onto the Warsaw Rising Museum – again another stirring account of the insurrection of the Polish people & Warsaw and the almost total destruction of the city by the Nazi’s. A very well done museum telling the story.(a heart deep loud beat was the only sound effect in dimmed surroundings and artefacts from the sad days). At around 6pm we had both had enough of sightseeing caught three trams and a bus home to Hugo – Had dinner at the restaurant inda camp – pretty average . Watched some TV onda big screen before heading off for showers and bed – pretty knackered.
Up and at it again – our flying visit to Warsaw – back on the road early and big day heading south to Krakow - the motorway between Warsaw and Krakow – pretty good most of the way – doing lotsa improvements – massive pedestrian bridges out in the middle of knowhere being built leading to god knows where or who. Many fields along the way had been divided into long and narrow plots – with varying crops.
Briars turn
Stopped for lunch at a roadside diner – Hungarian goulash and potato pancakes for $ 6.00 euros each – hearty and appetizing – had lotsa travellers and truckies as well as Polizia eating there – so must be good. On the road again the countryside very much rolling lowlands and hills – the towns we passed through very communist looking in appearance – certainly remnants of a bland, mundane and difficult past.
Pulled into Krakow around 4pm – found the first choice of camp not to our lking so heade out to another campground – but not before we stopped for a few provisions at a Tesco hypermarket on the way. Briar did a shop whilst I rode shotgun in Hugo inda carpark – glad I did as there were a few seedy lookin characters hanging around the carpark – which was fairly busy with both people and cars coming and going. Still booked into camp and ended up parking next to a GB campervan but with NZ stickers on it. We settled in and our neighbours showed up an hour or so later – ended up havin a good olde chin wag with them over a couple beers and vino’s. Fred & Avis Steed – Fred had at one stage lived in Ruawai – knew some of the Clan . So Briar & Fred had lots to talk about. Got dark before we decided to all do something about dinner – cooked ours down inda camp kitchen where we had another chinwag to a dutch couple who had been to NZ only a year ago.
Finally ate around 9.30pm and ended up washing our dishes inda camp kitchen with our new found Kiwi friends. Had time for a Dvd before drifting off into lala land. The grotty weather hung around in spasmic showers during the night and wasn’t much better following morning. Doesn’t deter a couple experienced and hardened touros like us, just took our umbrellas along – caught the bus into the tram station where we caught a tram smack into the middle of old town Krakow. As we headed into town on the tram we passed Wavel Castle which when we got off the tram – made a beeline for first. Did the State rooms tour/ Wavel Cathedral (impressive as any so far) and the Dragons Den – did stop for a coffee at some stage – majority of the complex built in the 13/14th centuries.
Fortunately we only got the umbrella’s out once to use and it stayed away for the rest of the day. Then wandered into the Rynek Glowny ( main market) square – which is approx. 200m x 200m. The old Cloth Hall sits in the centre and a belfry tower to its right and the equally impressive St. Marys church to the left – which houses the biggest and best Altarpiece in all Poland. Did a stroll thru the Jewish quarter – but lookin abit run down and tired . back at camp around 4pm did a bit of Wifi-ing and then shared some more conversation,stories and Pizza with our NZ camp neighbours – there van is a small one so came and ate in ours – good company for all.
Bid our kiwi friends goodbye as we pulled out the next morning again in cloudy , gloomy weather – a small drive out to Auscwhitz , where the weather began to clear when we pulled in. Did the full tour – movie first, then a guided tour through the original and first part of Auscwhitz – before catchin a bus to Auscwhitz-Birkenau camp – where the real genocide activities took place. Found it all rather intriguing & enlightning as opposed to surreal and unnerving. Our polish guide gave us the lowdown without being to one sided and really just presented us with the bare truth and facts. You do however come away thinking how it is possible that one human being could do this to another, the Birkenau camp was huge – with an area for expansion which was never completed. The railway line came right up to almost the
Gas chambers and crematorium’s. After seeing several related sights,monuments and museums through Europe, seeing it physically it pieced it all together really. Both glad we came and saw.
Back at the car park we ran into 4/5 van loads of kiwis doing the van tour , stopped for a bit – had a chat, told them of a good camp in Krakow we had just stayed at. There next destination. We carried on to Katowice had a campground near – nice camp with good facilities – but was near a busy motorway intersection.
The sun boomed in all its morning magnificience as we headed southwest the next morning towards the town of Kutna Hora in the Czech republic- yes country no. 18 or 19 – losing count. Did stop for a bite near the border where we filled up with diesel and swapped over the last of our polish zloty for Czech crowns. Diesel prices back to more realistic prices 0.96c like down in Spain and Portugal.
Kutna Hora is famous for two things – a silver mining town from back in the 14th century and the Sedlec Kostnice – a chapel crypt fulled with around 40,000 bones ( human of course) the bones have been arranged to form pyramids, garlands a chandelier and even a coat of arms. – weird stuff – but shear bliss to the Goths of the world. Did the visit and then a circumnavigate around the town before heading up to a camp for the night. Nice camp with free Wifi and a bar with really good CHEAP beer.
Had a brand new kitchen and toilet facility – good stuff – we only had to share it with one german couple and a dutch couple.
The weather again turned it on as we headed outta Kutna Hora for Prague – only had a short drive – which turned into a longer drive through some nice countryside until we hit the outer ring road of Prague – then it became a crawl several times – so glad we aren’t truckies – they are only allowed in one lane and the queue we passed went for 15 – 16 km’s or so. Bugger that.
We found our first campsite wanted to check out first – had communal showers in both the girls and boys – like the rugby club showers – all in . Hardcase – first showers we’ve seen like that – although it was nice and close and there were many other campervanners there ( Italian mostly) we carried onto choice no.2 at Troja. Had to drive smack throughthe middle of town, once again bumper to bumper – but once out the other side – got to our destination fairly quick. Passed several campgrounds all along – our one happened to be the furthest down the road and the furthest from the tram stop. Still booked in – 2 other campers like ours there – the rest were full of van tour vans like we saw at Auscwhitz – in fact the same ones pulled in later on. Gonna be a noisy camp later we figured. Had a can of Kartofflen suppe for lunch after we set Hugo up and then headed into town – a 500 metre walk to the tram stop – where we caught the no.14 into Prague central. Got off somewhere in the middle of Stare Mestro , first stop Info. centre . which we found after a few wrong turns. (easy to do in Prague)
Once armed with a city map and some pamphlets on what, where and when in Prague. We tagged onto one of the free tours we came across – which we both enjoyed – did stop for a beer and ended up chatting to another young Ozzie chap doin a tour on his own. Our tour guide happened to be a Kiwi dude married and living in Prague for last 8 years. Very informative tour – stopped also for some dinner in town – found a nice restaurant where we both sampled some of the traditional and local fare.
Headed back to camp around 9.00pm snuck into our camper without being spotted. We said we’d stop in for a drink with the five kiwi van tour group, both too tired – but they certainly made a lot of noise for most of the night – half did however head into town around midnight – so quietened down after that. Both slept well.
Woke to another brilliantly clear and sunny day – camp toilet facilities and noisy camp a bit below par – so decided to book into a nice one spotted closer to the tram spot – really somebodies back yard turned into campervan campstop. Much nicer toilet facilties – had a decent kitchen to use and only had enough space for around 12-15 campers so a lot quieter. God where getting old.
Once checked out and checked in we took the Tram 14 into town again – previously decided to do the bike tour as we enjoy them so much – fortunately for us only two in the group so had our own personal guide. Also very informative tour/ guide and being polish a slightly different perspective to our kiwi chap the previous day. Did cover some of the same sights but also went across the river Vltava to Mala Strana for some different ones as well. Stopped for a bite near St. Wenceslas square – yummy pasta dish of the day. Both enjoying the grandeur and splendid renaissance architecture and the genral vibe of Prague – even if it is hugely touristy. Did some more strolling before catchin a tram across to Mala Strana again where we caught the funicular tram up to the top of Petrin Hill. Where we climbed up the Rosenturm ( steel tower similar to the Eiffel but much less scale of course) – 200 steps later we had the olde stunningly panoramic views across the whole of Prague. The ususal snappies – Briar didn’t hang around to long up there – as this tower tended to sway a bit – and there was hardly any wind to talk about. Can only imagine when it is windy it would be pretty scary bein up there. Well worth the climb.
Back to camp we shared some more banter and wines with a german chap and an irish couple whilst cooking tea in the camp kitchen. Best place to run into and chat away to strangers the olde camp kitchen. The alchies managed to knock of 3 bottles of red.
Can’t believe our luck with the weather – another stunning day for our visit to Prague’s most visited sight – The Prague Castle – a phenomenally looking fortress perched high up on its own hill. Did the walk around and the St.Vitnus Cathedral – rank as the most impressive besides Chartres and Notre Dam in Paris – the leadlighting was amazing. Watched the changing of the guard and coffeed in the Headcanske Namesti museum before doing some more strolling through the Royal gardens before finding a park bench – where stopped to eat our filled rolls. Headed back to camp around 3pm. Did some updating and had early dinner before catchin the no.17 tram to the Vitaviska sight of a world expo gone by to watch the famous Kruzikova Fountains (singing fountains)– where at night under coloured lights the fountains dance to music (as well as well choreagraphed ballet takes place). Ironically it was about the Little Mermaid – a historic sight and story we had been told about in Copenhagen. Both enjoyed the show.
Awoke to another sunny day to farewell Prague and our new Irish couple who were also on there way. Glad to have been heading outta Prague’s clogged motorway’s and took a secondary highway toward Cesky Budjevoce – where the first pilsener beer was invented and consequently is still made today. We bypassed it and made our way to Cesky Krumlov- a fab little village tucked away in a valley on the Vtava river again. The whole town is overlooked by Cesky Krumlov castle which is built on a rock cliff face – had an awesome tower for the views and also had a bear pit now at the entrance where once would have been a moat. Smelly creatures with a unique smell for sure. Everything seems to cruise along here at a very relaxed pace , stopped for a pizza next to the river. Later on we tried some Trdlnck a Czech scone speciality which is a scone cooked on a heated cylinder and then rolled in cinnamon – rather yummy it was. We were told to try it by another campervanner. Did some more back lane and cobbled street strolling before back to Hugo and then out to our Campground at Horni Plana on Lake Murren (nothing much horny about this place) .
Had absolute waterfront site amongst a crowd of Dutch caravan club campers. Took some awesome afternoon /sunset snappies – booked in for 2 nights – so could get some laundry done – camp day tmoro – yeaaayyyy – both lookin forward to just chilling. Have started reading a novel – nobody laugh now. You did laugh didn’t you. Only a few yachts on the lake sailing – no power boats. Did a couple loads of washing and hung for the evening. Very quiet and peaceful stop – great spot for a Barbie and a couple vino’s of course. Good sanitary facilities – both showered and read before bedtime. The following morning however was a different kettle of fish – cloudy and windy, no rain thank goodness or during the night – did hear the wind pick up a bit. So did a bit more reading and chilling and keeping an eye on the weather – raindrops on Hugo’s roof are a great telltale sign – had the odd minuscule drizzle a couple times – but nothing serious – so managed to get our washing dry enough. Nothing much to report on this day as we did mostly reading – watched a couple Dvd’s – ate and rested some more.
Probably a good thing for my ankle as I slipped on a dewy grass bank the night before and kinda sprained it, so having that up to allow the swelling to come down – a good thing. The next morning wasn’t much better as we checked out and headed along the lake’s edge for 20 or so k’s. Then a bit through the Naroon national park – stopped at Klatovy for lunch and to use up the rest of Czech crown’s – both feasted on a pizza and an ale each to wash it down – all for only $11.00 euro’s. damn good pizza also.
The pizzeria was in the middle of a large central town plaza with the cathedral as in most towns in Europe – another wedding happening. A few tourists but not too many – good. About 30k’s later back across the border and back into Deutschland again for the third time.The weather had also turned for the better as we crossed the border, had previously researched a campground on a man –made Lake near Wackersdorf ( great name huh) about 30 k’s north of Regensburg.
Once again a lakefront spot for the night – top notch sanitary facilities and great evening for another Barbie – did cool off a bit later once the sun went down- getting earlier weve noticed – around the 7.30-8.00 pm mark. Hit the road pretty early next morning – did the full campervan service scenario for Hugo and hit the road to Regensburg. Stopped in Regensburg at a close to centre parking spot – locked Hugo up securely and headed into the olde part. Has a massive St.Peters domkirche which dominates the skyline, did the usual peekaboo along with hundreds of other tourists– the Altes rathaus nearby and the olde concrete bridge which spans across the Danube – watched a cruise canal boat go through a locke .
Being a Sunday everything closed – so streets/lanes etc rather empty – but that changed after lunch when all the shops opened. Strolled across the bridge and back past the Historiche Wurstkuche – smoking furiously away – well the griller was – cooking up the famous Nuremburg sausages ( slightly spicier than most wursts in germany) being doin here for centuries – would have stopped for a tasting but the several long queue’s swayed our interest or should I say appetite. Did stop for a bite at a Nordsee diner ( Norwegian – serving seafood of course from the North seas) have seen them throughout Scandanvia and Germany. Did spot one in Prague as well. Even the poms do a better fish and chips and they are several rungs down the ladder behind us. Kept the worms happy at least. After lunch back to Hugo and headed into Munich under clear blue sunny skies – did look around for a supermarket – but everything here shut being a Sunday. Found the infamous Thalkirchen campground without too much fuss. Right next to the river Isar maybe? When we found our site – which was
right next to the river – there were several wooden rafts (huge logs, without theit bark wired together, and were dismantled back to logs after their river run right opposite our camping spot – really interesting to see) floating by …loaded with oompa bands playing and people singing – havin a good old time – sign of things to come perhaps ?
After parking the camper – did a quick sortie of the whole camp and facilities to check out the most advantageous spot for us once the riffraff arrived in a 3-4 days time to do the prelim little own the real mackoy once the beerfest officially started.
Not too many busloads of lariken ozzies and kiwis in so far – more the tour guides and staff setting up and preparing for the onslaught. Happy enough where we are. Wandered down and did a bit of wifiing – before havin a beer at campground bar. Had a plate chips with a Lowenbrau – obviously the preferred choice at this campground and whoever visits and stays here ( aussies and kiwis).
Did have a toasted sanger back at Hugo before a Dvd , shower and bed. Wettish overcast day for touring in Munchen a bit of a reconnoitre before the troops arrived. Took the U Bahn into the Marienplatz – arrived at the Glockenspiel at 11.00am in time for the show – overrated for sure. Slightly better than Prague – Briar found a spot to get her hair done (another hair cut where neither the stylist or I spoke the same language but SUPA is the word they use and I can’t mistake that one!!) and I went for a walk up a local church tore (tower ) for an overview of the city and took some snappies. Met Briar back after hair done and then had a bite to eat at the most impressive buffet seen in Europe so far.The extroadinary choice made it almost impossible to decide what to choose. Brilliant.
Headed back to camp – shared some ales with the crews of Top Deck and Contiki at the campground bar – barbied tea . Drifted off to sleep with the sounds of the river – calm before the storm as they say.
The weather next day had turned for the better – sunny , warm and blue skies over.
Shuttle bused to the metro – onto the U-bahn back into Munchen – made our way via trams out to Nymphenburg Schloss the royals very impressive summer palace. Did the usual free stuff and wandering snapping away. Had a coffee at a local café near the tram stop onda way in. Magnificient symmetrical gardens and ponds interspersed with gardens – monuments/statues and fountains – the palace entrance could be reached by two roads either side of a canal which was around 1.5 km’s in length. Had a central pond which had several guesthouses and stables in a circle around the pond as you reached the main palace entrance which of course had two sets of grandiose and extravagant stairs up to the even more opulent Balcony where one then entered a opulent Gold and white three storey high ballroom. The golden age must have surely been a surreal time to have lived – especially if you had money and status.
Trammed back into town, did a bit of a walk down the shopping district before doing a walk through the famous Hofbrauhaus in downtown Munich – it was the first place where Hitler launched his Nazi party back in the day. Can hold up to 3000 people eating and drinking – massive place built over three levels and a garden bar also. Then caught another tram out to the Englischer Gartens west of the city centre. Did some more strolling through this maasive park – came across the Chinese Pavilion where had a big biergarten ( Hofbrau of course) – so we stopped for a Stein and a pork knuckle as we basked inda arvo sun. Very relaxing and well patronised by the locals. Saw the Hofbrau haus Clydesdales and bierwagon. Trammed back into town – did some wifiing at a internet café – then trained back out Thalkirchen – did a shop at the local supermarket – and met the first of the troops to arrive – Charlie and Hannah & Elly their hire car, gave us a ride back to camp.
Vinoed and anti-pastoed then barbied the night away – lots to catch up on – as ya do. Ma & I went to bed around midnight – girls partied on down at the campground bar. Everyone a little worse for wear next morning so had a camp day really – picked up Ames from airport – she had been up all night almost - did another shop – bit of washing – chill day – constant stream of youngies , backpackers pouring into the campground. The back part of the campground now just a blurr of two person tents – packed in so tightly hardly any room to walk in between them. Barbied again for dinner – easier night as Monastery visit day tmoro- an absolute must according to Chaz and Ames.
The noise level at the campground bar certainly picked up a few decibels and longer into the wee hours. The toilet blocks also getting a caning now. If ya want hot water in ya shower ya have to get on before 7.30am or ya miss out for the day. The next morning turned into a wet showery day for our visit up the hill to the Andechs monastery where the monks brew their own brand of bier. Caught the PP travel bus around 11.00am – about an hours drive to the monastery – trapsed up the hill to a massive indoor / outdoor biergarten covered with huge shadz – huge no. of locals as well as the busloads and van tour loads of aussies and kiwis who congregate here on the annual pilgrimage as one does.
Scored our steins and massive pork knuckles ( sold by kg weight) and kartoffensalat.
Probably the best knuckle ever – the crackling absolutely amazing. After we all downed our knuckles and first stein – the whole place got noisier and obviously louder where the constant sound of prosts and beer steins clanging together became almost a blurr – the place was packed – we shared a table with some young german locals who actually normally worked at the bar and restaurant – but who had taken this day off on pupose to enjoy the whole atmosphere of foreigners partying and getting blind drunk. Ames got so cherry she smashed her stein with another reveller and was politely escorted out. Fortunately it was around the time our busload was due to go back to camp anyhows – I tell ya what after 4/5 steins of naturally brewed lager – one for sure gets a glow on – The girls and I carried on the blurred festivities on into the morning – Briar the old girl couldn’t hack the pace and retired early. Probably the sensible thing as most of us were all scowly bears with sore heads the next morn and arvo for some who surfaced late. The campervan reaked of beer and farts I’ll tell ya. (and I could sit outside reading and feel most righteous for once)
Briar , Amy and I did the BMW Welt and Olympiastadion park sightseeing thing whilst the other girls slept. BMW welt a building in similiarity to Guggenheim museum – very impressive – had a BMW trail bike rider doin his stuff through the building up the stairs and all. Very similar environmentally conscious stuff like the VW autostadt welt in Wolfsburg – impressive static and interactive displays . The interior of the building was as equally impressive as the exterior. – Glass, aluminium and titanium everywhere.
Olympiastadion also very impressive – massive complex set in its own parklike surroundings. The 1972 olympics were held here. Metroed back to camp- Spaghetti bog for dinner – earliesh night with a Dvd before crashing. The noise level at the campground bar had again gone up several more notches – thank god for earplugs. We were all up with the sparrows to shower , brekkie and train into the Oktoberfest grounds for the opening ceremonies and to get into the queue at the Hofbrauhaus – the biggest bierhall in the Oktoberfest grounds. Massive queues even at 9.00am inda morning – the official opening of the first keg ceremony didn’t happen to midday before one could even get a bier. Still when in Munchen do as the foreigners (aussies & kiwis ) do.
By the time we got inside the massive bier hall – most of the tables – apart from the reserved tables had been snapped up. Queued up for an hour even to get a pretzel & 7up fizzy drink to pass the time away – Chaz managed to find a spare reserved table upstairs – but lost the crew amongst the crowd – did a couple of laps of the bier hall lookin for them , then watched the taping of the keg opening ceremony – then hung by the loos where Briar found me an hour or so later – back at the table where we had to wait around another hour or so before we got our first stein – shared the table with some fellow compatriots from down under – friends of Chaz’s.
By the time we were guzzling our first stein the ein prosit – ein prosit chant was on about its 12th time – the band in the hall does the chant everytime a thousand litres of bier is poured. That’s a thousand steins – so inda first hour – 12 thousand had been poured – not a bad effort – the band played a mix of good olde fashioned bier hall musivc – mixed with some traditional german folk songs. They also played to the very much pro – aussie/kiwi crowd who dominated the pig pen and lower floor – after a couple more steins and a feed on a half rotisseried chook (delicioso) we did the old wander out amongst the main hall and then out into the beerfest parkgrounds – tried to get into the Augustiner bierhall – gave up after waiting another half hour or so. Decided to head back to camp early – get a beer back there – did the oldie thing cuppa tea and then hit the sack. The noise level again even another couple decibels louder again – on entry and staying at campground had to sign a notice to say that would put up with the noise levels no matter what they reached.
First campground in Europe had to do this so far – can now understand why. The place was rocking – had the music blaring – and people talking or more like yelling over the music – did go for a pee – no sign of puke yet – but toilet very smelly.
Up again for a 7.00am hot shower – feeling pretty good – Ames joined mum and I – caught the metro into town for the Oktoberfest street parade – a very elaborate and long parade – mostly of the regions of Germany represented in their traditional dress.
Noticeably a lot of the locals and german people wearing the traditional drindels for the ladies and lederhousen for the blokes – many horse and cow teams pulling big display wagons – also many horse and carriages immacutely done up – 60 different regions represented passed by over 2hours of parade – Ames had to leave to meet her boyfried Adam – who was also coming to spend a few days with us.
Met up with them later in front of the Glockenspiel – Adam needed a beer so went for a feed at the Hofbrauhaus – dined on Pork roast/ sausages – wurst / cabbage/ kartoffel etc. – good old traditional german fare. Back out to camp to drop of Adams gear then chilled for awhile – headed back into town for dinner at a Indian restaurant – Rhys 21st birthday – toasted him (in absence) as we bogged into Rogan Josh, Korma’s and tandoori’s. Very good feed and priced well also.
Back at the camp the partying again in full swing – even some fireworks going off nearby - we all have got earplugs now.
Woke the next morning feeling pretty good , slowish start , did some grocery shopping for a few essentials – back to the Oktoberfest for the last time – met Ames ,Adam and girls for a stein and half a chook again at Lowenbrau bierhall- then Briar & myself did the full walk around the fairgrounds – did a couple of rides – even coaxed Briar onto the Olympic rings rollercoaster – wild stuff – on ya girl.
Lotsa stalls selling all soughts of Oktoberfest souvenir crap – food stalls everywhere and wonderfully smelling nuts stalls – they coat nuts with a chocolate-cinnamon type coating – it smells divine – didn’t taste any – should have in hindsight. Another big thing here is stalls exclusively selling varying chocolate covered fruit on sticks. Didn’t tatse any of those either – also should have in hindsight. Met the crew back at the Hofbrau haus later on for a few more steins and a bit of good old revellery and singing amongst the thousands . The smoky haze in the hall almost knocked ya out let alone the bier. Partied for quite a while before venturing out into the night sky – picked up a couple of t’s for Briar & me. Home around midnight – the girls well Chaz partied on till 4am. Guess who not feelin so good next day. Let me guess – Chaz.
Last day in Munich today, the sun was warm and the skies were clear , buonisimo weather – Briar and I spent morning in town – did a bit of a clothe shop top-up – both needed undies/ shorts/tops etc.etc. Did some more sightseeing in Munich itself , the Residenz St.Peterskirche – had lunch in the Hofgarten park . Then did the central Viktualienmarkt food markets – fabulous array of stalls of fresh local fruit/veggies/ meat/ cheese / deli and flowers.etc.etc – busy place with lotsa happy people enjoying the food and warm sunny skies. Headed back to camping Thalkirchen for the last time – packed up Hugo and headed back into town around 4pm – met Ames & Adam at the BMW welt – stopped for dinner at a Pizza hut nearby – before dropping Ames & Adam off to catch there flights back to London that evening.
Headed outta Munich around 7.30pm did the munich ring road – south-east toward Salzburg – stopped at a campground near Bad Feilnbach – country campground off the A8 – arrived in the dark around 8.30pm – made our own way in and found a spot near the sanitary block – where we all shot over for a shower before hitting the sack – no need for earplugs tonite – can ya hear that – Ah peace and quiet. Nice.
We all slept and snored no doubt like troopers. The morning again absolutely glorious- sunshine and warm. On the road again – Berchesgarten bound – a famous resort town and haunt of Hitler amongst the Austrian Alps. Once parked up in Berchesgarten – wandered about – Switzerland it reminded me off a bit – dramatic mountain vistas , three storey timber and plastered houses with flower boxed windows with vibrant red and mauve flowers in full bloom still spattered amongst lush meadows and forests of birch and conifer trees , super wunderbar - had a bite to eat at a local Café. Then headed up a very steep road up to Obersalzberg – the place where Hitler and his Nazi mates did all there fabulous planning and scheming of war and genocide. There is a Dokumentation museum – one of only a few in Germany that show and tell the rise and fall of a madman and his ill-fated empire. Below the museum is Hitlers bunker – a supposedly HQ and hiding place for running a war in times of things of not going so well – a very eerie place which never got completed properly , in one of the many underground chambers they ran a continuous movie about the atrocities of the Nazi party.
The whole area up and around Berchesgarten was used for the early days of training the infamous SS and Third Reich. Also Hitlers personal guards were trained and housed here. Overall a very comprehensive and graphic account. We never made it up to the Eagle’s nest retreat– which is perched like a nest on top of mountain top with fantastic views over the Alps – it was a gift to Hitler – who visited the place only on two occasions due his fear of heights. Hugo’s brake pads got a full workout on the way back down again to the bottom of the valley ( well done Hugo).
Crossed the border within 20k’s or so into Austria – stopped for a grocery top-up at an Aldi before booking into Camping Nord-Sam a bus ride into downtown Salzburg. Nice quiet campground with a lovely bubbly hostess – very eager to help and please her guests- had a nice looking pool too. Found a spot then set Hugo up- Time to fire up the Barbie and swill down a few vino’s- which we did into the night. Very shady campground under a swealth of trees – couple tent loads of aussies further down. Always good to hear a familiar accent from down under.
All showered before settling in with our books before catching a few zzz’s. Up to a hazy morning but nevertheless fine and warm . The girls chose to sleep in, the effect of one too many red vino’s last nite- no sweat for mother and I , we showered and brekkied and caught the 9.52am bus into Salzburg centre. Short bus ride – with minor delay right in the centre where we got off – farmers protesting about their dismal cut of the milk price. So lots tractors blocking the streets in town – they did clear off after an hour or so later. First stop was the Mirabel gardens – very pretty then wandered down the Danube river a bit – very icy blue in colour and noticeably swift current, crossed over and then walked the other side into the old town centre – a few snappies of Mozart’s house and then some off the amazing cobbled lanes and arched alleyways under the apartment buildings – lined with shops.
Quaint old fashioned signage for the shop fronts – the old part of Salzburg is set against shear rock cliff faces – with the Festung Hohensalzburg fortress centre stage hovering over the city. Looks very dramatic with the lights on. Did the wander through the warren of lanes etc. before popping in and out of several churches – didn’t do the museum thing as nothing here of real interest art wise.
We were lucky enough though to be in town for Salzburg’s miniature version of market and beefest – so the Domplatz and residenzplatz was buzzing with market stalls, craft stalls, a big beer tent , numerous market stalls selling almost everything one could imagine, a childrens fair ( merry go round , chair ride , etc.etc. and plenty of varying food stalls. Did stop for a cream filled pastry – which were being freshly made and being swooped up just as quick by the masses. The atmosphere was very buoyant as you would expect – there were also people of all ages from toddlers right thru to the grey power brigade ll out havin fun and isn’t that what its all about. We stopped further down the town where it was abit quieter for a bite and a coffee. Caught up with the girls back at the fair , checked some catacombs in the rock face overlooking the main Salzburg cemetery – did some mre street wandering in the new town side before catchin the bus back to Nord-sam. The girls and I took a dip in the pool whilst Briar read her book and watched. Another Barbie and only a couple glasses of red tonite – did the Dvd thing for the girls before drifting off into llala land.
Briar and I once again up early – “ Sound of Music tour “ yes you did hear me right the “ Sound of Music tour “ - caught the 9.00am shuttle bus into town along with 3 mid twenty aussies (surprisingly most were that age on the tour) from the camp ground who had also booked for the tour.
The weather whlst not raining was a bit overcast once again the European haze effecting the skyline. Got to know our fellow tour compatriots as we boarded the 70 seater main tour bus in town which was full to the brim as we headed on out for our tour. I could almost hear Julie Andrews singing The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music as we hit our first stop out on the edges of town – the Von Trapp house – or at least the front of it as you saw in the movie . Then off to Schloss Hellbrunn – another elaborate and opulent palace built – you guessed it during the Golden age. More scenes were shot here – the glass gondola in the movie is hear.
Our tour guide was a very amusing chap who kept the toruing a party amused with jokes and smug little anecdotes in between stops. Of course the Sound of Music CD also played in the backround as we drove around. Some very picturesque scenery as we toured – several lakes Wolfgang, Fuchl and Mondsee. Stopped for lunch in Mondsee – where the wedding scene took place in the movie at the Mondsee cathedral. Café here recommended for the apple strudel with vanilla sauce.
After being dropped back off in the city shot back into the Mirabell gardens for a couple more snappies, then headed to the Hotel stein rooftop garden for a couple of vino’s so could chill in the arvo sun and take in the great vista’s over Salzburg centro and the Danube. Back at camp later shared a few drinks, banter and bullshit with the aussie lads from the tour and tents further down from our site. Good young lads all doing their OE’s . All mates from Melbourne.
The next morning very foggy and misty as we packed up Hugo and bid farewell to the aussie lads. Vienna bound today with a stop in Werfen to check out the Eisriesenwelt Hohle ( Ice caves in English) . Good old Hugo got us halfway up the mountain to the carpark – very steep climb for a car little own a campervan. Then a 20 minute walk before riding a very steep single cabled gondola to a restaurant – where we had another 20 minute walk to the cave itself – had a 15 minute wait before the English tour began. The fog and mist had almost dissipated, so good opportunity to take in our breath and the superb vistas over the Alps and valleys – cameras going mad.
Weren’t allowed to take sanppies inside the caves – but did more climbing inside ( another 700 f…en steps or so) good workout for the calves I’ll tell ya. Still worth the effort – magnificient ice formations, stalagmites and stalagtites along the 1.5km boarded tourist walk inside the cave _ I said cave on purpose – because there is only one cave – 40 k’s long apparently. All enjoyed the visit as much as going down the almost vertical gondola ride – where we could see properly now the mist had cleared.
Lunched in Werfen – very quaint and quiet Austrian village, before hitting the autobahn for Vienna – was going to stop for a night on the Danube wine trail similar to Germany’s Rhineland and Moselle, but the girls all keen on getting to Vienna. By the way it was Rhy’s 21st birthday today – so we yodelled for him at the top of the Eisreisenwelt mountain for him – wonder if he heard us.
Pulled into our campground stop in Vienna around 6pm – 300k autobahn drive for Briar – well done girl.
The countryside a lot flatter and similar to many of the Northern countries of Europe – yes and those many fields of varying grain crops.
Got caught chatting to a fellow ex kiwi farmer as we set up Hugo who had spotted us coming into the camp. Dave from Napier – been touring for 7 months also. Had a quick chat – which turned out to be a long chat. Had a camp kitchen – Chaz and I on dinner duty – did the pasta thing – yummy too – heard no complaints.
Up bright and early to a very nice sunny Sunday morning for Briar and I – bused into town to try to catch the free Vienna boys gig at the Hofburg chapel in the Hofburg palace complex. Very full and could only get a glimpse through the chapel doors – did have a TV viewing the choir, hung around for 10 minutes or so listening and then headed off – to our real reason for being in Vienna today this bright and early – The famous Spanish riding School – one of Briar’s ticks – had previously booked some tickets – so had time for a coffee in the gardens at the school – before going in – Had second storey seats looking down over the arena. Varying aged stallions put through their paces – with varying performing skills – fantastic dressages and some awesome high kicks – not a big horsey fan but thoroughly enjoyed the 1 ½ hour show. Chinese buffeted for lunch – cheap and OK .
Met the girls after – did the Albertina museum and Hofburg palace kaiser-appartements tour – once again opulence to the extreme through the appartements and the museum had many well known masterpieces from the greats ( Micheangelo, Klimt,) and fortunately for us a temporary exhibition of the Impressionist movement – with the greats of the Impressionist age – Monet,Cezanne, Renoir, Sisley, Degas – Lautrec etc.etc – awesome .
Did the aussie pub cider thing before catching the bus back to camp- caught up with dave the kiwi ex-farmer – swapped maps and info on our next destinations as ya do in the campervanning world. Another camp kitchen dinner by Mumsie and Hannah – also very yummy. We all had a bit of sleep in and read – before brekking and showering almost around midday – Briar and I headed to the Schloss Schonbrunn – where the palatial Hapsburgs summer palace is. Remember mum telling me about it as her and dad had visited it on their European tour. The day was perfectly clear , warm and sunny and without the European haze weve almost become accustomed to.
Did the tour through the palace – magnificient, splendiferous and totally opulently obscene, most surely equalling Chateaux Versailles and Fontainbleau in France.
The gardens also as equally impressive as some weve seen so far.
Met the girls here also who did all the freebie stuff. Back to camp – did some wifi-ing whilst briar soaked her feet. Girls on dinner duty tonite – Kebabs and salata - twas OK.
Another fine day for our last in Vienna – even coaxed the girls out early – did street wandering – in the Hunderwasser region – just another famed architect – has designed and built the infamous beautifully tiled Kawakawa public toilet facility in NZ.
Has several buildings in Vienna and a village we checked out. Crossed the Danube to the newer Donau park region where we had lunch in the park – prepared filled rolls and fruit. Wandered abck across the Danube via the Reichsbrucke bridge – metroed back to the St.Stephens cathedral in town – another very impressive religious building – sharing the wealth and opulence of some chateaux’s we’ve seen. Very gothic on the outside and also parts covered in Hessian and scaffolding – an almost too regular scenairio we have almost come to expect now throughout Europe. I did the architecture museum whilst the girls did Chocolate cake n coffee. Bused back to camp – did some more wifi-ing before we headed across the road from the camp for snother Chinese buffet dinner. Tasty and good value for money. A campervan full off Aussie lads ( 5 of them – who we had also come across at Thalkirchen and Oktoberfest) doing their tour – popped across for a quiet couple as ya do – mumsie and I left around midnight – donned our earplugs and left them too it. I do recall havin to put mumsie to bed, she was rather merry. Do recall around 11.00 being growled at by a fellow camper within ears range about the noise.
Don’t know what time the girls came home if at all. Two very crook girls following morning. Chaz and I the only two, fit and healthy enough to pack Hugo up and do the navigate and driving today. Did a macca’s stop for brekkie - The other two slept most of the way through the brief border crossing of Slovakia and into Hungary. Did a grocery stop somewhere near the Hungarian border at a Tesco’s, arrived at our campground near Komaron on the Danube – very overcast day – tried to rain all day – had a very brief drizzle during the night. Briar managed to surface later on to help me cook dinner. Very good campground facilities almost brand new – cooked and sat in the campground dining room for dinner. Dvd and early bed for all – hopefully the weather will be better tmoro for sightseeing along the Danube.
Will bid you adieu adieu for now. More to come at the end of October.