Yes I'm off to Hungary again on Tuesday for 3 weeks..
Going on baby as I know she can do it. Went there last year and she went like a dream..
I need to get away, so I'm going on my own.. Wish me luck... :clap:
Now that looks like a great trip, I wish I had three week to do a trip like that, have fun and take care on your own.
Alan
Hey Debs, firstly I hope you have a great time, so ride safe and enjoy
Second is there any chance that you will be able to update us of your progress along the way :clap:
Change of plan.. I have now decided to stop over for 2 nights at a biker hotel in Austria and look at the sights for a complete day and get some pics..
Quote from: BigAlan on August 10, 2013, 12:38:00 PM
Now that looks like a great trip, I wish I had three week to do a trip like that, have fun and take care on your own.
Alan
I will be ok thanks Alan.. I won't be in any rush. :no:
Quote from: olde coney on August 10, 2013, 02:15:10 PM
Hey Debs, firstly I hope you have a great time, so ride safe and enjoy
Second is there any chance that you will be able to update us of your progress along the way :clap:
Im sure I can do something just for you OC :mfr_lol:
New Route...
Have a gud un Debs, ride safe :banana: :banana: :yes:
Quote from: 100milesaway on August 11, 2013, 07:21:31 AM
Have a gud un Debs, ride safe :banana: :banana: :yes:
+1, full report and pics when you get back.
Hi Debs,
got back from my Austria trip last night - fantastic weather, 3000 miles and the GTR was a dream - wish I was going back with you on Tuesday.
Have a great trip :banana:
Welcome back Pete. Glad you had a great time and I loved looking at your pics as you updated them. I am going to go to Grossglockner after seeing your pics of it. I have made an album on my FB and will try and update it as I go along..
Thank you Geoff & Gonome. Watch this space.. :banana: :banana:
I am staying at this place in Austria for 2 nights. It looks nice.
http://www.hochalmspitze.com/
Quote from: Debs on August 11, 2013, 09:58:47 AM
Welcome back Pete. Glad you had a great time and I loved looking at your pics as you updated them. I am going to go to Grossglockner after seeing your pics of it. I have made an album on my FB and will try and update it as I go along..
Thank you Geoff & Gonome. Watch this space.. :banana: :banana:
I am staying at this place in Austria for 2 nights. It looks nice.
http://www.hochalmspitze.com/
Great ! now we can all come down and throw a surprise party for you Debs :whistling:
BTW your plan shows a one way route....you are coming back aren't ya ?
Take care and enjoy every :banana: minute Debs
Have a great time Debs, and look forward to seeing some pics when you return.
Here's my first update of my trip. I left home at 2am and had a steady ride to Dover. I didn't go over 65mph for the first 160, then on the last 19 miles I got bored and opened her up to 80 :).
The ferry [ http://www.myferrylink.com/ ] was awesome and I loved how they strapped the bikes down. You ride between 2 raised parts and the front wheel goes in a chock. They strapped it down and I was very impressed.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/WP_000286_zps5cf1a975.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/WP_000286_zps5cf1a975.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/WP_000288_zpsf9c0d86e.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/WP_000288_zpsf9c0d86e.jpg.html)
Once off the ferry I went off to 'Tyne Cot' Worlds Largest Commonwealth Cemetery. The cemetery and its surrounding memorial are located outside of Passendale, near Zonnebeke in Belgium.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2732_zps315dd282.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2732_zps315dd282.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2747_zpsf0e3527a.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2747_zpsf0e3527a.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2756_zps2e472750.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2756_zps2e472750.jpg.html)
When the headstones require replacement, they install a blank one and the guys engrave them on the spot.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2744_zps49d28af5.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2744_zps49d28af5.jpg.html)
I then went off to the Menin Gate... I last went over 35 years ago and it was nice to go back and pay my respects. I was lost for words by how many names are there.. :(
Baby also wanted to be in one of the pics, so I agreed.. Didn't want her being upset.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2767_zps9531ad2c.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2767_zps9531ad2c.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2768_zps4763d9d0.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2768_zps4763d9d0.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2774_zps8a14da81.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2774_zps8a14da81.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2780_zps2ea9f5bf.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2780_zps2ea9f5bf.jpg.html)
I am now worn out for the day.. :)
Some great pics, Debs.
Have a great time and stay safe :clap:
Good on yer Debs, the memorials are the most humbling sites that I've ever experienced, as you know a group of us toured the Somme last year, and I reckon its something everyone MUST do whilst they can
The bike clamp idea is superb, I haven't seen that before
Continue to enjoy and ride safe..we're all watching your progress :clap:
agree totally that those WW1 sites are humbling and the last post in Ypres is an event i'll not forget
Ypres last post
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DQWSnHS76Wo/Ugps4XOYp1I/AAAAAAAABDk/0Grkq6yMqGA/s512/france%25202009%2520%252835%2529.jpg)
Tynecot - this is 3 images stitched onto one to capture the full width of the site
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-omcsSXwje8g/UgptT8BEJQI/AAAAAAAABD0/xhwb3iHfbuE/s1152/tyne%2520cot%2520composite%2520copy.jpg)
The Ossary at Duamont (sorry if the spelling is wrong) and bit of photoshopping
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4R969uOzlCk/UgptQKr59qI/AAAAAAAABDs/TLI8AoRd7qo/s640/douamont%2520composite%25201.jpg)
French National Cemetery also at Duamont
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VTnAjse2Zeg/UgptYXSmC5I/AAAAAAAABD8/IygH0rPvkCQ/s640/france%25202009%2520%252874%2529.jpg)
Patrick.. How did you get your pics to show on here? Did you use Dropbox?
I use google / picassa and view the photo on my screen and then copy the URL or is that ULR into the message on the forum using the insert image button. the one below the Bold Text button. I assume you could do the same with the URL ULR )web address of the image) from dropbox
Hope this helps, but no doubt others will explain it more eloquently!
P
Great piccies Debs ... Use Photobucket ... Even I can work that ... Just !! ( with a bit of help from Steve ! ) :yes:
Ps .. I was at The Menin Gate a few years ago and it was a very moving experience.
Yesterday I eventually arrived in Nuremberg after about 11 hours on the bike in temperatures of +29c. There were 2 major accidents on the way that really delayed me, plus I was boiling up in my leathers. Tomorrow I am off to Austria for 3 nights to have a play around the mountain roads. :)
Going out on a pedal bike soon to have a ride around the area. I asked where the engine was and my host pointed to my legs :censored: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
Hi Deb's
if you get a chance try the Nockelmstrasse - best of all the passes in my opinion beats Stelvio and Grossglockner for views - did all three on my trip two weeks back and the wife definitely preferred it :)
Enjoy.....
Quote from: PCPeteUK on August 17, 2013, 11:00:10 AM
Hi Deb's
if you get a chance try the Nockelmstrasse - best of all the passes in my opinion beats Stelvio and Grossglockner for views - did all three on my trip two weeks back and the wife definitely preferred it :)
Enjoy.....
Yes I will Pete. The owners of the biker hotel http://www.hochalmspitze.com/ that I am staying at have said the same. I will now be staying there for 3 nights so 2 whole days for doing them all.. :)
I have just been on a cycle ride to Herzogenaurach and used muscles I forgot I had... Its really lovely here and the host said it was about +40c out in the sun... :sweatdrop: :banana:
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/WP_000296_zps3c5669b5.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/WP_000296_zps3c5669b5.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/WP_000299_zps57740072.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/WP_000299_zps57740072.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/WP_000305_zps11d83549.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/WP_000305_zps11d83549.jpg.html)
The building in the centre is where Adidas first started in 1948
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/WP_000301_zps896568a1.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/WP_000301_zps896568a1.jpg.html)
They no longer use this as their head quaters after moving to a new site on an old American forces base
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/WP_000303_zps02d17d10.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/WP_000303_zps02d17d10.jpg.html)
Great to see that you are enjoying yourself Debs...good pics keep posting :clap:
Thank you OC. I love it around here.. Its so clean and a great place to retire to.. I don't want to come back to UK.. :no: :mfr_lol:
I have now mastered how to use photobucket... :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
And I bet you're now thinking, bloody hell it wasn't that difficult after all :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
Quote from: olde coney on August 17, 2013, 01:07:01 PM
And I bet you're now thinking, bloody hell it wasn't that difficult after all :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
No its not.. I should have asked a 10 yr old.. I bet they could have shown me... hahaha
Nice one Debs .... looks as if you are having a great time .. keep it all coming back to the UK ! :yes:
I left Nuremberg at 10am and had an eventful ride down in the blistering heat. I can't remember how many time I stopped to pour cold water over my head, and to loosen up my joints.. I bought an Airhawk seat before I left home to stop myself getting a numb bum. That is a plus but the minus is that my joints all seize up after about hour & half :mfr_lol:
On the way to Salzburg things were going to good, and then it happened.. Bloody road closed. No warning signs to say before I got there, so I had to follow the diversion signs back the way I had already come for about 10km. I was soon around the delay and heading for Salzburg again.
Once I had left Salzburg I started stopping now and again for a quick photo. I was in awe of the scenery. So beautiful.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2784_zpsddcd2701.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2784_zpsddcd2701.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2787_zps8bff4f97.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2787_zps8bff4f97.jpg.html)
I decided to stay away from the Autobahn for 3 reasons. 1st I'm a cheapskate [bit like LW] and didn't want to pay the toll fee :mfr_lol: 2nd my rear tyre is getting a flat spot down the center and 3rd the old road looked fun. :clap:
Somewhere up a mountain on the old road. Having a break to clean the 1000's of dead bugs off my visor, and putting my Drift Ghost camera on my lid to record the last half hour to my destination.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2791_zps76862818.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2791_zps76862818.jpg.html)
I eventually arrived at the hotel at 6pm. :clap:
Looks fantastic Debs, very jealous! Have a good safe one! :clap:
Yep. keep the reports coming Debs :yes: :clap:
I wanted to go ride around today, up some mountains and breathe in the nice fresh air. Unfortunately I am trying to sort out my lights.
A few months back the same thing happened. The headlights didn't come on, the indicators stayed lit slightly and the side lights flash at the same time as the indicators. Bournemouth Kawasaki said they fixed the problem. They said it was my accessories causing the bad earths.
The problem had gone for about 2 months, then on the way from Salzburg to here the problem returned. I have disconnected all the accessories and the problem is still exists... :cry:
I have been down to the nearest Kawasaki dealer but they are too busy and can't help. Tomorrow I will have to go in to Villach to the big main dealer and see if they can get them sorted..
So much for enjoying the countryside :censored: :sad:
Did they say which accessories it was?
No Asif they didn't..
Ok things have been happening today...
After breakfast myself, John the owner and Wilf the barman tried to sort them out. As I said before the local dealer were useless.
John decided he wasn't going to be beaten. He used to own a car garage but sold it over 5 years ago near Redditch, Worcs. Here was a man that knew far more than I would ever know about electrics. To cut a long story short, he has put an extra wire from the earth on the dipped headlights to the main frame. This has now given me lights and indicators, but if I switch to main beam it will blow the fuse.
John working his magic
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2793_zps3f93958d.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2793_zps3f93958d.jpg.html)
Wilf not happy John kept burning him with the soldering iron.. hahaa
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2792_zps1b3a3702.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2792_zps1b3a3702.jpg.html)
Ummmmmm..
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2798_zpsa7ab2435.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2798_zpsa7ab2435.jpg.html)
And here is the place.. Its a lovely area, and the hosts [John & Ros] couldn't be any nicer. I will certainly be coming back
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2797_zps583c0943.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2797_zps583c0943.jpg.html)
I'm going to keep the lights as they are until I get back home when BK can sort them while baby is in for a service
It may a temporary fix Debs, but at least it means you can continue to enjoy your tour, and we can continue to enjoy your reports :clap:
Debs... Say Hi to John and Ros from us please :yes:
PS.. you're not a million miles away from the Eagles Nest.... worth a visit on the way back perhaps :cool:
(http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r403/GSAnut/R0011542.jpg) (http://s354.photobucket.com/user/GSAnut/media/R0011542.jpg.html)
Quote from: Bryn on August 19, 2013, 04:56:10 PM
Debs... Say Hi to John and Ros from us please :yes:
What's your names and when did you come?
Quote from: Debs on August 19, 2013, 04:58:25 PM
What's your names and when did you come?
Bryn :mfr_lol:
Lyn
They'll know us :yes:
PS just looked, Eagles nest 90 miles from Spittal
Eagles Nest ? If I,m ever over that way it will be a must ! :yes:
Sounds like all is well Debs despite your lighting problems ! keep up the reporting !
Take heart Debs, there's a lot of support and interest in your trip. No journeys all plain sailing. My throttle bodies went out of balance in the Pyrenees on my solo trip to morocco on tigger but I got it sorted as you will your lecky issue.
Keep posting.
+1 for the Eagles Nest. I went there when I flew over for a long weekend (on the beer mainly) to Munich. Very atmospheric and the tunnel you walk through on the way to it is very eerie. Lots of bikes around the area so I assume there must be some great biking roads there.
Sorry to hear about the bike Debs. If all your accessories are turned off then it won't be those that's causing your problems. I think John is on the right track, as whatever is on (ie your headlights) is "searching" for a good earth if its own earth is bad - thats why indicators and the like illuminate slightly as the headlights are trying to get an earth through them. When you get a chance, check the wiring to your dipped and main beams. It sounds as if you either have a poor connection somewhere to them, or possibly a damaged loom if your main beam is blowing fuses.
.....But sod worrying about that for now, just have fun on your trip as it sounds as if John has done a fine job getting you going.
Might be worth adding his hotel as a recommended place to stay on a sticky along with any other places anyone wishes to add???
Quote from: shaggs147 on August 19, 2013, 10:56:50 PM
or possibly a damaged loom if your main beam is blowing fuses
- agree. Check loom for damage.
- great to find people to help you on the road , so to speak. Chivalry is not dead !!
- good riding to be had there, ride safe.
.
My final night at the hotel so wanted to do something today.. It rained all night and was still raining this morning. After consulting the weather forecast it said it would be dry in the west and sun moving this way. I decided to shoot off to Grossglockner.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/ScreenShot2013-08-20at180503_zps27aef661.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/ScreenShot2013-08-20at180503_zps27aef661.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/ScreenShot2013-08-20at181144_zpsc4914830.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/ScreenShot2013-08-20at181144_zpsc4914830.jpg.html)
This guy made me nearly :shit: myself as he was over the white line :sweatdrop:
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/ScreenShot2013-08-20at181431_zps15479362.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/ScreenShot2013-08-20at181431_zps15479362.jpg.html)
And as a result I side swiped the crash railings on my right. Luckily I wasn't going that fast and I just nudged it and bounced off.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/ScreenShot2013-08-20at181441_zps5487db45.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/ScreenShot2013-08-20at181441_zps5487db45.jpg.html)
On the way up the mountain I came to the toll booths.. 23€ :censored:
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/ScreenShot2013-08-20at181738_zps074c5302.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/ScreenShot2013-08-20at181738_zps074c5302.jpg.html)
The first of 2 tunnels on the way up
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/ScreenShot2013-08-20at181840_zps89ba8964.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/ScreenShot2013-08-20at181840_zps89ba8964.jpg.html)
I then reached the first big parking area with a restaurant.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/ScreenShot2013-08-20at182250_zpsb0015ff7.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/ScreenShot2013-08-20at182250_zpsb0015ff7.jpg.html)
I could see the road carried on further up, and a few bikers were ahead of me. Not being one to give up I went for it.
At the top
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2800_zps9f8da280.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2800_zps9f8da280.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2808_zps7dd536b2.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2808_zps7dd536b2.jpg.html)
Baby admiring the view :yes:
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2810_zps3e245a1d.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2810_zps3e245a1d.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2803_zps63c769dd.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2803_zps63c769dd.jpg.html)
I couldn't see much because of the low cloud and it was :censored: cold. Only +3c.
I stayed there for about an hour and had a Wienerschnitzel mit Pommes and 2 cups of coffee to warm up. :yes:
It was now time to start heading back down, but I wanted to get some pics on the way. I saw a view I really wanted to capture. I pulled over and stopped.. baby said F*** You and laid down.. I think she was trying to tell me something.. :mfr_lol: I tried to lift her but not a chance. Not even 1mm off the ground.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2816_zpsf1145e44.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2816_zpsf1145e44.jpg.html)
I took the pic I wanted, then waved someone down to help me get baby back up.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2813_zps0ef93e14.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2813_zps0ef93e14.jpg.html)
This lovely Swiss guy stopped and came to my rescue. :mfr_lol:
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2819_zps159a243c.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2819_zps159a243c.jpg.html)
Thats it for now.. Tomorrow I will be heading off to Hungary for a week of relaxation. :clap:
Debs....take it easy....blimey Armco crunching and Baby sleeping, you can't say this trip isn't eventful
That really demonstrates the benefits of the cages :oops:
great report and pics, keep 'em coming, and FFS take care and enjoy your well earned rest :yes:
Debs, great report, how come the beast fell over?
Quote from: Lonewolf on August 21, 2013, 12:16:28 AM
Debs, great report, how come the beast fell over?
The ground sloped more to the right than I realised. Once she was going over I couldn't stop her, but she didn't crash down. I was trying to hold her up but she got the better of me. :censored: :mfr_lol:
Quote from: Debs on August 21, 2013, 06:56:15 AM
I was trying to hold her up but she got the better of me
- been there .... gravity + a 300 kgs bike always wins.
- did the bars save your plastic ? You appear to have scuffed up the right pannier.
- take care and be careful out there , esp since you're riding solo.
- Solo is fun since you don't need to "accomodate" other people's ways/opinions/routes, but you need to think over everything twice since there is no easily available help on hand.
- I ride solo alot ( to the horror of the people at home ) and knowing that there is no help on hand has a sure way of dictating things like pace , etc.
.
Hi Pistole,
I also ride alone most times, you are right about it defines your pace, it means I can go as fast as I like and not have to slow down/stop for the dawdles, smokers, coffee stops and subsequent "rest" stops. Get on that bike and ride till the gauge/yellow light tells you to stop, or the view means you gotta take a pic
Ride safe but ride fast
Coman
Quote from: pistole on August 21, 2013, 08:48:05 AM
- did the bars save your plastic ? You appear to have scuffed up the right pannier.
Yes the bars did stop any damage, and the marks you see on the pannier is :shit: from all the miles I have done. She needs a good clean. There is not a mark on them when she was on her side. :clap:
I left the biker hotel in Austria yesterday for my trip to Hungary. It was looking like it would be a nice day after all the rain we had had the previous day.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/1185139_10152142322375760_1997338200_n_zps1e5fafbd.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/1185139_10152142322375760_1997338200_n_zps1e5fafbd.jpg.html)
My SatNav was giving me a route on the autobahns all the way
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/ScreenShot2013-08-22at085941_zps4f2296a6.png) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/ScreenShot2013-08-22at085941_zps4f2296a6.png.html)
I decided that I would go part of the way and get off the autobahn and go across through Slovenia to Maribor. It looked a good road for a blast. Once on it I think all of their truckers had decided on the same fate. :censored:
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/ScreenShot2013-08-22at090159_zps8ddad693.png) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/ScreenShot2013-08-22at090159_zps8ddad693.png.html)
Not that far from Budapest.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/ScreenShot2013-08-21at205706_zps748073bf.png) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/ScreenShot2013-08-21at205706_zps748073bf.png.html)
After 8 hours I arrived at my destination of Balatonföldvár.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/ScreenShot2013-08-21at210551_zps09c100eb.png) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/ScreenShot2013-08-21at210551_zps09c100eb.png.html)
I'm off down to the big lake today to do a bit of swimming and sunbathing.. Byeeeee :mfr_lol:
Quote from: Debs on August 22, 2013, 08:21:22 AM
I'm off down to the big lake today to do a bit of swimming and sunbathing
- pictures please !
:grin:
.
:mfr_lol:
Quote from: pistole on August 22, 2013, 08:39:08 AM
- pictures please !
:grin:
Not a chance :nono: :mfr_lol:
Enjoy the sun and swim :mfr_lol:
Good on yer Debs :clap: :clap:
There's plenty members on here who wouldn't dream of going it alone on a tour like yours.......me included :sweatdrop:
Quote from: Debs on August 22, 2013, 09:12:03 AM
Not a chance :nono: :mfr_lol:
No, he means pictures of the big lake :wink:
Watch out for the monster Catfish in Lake Balaton :whistling:
Quote from: Bryn on August 22, 2013, 06:10:13 PM
No, he means pictures of the big lake :wink:
Watch out for the monster Catfish in Lake Balaton :whistling:
Yes sure he did Bryn... :wink:
BTW John & Ros were telling me all your dirty secrets the other night.. Hahaha.. :wink:
Here is my first day down by the lake.. There were a few boats out but not much wind to get them going.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/WP_000306_zps569a641d.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/WP_000306_zps569a641d.jpg.html)
The water must have been nice and warm :yes:
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/WP_000309_zps3c9bb114.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/WP_000309_zps3c9bb114.jpg.html)
And here's proof that we did go for a swim. :mfr_lol:
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/WP_000310_zps4e502fe3.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/WP_000310_zps4e502fe3.jpg.html)
It was soon lunchtime and we decided to have a light snack.. And here's my yummy burger with lots of fresh salad... Mmmmmm
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/WP_000315_zpscb44f8ed.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/WP_000315_zpscb44f8ed.jpg.html)
Now before I bore you all any longer, I am going to leave it there for today. I need to go and put some after sun on my :censored: sore bits :whistling:
It looks idyllic................................very few people warm weather and nice views :smiley:
The swimming proof had me laughing................a smart answer to a tricky question. If you're not a QC then you've missed your vocation in life Debs.
Like the rest of the team I look forward to your daily report to enjoy the views narrative and humour.
Should the site sponsor you to keep touring Europe? :clap:
Safe journey and enjoy your trip
Charlie
Priceless Debs LMAO at the towels...that's twice tonight :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
looking at the towel I think you might need two big handfuls of sun cream :whistling: :innocent:
Quote from: shaggs147 on August 22, 2013, 08:58:26 PM
looking at the towel I think you might need two big handfuls of sun cream :whistling: :innocent:
:mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
How lovely ... What a great trip ... Enjoy your last week of relaxing !! :yes:
I am having a relaxing day today, because it is raining and I have sunburn... :mfr_lol:
I have just been thinking of my next days on baby. I'm supposed to be heading back towards UK on Tuesday, stopping at Nuremberg again for 3 nights, but I may take a detour. I really want to go and visit Auschwitz, so a ride up to Krakow, Poland for a few nights may be the plan :mfr_lol:
I've not decided yet... Need to find somewhere to stay first :popcorn:
This may be my new route home.. :mfr_lol:
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/ScreenShot2013-08-24at155202_zps80bc6fd1.png) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/ScreenShot2013-08-24at155202_zps80bc6fd1.png.html)
Debs, I can recommend this place in Krakow :cool:
Hotel Royal
http://www.booking.com/hotel/pl/royalkrakow.en-gb.html?aid=311076;label=hotel-16517-pl-x7golwVcWw%2AtVXJWRYQUWQS11110747500%3Apl%3Ata%3Ap1%3Ap2%3Aac%3Aap1t1%3Aneg;sid=4aa37b37fbefaab1139e858c0f781cf8;dcid=1;checkin=2013-08-25;checkout=2013-08-26;srfid=4b16953b723ca615da04b9ecade58580552beed6X1
Make sure you ask to put your bike in the yard at the rear.. nice and secure. Within walking distance from the main square and wawel castle... Been there twice up to now... and there's a really nice bar/restaurant below the hotel, its where they serve breakfast... sometimes live music at night too
Auschwitz is 40km away.... nice distance for a day trip.. free parking for the bike , and there's a cafe at the Birkenau site
:yes:
Glad to see you're avoiding Bielsko Biala.. the armpit of Poland :laugh: (I managed to get lost even with the satnav but blame the crap road signs)
Another point... why not check out Stalag Luft 3 at Zagan on the way up to Berlin? Very interesting place... only take you an hour or so to look round .. We stayed over in a hotel at Zary.. can't remember the name.. but the Polish Vodka was about £2 a bottle :rolleyes:
Just checked booking.com and there's a few places in Zagan :yes:
Debs .. It's nice to see you are having such a good trip .. I love the way you are just wandering about and " may stay for 3 nights " or change your plans ! This is what I hope to be doing in a few years ... Just get over to Europe with a return ticket stamped up for 14 days time and go ?.... Be a bit nomadic and just go and stay where you fancy and for as long or as little as you like !
Great stuff ... Keep the updates coming. :yes:
Debs, if you do this next year will you take me please? This is the sort of trip I dream about.
Her indoors would love it if I cleared off for a few weeks, so would I.
Alan
Quote from: Rusty on August 24, 2013, 10:12:03 PM
Debs .. It's nice to see you are having such a good trip .. I love the way you are just wandering about and " may stay for 3 nights " or change your plans ! This is what I hope to be doing in a few years ... Just get over to Europe with a return ticket stamped up for 14 days time and go ?.... Be a bit nomadic and just go and stay where you fancy and for as long or as little as you like !
Great stuff ... Keep the updates coming. :yes:
:agree:
Quote from: BigAlan on August 24, 2013, 10:15:18 PM
Debs, will you take me please?
Quote from: pistole on August 25, 2013, 04:05:45 AM
hoi !
.
:hammer: ORDER :hammer: ORDER :hammer: Order :sweatdrop:
Would the Honourable Gentlemen of this House please form an orderly queue for this sort after dream of freedom featuring the open road and Baby :mfr_lol:
:mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
I have had another lazy day today. The weather wasn't so great so I just sat by the lake and watched the yachts out on the water, and also my little sis doing some windsurfing.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2915_zpsfa9fd549.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2915_zpsfa9fd549.jpg.html)
She's a real sporty girl.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2955_zps05f986ed.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2955_zps05f986ed.jpg.html)
I have booked up for 2 nights at a hotel in Oswiecim, Poland (Auschwitz Birkenau)
The hotel welcomes bikers and is in the area I want to be... http://www.hotelgalicja.com.pl/
I will be able to spend a whole day there looking around and paying my respects to the victims.
Once I leave there I will be heading off to Berlin.. I have not yet found a place to stay but there are a few to choose from. :clap:
Let us know how you get on at Auschwitz .. I am sure it will be very moving. Another place that needs "ticking off" when I have more time .........
Yesterday I spent my last day in Hungary with my little sis down by the marina at Lake Balaton.
There were some lovely yachts berthed up, but the marina could have done with a clean.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/WP_000350_zpsc095c43b.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/WP_000350_zpsc095c43b.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/WP_000349_zpsd0b497d7.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/WP_000349_zpsd0b497d7.jpg.html)
Even though it wasn't the best of days, the view was lovely.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/WP_000355_zps5bac1003.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/WP_000355_zps5bac1003.jpg.html)
On the way back out we noticed some Cygnets with their mother. They looked so cute :yes:
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/WP_000372_zps1ff6f800.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/WP_000372_zps1ff6f800.jpg.html)
This morning I was up bright and early. It was bright and too early.. :mfr_lol:
I wasn't in the mood to get on baby today. I had not been on her for a week and just wasn't in the mood for the long ride north. I opted to stick to motorway as much as possible just to get to my destination asap.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/ScreenShot2013-08-27at223011_zpscce40b86.png) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/ScreenShot2013-08-27at223011_zpscce40b86.png.html)
I stopped a few times to get fuel, and when I got to the border of Hungary & Slovakia I popped in to ask if I had to pay a toll fee. The motorway through Slovakia is free for motorbikes as long as you don't have a sidecar fitted.
I looked up to see if it was going to rain and decided I would be ok for another hour or so.. As soon as I had left the services I noticed a few drops appear on my visor. Within the next few miles the heavens had opened up and I was getting soaked. I stopped under a bridge to get some shelter while I climbed into my waterproofs. I made a very small hole by the zip for my headphone lead to go through, so I could still listen to the satnav and some tunes. This was a mega mistake as, it :censored: peed it down for the next 10 mins... The rain run down the lead and I could feel it going through my leathers and down to my white bits... :censored: :mfr_lol:
Once it had stopped I pulled off into a service station to now do the reverse and try and dry out..
I eventually arrived at Oswiecim (Auschwitz Birkenau) after another 8 hours on baby..
The hotel is really nice.. I have sent some washing off to their laundry service and will get it back tomorrow afternoon.
Baby is all tucked up nice and snug in a secured garage :clap:
My plan for tomorrow is to visit the Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. I will take lots of pictures to remind myself of the special place where so many innocent lives were lost and should never be forgotten. :no:
Visited Auschwitz - Birkenau today..
The pictures speak a thousand words. One of the rooms I went in had bundles and bundles of hair.. You are not allowed to take a picture of this out of respect for those who perished. I wouldn't have wanted to anyway because it was too overwhelming :sad:
Auschwitz I
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2984_zps43832904.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2984_zps43832904.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2985_zpsb79fa8e4.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2985_zpsb79fa8e4.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_2999_zpsa1b58471.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_2999_zpsa1b58471.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3013_zpsbf28d347.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3013_zpsbf28d347.jpg.html)
Childrens clothes and shoes :sad:
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3015_zpsfbed11ee.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3015_zpsfbed11ee.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3021_zps88699160.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3021_zps88699160.jpg.html)
Adults Shoes
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3022_zps87234903.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3022_zps87234903.jpg.html)
Some of the victims.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3030_zps77e980a4.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3030_zps77e980a4.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3031_zpsb9f2e629.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3031_zpsb9f2e629.jpg.html)
The Wall of Death where "Political" prisoners were executed.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3046_zps452a462f.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3046_zps452a462f.jpg.html)
Gas chamber.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3061_zps49b9e25a.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3061_zps49b9e25a.jpg.html)
Auschwitz II-Birkenau
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3131_zpsdc43b747.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3131_zpsdc43b747.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3071_zps12e7ee51.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3071_zps12e7ee51.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3078_zpsfd9425a1.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3078_zpsfd9425a1.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3086_zps5b932143.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3086_zps5b932143.jpg.html)
The remains of the gas chamber
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3090_zpsc2b73ea6.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3090_zpsc2b73ea6.jpg.html)
Only 1 of the sleeping huts is open to the public due to 'Modern Graffiti' being scratched into the walls and wood beams.
The sleeping bunks
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3098_zpsba1806b3.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3098_zpsba1806b3.jpg.html)
I found this place very upsetting and disturbing :cry:
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3101_zps09500ff0.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3101_zps09500ff0.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3104_zps3407727e.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3104_zps3407727e.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3106_zpsa06095f4.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3106_zpsa06095f4.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3118_zps9d61b1d1.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3118_zps9d61b1d1.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3122_zps12be2b65.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3122_zps12be2b65.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3125_zps75f63b85.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3125_zps75f63b85.jpg.html)
The survivors wanted the place destroyed, but two years later they decided it should remain as a war grave to those who died. in 1947 it opened to the public.
Thank you for your report! Makes me wana go on a tour again.
The salt mine is worth a visit.
Thanks Debs, I hope the Auschwitz visit wasn't too distressing...I've never been but can imagine that it leaves you feeling very humbled.
Makes your blood boil when you listen to some of the prats who are doubtful of the figures given on the dead during the holocaust.
These pictures say it all.
very sad.
I visited a few years ago whilst staying in Krakow which is quite close. It's a very humbling experience and probably the best educational experience to be onsite and attempt to consider what happened. It will stay with me. Debs' photos say it all but being there in person...
PS - The salt mine was a much better experience if you get a chance to go!
Some very moving images there, thanks Debs. Hard to get your head round the fact that it was relatively such a short time ago.
I've been to Germany a few times now, and think the country is lovely, and the Germans such a welcoming and friendly bunch, especially in the bars. Thankfully they are so so far from the Nazi movement these days.
I'm still shocked and distressed over the amount of hair there was, and the childrens shoes..
(http://www.sherv.net/cm/emo/sad/very-sad.gif) (http://www.sherv.net/emoticons.html)
Powerful images. The childrens clothing :(
enjoying this tour thread very much. Keep it coming Debs
As Asif says powerful images, that are in historical terms only a very short time ago .. the tins of Zyclon B ( the granuals that when poured in through the roof vents reacted with the air and produced the gas ) .. just so many of them and the bags with names on .. just tossed away. Bad bad times that I would like to hope we in the modern world have learned from.
I would very much like to go myself one day ... perhaps a group visit from this forum for those who are interested ?
Your trip seems to have been going nicely Debs .. certainly getting some miles done ! Lucky girl !! :yes: :yes:
Here's my update for today :popcorn:
I left Auschwitz - Birkenau for Berlin. Bryn suggested that I should visit Stalag Luft 3 at Zagan as I would be passing. I thought this would be a great idea, so I did. :yes:
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3134_zps3b493fb5.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3134_zps3b493fb5.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3135_zpscc87f277.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3135_zpscc87f277.jpg.html)
I then went in to the museum to have a look at what they had, and wasn't disappointed.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3137_zps5fca9ca4.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3137_zps5fca9ca4.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3141_zps7ff309d8.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3141_zps7ff309d8.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3138_zpscc521f6a.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3138_zpscc521f6a.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3143_zps0caede21.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3143_zps0caede21.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3146_zps0b710925.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3146_zps0b710925.jpg.html)
I then decided to go and find 'Harry'. I walked off into the woods without a clue where I was going. I gave up and headed back. I met up with 2 other brits who pointed me in the right direction...
It was further down the road. Glad I wasn't still walking around like the blind leading the blind, as the men in white coats may have come and collected me. :mfr_lol:
I found the turning and baby posed for a piccy :mfr_lol:
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3149_zps1c108dfb.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3149_zps1c108dfb.jpg.html)
I was told to follow this charcoal coloured gravel track to 'Harry'. Well it looked a bit iffy.. It was more sandy than gravel, and I had visions of me dropping her and being stranded on my own.. I took my time and all was ok...
There 'Harry' was.. Just laying there..
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3150_zpsd693418b.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3150_zpsd693418b.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3151_zps4a58072f.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3151_zps4a58072f.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3163_zpsec0e1bc7.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3163_zpsec0e1bc7.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3156_zps74b04acf.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3156_zps74b04acf.jpg.html)
There was this mug sitting there and didn't know if it should be. I turned it over and got a pic, then placed it back.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3154_zps612a2243.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3154_zps612a2243.jpg.html)
One side of 'Harry' was the hospital.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3157_zpse8362768.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3157_zpse8362768.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3158_zpsba75e942.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3158_zpsba75e942.jpg.html)
The other side was 'The Cooler'
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3159_zpse1d5942c.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3159_zpse1d5942c.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3161_zps81c9673f.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3161_zps81c9673f.jpg.html)
It was worth the visit and I then got going again for my destination in Berlin.
I arrived ok. The hotel is not the Ritz but it's clean, cheap and in the heart of the city. There is also parking on site behind a rather big metal gate. Well this area used to be East Berlin. :mfr_lol:
Time to go out now for a beer and some food... Catch ya later aligators. :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
:popcorn:
Hey Debs, thanks for the great report and accompanying pictures, which I love.
I was thinking what the bloody hell is she talking about "harry" then the penny dropped...no sign of Tom or Dick then :mfr_lol:
Quote from: olde coney on August 29, 2013, 08:52:32 PM
Hey Debs, thanks for the great report and accompanying pictures, which I love.
I was thinking what the bloody hell is she talking about "harry" then the penny dropped...no sign of Tom or Dick then :mfr_lol:
Tom & Dick ran away... :mfr_lol:
From :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stalag_Luft_III
.
In the spring of 1943, Squadron Leader Roger Bushell RAF conceived a plan for a major escape from the camp, which occurred the night of 24–25 March 1944.
Bushell was held in the North Compound where British airmen were housed. He was in command of the Escape Committee and channeled the effort into probing for weaknesses and looking for opportunities. Falling back on his legal background to represent his scheme, Bushell called a meeting of the Escape Committee and not only shocked those present with its scope, but injected into every man a passionate determination to put their every energy into the escape. He declared,
"Everyone here in this room is living on borrowed time. By rights we should all be dead! The only reason that God allowed us this extra ration of life is so we can make life hell for the Hun... In North Compound we are concentrating our efforts on completing and escaping through one master tunnel. No private-enterprise tunnels allowed. Three bloody deep, bloody long tunnels will be dug - Tom, Dick, and Harry. One will succeed!"
The simultaneous digging of these tunnels would become an advantage if any one of them was discovered by the Germans, because the guards would scarcely imagine that another two could be well underway. The most radical aspect of the plan was not merely the scale of the construction, but the sheer number of men that Bushell intended to pass through these tunnels. Previous attempts had involved the escape of anything up to a dozen or twenty men, but Bushell was proposing to get in excess of 200 out, all of whom would be wearing civilian clothes and possessing a complete range of forged papers and escape equipment. It was an unprecedented undertaking and would require unparalleled organization. As the mastermind of the Great Escape, Roger Bushell inherited the codename of "Big X".
The tunnel "Tom" began in a darkened corner of a hall in one of the buildings.
"Dick"'s entrance was carefully hidden in a drain sump in one of the washrooms.
The entrance to "Harry" was hidden under a stove. More than 600 prisoners were involved in their construction.
.
(http://www.merkki.com/images/harry.jpg)
.
Bloody Hell Debs, you saw more than we did at Zagan :yes:
We went in 2003, and arrived in Poland the week that Poland entered the EU.. so things were still very Eastern Bloc over there...... There was no museum that we knew of, found the camp.... the route of Harry Tunnel was there with the memorial stone, but little else was labelled up......
(http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r403/GSAnut/brynseasternblockone059_zps05704d36.jpg) (http://s354.photobucket.com/user/GSAnut/media/brynseasternblockone059_zps05704d36.jpg.html)
We had to work out for ourselves what was where..... still a very atmospheric place :yes:
Today in Berlin...
The last time I was here was back in 1983. I lived here for 18 months and was in love with the city then. I wanted to come back and see the changes that have been made since the wall coming down.
I have many photos back at home that I will compare to what I have taken today.
I first started off with taking a bus to the then, 'East Berlin' side to Alexanderplatz.
This is the TV tower and in the globe is a restaurant called the 360°
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3167_zps2f77a507.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3167_zps2f77a507.jpg.html)
This is some sort of clock.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3170_zps54a8c31d.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3170_zps54a8c31d.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3183_zpsdeb41227.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3183_zpsdeb41227.jpg.html)
I then walked from there down the unter der linden strasse to the Brandenburg Gate.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3203_zps0569eeb2.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3203_zps0569eeb2.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3204_zps4cc2f426.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3204_zps4cc2f426.jpg.html)
I then crossed over to the West side of Berlin through the gate.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3206_zpse74b1335.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3206_zpse74b1335.jpg.html)
This was the line that marked the wall around the Brandenburg Gate. The last time I was here I only saw a wall... So much had changed.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3208_zpsc57a4692.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3208_zpsc57a4692.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3210_zpsda317e26.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3210_zpsda317e26.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3212_zps1560f033.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3212_zps1560f033.jpg.html)
I then walked up to the russian war memorial, but before I took a pic I had to look back and get another pic of the gate..
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3217_zpsd75c7c36.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3217_zpsd75c7c36.jpg.html)
The russian war memorial.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3219_zps2c2c9ab4.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3219_zps2c2c9ab4.jpg.html)
I then moved on to get a pic of the Reichstag.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3234_zps11578e87.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3234_zps11578e87.jpg.html)
By this time my back was aching and feet were throbbing. I took a rest for about 30 mins, and after having a yummy piece of pie and some water I wanted to head off towards Potsdamer Platz.
On the way I came across these guys and just had to get their pic.. Looked so cool..
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3247_zps5aaa838a.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3247_zps5aaa838a.jpg.html)
Next was the The Holocaust Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3248_zps762c5589.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3248_zps762c5589.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3251_zps0c38461c.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3251_zps0c38461c.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3257_zps13af531a.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3257_zps13af531a.jpg.html)
I also spotted this guy on his trike. :mfr_lol:
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3264_zps71d29f24.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3264_zps71d29f24.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3265_zpsb4154385.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3265_zpsb4154385.jpg.html)
Now at Potsdamer Platz.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3268_zps085d14c7.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3268_zps085d14c7.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3272_zps22577634.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3272_zps22577634.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3273_zps3bc6e1a3.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3273_zps3bc6e1a3.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3275_zpsf6ba725a.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3275_zpsf6ba725a.jpg.html)
I then moved on to Checkpoint Charlie and came across the only remaining piece of the wall standing.
This is from the east side
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3284_zps194e0c9c.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3284_zps194e0c9c.jpg.html)
And now the west side.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3287_zps76d60e20.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3287_zps76d60e20.jpg.html)
Checkpoint Charlie.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3295_zps9b170624.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3295_zps9b170624.jpg.html)
I had never been in the museum here before, so no time like the present. I spent a good hour looking around and its worth it..
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3305_zpsde07140b.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3305_zpsde07140b.jpg.html)
Opposite was a Mcd's. I'm not that much into burgers but I was now hungry again and in I went.. :mfr_lol:
After all my walking I had done I didn't want to do anymore.. So I got a taxi back to the hotel. There are a few other places to pop out to, but will do that soon on baby, when the traffic has quietened down a bit.
I hate cities esp London, but Berlin is the one city in the world where I would love to live and die in.
Ok I'm back... Here's a few more pics.
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3307_zps3f46c143.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3307_zps3f46c143.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3309_zpsd5cbb662.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3309_zpsd5cbb662.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3332_zps5a3b3036.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3332_zps5a3b3036.jpg.html)
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3335_zps52f7f8aa.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3335_zps52f7f8aa.jpg.html)
If you look closely you can see baby :clap:
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3337_zps66c3ceaa.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3337_zps66c3ceaa.jpg.html)
And for some of you old timers whose eyes aren't so good, here's one with the flash on.. :mfr_lol:
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/IMG_3338_zps2eb24d96.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/IMG_3338_zps2eb24d96.jpg.html)
I promise to stop boring you all now.. There won't be any more pics from now on. Tomorrow I'm off back to Lille for 2 nights then home on Monday evening.. :sad:
TBH I don't want to go back to UK.. :no:
Debs, bore us? Far from it, your write up is outstanding. Please keep doing what you've been doing.
Quote from: Lonewolf on August 30, 2013, 09:39:31 PM
Debs, bore us? Far from it, your write up is outstanding. Please keep doing what you've been doing.
:agree:
Debs, there is absolutely nowt boring about your posts, superb pictures and report keep it coming I'm loving it :clap: :clap:
I used to work for VAG (UK) in the 80s and 90s (formerly known as Volkswagen GB) as a consequence we spent a lot of time in Germany and I well remember in 1980 visiting the West side of the 'wall' and to this day I can still feel the chill of looking at it, it was a truly awesome feeling.
Berlin looks beautiful and I would love to visit one day.
Enjoy the remainder of your visit, ride safe and have fun :smiley:
Brilliant Debs - must do more of Germany myself - excellent picture story book, loved it.
:clap:
Ok guys here I am again...
Today I travelled from Berlin to Lille in France. A total of 526 Miles / 846 kms. Thats the same as riding from Bournemouth to Dundee. :sweatdrop:
Its the furthest I have ridden in one day. I left the hotel at 08:30 and arrived in Lille at 18:10. I did have a few things happen to me on the way down.. First of all, the top screw on the near side AeroWing has dropped off. I noticed last night that the bracket that it screws in to was broken, now the screw has gone.. Grrr..
It looks like that travelling at speed puts a lot of strain on the plastic bracket behind the upper cover. It now means that all of them have now broken off. :censored: I fixed it with a good old zip clip.. :clap:
The weather was a pain in the :asshole:
It started to rain so I stopped under a bridge, climbed over the guard rail and climbed in to my waterproofs. No sooner had I got going that it eased off.. I went a further 10 or so miles in case it returned. Well it never so stopped again as I was over heating in them... Would you believe it that 20 so miles down the road it hammered it down.. Same trick again. Stop under a bridge and go through the same :shit: again.. :mfr_lol:
Also no trip is without roadworks.. These went on for mile after mile.. At one point we were stationary for a good 30 mins.. This gave me time to put my feet up on my 'scaffolding' :mfr_lol: and almost nod off.. :mfr_lol:
I also had a few blasts, getting up to 140 :mfr_lol: Most of the time I was cruising at around 85/90mph
I don't have anything planned for tomorrow. I may just relax and be ready for Monday when I have to come back to blighty :cry:
I was going to buy a new rear tyre while I was in Berlin, but thought :censored: it. I can get another 800+ miles out of it.. :mfr_lol:
Lets just say its slightly worse for wear.. :whistling: :mfr_lol:
Debs .. I am sure I speak for us all when I say how much we are enjoying your trip ! Brilliant all the way ... thank you for sharing it all with us ! :smiley: :smiley:
Quote from: Rusty on August 31, 2013, 08:51:25 PM
Debs .. I am sure I speak for us all when I say how much we are enjoying your trip ! Brilliant all the way ... thank you for sharing it all with us ! :smiley: :smiley:
:agree:
Quote from: Rusty on August 31, 2013, 08:51:25 PM
Debs .. I am sure I speak for us all when I say how much we are enjoying your trip ! Brilliant all the way ... thank you for sharing it all with us ! :smiley: :smiley:
Thank you Rusty.. I do try my best..
Next time I do a similar trip, I won't be doing so many miles between stops.. It really has taken it out of me..
I did 348 miles from Hungary to Auschwitz on Tuesday. The next day lots of walking... Then 344 miles on Thursday. Friday was walking around for ages looking at all the sights in Berlin, then 526 today.
I need a holiday to recover.. :mfr_lol:
Debs, have a weeks holiday in London. :mfr_lol:
Quote from: Lonewolf on August 31, 2013, 10:12:00 PM
Debs, have a weeks holiday in London. :mfr_lol:
Don't get me started on London... I can't stand the place.. :mfr_lol:
Good on yer Debs....the hero of this site :clap: :clap: :mfr_lol:
Quote from: olde coney on September 01, 2013, 08:26:07 AM
Good on yer Debs....the hero of this site :clap: :clap: :mfr_lol:
I'm no hero :nono:
Ok then you can be like me a grumpy git :mfr_lol:
maybe 'heroine' is better :oops: :mfr_lol:
Quote from: olde coney on September 01, 2013, 08:30:50 AM
maybe 'heroine' is better :oops: :mfr_lol:
Yes that better.. Thank you.. :innocent: :mfr_lol:
Three cheers for Debs, excellent stuff, compulsive reading.
:clap: :clap: :clap:
Hi Debs,
I've been reading with much interest whilst on hols via my shytepad - I've thoroughly enjoyed reading your reports! :yes:
Great pics too! I was in the car for my hols :/ shoulda taken the bike!
Ciao for now
Ros
I am now back in the UK.. Baby did well. Only one problem which was the lights but that didn't cause too many problems...
I caught the 21:30 sailing from Calais with www.myferrylink.co.uk and arrived back at home at 2am.
THE END :sad:
Well done Debs, and as they say" a holiday is great but, its always good to get back home and into yer own bed"
Phew! What a great trip Debs. I really enjoyed following your journey, seeing the photos and the journalistic narration!
What am I going to read now ? You can't just leave us at the end of your trip ? What about the bits you haven't been to ? Get back out there !! :mfr_lol:
Well done Debs ... You are OUR heroine because there are so many of us on here who wish they could have done what you have just completed but are unable to do due to various constraints !
:clap: :clap: :clap: Take a well earned rest ! :mfr_lol:
Rusty, are there any similar stories on that there BMW GS site? :popcorn:
Didn't like to mention the dark side but "Yes" there are many ... some people, clearly lottery winners or .com sellers who have made their dosh and retired early are still out there ... having left the UK years ago ... some of the places on this earth that you can get to on a bike are just stunning ! ... If only .... :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Here is my next idea. Something along these lines. :mfr_lol:
Quote from: Debs on September 03, 2013, 10:13:00 PM
Here is my next idea. Something along these lines. :mfr_lol:
:clap: more great pics and reports then eh
Now that's a seriously good looking trip proposal...
That route takes you right past the Ducati and the Ferrari factories...
Quote from: Burchy on September 04, 2013, 06:08:10 PM
That route takes you right past the Ducati and the Ferrari factories...
That will be VAG and Fiat then :mfr_lol:
My customers :)
And past Lamborghini :punk:
The 2014 GTR Club Europe rally is in Corsica.
Details are here
https://sites.google.com/site/gcerally2014/ (https://sites.google.com/site/gcerally2014/)
Start on Monday then ? :mfr_lol:
I've just rented The Great Escape DVD on the strength of Deb's thread.
Quote from: Lonewolf on September 07, 2013, 09:44:13 AM
I've just rented The Great Escape DVD on the strength of Deb's thread.
Rented? why didn't you buy it, pockets too deep?... :mfr_lol: