Day 11

Thursday 28 May 2009

We had decided to move on today but were undecided if our destination would be Italy or France. We also wanted to go up the cable car to the Schilthorn mountain but after a promising outlook on the live webcam first thing in the morning as we made sandwiches and packed up the caravan ready to go the clouds had crept in and although the resaurant was clear the view all around was white. Katie was very dissapointed but there is no accounting for the weather. Again we said goodbye to some people we had got to know on the site and set off for our next destination Lake Geneva or Lac Leman as the locals call it in France. The journey was clear apart from the last 15 miles which took us alongside the lake and through lakeside villages including Evian and the bottling factory.
Apologies for the bad photo it was taken through Dave's arms whilst driving alongside the lake!! Lake Geneva is the second largest freshwater lake in central europe and is 60% Suiss and 40% French. We drove through the border through a little village very close to the lake itself and then drove for a further 45 mins as we went most of the 45 mile length of the lake. We had chosed one of the two campsites in a book we have got that gives us discounted rates. We discovered on talking to the locals that we had chosen well with our pitch looking out directly over the lake through the only sandy beach there is around the whole lake!!! The kids as you can imagine were very pleased and were keen to explore straight away. As you can see from the photos the para surfers (is that what they are called?) were out in force.

Day 10

Wednesday 27th May

The morning started out wet but the weather gradually cleared during the morning so we set out just before lunch to find Lauterbrunnen and the the Trimmelbach falls. We drove to Lauterbrunnen and parked right next to a stunning waterfall which we later discovered was falling over a 1800ft cliff, it was being caught by the wind too which produced some impressive spray. We had a lovely walk through the valley with paragliders regularly appearing from the mountain tops. As we carried on walking we saw a new kind of paraglider... base jumping paragliders. For any of you who don't know what this is it is when some very brave (or stupid!) people jump off a cliff and freefall for a certain distance before opening their chute at what seems to be the last minute. These guys were doing up to 6 jumps a day. While we were having our lunch one jumped right above us and as he fell lost something which fell in the tree right above us. His friend climbed the tree to get whatever it was for him...it turned out to be just his socks! We walked back up the valley next to a fast flowing river which was carrying all the melted snow and ice down from the mountains. We got back and dinner was ready for us in the cookpot so we were able to eat straight away and then go out for a bike ride afer dinner. We had hoped to cycle a little of the way around the lake but after half a mile or so it was apparent that it was going to be too difficult for Alex who doesn't have gears on his bike. Dave and the older two carried on and Alex and I turned back. We went for a little explore but after finding several dead ends we headed back to the caravan. The others arrived back a few minutes after us. We had seen that there was a fire in one of the TePees on site so we decided to go in and have a look. The owner came in and told us all about them. He has built several of them on site, most for sleeping in but this one was a small bar and restaurant. Very cosy and I can imagine in the winter it must be very snug.

Day 9

Tuesday 26th May

After a busy day yesterday a day of rest was definately in order. It was a good job we had done the mountains the day before as there was heavy cloud and we wouldn't have seen a thing today. After a bit of rain in the morning the weather cleared so the boys donned their wet suits and we headed down to the lake. The plan was that the boys could have a swim but they were rather wussey and only got in up to their chests. The dam!

We headed back to the caravan, had lunch and were just chatting to some newly arrived Brits when it started to rain again. We got everything inside the awning and it was a good job too as a major storm blew in which before our eyes destroyed the awnings of several of the people on our campsite and we later discovered had affected parts of Holland, Germany and Switzerland! It also blew a baby bird from it's nest in the tree above our caravan. We put it under the caravan to shelter from the rain and wind and it was gone later so hopefully it got back to it's mum. Following the worst of the storm we had heavy rain all through the night. We did feel sorry for the two young Americans sleeping in a tiny tent!

Day 8

Monday 25th May 2009

Before going to bed last night we talked about what would do today. We had planned to have a lazy day around the caravan depending on the weather but when we got up and found that today was possibly going to be the last day with clear blue skies for a while we made the decision to go up the Eiger and Jungfrau (one of the tallest mountains in Europe at 4158m) We quickly threw together some sarnies, grabbed some jumpers and water and set off for the day.The drive to Grindelwald was impressive enough as we drew closer to the mountains. We did have to bite the bullet when it came to the price but it's not every day you get to go to the top of europe!! (It is the highest point a person can commute in europe!) The journey starts with a couple of train rides which gradually climb higher and higher into the mountains. At each stage we were blown away by the views and though it can't get any better than this... only to go on a bit further and be even more blown away! This photo is of the North face of the Eiger! The ride took us through a few tunnels that had been build to protect the track from the snowfall and then we changed trains for a third time for the final ascent through a tunnel for perhaps 3/4 of an hour. Total journey time approx. 2 1/2 hours. We were a little concerned that we had come underdressed as the large family next to us donned many layers, wolly hats and gloves and we were the only people in shorts too! We arrived at the top and emerging from the train immediately got a lift to the ice caves. We have debated since as to weather the caves were carved out of the glacier or if the ice was in the rock, but whichever it was a chilly experience being surrounded entirely by ice. There were ice sculptures too which were cool too (get the pun!!) We then made our way outside onto the viewing platform... wow! It was an awesome sight to be looking down on many mountains, at the same level as a couple of others with just the Jeungfrau and the Monch above us. By this time we were rather peckish and managed to find a quiet corner to sit down and have our lunch. Revived somewhat although still feeling a little lightheaded from the altitude we set off for the Sphynx viewing point which was more impressive again if that is possible being even higher. The Aletsch glacier.Jeugfrau

Unfortunatley by this point the altitude was getting to Ben and Alex and where we could have stayed a bit longer for their sake we made a quick visit outside again to actually walk on the glacier and then we made our way back down from the mountains, ears popping all the way and the children becoming more their normal selves as we descended. Mind you here at the campsite we are at around 1000m above sea level so we aren't exactly low here! On getting back to the campsite the boys dissapeared to continue their dam building whilst we threw together some dinner. A second night in the awning for the boys tonight as it is cooler out there for them. This is a day that will certainly remain with us as one of the most amazing experiences ever... or should I say yet!?!

Day 7

Sunday 24th May 2009

Dave woke up before everyone else so decided to go for an early morning cycle. We then took our time showering, packing up and saying goodbye to the other campers in our corner that we had got to know. There was an retired English couple, a Swiss couple who spoke French and a German couple who spoke excellent English and understood the English sense of humour! Once packed up we set off for the 2.5 hr drive to our next chosen site in Switzerland! The temperature by this point was 27.5C and we were glad of the air conditioning. Having been taxed (for the car AND the caravan) going over the border some 60 euros we cautiously entered this new country, which to be honest was pretty much the same as the German scenery we had just left (not sure if I was expecting the sound of music to kick off and people to suddenly start prancing around in the mountain grass) and actually it became quite industrialised as we headed further south. But then suddenly as we came within 20 miles of our destination we started to see several peaks appear out of the clouds. They became more apparent, until suddenly coming out of one of the numerous tunnels we saw the lake Thunersee before us in a beautiful aqua blue colour strtching for several miles in front of us and to be honest were stunned! We arrived shortly after at our campsite, at which the temperature was 34 in the shade, a bit of a shock after the cars 18. We got a great spot under two big trees which provided much needed shade and the view from the caravan was just out of this world with mountains rising up all around us. Talking to the site owner we discovered the lake is at 14 C and there are streams feeding into it, one of which runs next to the campsite and we used to cool our coke. That evening after tea we went on a bike ride up to the crystal clear lake despite the looming clouds and rumbles of thunder. We managed to have a good explore before the rain started and we headed back. One of the funniest thing we saw was some students on strange bikes... a quadcycle (so 4 wheels and three passengers) and a tricycle with both passengers facing opposite directions - the person facing backwards must have been very trusting! As you can imagine we have loads of amazing photos, but one last one to whet your apetites... the view from the caravan.

Day 6

Saturday 23 May 2009

Having discovered that there was a lot to do in the area we had to decide what we would do and what we would miss out. In the end we decided that we would venture into the Black Forest and visit Germany's tallest waterfall at Triberg. It was a beautiful drive through German villages and then a climb into the forest with panoramic views of the valleys below. We had just put Triberg into the SatNav and drove past a sign for the falls so a quick turnaround and we managed to find a parking space as someone pulled out. The entrance to the falls was through an arch and down an extremely steep slope (which meant we would have to climb back up it at the end!) We were a bit confused how we were going to get to the waterfall if we were going down a hill as we assumed that we must climb to see the falls. As we walked down the river and what turned out to be the top end of the falls rambled along beside us. We then arrived at a booth and had to pay to get in to see the 'proper' falls. As we descended we had a choice of routes but the kids chose the one that went past the play area. We went past one section of waterfall and took some photos and then the walk went away from the falls as we descended into the valley and to the play area for a pit stop to top up with water and have a play. We then carried on the route which took us through Triberg and through the main entrance to the falls. We then were faced with the climb back to the top and to the car park. They estimated 45mins to the kiosk and then we had to climb as far again to get to the top car park and the car. As we climbed we passed more of the waterfall and then we carried on to the top and the top car park. We did the whole climb in 45mins so half the time they suggested and I was very proud of the boys for their determination to reach the top. Even little Alex did it without moaning. By the time we reached the top we were roasting as it was a hot day anyway (25 degrees at a guess) and the exhertion made us all red hot! We desperately needed fuel and some ice creams were in order too so we plumbed in the nearest garage for a little detour on the way home. Once back at home after tea we decided Alex needed an early night (relatively 8pm rather than 10pm!) so put him to bed and settled down to the next round of cards.

Day 5

Friday 22 May 2009

After an awful nights sleep (thunder, lightning) we finally made it through to Day 5! So after a hearty breakfast of bacon, eggs and fresh rolls and a morning snooze for Dave we set out to explore the delights of Freiburg on our bikes. The cycle paths here are very good and high priority there were bikes everywhere. It was also Alex's first ride anywhere and we thought that as there was a cycle path it might be a good first journey. He did really well although Katie had kittens for the second time this holiday as we rode alongside the river with a sheer drop off to the right. Because of the constant stream of bikes Alex had to ride on the right and avoid falling off the edge. Freiburg is a lovely town. Loads of character to the buildings with all sorts of amazing architecture, cobbled streets, trams, street entertainers and more. We just strolled around the town soaking up the atmosphere and the only thing we bought was a cucumber!! On the way back we had a quick stop at the park for the kids and then it was home again for tea. No dishwasher here so the boys are getting very used to drying up.

Day 4

Thursday 21 May 2009

Clouds over the hills in the morning.
We spent a leisurely morning packing up and the boys played with a couple of English lads who had taken the pitch next to ours the night before. They live and were born in Germany but their parents are English. The boys were pleased to have other children they could communicate with to play with and Ben took Josh's e-mail so they can keep in touch. Another 4 hour stint on the road and another 200 miles on the road and we arrived at our next stop Freiburg. Arrived late (17ish) to find that due to the German holiday the place was fully booked but the owner walked around checking thinking, scratching his head and eventually managed to stuff us in the corner next the toilet block. Sounds awful but actually was ok. We had our own little play area and verrandah with table and chairs. We weren't the only ones he managed to squeeze in. He fitted in some more Brits in a traailer tent later in the evening and since then whenever anyone leaves someone else is squeezed into their spot. In the evening we had the most amazing lightening displays followed by torrential rain most of the night.

Day 3

We had decided that after a couple of days on the road that a day of rest was called for. It was lovely to spend the day relaxing enjoying the beautiful scenery and weather. We visited a localsupermarket (cheaper than Belgium) which was fine apart from both Dave and I put our shopping in someone else's trolley - we might not speak German but we understood in no uncertain terms when the owner came back! I have found it quite a challenge not neing able to communicate here in Germany. I am so used to being to find out information wherever we are. Another lifetime goal for me to pick up enough German at least to get by. We went for a dip in the pool too although I can't say the boys loved it as it was rather nippy!! We didn't see anyone else in the pool the whole time and now we know why. In the evening we went for a drive (nice not to have the caravan on tow) and for a bit of an explore. The river was actually quite narrow near our site and widened out as we drove.

Day 2 (Part 2)

Again I am writing on the road as we head for our next stop. I am writing this on Thursday as we head to Freiburg but I need to catch up first with what we have done since our last entry.

Tuesday 19 May 2009

200 miles more and our fourth country, Germany. We arrived on campsite and were blown away by the views. We had been trying to find the campsite recommended by the Brits but after Katie had kittens going down 15% gradients and the GPS not taking us to the right place we went for the nearest campsite. The location was amazing. In a valley with the Mosel flowing alongside us and on the extremely steep sides of the valley were thousands of vines , each section marked up with wine they would produce. We must be getting better at setting up as we managed to be all set up and have dinner ready in 50 mins! Mind you the sudden storm did encourage us to get the awning up quickly before it blew away!! The weather in the valley was strange. We couldn't see the weather coming in and on a couple of occasions we had a short lived storm only to have bright sunshine again 5 mins later. The campsite was interesting with lots of caravans that people had located on site permanently and so they had small gardens and all the home comforts. Lots of people were out mowing their small square of lawn. The Mosel offered lots of interest with all sorts of craft going up and down including massive barges often loaded to the gunnels with some unseen cargo. On the other side of the Mosel was another road which ran parallel to the river and alongside that a train track which Alex loved, especially counting the number of carriages on the freight trains... I think the highest was over 40 trucks with 3 engines to push the load along.

Day 2 (Part 1)

We are sitting on the side of the Mosel at the moment enjoying the sunshine and getting ready to set off for our next stop.. so a quick snapshot of the first part of day 2. Hopefully more to follow later if we have WiFi.

Tuesday 19th May 2009

We were unsure weather to stay put for today just to recover but having heard about some of the delights that await us we decided to take our time packing up and to set off for another site, get a few more miles under our belts and add another country to the itinerary. So I am typing this in the car as we head for GermanyKoblenz on the Mosel river. The scenery is changing slightly and we have crossed several interesting bridges, seen viaducts next to the road and some lovely scenery. One thing that doesn’t change is the constant stream of lorrys. and

Some comments from the boys…

Ben… getting bored of sitting in the car

Jez… do you want another game of cards

Alex… what about me, Alex? We are driving off to… what is the country we are driving to? We are driving off to Germany.

Guess the game they are playing…

Stick… twist… bust!

DAY 1

Well I have finally worked out how to log in to blogger... it's not easy when everything is in German!

Here is our account of our first day with a few photos to wet your appetite...

Monday 18th May 2009

Three countries, 260 miles, a 2 hour ferry crossing and 5 tired Savages!! We set off bright and early at 6am and arrived at the ferry port with just enough time to do a loo stop and no hanging around before being loaded onto the ferry. The crossing was uneventful… time enough to grab some lunch and for Alex to practice his French in the play area!! On to the continent and a 2 ½ hour drive to our first stop. There were only a couple of sites to choose from on the path we wanted to take and both were urban campsites… I didn’t tell Dave this in advance!. It was very strange driving through a large Belgium town centre (Mons) to turn right off the ring road only to arrive at a wooded campsite which could have been in the middle of a forest for all we knew! Ok there was a little bit of road noise. We were greeted by a red squirrel, a tree creeper and some ducks as we looked around the site (the site next to a public pond and garden area). We set up in an hour and then made our way into Mons for a look around and to buy some food for tea. The most interesting shop the boys found was one that sold air guns and knives. After dinner Dave put he boys to bed whilst I chatted with some other Brits who are experienced campers and gave us some info on good campsites and good places to visit. There is nothing like insider info! We were in bed by 10pm which was just as well as we had a bit of a restless night including a visit from a friendly mosquito who obviously found one of us very tasty as he was full of blood when we splatted him…nice!