Blogs from Europe - page 4

We woke early, really really early ….. Woolly says – dawn was breaking more like, Ian told us it was half seven so with the kettle boiling we all went about our morning wake up rituals, checking Jo’s phone I found that it was actually 6.30am!!!! What a time to wake me up!! For some reason Ian’s roaming time was still on Spanish time but in our cross over into Portugal we had gained an hour and were now on BST again. Not to be downhearted, it was a lovely morning and the sun was coming up along with the temperature, 15 degrees by the time we were packed and ready to go. Woolly says – I was down hearted! But putting my grumps away I sat eagerly looking around me as we headed down the ... read more

The day started with a hearty breakfast at patisserie Valerie....no we didn't have the pastries but they did looked yummy.... We then headed to the hop on off bus....while waiting...I met some Argentinians and we started talking about Australia. First thing they said to me...you guys have the deadliest snakes...I said oh that's nothing...we have the deadliest spiders and sharks too...I swear every person we speak off says the same thing....they watch too much of Steve Irwin re-runs.We stopped at our Dynamic Earth....that was pretty cool..it was an interactive...natural museum...which teaches you about our Mother Earth... We walked through parliament....funny they have little boxed rooms...called the "reflection rooms" ...and the politicians go in there to think of how things can be done better...lol.....that would be a first.... Went past the palace...but it was closed...some di... read more

So my day started off with finally getting my motorcycle license and then I was able to begin my trip a little late but still able to start. It was a nasty day to be riding a motorcycle heavy rains and all that, but a spot of rain wont stop me. Besides I expected to get rained on, after all it is a 30 day trip across Europe. I decided to use the autostrada because of all the rain and felt it to be safer for the first day of travel. I had never used the autostrada before so I was a bit confused at the concept of tolls, and there were no people in the booths and no motorcycle lanes either. So i got there and pulled a ticked and the gate opened up and ... read more

Locks today 9 – total 38 So much for only 3 hours motoring each day – 6 hours Friday and 8 ½ today to reach good moorings at Crofton. Far-reaching views for most of the way, with a lot of sunshine. The Kennet & Avon Canal runs between (wait for it.....) the R. Kennet in the east and the R. Avon in the west. Hving travelled uphill since we started, today we crossed the summit, via Bruce Tunnel, and the locks are now all downhill. There are two major pumping stations on the canal, on e of which is here at Crofton. Canal water is pumped uphill to the summit to replenish all that is lost downhill as each lock is used. Frequently the summit pond is too dry for full navigation though. There are two ... read more

Today has been a slow day for me, in part to recover from my cold. Our ferry didn’t leave until 11:45, so I slept late, ate leisurely, finished packing, read a little, and left with the bus. (Others walked into town for more wandering.) The ferry is the onward journey of the ferry we took to get to Paros. I took a Dramamine and didn’t feel too bad – more lethargic than anything. Once again we were in the first class lounge, this time right at the front, facing forward. The first stop was Naxos, and after the ferry was underway again, Kriton took us to the “Goody’s” fast good bar where we each picked up a tray of hamburger, chicken Caesar salad, (cold) fries and a soft drink. I ordered a beer (Alfa). The salad ... read more