Swiss Alps

My New Mate

On top of the world

Lake Lugano

Welcome again to the final blog of the series…… unfortunately!!!

If you’re good with you dates you will realise we are home now, which means 2 things we have really run out of money and Colin has got us home . Well he did but not before a bit of serious engine out maintenance.. more on that in a bit.

Well we are now back in sunny Blighty and although un employed and poor very happy to be home, but now for the interesting bit how did we get here from when I last spoke to you. there’s a lot to report, snow, garage’s, freezing temperatures and a lovely family and a cheese factory in Switzerland.

When I last left you we were in Italy and after meeting Roberto our Guru mechanic we were convinced to go for home and not replace the clutch, this we tried and headed slowly towards Switzerland 87kms later and at the foot of a very large alpine mountain Colin could move no further and we were forced to stop… Bad times.  After 3 minutes the swiss police were with us and after some pointing and speaking louder and them pretending to not be able to speak english we agreed that we would let the engine cool down and try further and if we were still there then a tow truck would remove us.

 After 1 minute after they had left we turned around and headed back down in search of help, once on a campsite we tried all our options, calling Paul (our mechanic in Southend) for help which turned out as a blessing for he had a friend (Gunner) from the other side of the mountains who helped us tremendously and for this i am in his debt. we also tried our insurance (waste of time) and in the end settled for looking for a local mechanic on the WWW

After a long cup of tea we found Paulo – 25kms away and after a conversation in two languages on the phone we limped off to see him. all was fine Gunner had contacted him and explained our problem and so it was left he would get the parts for Monday and we would sit out the weekend at a local campsite.

It was then we found out just how expensive Switzerland was, we decided to celebrate our new-found mechanic with a cheap meal out!! McDonald’s we thought, the same price and value (*#@#***) all around the world, but alas no 27CHF later (£18) for 1 Big Mac meal and 6 Mc Chicken Nuggets and Fries!!!!

so we then found a campsite to stay for the weekend, and set about finding things to do. We visited the local towns and took a very expensive train to the top of the local mountain twice, the first time when we got on at the bottom the weather was fine but by the  time we were halfway there was a fine mist in the air!! and by the time reached the top this had turned into fully blown sleet…. we then found out the next train down was in 3 hours time… we took our leave and walked down for 3 hours to the lower station, slightly damp but happy for the exercise and happy in the mind that the view was probably amazing but could only see 6 foot in front of our face.

Its Snow!!!!

However we decided to re-enact this crazy pastime on a clearer day and boy were we surprised with the difference!! and so after a weekend of cycling and walking and planning our route home it was time to take Colin for his much-needed repairs, by now it was Tuesday and we drove back to Paulo the wonder mechanic and leaving Colin we headed into the lovely town of Lugano, spending the day sitting and waiting until 4pm when we called…No not ..tomorrow was the answer in broken English. It turned out the fly-wheel needed to be repaired and had been sent off and wouldn’t be back until tomorrow it looked like we would be spending the night outside the garage and after sharing a swiss beer with our host….we did and it was the most peaceful nights sleep in weeks!!

The following day we headed of for a highly expensive train journey inland, so expensive it made network rail look like a fun train at the fair. we went the fairy tale town of Bellinzona, where we spent the day visiting fairytale castles and such like. when we got back he was finished and running like a dream, by now it was 5pm and we were keen to move off into the mountain to hopefully make it to where we had aimed to be a week ago, so after some thank you s a large but not unreasonable sum of Swiss franks we left new clutch making light work of the gear changes, It was like having a new car I had forgotten how to accelerate without having to worry about the clutch slipping. I was happy, he was happy, and Jane.. well she was smiling so it was success all round!!

As we started to rise up into the Alps it became apparent just how we wouldn’t have made it before as the mountain rose higher and higher

Now Thats Cold!!!

 before disappearing into the San Bernardino Tunnel – 9km long, when we emerged from the other end it was snowing, yes that is SNOWING and we were…yes in a 1972 VW camper with no heating. after 30mins we arrived at our campsite already about an inch had laid, the reception was closed and the woman refused to come out and said just park and see me in the morning. We did and headed into the building for some warmth, The Swiss are geared up for this and after 2 hours of showering sitting in the day room and generally doing anything to avoid going outside we went to bed, awaking in the morning to find everything covered in 2 inches of the white stuff…not enough to halt our progress though

We went to sleep full and happy but very cold, the gas fire would not light (to cold), so fully clothed (which for me is unheard of, jane however has been wearing 3 layers and a hat in bed since leaving Italy) we tried it fitful sleep.. It got down to Minus 6 that night. The next morning after breakfasting and a stop at the wonderful cheese factory for supplies of cheese (£65 and a lot of cheese) we headed of for the black forest mountains of Germany.

1st stop of the day was lake Titisee a large Bavarian style resort on the lake, and after a quick walk around and for jane to purchase another hat after leaving it on a swiss train we moved off, this time heading for our stop for the night in nearby Eisenberg. Now I had a vision since coming into Germany, which i think was possibly brought on by the cold and it was this. A German beer kellar (pub) large Steins(Glasses) of Lager served by a roaring log fire, and this is what i intended to find in every town, then  it started to rain so we legged it to the 1st place, A hotel circa 2002 with horrible wood everywhere no fire, no steins, but a very good Snitzel and chips. The search will continue.

The following day the rain had stopped and we moved off , stopping firstly at Triberg to see the largest Cuckoo clocks in Europe, not 1.. but 2 and also to have original black forest gateaux from the original chef who was the apprentice of the chef who invented it. very nice but very alcoholic for 10.30 in the morning. after this we moved out of the Black Forest and onto the Rhineplatz staying near Badwildbad where we found a local beer festival, and the closest thing in my quest for a beerkellar, after a few pints outside and a few more inside we trundled home. when we awoke in the morning it was so cold, thank god for heated shower blocks.

We moved off and along the Rhine to find it steaming and was informed by the guy in the garage it was -3…it was midday (again remember NO HEATING) and so after a long animated conversation in which we were both very fluent, but  in 2 separate languages I insisted that I didn’t need anti freeze as it was AIRCOOLED….. He still didn’t understand. It was our plan to travel up the length of the Mosel Vally and after driving west to the start by the French border, the temperature had risen sufficiently for me to remember I have 2 legs, 2 feet and 10 toes, although partially convinced i had lost at least 9 of them to frost bite earlier in the day. the drive up the Mosel river was amazing vineyards both sides sloping into the river the entire length. it was our plan to free camp, it was also every retired person in Germany’s idea to free camp on the Mosel river as well and after driving nearly the entire 90km length we found a car park with only 2 campers in it and pitched up for the night. my quest failed again and we ended in a bar circa 2009 (smoke-filled) as our only option and drank 2 pints of warmth before returning to our beds.

Unfortunately no snow

The next day was to see our move into Holland and our first dutch campsite, and after rather un inspiring and flat drive we arrived at our site just over the border, really a holiday home park with campers to make up the numbers. again it was cold and raining so not much fun, i tried to get a holiday home but without staying a week!!! tempting but not that tempting we settled for sharing a shower and cuddling up for a DVD.

Another flat drive in the morning through the driving rain and we arrived in Amsterdam, no i have been a couple of times (both for stag parties) and was keen to see more than brothels (outsides only) and coffee shops (mostly insides), however this wasnt to be. Parking 4E per hour ouch, no campsites nearby, hotel rooms to expensive and to top it all it was raining, so after a quick walk around in the belting rain we admitted defeat and headed out-of-town to the nearest site 16kms away. The site was waterlogged and so we spent the night camped in the corner of the car park, they did however have a bar, circa 2010 and all the charm of a motorway services, but they served beer, but why can’t they fill the glass to the top!!!

The Canals of Holland

In the morning we left, round 2 but we decided not to go back Amsterdam and headed for Utrecht a lovely town on the canals as Amsterdam but with a) no Rain and b) a nice feel about it, it was here we were to spend the night with Paulien & Martijn whom we had met and spent the day in Montenegro with back in August. After a day of sight-seeing in town we headed just 3kms from the centre to paulien and Martijn’s  house, where we spent a lovely evening in their company before spending the night parked outside their house.

The following day which was to be our last we had a change of plan, after planning to go to Rotterdam for the day we decided another city would be one to many and headed for the little town of Delft, but not before hunting down the 12 windmills at Polediijk which was quite amazing by 4pm we were in Delft only 17kms from the Hook of Holland and our Ferry to England. We stopped for our last meal in the town before heading to the ferry, arriving at 6pm far to early for our 10pm sailing, but to our amazement we were boarded almost instantly and shown to our room in the ship which was only 3 months old. By 8pm we were showered and ready to hit the bars…..after a couple of pints filled to the top of the glasses we headed for bed…when we awoke we had already docked and so after a quick coffee we got ready to depart the ship on the very last leg of our journey……

Our Friends Paulien & Martijn

This journey ends and a whole new one begins!!!!

Thanks for all reading the blogs and the messages, If we see you, you know you will have to sit through all the stories and photos

love to you all until the next time

Jane, Paul, & Colin…………Back in Burnham on Crouch, Essex, UK

When I left you last time we were on our way to the ferry at Patras, Greece for our overnight ferry crossing to Bari. When we arrived in Patars at about midday after Colin stopping and backfiring most of the way (damn Greek petrol!!) all we saw was refugees trying to get across to Italy – Bad times this lead us to drive the camper into a secured parking lot at a cost of 6E mininmum but worth it!!! we then headed to the ferry office and was suprised to get onto that nights ferry and to be able to camp on board, we then started to wonder what it would be like and came to the conclusion it would be grotty like a transport ferry with lots of lorry drivers and generally not that nice.

Camping on Board - With your own balcony!!

When we eventually boarded at 4pm after walking around Patras and buying some hooky DVD’s at 5 for 10 E (Jane thought they wouldnt work, and although they have been filmed in the cinema as you see people moving and hear coughing, so far so good!)

There was only one other camper and us and they parked us by the open side of the boat so it was like having your own balcony When we went up stairs we were amazed it was like a cruise ship!! waiters, the works. As the boat set sail at 6pm I had a nice pint of Heineken and we settled down for the trip, a couple of beers – dinner and then retire to Colin for a dvd and a good sleep!!! and a good night it was and the best ferry crossing so far

At 8am we docked in Bari and it was nice to be back on semi sensible roads again!! Colin was running better after some new pertol and the clutch

Up Pompeii

although slipping would hopefully get us to Milan in a couple of weeks time, fingers and toes crossed.

1st stop on our itenary was Pompeii and quite a long drive from Bari to the other side of Italy, thankfully Colin made it and every trip is one closer to repair. Pompeii was amazing and so well preserved, amazing to believe they started excavating it 300 years ago and are still at it!!! When we got into Italy we stopped at a supermarket and stocked up on all the things you struggled to find in greece which was most things actually, We also treated ourself to some steak as a treat!! No sooner had we put in the cooker but our gas bottle ran out (the other running out just before we left Greece) after a frantic look around I asked an English couple if they had some gas, and ended up borrowing their whole cooker (I will do anything for a steak!!!). The next day we treated ourself to a takeaway pizza!!!

The Colluseum in Rome - oh and Jane!!

After Pompeii it was another long drive up the motorway to Rome and a reststop for 4 nights. The campsite is 20mins by minibus and 45mins by train, so the equilvelant of camping in Burnham and visiting London but it only cost 1 Euro to get there – now thats value we spent the next 3 days visiting all the sights in Rome and getting the last train back each night just wishing we could stay out later!! it was only on our last night a sunday that we missed the train and had to catch a later one, narrowly avoiding missing the bus by seconds with a lovely dutch couple and their big white alstaion who were staying on our campsite!!

On our last morning we managed to get talking to our next door neighbours, Chris & Kris from Austalia who have been travelling round Europe and Uk for longer than us, it was a sham we didnt get together sooner but what with us both having hectic site seeing schedules we missed each other. Also on that morning we met Denise and Alastair who had turned up the day before, it truns out he hailed frm Braintree and even worked on farm in Tillingham in the 60′s if you are looking in hello to you all, Chris and Kris hope to see you in UK and Denise and Alastair we will take you up on your offer in the Lake District next year.

The Rome Gang

After 3 fantastic days we headed further up the country in the direction of the lovely city of Siena, the campsite was the most expensive we have stayed on the whole trip!! at 34E per night!!! – but it was packed. after a day spent in Siena the following day we move on into the Tuscan hillside away from the motorway, and yes this was a hairrasing experience going very slow up hill so the clutch does not slip. We headed for San Gimignano and its 11 Towers (allegedly built by rival families – My tower is bigger that your tower and all that) lovely fortified hill top town!!! after this we moved on again into the hillside and kept getting higher and higher and the veiws even more amazing with each bend. The roads got thinner and windier until we were on a single track

Tuscan hills, Florence and Burning clutches!!

road, then we rounded a corner and were high above Florence on one side and the tuscan hills the other, all worth the squealing and the smell of the burning clutch, shortly after this we  arrived at the campsite and gave Colin a well earned rest (only 275kms to Milan now!!) whilst we looked around Florence the next day.

The leaning tower of Pisa drive by

As we thought we had made all these journeys and had no real problems we thought that on our way to Lucca to meet John, Val, Jean-ann & Crawford, as we had some time to Kill we would drive into the centre of Pisa and have a photo of Colin by the Leaning Tower, so after 1/2 hour traffic Jam and a few dodgy navigations we come through the wall and there it is!! Jane jumps out and take some photos with people behind bibbing frantically!! then we park by the side of the road for the token leaning on the leaning tower picture then we are off again!!! arriving at Lucca just in time for Lunch – Perfect!!!!

In the evening, after a shower and trying to smarten up two people who have been travelling in a tin box for six months we head into town to meet the Sadler’s & the Balch’s luckily turning up at their hotel Just before them, which we knew as we heard Johns voice from Round the corner as they got out of the taxi!!! the next 2 days were spent sightseeing Lucca and the wonderful hilltop town of Barga (Where Crawford bought a seriuosly offensive weapon which we are now smuggling back to England for him)

Two old men resting after dinner

We will go anywhere for a free lunch!!! Lucca

Whilst with the others we were treated to some lovely dinners and lunches for which we are very grateful and it was wonderful to be able to meet up for the couple of days, Also sharing their hotel, which was the floor of an elegant house within the city walls was an american family mum and dad with son & daughter and respective partners, a couple of nights we shared a chat and some of the free congnac in the drawing room. On Sunday night it was time to say our goodbyes ready to move off in the morning, not tearful this time as it is only 3 weeks and we will be seeing each other again

On Monday we moved off in the direction of Milan but planning stops at Modena (Ferrari museum) and Verona (Romeo & Juliet Balcony) the plan was to visit Modena and stop outside on Monday night, however the museum was closed so we continued on towards Verona and stopped  in a town further up as there was a camper stop (well a carpark of a swimming pool with a 24 hr cafe and plastic toilets) no thank you so we continued to Verona only to find the 3 campsites in Verona closed for the season!!!! Bad times again as luck would have it a few wrong turns and we were at the top of the castle and overlooking the whole of Verona. We decided this was a tick in the box for verona and moved off driving through the city and out towards Lake Garda, to the town I rejected earlier in the summer as hideously over touristy.

As I eat my hat, I can say it was very nice, we stopped in Pecheria which without loads of people was great so we decided to stay 2 nights and spent the following day cycling the perimeter of the lake in the last of the sunshine!!!!

Roberto - our man from Milan with his wife and mechanic

Wednesday and the day of Colins operation!!! we leave early and get to Milan at 11am welcomed by Roberto and his wife. It was great to see them again it felt like meeting up with old friends and with out his help last time we would never have got to Istanbul! we tell him the problems and he looks worried - Big job he says in broken English, engine out, no time, might need new engine, done too many miles –  you should head home slowly!!! and so after a big animated discussion this is what we thought would be best to do.

And so after saying goodbye we stopped to do our last shop in Italy and headed out slowly towards Switzerland and our next stop in the Alps!!!!

I wonder how far we will get!!!!

Keep in touch

Jane, Paul & Colin….

9

After 3 ½ weeks of glorious weather, fantastic islands and amazing monuments we are turning our backs  on Greece and heading for Italy.

The Veiw of Paros !!!

But I bet you are dying to know what we have been up to whilst we have been here. When i last updated you we were sitting on the island of Antiparos, after moving on from there we went to the larger sister island of Paros where the was a fine array of snorkelling to be had before the hellish 5 hour long ferry journey back to the mainland.

Once back on terra firma in Piraeus it was destination Peloponnese, and after negotiating large tailbacks of parked up lorries (Lorry drivers strikes) we headed for epidavros one of the ancient mythological sites of Greek history and this was the turn of Asclepius the god of medicine.

Family Chamaco

Stopping here we snorkelled around an underwater settlement, sunk during an earthquake in the 15^th century, at the campsite we met the Chamaco Family from France who are 2 ½ months into a 3 year journey around the world with their 3 lovely children who when we met they were being taught English and we were the first English people they had met. They are travelling in their 30 year old converted fire truck, if you want to see what they are up to on their travels the go to www.chamaco.fr . we spent a great evening chatting about travels and mainly about their mammoth trek and where they plan to go, unfortunately we had to decline to go with them the next day to a volcano due to Colin’s age and bad health. Guys if you are looking at this then i hope everything is going well, thanks for a great evening and please keep in touch.

The next day we had a walk into the village of Epidavros and whilst sitting on a bench looking at the boats i noticed one that said Maldon on the

Locals !!!

back so  I just had to ask ,

“Excuse me but would that be Maldon, Essex” 

“ It most certainly is”  she replied

“ Oh, I’m from Burnham”

“No’ Really we are from St Lawrence”

And so the conversation continued, they leave their boat in Greece and come over for the odd 3 months here and there and sail the islands, not a bad way to live!!!

The Theatre at Epidavros

The next day we moved on and after a stop at the Theatre at ancient Epidavros – the largest and most complete theatre in Greece we move on to the Venetian style port of Nafplio, where we visited the town  and climbed the 514 steps to the castle perched above the town before heading to our base on the next bay!!

Unfortunately, the miles are catching up on Colin and he has started to develop a few problems, none of which are terminal, but could do with a bit of TLC by someone who knows what they are doing (Not Me!!!) and I detail as follows

1. 

   Come on Colin Just another 1500kms

   We have a slight petrol leak and although i have checked everything 3 times and had covers off to check fuel tanks etc. It is only a smell sometimes!!! – Not enough to warrant a garage visit as all they will do is smile and say great car- all ok!!!!

2. The clutch now slips at random times in all gears but second, and usually going up a hill, so we now have to take all these things slowly, as we are hoping to nurse him to Milan for treatment only 1500km he he!

For this reason at this campsite I spent the following day giving him a check over and trying to adjust the clutch – No Luck!!!!

The next day we moved across to the Ionian coast of the Peloponnese to the area of Pyros, location of the famed Volitumus Bay, voted one of the best in the world, so after a slow drive up and over numerous mountains we arrived at a lovely campsite, again a bit of fiddling with Colin later and he is Marginally better but nowhere near perfect.

We found out the bus left 3 times a day for the town of Pylos, so we waited, and waited, and waited!! And after ¾ hour we were told the next bus was not coming until 3pm so we aborted, and a good job we did, as we cycled off in search of something local, and we found a lovely waterfall.

The next day we packed our rucksack and headed off to find the fabled bay!! After 1 ½ hours and 1 return to the camper to get the forgotten

Voltimarus Bay - Nice !!!

camera and we find it, amazing!! Just a perfect semi circular bay with perfect clear and calm water – so it would be rude not to spend the rest of the day sunbathing and snorkelling to make the best of the last of the weather

The next day it was time to move on to our last cultural visit of Greece to Olympia the home of the Olympic games, we headed off early , and stopped off in Pylos and was happy that we didn’t make the effort to see it earlier as there was nothing much to see!!

Anyone for olympics!!!

We then headed off to Olympia and after a fill up of dodgy Petrol (not realised until 2 hours later) with the clutch slipping on every hill, although the petrol leak seems to have cured itself  and after 2 hours we were there

And spent the rest of the day relaxing and seeing the sights of modern Olympia, which took about 20mins!!! And that incuded a beer stop mid way. The next day however was great looking at the birthplace of the Olympics back to 776bc the only let down was i thought the flame was everlasting, but apparently they only light it the day before the Olympics starts

After the 2^nd night there it was time to move on and leave Greece behind, as we head of to Patras for hopefully the overnight Ferry to Bari Italy.

More on that journey and plenty more as we continue our travels back in to Italia

Bye Bye For Now

Jane, Paul & Colin

Now after reaching the further most point in Europe from London without getting cold!! It is time to start our return leg… But not before a few weeks in Greece to catch the last of the summer sunshine!!

After Leaving the Camp in Turkey and the abysmal road conditions it was a pleasure to come back into the European Community of Greece, Where fully comprehensive insurance and vehicle recovery are all serviceable. After the last few weeks this was a great sigh of relief.

As we entered Greece the roads immediately got better and we were free to cruise on to our first destination on the northern coast. A little bit out of the way, but with a lovely beach and water so warm it was like being in a bath. But hardly any people, it was strange.

Camping Haikidiki - Veiw from the camper

After 1 night here, a storm and a meeting with a Greek man who had lived in Athens all of his life who literally planned our route through Greece for us, we moved on in the direction of Haikidiki.

One very long and mountainous drive later we arrive!! A beautiful campsite where we camped directly on the beach of a little private bay, it was heaven, but again hardly any people!!!

Meteora - Damp but awe inspiring

We left a couple of nights later, direction in land for some sightseeing before our return to the coast and a trip to one of the islands. We were heading for Meteora, site of originally 24 Monasteries perched high on pinnacles of rock but now only 6 survive. This involved again a mountainous and hair raising drive, one in which Colin began to complain, when we got to the campsite I thought it best to give him the once over, and although everything seems to be in order he was getting due for a service!!!

The following day we cycled around to 4 of the Monasteries which were about 15kms, I know this doesn’t sound to hard but remember these are in pinnacles of rock and the cycling was all up hill at a gradient of at least 10%, it was good coming down though!!!! After another storm that night we moved on and lower down into the warmer climate of Delphi, finding a campsite with a view of the bay of Corinth and a pool, a nice afternoon was spent by the pool, before the following morning being ushered on the a tourist train (something I vowed I would never do, however we were the only ones so we had to..) and headed the 1km to Delphi. Spent the day looking at the wonderful ruins of Delphi, the mythological centre of the world… really a big social centre and place to put all of your trinkets (such as 134 life size gold and bronze statues) if you were a Greek emperor.

Jane at the theatre!!

The following day we moved on to Athens, not a bad drive but by now Colin is beginning to smell of Petrol in a bad way, but manages to get us to Athens onto the city centre campsite 7kms away. I gave him a going over checking for loose pipes and generally tightening things (damn Turkish roads), and hope this cures the problem. However it doesn’t and we are now forced to sleep upside down for more ventilation, the next day and another tinkle later I think I have cured it and we head into Athens, nothing quite prepares you for what greets you as you come out of the Metro and are met by the site of the Panthelon on top of the hill overlooking the city, quite a few busy but very enjoyable hours later we have lunch at a back street taverna recommended by the Lonely Planet Guide, Oh my god it was the best meal so far on our trip!! And well needed after the hustle and bustle of the acropolis 3 cruise liners full of people and 26 tour groups all wanting to see it at the same time!!!!! The afternoon saw the other sights of Athens including the new Acropolis Museum which was excellent and very well air conditioned, which was welcomed after the 35 degree heat outside.

The Acropolis - Athens

The next day it was our plan to catch the morning ferry from Piraeus (10kms away) to Paros for a week on the island on Antiparos next door. This wasn’t to happen, after a fairly sleepless night Fume and sound of Motorway next door, we awoke to find Colin had secreted yet more fuel and was deemed unable to travel without mechanical help!!!!! Bad times

We tried to re-book our ferry but to no avail and ended up travelling to the port to reclaim our tickets later that afternoon. Then begun the quest of trying to find a garage, and I am now sure it is the same in all Countries.

1. Find Local Garages, only to be told they only work on Opel, Ford, Jaguar etc.
2. After  much help from Locals find “VW Specialist” who usually has a workshop down a dark alleyway
3. Wait around for ages while he tinkers with other cars to look important
4. Then 4 mechanics come over none that speak English just to look
5. Look at camper commenting how good it all looks and what a great mechanic we must have
6. Start engine and rev continuously, and then say there is now no problem and everything is fine.

Luckily this time no cost!!!!

Colin made the ferry in the end!!

Cue a call to Paul, my mechanic back in England who comes up with the most likely causes and solutions, so it back to the campsite, where I commence a bit of surgery. An hour or so later and I think the problem is solved, well actually not totally but considerably better and fine to travel tomorrow!!

So after collecting our re booked tickets and another fairly sleepless night we rise at 5 am and head for the ferry port, Chaos, but somehow we get loaded and take our seats on the smoking deck!! See the sun rise and set sail, for the 4 ½ hour crossing. Not to smooth but Jane manages to hold her breakfast in so all is good!! Eventually we land at Paros and drive the length of the island 14kms to the other ferry to Antiparos a totally different affair, reverse on, six minute crossing, and drive off.

We then moved onto AntiParos, what a place! totally Greek, a little tourism but not a lot, empty coves and beaches, brilliant snorkelling like being in a fish tank and a great atmosphere. We will be happy here for a week whilst we give Colin a rest and some TLC, and plan the rest of the

A very busy Antiparos beach

journey! Tom Hanks supposedly has land here but we haven’t seen him yet!

That is about all I have to report this time, I hope you enjoyed it.

Andio!

Jane, Paul & Colin

The New Mosque!!! 1625 AD

The legendary travellers haunt – The Pudding Shop, Istanbul

Welcome everybody to our pinnacle blog, we have reached our target – it has taken 151 days and we have driven 10,040 Km’s but we did it, and it is amazing!

 But we nearly didn’t make it- another day another border crossing!! However we had to import Colin into Turkey, but they don’t let you import vehicles over 15years old…. but after much too’ing and fro’ing , some translation by a Bulgarian man and me saying over and over how we had driven 10000 kms to be there!!! Eventually they let us in 134 Euros later, but only this once!!!!

We decided that the possibility of taking Colin into Istanbul was too much– 16.9million people all driving at high speed at you, on both sides of the road was enough to make us stay 70kms away on the coast and catch the bus, then the train and finally the tram to the city. We pitched up on a site that has had nothing done to it since the 70’s and that included cleaning!!! But the friendly Turkish made up for that!

Turkish Beach after a long drive!!

We stayed 2 nights and on the 2^nd Day we met Tim & Sara, from Scotland, who were cycling from Istanbul to Athens after a mammoth 3 month honeymoon taking them to all corners of the globe. We had our 1^st dinner party and invited them over as they were in a small tent, it was good to have some evening conversation. They were leaving in the morning so we didn’t have a late one, but lets say a few bottles of wine were consumed!!!!

We met the Boy who lived next door who was 9 and could communicate with us in English, he was fascinated with the fly swatter so we gave it to him,

The next day we waved good bye to Colin for the next 3 days and headed to Istanbul…

The World Famous Blue Mosque, oh and Jane

After the mammoth journey, 2 hours door to door, including the busiest bus station ever we arrive at our hotel, which was small to say the least   but for 40E who can complain. We changed and headed out.

Istanbul is amazing!!! That is all that can be said, it is the safest i have felt in any city, zero begging but a few million people trying to sell you everything from water, matches and socks. I loved it!!!

We headed to the grand Palace, and spent the afternoon visiting the palace and harem which was an eye opener to say the least.. from here we had a walk around the streets, enjoying the hustle and bustsle of it all before heading back to our hotel for a rest and a change of clothes before getting out again for some dinner.

Our huge Istanbul hotel room

We did however what we said we wouldn’t do!! We were hounded into the first restaurant we passed, by the waiter, but the food was fantastic, typical Turkish cuisine not cheap mind but well worth it. Following this we asked the waiter where we could get some nightlife- he directed us to around the blue mosque, by this time it was 11pm when we got there,  there was thousands of people all milling around and picnicking on the grass,  street vendors loads of people and then we heard music and followed our ears to a massive Turkish bar with locals dancing to the live band.

We sat down and took tea and a shisa pipe, what a way to round off a perfect day

The following day we headed out for the Mosques – Agia Sofia and the Blue Mosque, both amazing after this we headed for the grand bazaar only to find out it was closed on Sunday, so instead took to walking the streets around the bazaar. Then we came to a locals market selling

But I dont smoke!!!

everything!!!!

This then lead us to the Spice bazaar with all its hub bub and smells. Outside we headed for a cafe under the Bospherous bridge for a Fish Sandwich, not my cup of tea but Jane enjoyed it.

After this… back to base for a change and out again for the evening, this time to ‘The Pudding Shop’ a hang out of travellers since the 60’s unfortunately it has changed somewhat but still retains the name and not a lot else!!!

Again back to the shisha cafe for another pipe and some tea and whirling dervish dancing another fine night this was followed by a long walk back to our hotel happy and tired.

So far i have not mentioned the breakfast; this is because it was terrible!!! Stale bread and jam or soggy cornflakes was on the menu and nothing else… we made the best of it!!! And went out again in the direction of the grand Bazaar, i had big hopes for the grand bazaar 4000 stalls all around a maze sounded great, but it wasn’t like that they were all shops around a maze it was like Turkish Lakeside but you could get lost!! After a bit of a walk around we headed back to the spice market as this still retained some of its charm and spent an enjoyable morning picking up some goodies.

After a spot of lunch it was time to head for the camp site and to see if Colin was still in one piece or if indeed he was still there!!

Tram, Tube and Very posh bus later (TV’s in the seats, Free tea & Cakes) we got off in the right place and headed for Colin. He was there!!!

We re-packed Colin and got comfortable and prepared for the off in the Morning, sad to be leaving Istanbul and Starting on our homeward leg but looking forward to going to Greece and the islands

More of this in our next instalment…………

All the best for now

Jane, Paul & Colin

We have now nearly completed our journey through the best and the worst of Eastern Europe on our way to Istanbul, i shall tell you the trials and tribulations we have had getting here in a while, but as I right this we are in one peice and sitting on a site in the south of Bulgaria, in the middle of nowhere and guess what it is run by a guy from Kent!!! Hello Matt if you are looking into this, thanks for a good couple of days :-)

We have stopped here to get ready for our final border hop into Turkey and to plan the next few weeks, as well as doing some washing and general having a rest after our mammoth 1200km journey in 3 days

So what have we been up to since i last posted!!

Well we have left the Croation islands behind, which was sad!! and headed back to the mainland in the direction of Dubrovnik where we pitched up for a few days at Camping Pod Maslinom, we traveled into Dubrovnik the day which was tourist hell (BUT WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FOR AUGUST) but was made better by the 2500 Gay americans on a fully homosexual cruise around the Adriatic, who were perading around the town in crop tops and vests, a complete laugh all day and all very freindly (but not in that way)

Dubrovnik Skyline

After this we planned a rest day before embarking on our trip into Bosnia and beyond, however this was not meant to be, as after having a chat to a couple in the tent opposite us, they offered to take us into Montenegro for the afternoon, of course we jumped at the chance and spent an enjoyable afternoon and evening in the bay of Kotor. Paulin & Martyn (hope i have spelled it right!!) Thanks for a great day Hope the rest of your trip was Good and we look forward to meeting up with you near Amsterdam at the end of October

Dinner in Kotor

The Next day we moved on into Bosnia, Getting through the border was stressful and we had to stop to get additional insurance for 20 Euros at the border, but however once through we were supprise how nice the country was and how freindly the people were, we stopped at Mostar, and was directed to a parking space!!! where Colin was watched for 1E an hour!! In the town we saw the famous bridge which was destroyed during the 1990′s conflict and re built and even saw a bridge jump from 21m, the divers will only do this once enough cash has been raised so we were lucky!!! That night we stayed at a lovely campsite on the outskirts of Mostar for 15E a bargain.

The next day we drove to Sarajevo, and managed to find the most unhelpful campsite in Bosnia, and in possibly the worst area possible, surrounded by war damaged tower blocks. However it turned out to be OK and we spent the next day in the city exploring the old quarter and stood on the exact spot where Franz Ferdinand was shot, Starting the 1st world war

Mostar Bridge Dive

The next morning we decided to leave early and have a mammoth Drive to Belgrade, Serbia and save a 40km Detour to the campsite in Bosnia, we left 8 am and after getting to the border and having to pay 108Euros for the green card to Enter, we started the 200km drive to Belgrade.

The only way to describe the driving in Serbia, is straight, Flat and Boring, for 200kms i dont think i turned the steering wheel once and all you can see from site to side is Maize and sunflowers. Eventually we ended up in Belgrade, and found the campsite by a rusty sign and some guess work as the sat nav abandoned us on the main road. on the site we were suprised to see an english van next to us, after chatting to Karlie and Dave we agreed we would meet at the campsite the next night in Sofia , The rest of the evening was spent drinking rough wine and talking to a couple of Polish Guys and his girlfriend, until being told to be quiet by a french man!!!

We left early the next morning but not as early as Karlie & Dave and headed for Sofia. another day another border crossing!! Unfortunaely The VISA card did not work in Serbia, so by the time we got the boarder we had no money at all,but no problems this time entering Bulgaria. and drove on to Sofia, once there we needed to do 3 things 1) Get Money 2) Get Food 3) Find Campsite. By 17.15 we had done the shopping and got some local currency, we then spent the next 4 hours drive around looking for the fabled campsite, by this time it was dark and we cut our losses and stayed in the Best Western hotel (Secure car Park) which was nice but felt we had failed (Nice Bath) we had a picnic in the room and watch the TV and generally did the things we cant do in the camper!!

4* Picnic

The Next Morning we had our complimentary breakfast, and left in the direction of Turkey, the roads are terrible, and make the roads on the Croation islands look like highways!!! and couple this with the stream of cars overtaking you at speeds of upto 160kms and hour pretty scary.

By 2pm we were at our campsite thank god and in one peice, after being in a traffic queue and then driving thorugh a feild to another road, being overtaken constantly, playing chicken with every other car on my side of the road and dodging the massive wheel removing potholes every, we needed it.

We were met by Matt, who came from kent to be with his parents, and set up this site. the rest of the afternoon was spent swapping stories and drink beer and local made (and very nice) red wine

Well that is about all for now, and hope to update you again in the near Future when we leave Turkey!!!

Bye for Now

Jane, Paul & Colin

Just a quickie this time!!!

We have had a change of mind!!! No this doesnt mean we miss you all and are coming home

It means we are now heading for Istanbul

On the road to nowhere!!!!! Istanbul here we come

This will involve crossing Bosnia, Serbia and Bulgaria enroute and will commence with Team Watling in Bosnia in about 1 weeks time.

Follwing this we shall come back through Greece picking up a few islands as we go and then catch a ferry to Italy to carry on from there.

we shall endeavour to keep you posted as we move through but fear the WIFI connections may become a bit sparse.

Also Dont forget to look at the next 3 posts as it has been the first time i could upload today for about 4 weeks!!!

All the best

Jane, Paul & Colin

At the Moment i am sitting at the laptop on the island of Mljet off the Croation coast, since waving off the Sadlers Just over 2 weeks ago we have travelled our way through the highways and byways and some islands of Croatia. and if you would like i will tell you all about it.

Firstly i must thank my guest writer for the last post,  as i was beggining to get typers block ,so thank you Jane (my wife not the tom tom)

Anyway i am back in the driving seat so buckle up and be ready for a journey through Croatia with me

After leaving family sadler on Saturday we headed for Krk an island although attached by a bridge to the mainland, being a saturday in August it was a nightmare and we drove the entire length and breadth of the island looking for a campsite, however at the end we found space at a site in Krk Town, after a look around the town we headed for a quiet bay on foot 2 1/2 hours later in the midday heat with jane worrying that we will encounter a red backed viper that can kill with a single bite, as she has read it in a book. Needless to sy it was to hot for them, then we arrive but unfortunately so had the boats most of which were piloted by Naturists (not to be confused with naturalists) so we shall now call them Rudey Nudeys!!!!

The Plitvice Lakes

We stopped and had a snorkel which was nice but still  not the deserted bay we had hoped for maybe later……

After Krk we moved inland to head for the Plitvice Lakes, which were the original starting place of the 1990′s conflicts , so was strange to see battle damaged buildings all around the villages, after stopping we visited the Lakes on a boilding hot day (unfortunately no swimming) but managed a swim in the campsite river before the heavens opened and hailstones the size of golfballs fell on us, this continued most of the night and in the morning we were concerned we would not get out, but colin managed it with no troubles

The Dalmation Islands

The lakes themselves were amazing and well preserved and was a fantastic day as possible to avoid the crowds by going the other way round.

Moving on we headed for the KRKA National Park, again lakes and waterfalls but these you can swim in, pitched up a very small campsite with a lovely owner, not the cleanest mind but only 100kn (10 Euros a night) so a bargain. Cycled to the lakes past massive derelict factory with war damage all over it, the lakes themselves were not a large as the plitvice but equally dramatic although a very large amount of people swimming did detract from the beauty a little bit !!!

After the National parks we headed for the coast and in the direction of split so we could pick up some ferries to the islands, stayed 3 nights outside Split right on the sea front although the water wasnt as clean as we had expected, caught the bus into Split masive industrial sprawl until you get right into the centre which was amazingly very old walled city and water front.

Lots of week cruises for young people groups of males and females for weeks away all leaving from the port so very busy – got tickets for the next days ferry so hoped not so busy then. Arrived for ferry no problem 21/2 hours and we were on the island of Hvar. booked campsite on the coast with Zero facilities but the best position, from here we were able to walk to Hvar town and catch the bus back. Hvar is a nice town full of rich hooray henries and yachties lovely old buildings and port, tried to get boat back too pricey!!!!

Hvar Town

Next day climbed over the clif to the next bay and spent the day as a rock lizard sunbathing on the rocks and snorkelling in the cystal clear water, loads of fish and plant life

That evening we headed on foot inland to a desrted village, which has been empty for 50 years all that is there is one restaurant, we walked the village and looked into all the old houses and chose the one we would have, before going to the retaurant for a belated wedding anniversary dinner!!!! and a dark walk home.

Mljet Island

The next day we moved off and drove the entire length of the island on a road not much better than Burnham marshes and caught a ferry back to the mainland to head for the next ferry port for the island of Mljet, this involved passing through Bosnias coastline for 15mins, but posed no problems.

Once at Ston we studied the ferry time table and got up at 7am to catch the 1st ferry only to arrive and be 21/2 hours too early !!!! however after a long wait and short ferry ride we were on Mljet a national park island , where ther is 90% Forest and only 1200 people, really quiet, Bad Roads, Mountains , but very little tourism so nice and quiet.

We have pitched up for 3 nights and have spent the time walking down steep roads to coves and snorkelling in the clearest water i have ever swum in, Jane has seen two starfishes in one afternoon, we have visted the national park and lakes and snorkeled in the lakes seeing emporer clams and massive fish, and will tommorow drive to what we think is the only sandy beach in Croatia….

Diving Off Mljet

From there it will be back to the mainland to continue our trip to another Country !!!!!

So Bye for now and watch this space

Jane, Paul & Colin – Somewhere in Eastern Europe xx

Trieste Airport

What a great week we had hey team sadler our first holiday abroad all together and meg and angus’s first time on a plane how cool!  It turned out to be a bit of a week for firsts…………..

• First time i have seen mum swim for ages!!
• First time i have seen dad snorkel!!
• First time i have seen michael fail at sport!! (cornflake box game)
• First time i have seen Nicky sunbathe!!
• First time i have seen Andy relax although still good at organising us!!
• First time dad has doubted his sense of direction!!
• First time i have seen Angus so clean, chlorine does wonders!!
  

  Is that a farmers Tan!!

• First time i have seen Tatum swim so well olympic material!!
• First time Hayley and i have had a chat!!
• First time i have seen Suzannes diving skills, impressive!!
• First time i have seen Meg read so much

It was great being at the airport with Colin to see my whole family get of the plane i had tears in my eyes (so did Paul)

We stayed in a fantastic little village in Istria Croatia nicely in the middle of knowhere.  The weather brought us everthing sunshine showers and thunderstorms we made the most of it all.  Lovely walks, visited beautiful hill top towns and swam and snorkelled our hearts out!

Father & daughter diving contest

We had our very own dog and kitten no idea who they belonged to but the dog came with us on our walks to show us the way and the kitten drove us mad but was extremley cute we fed them both thats why they stayed!

Typically i got bitten on the first day so my big brother had to drive me to a suspisious looking hospital for an injection and some tablets all well after that! We had an interesting walk into Motovun along a disused railway line it ended in a massive thunderstorm none of us prepared for and a tunnel that was so dark we couldnt walk through Andy and Paul came to our rescue by running of to get the cars then like knights in shining armour driving them along a no acess footpath and through the tunnel!!

Walking in Motovun - 2nd attempt

Next day we had a great time looking round Motovun there was a film festival on so lots of people about camping and lots of screens everywhere to watch films. Had a wonderful lunch in the main square.  It was hot so we made to most of the pool too Angus’s pool assult course much fun!!

Seeing Rovinj was another highlight and snorkelling was fun seeing cuttle fish was cool. I have since seen a massive red starfish which i know will make Nicky jealous!  We had a lovely mountain walk and saw wonderful wild flowers if a little wet it was great to have Andy there to tell us the names and find the orchids.

We had a fantastic last meal together at the Agrotourism just down the road which sold lovely homemade wine. Paul drove all the grandchildren and grandad in the camper which was really nice.

A rainy lunch stop in a mountain hut

Wish we could do it all again (maybe we can!!)

We are now on our way to exploring the rest of Croatia………watch this space

Love to everyone Jane, Paul, Colin and the twins

The Waterfall - Ice Cold!!!

Hello you all, are you sitting comfortably?

Welcome to another edition of our blog, and this time we have moved on to Slovenia, a country that comes with it an air of mystery unfortunately it doesnt come with a whole lot of internet connection so i apologise for its belated posting.

Anyway thats enough of my grovelling apologies, i bet you want to know what has been happening!!

Lake Bled

Well on the Colin front he is still running and we will leave it at that!!!  and jane has managed not to contract any more tropical diseases that require hospital treatment, which is good for us but gives you less to laugh about!!!!

Since our last post we have moved into slovenia and have pitched up round the fascinating lake Bled, where we have cycled it perimeter and rowed to the fantastic church on the island in the middle.

Whtewater rafting on the Soca river

The Route!!!!

Whilst we were in the area we had a to do list, but with Slovenia being what it is there happened to be a couple of Colin proof mountains in the way, so we cheated and took an organised tour that covered not only hiking to the highest peak in Slovenia, but also Rafting down the Soca river with its crystal clear water and a swim in a waterfall all finished off with a train through the mountains, the only one slight injury was me, i did a 12m bridge jump!!! egged on by a danish guy, but i looked down and my face hit the water as i went in, all was OK just a bruised ego and a red face   a trip well worth doing if you are in the area !!

From here we moved on to the capital Lubjiana a pint sized capital not alot bigger than Chelmsford i would imagine, it was kind of cute if not a bit rough round the edges!!! and there was the only Mcdonalds with locked toilets where you had to buy something first, what is the world coming too!!!!

we had a walk around and vistited the cast on the top!!! a very nice if not very hot days sight seeing!!! Whilst in the city we found an english bookstore and spent a couple of worthwile hours stocking up on novels for the rest of our journey.

This was follwed by a swim in the trashiest city swimming pool and then being kept awake by the weekly cocktail party at said pool – Nice …i dont think so!!!!!

Slovenia's pocket size capital

After a broken nights sleep, we moved off back to the coast, now this is slovenia and they a not reknown for their coastline, and it shows, the only pace to visit was the resort of Piran,so do you think we could get into the campsite – not a chance so we had to be along the coast at a site not to far removed from those at Clacton on sea i would imagine, and guess what it was the weekend so full of beer swilling locals. an interesting couple of days, but we did visit Piran and it was lovely !!!!

The Coast!!!

From here we moved for not for the first time backwards to collect the Sadlers from Trieste – and more on that next time

Tootle ooh for now!!!

Jane, Paul and Colin xxx