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Published: June 11th 2016
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It is fair to say today didn't quite go to plan. First, it was raining and cold when we set off we put all of our wet weather and warm gear on. It wasn't long however before it wamed up and started to dry so we had to stop and take off some layers. I was a bit worried as the SatNav said 500+ Kilometres to our hotel in Liechtenstein. I had reckoned on about 200 miles and I know that didn't stack up. Looking at the route plan, it all looked right so we carried on carefully.
The ride out of the Black Forrest was good and the route was largely single track twisty and very quiet. Once out of the forest we headed towards the north bank of Boden See, a very large lake that also marks the borders of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Just before we reached the western tip, and as we admired the size and beauty of this amazing stretch of water, Satnav said turn right. We did and it took us back in the opposite direction to a way point I had put on the A98 to direct us along this route. Silly me,
I thought that putting it on the A98 was enough, no, I put it on the wrong carriageway and we had to drive past it on the appropriate side of the road Doh!! We didn't realise the folly of following the SatNav until it was too late and we were stuck heading 10 km in the wrong direction. To fix this, we turned off the road to reset the route at a very large and busy farm shop so we stopped in. Who knew, the Germans make a very nice cider. Julia forgave my schoolboy error.
Back on the road and on again. After about 40 minutes and about half way along the lake we stopped for a coffee. Gotta say, the best service stop ever. It was a small place with a shop selling local produce and a small cafe. The young man serving was a real treat to the weary traveller. He spoke good English and had a sense of humour that matched his sweet nature and generosity. He supplied samples of local wine and apple juice and made the best cappuccino. We had our first pretzel and bought a bottle of Pear Schnapps and a 55%
local German Whisky. Who knew, the Germans make Whisky.
Back on the road and the heavens opened. The plan had been to head into Austria and take a mountain pass before swinging into Liechtenstein from the East. Watching the lightening in the mountains and with the rain beating down we decided to take the direct route. That took us along the Boden See to the Eastern tip which was in Austria. We stopped for a Kodak moment because the sun came out and once again it was summer. Chatting to a friendly German, he explained that it was possible to take a boat from here all the way to Holland and the North Sea. Who knew, why isn't this on the North Sea Ferry Route from Hull?
On again and into Switzerland. We had just 50 km to go and SatNav said just over and hour. The road took us along the bottom of some very imposing mountains for about 30 km until we crossed yet another border into Liechtenstein and started to climb. As we hit the twisting mountain road the rain started again. Why the straights were tarmac'd and the hairpins cobble stone is beyond me.
It added a level of excitement that I could have done without so late in the day. Onwards and upwards... very upwards, and finally to the hotel. It took a few minutes to find but once in we settle into our room and a much needed shower.
Tomorrow its into Switzerland again and heading to the legendary Stelvio Pass. Rock on \m/
Have a good 'un
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