Have Van Will Travel: 2011

20/8, On our way

day 1, Sat 20 Aug, Pershore England

Headed off today for our second European trip of 2011 (went to Brittany in June)

Hoping to be away for approx 6wks, taking in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia and Germany before heading back home.

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First stop Motorhome Show at Malvern to get engine re-mapped by Boosters UK (looking for a better MPG return).

Quick look round the show, where Sue bought a magnetic ‘magical’ bracelet, to help with arthritis - we’ll see, worth a try (months later it was deemed to have been a success)

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Then onto Camp Club DA meet at Pershore for our first night stop (mainly caravan meet but made very welcome). Nice flat field that is part of Pershore Golf Club - excellent spot (£7.00).
These DA (District Association) rallys/meets really are great value if you don't require full campsite facilities and there are plenty of them year round.
139m today

Our route - click to enlarge

21/8, England, Hever Castle & Hope Farm

day 2, Sun 21 Aug.

Went into Evesham for a mooch and see if we could find a low wattage hairdryer (for Sue). Very nice town on the River Avon. Then along the appallingly poor A40 to pick up the M1 other side of Oxford for our journey south.

Called at Hever Castle in Kent, which was the home of the Bolelyn Girls (Anne & Mary) and what a a really impressive set up. Been to some castles in my time but this one really impressed us both, quite small as castles go but interesting and set wonderful grounds next to a lake.

Then headed for a C&CC CL site near Folkstone ‘Hope Farm’ A big rambling farm site full of old steam engines and tractors. Had called earlier and spoke to the daughter who gave me directions but still not eally sure if I was in the right place, no one around and not a MH or Caravan to be seen. All sorted after a phone call when a very elderly and pleasant owner came out of the house and pointed us in the right direction. A nice quiet spot and really handy for M20/Ferries/Tunnel etc and only a fiver !!
204m today

Hope Farm

Hever Castle

22/8, France - Chateau Grandspette

day 3, Mon 22 Aug

Onto France and the first time using the Channel Tunnel in the MH , caught the 3.05pm train (£75 - paid all with Tesco tokens). Self check in and at no point did anyone seem to look at the length of the MH or pick up on the scooter trailer which had been a worry as I didn’t mention it when I made the booking. Called to one side to check that gas was off - it wasn’t.

Sue dissapointed with tunnel: bit like a cattle car really - no bells and whistles, but quick and efficient. MH behind us was a new Autotrail (Dakota I think) also bought from Cranhams a few weeks ago, registration just one letter different from ours - EU11 KGX. Family of SEVEN of to France for very first trip - should be interesting !!

Stayed at Chateau Grandspette (€24) just a short drive from Calais. Nice site that many reccomend on MHFacts forum. Met Roger and Marianne from NZ who had just bought a new Autotrail in the UK for shipping back to NZ after a 6 month France/Spain trip, but having problems with Auto transmission and water pump packing in (we were to experience the same water pump problem later in the trip). Heavy rain during the night made worse as we were under tall trees (big drips).
48m today (so far 391m)

Waiting to board the train

On the train

23/8, Belgium, La Roche - Help from the Dutch 'Army'

day 4, Tue 23rd Sept - La Roche en Ardenne.

Took a short trip on the Scooter to German V11 rocket site at Eperlecques in France.

A quite staggering massive concrete construction where the V1 & V11 Rockets were assembled and launched against England and Belgium until a few direct hits from the RAFs ‘tall boy’ bombs which, whilst not destroying the complex caused it to be shut down because the highly unstable propellents became very dodgy to work with.

Then long 3hr drive to La Roche en Ardenne (Belgium). A lot of the journey was on very poor road surfaces and the Scooter/Trailer took a real pounding, but seemed OK for it.

Stayed at Camping Benelux €16.50 (incl tax 2nd night was €15.00)

A big flat grass only site next to river and very attractive town.

Got stuck on a boggy area whilst looking for that ‘perfect’ spot and needed the help of the pretend Dutch ‘Army’ to tow me out.

When I came to fit the towing eye bolt through the little flap on the front bumper it wouldn’t fit - to short, so had to be towed out backwards using the tow bar. Would have had a real problem if I didn’t have the tow bar fitted.
Have noticed a lot of Dutch playing war 'games' in campsites near WW11 locations dressed up as GI's and driving period vehicles. They really do look the part.

Busy ACSI (low cost scheme) site, chocker with Dutch Caravanners - dont think I saw another MH
185m today (so far 576m)

Rocket site at Eperlecques

Stuck in the mud at La Roche

24/8, Belgium, La Roche en Ardenne

day 5, Wed 24 Aug.

2nd day at Camping Benelux La Roche.

Took our new bike (Honda SH125) for a good ride around the Ardenne countryside today. A really great bike ride and so much better than our previous Piaggio Zip for two up. However a much heavier bike and taking a while to find best (most stable) way to secure it to the trailer for towing to prevent any movement, which has happened a couple of times and caused some slight (but still dammed annoying) cosmetic damage to the bike.

Back to La Roche for a couple of Jupiter beers in the square. Started to rain but still quite warm at 25c.

Went to the ‘Battle of the Ardenne’ Museum later, a really impressive and extensive collection of WW11 memorabelia and hardwear. La Roche was pretty much flattened by repeated bombing by the Allies during the war (Battle of the Bulge) and out of 400 odd buildings only 5 survived intact. But credit to the authorities they eventually rebuilt the town to faithfully represent what was was destroyed. Apparently many of the residents had to live in Nissan type huts for years until the rebuilding could be carried out.

La Roche after the Battle of the Bulge

La Roche now - cheers Sue

25/8, France, Obernai

day 6, Thur 25 Aug

Quick run out on the Scooter to see the Castle in La Roche, and then packed up and headed south toward Alsace in France intending to stay for a night at Camping Le Paquis just S of Metz but just as we were about to pitch up along rattled a noisy train on a track right next to the site. Decided to move on and the really surly young receptionist was not best pleased.

Carried onto Obernai in the Alsace after lunch in Lidl car park in Salins. Took the scenic D955 (the ‘Russell route’ as reccomended on MH Facts) and arrived Obernai around 7pm.

Missed the cheap Diesel in Luxembourg, need to remember there is only 2 service stations on the Lux section of the Motorway heading into France.

Headed for the Municipal Campsite, €18 ish incl 16 wonderful amps and free WiFi. If just passing through there is a decent free car park quite close to the Municipal that allows MHs to overnight.
Today 226 (log 802m)

Entertaining conflab over the elec hook up at Obernai

26/8, France, Obernai

day 7, Fri 26 Aug.

Our 2nd day at Obernai and crazy day weather wise. Hot sunny day initially so took the Scooter out for a ride around some really lovely countryside and villages, Boersch was espescially pretty.
The Alsace region was for a long time part of Germany which is evident by the Germanic names of the towns and the architecture.

Then around mid afternoon the heavens opened. We were on a bit of a slope and had a river running past our step and over the patio mat. Then it started raining inside our motorhome. It became apparent that our recently fitted aircon unit wasn’t sealed correctly, water was getting in somewhere around the unit, dripping through the unit and several other spots nearby as the water travelled through the roof space and came out uwhere it could. We are not happy bunnies !!

Luckily the heavy downpour didn’t last for long, climbed on the roof and got rid of the excess water. Quite surprised the AirCon still worked OK once dried out as it tooka lot of water through the unit and presumably the electrics inside - bit of a worry really.
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Lucikly not much rain after todays episode and we made sure we kept a slight slope when pitcihing up to ensure any future rain runs off the roof.

Sue in Kientzheim, Alsace

Mr B on the ‘Route du Vin’

27/8, Switzerland, Weggis (on lake Luzern)

Day 8, Sat 27 Aug

Took a drive through part of the ‘Route du Vin’ looking for some wine sampling (degustaion). Fabulous road through some oh so pretty villages, Barr especially nice - but a bit tight in places with a big rig trailing a Scooter.

Stopped at a wine cellar in Kientzheim (nr Kayserberg). A really pretty town but empty of people and shops. Bought a couple of bottles, 1 a Grand Cru at €17.00

Treated ourselves to a KFC chicken sandwich lunch: can't beat a bit of great tasting fast food every so often.

Onto Switzerland, arriving at campsite around 3pm ish. Followed signs for Lorrach in Germany which gets you to the border without having to go through Basel first - a MH Facts tip that seemed to work OK.

Bought a 6 day HGV ‘Vinette’ pass at the border, only cost 25 Swiss Francs (€20), cheaper than expected. Took wrong turning initially into HGV car park at border, bit dodgy getting back out onto the Motorway

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Headed for Lake Lucern and Weggis Farm Campsite

Lovely location near the town of Weggis on Lake Luzern with great views of the mountains. But not cheap at €20.40 for just a grassy spot with no elec.

And very fussy these Swiss as to how you dispose of your refuse - everything must go into the correct container. Gave up trying to sort out the contents of our small bag (the owners son was watching) and brought it back to the MH in the end.

Weather - cloud early and a spot of rain then cleared, beautiful by time arrived at Switzerland.
188m today (log 990m)

Swiss border buying Vinette

Weggis Campsite, Switzerland

28/8, 29/8, Italy, Lake Maggiore

day 9, Sun 28 Aug.

Spent the morning in the delightful town of Weggis: Coffee/Strudel, Watching the local children in costume folk dancing. Did consider a trip on the Lake Ferrys which do a rate of some knots between the Lakeside towns, but oh so expensive: 65 Swiss Francs EACH for a return to Luzern (around £45plus). Trip up a cable car just as expensive, guess its true what they say about Swiztzerland being pricey.

Onto Italy and Lake Maggiore, arriving at Cannobio on the Western side of the lake, just 5k inside the Swiss border. Trying to find a reccomended Sosta, which we eventually located but not before we took a wrong turn that took us up a tiny road into the mountains. It was a long time before we could turn round and have to say I was panicking there for a while.

Eventually found the Sosta which was €15pn via ticket machine. Very popular here with the Germans, out of 40 or so MHs at the Sosta 38 were German vans. Lovely sunnny weather at the moment.

114m today (so far 1104)

day 10, Mon 29 Aug, Lake Maggiore, Italy
Still in Cannobio. Checked into Camping Riveria. Very tight getting into this site, had to move for some irrate German whilst trying to check in and then caught scooter box whiilst manouvering onto our pitch.
But nice spec in the end and still hot and sunny.
Met up with Ann & Mike from Derbyshire who had an Autotrail Apache. They had quite a few problems with thier Autotrail. This is the 2nd couple we have met now who are less than pleased with thier Autotrail (our problems are still ahead of us). Gave us some tips on Croatia.
Paid for WiFi which was pretty pricey at €5.00 for 1hr. Found a nice little pizza bar in town were it was just £2ph.
Ate at the Campsite Restaurant - which was just OK (I think)

Lake Luzern, Switzerland

Sosta at Cannobio on Lake Maggiore

30/8-1/9, Italy, Manerba del Garda - 'Ideal is Ideal'

day 11, Tue 30 Aug, Manerba del Garda, Italy

Decided to move on, churchbells disturbing Susans beauty sleep plus we found out the cost of our pitch was a whopping €40pn. They did quote €32.50 then added €3.50 for Scooter & €4.00 for pitch next to river, albeit a river you could barely see and had a path between us and the river.

THEN found a gem of a site !!

Headed for Lake Garda and initially to ACSI site ‘Camping Weekend’ at Manerba del Garda but alas campsite full. Could get on next day but needed an upgrade to a bigger pitch and they wanted €10 to park on approach road overnight (cheek). Headed into Manerba itself to 'Camping Ideal Pieve' and what a gem of a site, a bit rustic and jaded facilities but friendly staff, plenty of room and right on the beach and just €21.00.

day 12, Wed 31 Aug, Manerba del Garda, Italy

Day 2 at Ideal Pieve in Manerba and still weather hot and sunny - 33c plus.

Took Scooter out for a good mooch whilst Mrs B did a bit of sunbathing.

Found what looks an excellent wild Camping spot: to the top of road our campsite is on (Republica) turn R to empty car park on L (1/4 m ish) - saw GB Sundance overnighting there.

Excellent eve meal at the ‘Rhino’ Restaurant which was on the lake overlooking the Marina. Reminded me a little of a Greek Taverna - tables and chairs lined up along the harbour wall underneath a long canopy.

day 13, Thur 1 Sept, Manerba del Garda, Italy

day 3 at Ideal Pieve. Ride out to Moniga del Garda a few k down the road.

Generally chilling and enjoying the lovely weather and this peaceful location.

Had a ride on the Scooter to ‘Rocca di Manerba’, a local historical site on a hill surrounded by the city.

Sue Sampling the Prosecco at Manerba

Opposite our campsite at Manerba del Garda

Campsite 'Ideal Pieve' at Manerba

2/9-3/9, Italy, Verona and a night at the Opera

day 14, Fri 2 Sept, to Verona

Took in the market in Manerba today before moving onto Lake Garda. Extremely hot day and glad we got to the market before the crowds arrived. Strange being in a hot Italian provincial town market where pretty much the only language you hear is German.

Onto Verona. Intended to take the motorway for the short (24m) journey but missed the turning. Did an Auchen shop on the outskirts of Verona.

Heading for the Verona Sosta (€10 overnight parking area for motorhomes) which we found OK. Met John & Susan (Burstner Iseo A class) who were parked next to us and also here for Aida tomorrow night.

day 15, Sat 3 Sept, Verona

Opera day today, but not till 9am.

Took the elec bike into Verona early on for mooch and what a really lovely city it is.

Especially nice to see it when the streets are empty of tourists and the shops, cafes and stalls are just opening and everwhere getting a wash down.

Somewhat different when Sue and I went in later on the Scooter - it was mobbed.

Found a nice quiet back street for lunch - Bar Liston, nr Piazza Bra (€30)

Booked to see AIDA at the Roman Amphitheatre, the last performance of the season but wouldn’t you know I forgot the the tickets. Took a lot a fafing to get duplicate tickets - had to queue up at the ticket office with passports and scanned emailed copies etc.

But great night even if the Opera was on the long side - not finishing till 1am.

Had a an excellent pre opera meal with Sue & John overlooking the main square and Amphitheatre and watching all the comings and goings. Great statue guy doing an impression of a running business man.
Definitely better to be in a buzzing busy restaurant with a view than a back street one, even if you pay a premium for the privilege.

On our way to the Opera - classy taxi

Great statue and the guy isn't bad

4/9-6/9, Italy, onto Jeselo

day 16, Sun 4 Sept, to Jeselo Italy

Onto the Jeselo penninsuar today where we stayed for 10 nights in total at 3 different campsites. All €13 or €15 ACSI sites.

Also met up with our friends Pete & Jackie at Jeselo.

First location was ‘Camping Malibu Beach’ (€15). Nice enough site on beach with pool and full facilities and free WiFi but still oh so busy with families. Seems many European children are not back at school yet and Italian kids dont go back till around 12th Sept. Hey dont get me wrong, I love kids but came this time of year thinking family hols would be over.

A thought for the future would be Sosta type sites (MHs only), which I think would be quieter. Checked out a couple on the opposite side of the main road, but not next to beach.

Albatros: €15, quiet back road, only 2amp, no WiFi, limited facilities.

Dei Dogi: €13/14, new site on main road but long deep site, 6amp.

day 17 Mon 5 Sept - day 2 Camp Malibu

day 18 Tue 6 Sept - day 3 Camp Malibu. Chucked it down in the morning, hot and sunny in the afternoon (needed aircon). Lunch with Pete&Jac in Jeselo town.

Sue with Pete & Jackie in Jeselo town

7/9-9/9, Italy, Jeselo, Venice and fine dining

day 19, Wed 7 Sept - Jeselo, Camping Scarpiland

Headed to another site further along the penninsula toward Cavallino & Trepori.

Camping Scarpiland (ACSI site €13) but no free WiFi. Did try Camp Cavallino but not taking ACSI till Fri 9th.

Weather hot sunny and settled, headed for the beach mid PM.

Went to the Restaurant ‘Antica Dogana’ later (a rare Michael Winner reccomend) - cracking location overlooking the Venitian lagoon and an excellent meal and bottle of Prosecco (€75.00).

day 20, Thur 8 Sept - Jeselo, day 2, Camping Scarpiland.

Moved to a quieter pitch today away from busy road.

Left bottle jack on trailer when moving and as a result broke the chain and lost the ‘locking bolt’ which is needed when removing the scooter from the trailer. Not the end of the world but took me a while to figure out a way to overcome the problem - Mrs B had to balance the scooter whilst I jacked it up and removed the wheels ... EASY !!???

Found a nice quiet spot at the back of the site near a lot of Italian Caravans who were in the slow process of de-camping after a long summer stay. Quite amusing to watch, they really do set up home from home for the summer: decking,carpet,big fridges,TVs,loungers etc.

Went back to Antica Dogana for a Prosecco sunset sesh.

day 21, Fri 9 Sept - Jeselo, day 3, Camping Scarpiland.

Off to Venice today with Pete and Jackie to link up with friends from home (Mick/Barbara, Ann/Roy) who were just finishing a cruise in Venice. Excellent day finished off with a nice lunch near the Arsenal. Weather still glorious. Went across the lagoon on the Marco Polo ferry which at €9 return it was cheaper than the regular Vaporetto which I think was around €14.

View from restaurant 'Antica Dogana'

Jackie and Sue in St Marks Sq.

10/9-14/9, Italy, Cavallino and a birthday hiccup

day 22, Sat 10 Sept - Jeselo, Camping Cavallino
Mrs Bs Birthday today and it didn’t go to plan.
Left Camp Scarpiland to go to Camp Cavallino which is were we wanted to go originally (now taking ACSI) card) Much nicer site and right on beach but didn’t start taking ACSI till 9/11. The sites round here have a curious routine of closing for around 2 hours in the afternoon, so can’t check in between 1-3pm (usually we arrive just after 1pm).

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Later headed to downtown Jeselo to link up with Pete and Jac to celebrate Sue’s birthday. Ran out of petrol on Scooter - what a dozy git. Luckily near a bus stop but got off a wrong stop and had a long walk into town. Sorry Sue !!! What a palaver next day to sort - never let this happen again !!! I now have a little container of spare petrol in Scooter.
day 23, Sun 11 Sept - Jeselo, day 2 Camp Cavallino
Once Scooter recovered had a beach day with Pete & Jackie in Jeselo.
Ride out to Antiga restaurant for sunset drinks - no joy this time, dinners only
day 24, Mon 12 Sept - Jeselo, day 3 Camp Cavallino
Venice again today with Pete and Jac
Got caught thoroughly soaked in torrential downpour just as we were arriving at the ferry on the Scooter. Then hot and sunny again 30+
Went back to the same restaurant for a meal, but felt ripped off this time: Pete charged €9.00 for a bottle of beer (he had 2). and a bit of a stinging with cover charges. Lesson learned - ask prices first, even if you think the waiter is your best pal from last time (he isn’t, he wants your dosh).
day 25, Tue 13 Sept - Jeselo, day 4 Camp Cavallino
To market at Cavallino - big market and very hot
Chill day today - back still playing up from wrestling with Scooter a few days ago (when I lost that pin).
Sunset, Prosecco & Pizza at a basic restaurant next to the ferry port tonight - very enjoyable.
day 26, Wed 14 Sept - Jeselo, day 5 at Camp Cavallino.
Really like this site which is right on a lovely beach, but the various touts on the beach are a real pain, need to be at the top of the beach to avoid being pestered every few mins. They even come round selling umbrellas - saying tomorrow rain ?? - Piss Off !!!
They have a lot of wine tasting shops/bars around here. When you find the one you like you just get it poured out from large vats into sealed (reusable) 1 ltr bottles.

Camping Cavallino

Credit to Pete Traynor for this Venetian scene

15/9-16/9, Italy, Prosecco and more fuel problems

day 27, Thur 15 Sept - to Conegliano

As much as we like this area, esp Camping Cavallino its time to move on.

Heading for a Sosta in Conegliano for a mooch round the Prosseco Wine region.

Alas big probem when we arrived. The Sosta was closed so we parked in Lidl next door for the time being when we noticed a very heavy smell of desiel. A quick look under the engine revealed the stuff poring out. Rang FIAT assist who arranged a tow truck to come out and tow us to the nearest Fiat garage. Luckily we were in a quite corner of the Lidl car park and the tow truck could get to us easily enough.

Took 6hrs to sort, but all pretty efficient. Took Scooter off and dismantled trailer before tow truck arrived. We followed the tow truck on the Scooter and went for a spin round Conegliano while the MH was sorted ending up at a castle high up overlooking the town and the beautiful surrounding countryside. Had a lovely glass of chilled Prosecco in the terrace cafe next to the castle.

Collected MHome and made our way back to the Sosta which was now open (€12.00). V/Hot 33c+ and no Air Con (2amp EHU a waste of time). Difficult to sleep, hot and noisy MH clubbers till 11pm+, cooled down 4am ish - eventually drifted off and managed to sleep till 9am.

day 28, Fri 16 Sept - Trieste, Camping Sistiana, Italy

Did the Prosecco Wine route today, driving from Conegliano to Valdobbiadene,

along the ridges of the hills through pretty Romanesque villages in glorious weather.

Stopped at Refrontolo to visit Molinetto della Croda, an old 16th century Watermill set in the rocks next to a large waterfall which still drives the wheel

Not the best time for visiting the wineries as its grape gathering time and the roads were full of tractors taking grapes to the wineries.

Did consider ‘wild camping’ in Refrontolo (Waterfall place), but nothing suitable so headed to Trieste and Camping Sistiana (ACSI) - same group as Cavellino but not a patch on the Jesolo site. Cliffside location overlooking the town of Sistiana.

141m today (total 1611m)

Breakdown in Conegliano

The Prosecco region

17/9-20/9, Croatia, Rovinj - digital roads disappear

day 29, Sat 17 Sept - Croatia/Rovinj - Camping Polari

Onto Croatia today, only 89m but very slow going through Slovenia which we need to drive through to get to Croatia, road works at Koper then very slow none motorway after Piran. Also took ages to figure out way out of Trieste into Slovenia. Did need a Vinette for short motorway journey but have to admit we didn’t find anywhere obvious to buy one so winged it for the short journey through Slovenia.

Also realised once in Slovenia that I didn’t check SatNav to make sure it covers our full journey - it doesn’t and stopped dead once out of Italy. Turned out Eastern Europe not installed which includes: Slovenia,Croatia,Austria,Germany, all countries we will be travelling through.

Rovinj is another of those very pretty cobbled medieval type towns with a touch of Rhodes old town about it.

Camping Polari is situated next to the sea on the outskirts of town, a really huge site we had to walk around in 33c looking for a pitch - to to many to choose from. Exclellent pool and toilet facilities (constantly being cleaned).

Fees €20pn, Wi-Fi (24hrs) €15.00

Kuna is the currency in Croatia - 7EUR = 1 Kuna

day 30, Sun 18 Sept - Croatia/Rovinj - Camping Polari

Hot and very sunny this morning so decided to hit the Pool for a while.

Into town 6pm ish for drinks and just back in time to wind awning in before big thunderstorm hit. Must remember to always wind awning in unless very securely strapped down. Wind and rain all night

day 31, Mon 19/11 - Croatia/Rovinj - Camping Polari

Steady rain till around 3pm, then the sun came out.

Meal out in Rovinj, back street restaurant (pasta) - €40.00

day 32, Tue 20 Sept - Croatia/Rovinj - Camping Polari

Mainly sunny today with light breeze.

Took the elec bike for 14k round trip to Rovinj along a scenic coastal path through pine woods with little bays and beach bars dotted around. Had a swim and a couple of beers in a really laid back bar on the edge of the sea, Brought Sue back later on the Scooter. Really getting to like this place, but alas have decided to move onto Slovenia tomorrow.

The Pool at Camping Polari

Rovinj - Croatia

21/9, Slovenia, Ljubljana - getting lost and vinette dilemma

day 33, Wed 21 Sept - Slovenia, Ljubljana Resort

Left early today hoping not to get stuck in the huge hold up we had seen at the Croatia/Slovenia border when we came that way from Italy last Saturday. Thankfully not much of a queue today going in the opposite direction.

Need a Vinette to drive on the motorways in Slovenia and stopped at the first motorway toll booth which was unmanned and attempted to but a ticket but machine wasn’t working and everyone was just driving straight through, so decided to just drive on, but at the next ‘peage’ they were using binocs to check if you had the sticker on your windscreen, thankfully not stopped. Just not sure what the routine is for buying a vinette but need to look into it.

Campsite in Ljubljana took some finding without SatNav, oh how we have become dependant on these gadgets !! Nice level site attached to hotel, WiFi just €2.00 for 24hrs.

Took Scooter into Ljubljana town which was approx 5k from campsite for a look round. Nice enough town (city) with an awful lot of ‘young’ people and a big cafe society. Food and drinks are fairly inexpensive.
Got totally lost on way back (not for the first time).

Weather still good but cooler in the evenings now.

Tolls in Croatia - 10.00. Site Fees Ljubljana Resort - 26.00

Locks inscribed with lovers names

Sue in Llubjana

22/9-23/9, Slovenia, Lake Bled

day 34, Thur 22 Sept - Slovenia, Lake Bled

Onto Lake Bled today, but this journey took longer than necessary after we were given some duff directions and headed down the motorway in the wrong direction (really missing our SatNav now).

Lake Bled is a particularly lovely area and the Campsite located in a picturesque and quiet location at the end of the lake surrounded by high peaks.

Must be a big twitching area - a lot a of campers with serious binnocs looking upwards.

Took the Scoot round the lake and took in Bled Castle which is perched 1800m on a granite rock overlooking the lake. Had a glass of wine on the terrace restaurant which was perched right on the edge and with a cracking view. Japanese tourist everywhwere, must learn in Japanese “p**s of with your cameras” - they are everywhere !!

Got back to campsite and 3 brits are pitched up next to us and one fulltiming in an Autotrail Savannah (like ours), which they had had for 11 months and lots of problems (becoming something of a recurring theme).

Mrs B did well with an awful lot of steps.

Warm today, no wind but not much sun.

day 35, Fri 23 Sept - Slovenia, Lake Bled

2nd day at Bled, lovely gorgeous sunny day today

Walked the stunning Vintner Gorge, 3.2k round trip. I think MrsB paid a high price for this walk though with an Achilles tendon problem coming on after this walk.

Lunch at the Rowing club on the lakeside, excellent Beers.

Hired a boat and rowed to the island to explore the church (featured in the book ‘The Historian’ - Vlad the Impaler and all that)

Camp Fees for 2nts - €40.00 (not ASCI).

200m from Rovinj (1902m so far)

Bled Castle

Rowing across to the Island on Lake Bled

24/9-25/9, Germany, The Tea House & Misty Lake

day 36, Sat 24 Sept - Eagles Nest and Lake Konigsee

On our way to Germany today via Austria. Had long discussions with our 3 English neighbours about the need for a ‘Go Box” (€50ish) for travelling on the Austrian motorway, required as we are over 3.5t, but not that straightforward to buy and use, so decided - as we were just driving through to risk it and just bought the regular Vinette (€8.00ish) from motorway service station. Also payed €35.00 for 3 tunnels we went through en-route.

Headed for Berchtesgaden and Hitlers Alpine retreat at Obersaltzberg called the Berghof although little now remains of what was a large complex of buildings, barracks, underground bungers and chalets for the Nazi elite.

You can visit the Kehlsteinhaus (Tea House’), high on the mountaintop above the Berghof and nicknamed Eagle's Nest by a French diplomat. Built in 1938-39 as a national gift for Hitlers 50th birthday.

To get there you park up in Obersaltzberg and catch a special bus to Tea House. Quite expensive I thought at €17.00 each, but a stunning 30min ride as we were taken high up through tiny tunnels and windy switch back roads with wonderful changing views and a real pleasure not to be driving for a change and to be able to take everything in. The final leg is a walk through a tunnel and then into a very ornate lift up to the centre of the complex which is now just a very busy cafe.

There is an excellent museum next to the bus terminus in Obersaltzberg that includes access to an old bunger complex underneath.

Then onto Lake Konigsee and Camping Grafenlehen which was a nice quiet site on the edge of the river. Did look at Camping Muhlleiten first but it was right on the main road. We had a really Yuk meal at Campsite restaurant - McDonalds would have been better.

Camp fees at Konigsee - €18.00

162m today - (so far 2064)

Germany - journey home

day 37, Sun 24 Sept - Germany, Waldpark at Hohendtsdt.

Beautiful sunny crisp morning. Took the bike for an early trip into Konigsee itself which nestles on the edge of the lake (a bit like Bowness on Windermere). Very quiet but coaches were already arriving in the huge car park and by the time Sue and I came back later it was chocker with tourists.

Tried for a boat trip but these had been temporarily suspended because an early morning mist was hanging over large portions of the lake. But enjoyed the walk in what is a really stunning location.

Then long painfully slow drive along the A8 Munich-Stuttgart autobahn, chocker with Sunday traffic.

Came off just past Ulm, and found a really nice quiet ACSI site, very cold night - €15.00

209m today (so far 2271)

Lake Konigsee

Entrance to the 'Tea House', Hitlers Austrian retreat

26/9-27/9, France, Belgium and the Maginot Line

day 38, Mon 26 Sept - France, Burtoncourt

Another long day on the Autobahnn then roadworks on last leg as we came over into France. Stopped at la ovely ACSI Campsite at Burtoncourt (not far from Metz) with free WiFi but in the sticks with no bars or restaurants around. Big farming area, a lot of tractors flying around, harvesting time I guess. Water pump packed in here and spent a lot of time trying to prime it as I’d assumed it was air in the system causing the problem. It wasn’t and turned out to be known problem with the pump take up pipe that had come away.

Campsite €15.40

day 39, Tue 27 Sept

Onto Fort Hackenburg today to visit the Maginot Line Fort (nr Thionville) - they only do guided tours and missed first one at 9am, next one 3pm, so just parked up near the Fort and chilled out in the sunshine, had lunch and waited for the 3pm tour which was excellent. Plenty of space here to wildcamp.

Set off 5.30pm driving through Belgium aiming for Campsite nr French border (one picked from SatNav POI).

A lot of Belguim motorways are either: smooth and great - not a lot, or in terrible state - a lot, or being repaired - very trying journey. Arrived late in dark, no one around so just parked where I thought best after speaking (in my best Flemish) to caravan resident.

Fort Hackenberg, Maginot Line

28/9, back to UK

day 40, Wed 28 Sept - Folkestone, Lamb Inn

Left 5.30am after restless night.

Arrived Calais around 9am. Clearish run but a lot of traffic heading in opposite direction.

Did our €1 ‘Champagne’ shop at Carrefour Cite Europe and then parked up at the Aire in Calais opposite the ferry terminal for the day, had lunch a short walk stopping for a beer and very average crepe in one of the seafront cafes.

Caught an earlier ferry (4.30pm).

Back in England Tried for Folkstone Camp Club site, but down an appalling road, gave up and headed for Lamb Inn just off M20 near services. Camping field behind pub, very basic facilities but still cost £18 with elec and somewhat surprised had to feed 20p’s into shower, but grateful for a shower as we still have water pump problem. Ate at the pub - OK, typical pub grub.

day 41, Thur 29 Sept - Home and Diesel leak again

via Cranhams (our dealer) in Essex to get Water Pump and a few other niggling problems sorted out. Left Cranhams around 12.30 home for 6pm ish, very slow at times especially M26 roadworks and M6 accident. Why is it always slow going on our final leg home.

Diesel leak again after we stopped for petrol, thankfully not far from home, but pouring out for our last few miles. This eventually turned out to be a faulty seal on the fuel pump, local Fiat dealer ordered a complete new unit which seemed to sort the problem out.

Apart from a few issues with the Motorhome which thankfully didn’t effect us to much this was a really enjoyable trip. Met some lovely fellow travellers and really enjoyed: Verona, Jeselo, Lake Bled, Rovinj and especially the rustic site on the edge of Lake Garda ‘Ideal Pieve’.

Can’t wait for next year !! To Greece hopefully

Final log 3131m