tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85057755437848973242024-03-13T08:30:28.305-07:00BJ & PJ TripsNew Hampshire Couple Short of Retirement TravelsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15735274685676061994noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505775543784897324.post-23569315831767421712016-07-24T11:43:00.001-07:002016-08-05T01:59:44.660-07:00Norway on the Cheap<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">BJ & PJ in Norway</span></div><div>2016</div><div>JULY </div><div>Just an overview in case it might be encouraging or helpful to anyone including us in planning future trips.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PV85rzJgUH4/V6RVcx4Ae3I/AAAAAAAAB9s/MDEakB4zs0c/s640/blogger-image--1419235807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PV85rzJgUH4/V6RVcx4Ae3I/AAAAAAAAB9s/MDEakB4zs0c/s640/blogger-image--1419235807.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div>Flight</div><div>Flight research using online tools concluded that the least expensive direct flights near us were to Copenhagen from Boston on Norwegian Express. The taxes and fees doubled the price of the tickets and our luggage was extra with very strict weight limits. Sitting in cramped seats for hours is never the best part of the trip. </div><div> </div><div>Rental Car</div><div>We reserved a tiny Fiesta size car but got a larger manual shift diesel Audi A4 wagon with only a few hundred miles on the clock. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IP5yfjR9yMg/V5qXd6hbjbI/AAAAAAAAB40/i3fUCZZsE74/s640/blogger-image--1606545288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IP5yfjR9yMg/V5qXd6hbjbI/AAAAAAAAB40/i3fUCZZsE74/s640/blogger-image--1606545288.jpg"></a></div> Fine car and nice to camp out of though sometimes we envied the smaller cars on the narrow roads and ferries. We rented from Avis and the had lots of cars and even roadside assistance in Norway.The roads were well suited for our vehicles of choice, motorcycles but staying warm and dry would have been difficult and rental cost would have multiplied. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Aw8Z3FDg20M/V6RVTfMrhJI/AAAAAAAAB84/u7nVq7E25WE/s640/blogger-image--140598605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Aw8Z3FDg20M/V6RVTfMrhJI/AAAAAAAAB84/u7nVq7E25WE/s640/blogger-image--140598605.jpg"></a></div>We also have become dedicated if not avid day hikers and combining that with motorcycle touring can be an added challenge.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fS2S59HrQl8/V6RVLafGT4I/AAAAAAAAB8Q/FttoJWgAvSY/s640/blogger-image--443890021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fS2S59HrQl8/V6RVLafGT4I/AAAAAAAAB8Q/FttoJWgAvSY/s640/blogger-image--443890021.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>GPS</div><div>The fee to update the two year old Garmin European maps seemed unreasonable. Turns out the update would have been worthwhile. Roadwork is in full swing in the region.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c0Jlc_T_634/V6RVVto9v9I/AAAAAAAAB9E/mLAWyTNDsko/s640/blogger-image-6875609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c0Jlc_T_634/V6RVVto9v9I/AAAAAAAAB9E/mLAWyTNDsko/s640/blogger-image-6875609.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Hotel</div><div>We only stayed in one hotel on our entire trip. We considered a stay in another for the last night but opted for another self service cabin. We found our hotel, Villa Provence in the city of Aarus Denmark after parking the car and walking to find it. The streets were a combination of one ways and restricted access with lots of bicycle traffic. The hotel was quite nice with a courtyard and a breakfast buffet. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kn7Eq2QDIJE/V5qXfd7OpbI/AAAAAAAAB48/0ojb24IuGAo/s640/blogger-image--1548657588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kn7Eq2QDIJE/V5qXfd7OpbI/AAAAAAAAB48/0ojb24IuGAo/s640/blogger-image--1548657588.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div> It seems you might be getting the spare rooms when using booking.com but it was in nice shape. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Te8sXfe2B9k/V6PMmY6L_JI/AAAAAAAAB78/jwJ80hbm3Zo/s640/blogger-image--912622531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Te8sXfe2B9k/V6PMmY6L_JI/AAAAAAAAB78/jwJ80hbm3Zo/s640/blogger-image--912622531.jpg"></a></div> </div><div>Ferry to Norway</div><div>The gate to drive out of the hotel parking seems better suited to pedestrians. Threading through alleys and ferry decks not to mention fast narrow roads was challenging. This would be our second longest of many ferry rides of the trip. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RTyosZPUSI0/V5qXg-Ytu2I/AAAAAAAAB5E/P4xYS7igXL8/s640/blogger-image--488493168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RTyosZPUSI0/V5qXg-Ytu2I/AAAAAAAAB5E/P4xYS7igXL8/s640/blogger-image--488493168.jpg"></a></div> The seas were a little rough but it was a fine ship to Kristiansand. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div>Byglandsfjorden and Camping Cabins</div><div>We had a map of campgrounds with cabins and had a plan but no reservations to stay at Neset Camping on the water in Bygland a couple of hours north of the ferry terminal. The first of many waterfronts was pleasant but not hugely different from our familiar lakes at home. We did didn't really know what to expect and from the road it looked like mostly an RV park which was with a few cabins for rent which it turns out most of them do.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0VEGu9Fr3kM/V5qXerjA7VI/AAAAAAAAB44/allpWjTgr4A/s640/blogger-image-38705710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0VEGu9Fr3kM/V5qXerjA7VI/AAAAAAAAB44/allpWjTgr4A/s640/blogger-image-38705710.jpg"></a></div> Some camping cabins at various campgrounds had private baths but we opted for the cheaper basic units when possible. They all had a small kitchen area. Sometimes they had double beds and sometimes just bunks.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PSlKTh0wvOU/V6RVYgXDEwI/AAAAAAAAB9U/hqWXm5Zg_dk/s640/blogger-image-2096695517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PSlKTh0wvOU/V6RVYgXDEwI/AAAAAAAAB9U/hqWXm5Zg_dk/s640/blogger-image-2096695517.jpg"></a></div> Since we had our sleeping bags and micro towels we didn't need to rent linens. </div><div><br></div><div>Tuddal and Nature Center</div><div>The following was a good day to be in an enclosed vehicle and not to be taking down a tent. We expected some wet conditions and it didn't really keep us from seeing or enjoying anything at all. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SixJUsI_Vyw/V6PMlgaF51I/AAAAAAAAB74/OiZTiN-OTLE/s640/blogger-image--581526621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SixJUsI_Vyw/V6PMlgaF51I/AAAAAAAAB74/OiZTiN-OTLE/s640/blogger-image--581526621.jpg"></a></div>We made an impulse stop at a national forest nature center where we saw a film about Norwegians sabotaging a plant held by the Germans in WWII that produced heavy water that could be used for nuclear weapons production. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GB41mDeempY/V5qXgG5wmYI/AAAAAAAAB5A/gz43hQK_j3E/s640/blogger-image-2006611795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GB41mDeempY/V5qXgG5wmYI/AAAAAAAAB5A/gz43hQK_j3E/s640/blogger-image-2006611795.jpg"></a></div><br></div>As well as an extensive exhibit regarding native reindeer population and conservation efforts. We located the cabins in Tuddal Camping and they had availability and the hostess provided free cake and coffee. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pZCey_fAVd0/V5qXbmbjORI/AAAAAAAAB4w/GRYj0-cUC8I/s640/blogger-image--1264522547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pZCey_fAVd0/V5qXbmbjORI/AAAAAAAAB4w/GRYj0-cUC8I/s640/blogger-image--1264522547.jpg"></a></div>We took a suggested long walk round the lake by farms and over paths and one land bridges. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y_bIzTSviDM/V5qaryIgWOI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/bozhcfe3fpo/s640/blogger-image-649344659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y_bIzTSviDM/V5qaryIgWOI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/bozhcfe3fpo/s640/blogger-image-649344659.jpg"></a></div><br></div>We got back in time for the little corner restaurant and shop to make us a light meal before they closed up.</div><div><br></div><div>Gaustatoppen</div><div>The original plan was to start at a couple of renowned hikes on near the western fjords first but the weather seemed better towards the central Norway so we reversed our route. We stopped at a tourist information office on our way to Tuddal Camping and saw the major attraction in the area was a lift to a mountain summit. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cq9a1jWX65c/V6RVXz7OsEI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/wAJ0nguO_vo/s640/blogger-image--236253489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cq9a1jWX65c/V6RVXz7OsEI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/wAJ0nguO_vo/s640/blogger-image--236253489.jpg"></a></div>We stopped by and found it was socked in with rain and fog so we continued along. The following day however was a bit clearer and we went back to the mountain on our way north and found the hiking trail rather than the lift to the summit.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xtPR1tizns8/V5qaqGhuwaI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/n5iVY9KPhcs/s640/blogger-image--891672616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xtPR1tizns8/V5qaqGhuwaI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/n5iVY9KPhcs/s640/blogger-image--891672616.jpg"></a></div><br></div> This gave us our first experience of hiking in Norway and it was magnificent. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SjdITKvz5d0/V6RVZXEmGFI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/zrNdU1-mZaY/s640/blogger-image-782868206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SjdITKvz5d0/V6RVZXEmGFI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/zrNdU1-mZaY/s640/blogger-image-782868206.jpg"></a></div>As we are familiar with in above tree line in our own White Mountains the weather changed quickly and a pretty significant snow squall blew through which <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sQFEhXqwfXI/V5qas0JzzNI/AAAAAAAAB5c/GqwnzvCm32M/s640/blogger-image--986167675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sQFEhXqwfXI/V5qas0JzzNI/AAAAAAAAB5c/GqwnzvCm32M/s640/blogger-image--986167675.jpg"></a></div>wiped out the view and gave us a taste of potential for weather extremes this far north of the equator. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F1pXAOED8Wk/V6RVNKwuthI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/9pP3S429QMU/s640/blogger-image-705213049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F1pXAOED8Wk/V6RVNKwuthI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/9pP3S429QMU/s640/blogger-image-705213049.jpg"></a></div>At the top was a little snack bar where we enjoyed a coffee. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c96GKRYN1F0/V5qaq6gXZUI/AAAAAAAAB5U/LTlKKDdWdjs/s640/blogger-image--697791584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c96GKRYN1F0/V5qaq6gXZUI/AAAAAAAAB5U/LTlKKDdWdjs/s640/blogger-image--697791584.jpg"></a></div>It probably got pretty crowded later with all the hikers we passed and the folks coming up the lift.</div><div><br></div><div>Jotunheimen</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PbWGY8P6Rvg/V6RVWeTgKDI/AAAAAAAAB9I/thP0uQhqeXQ/s640/blogger-image--1244667848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PbWGY8P6Rvg/V6RVWeTgKDI/AAAAAAAAB9I/thP0uQhqeXQ/s640/blogger-image--1244667848.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>From our perspective this was probably the highlight of the due to the views, trails and inland weather. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GNt-m-cU2DQ/V6RVaP4F_BI/AAAAAAAAB9c/sS-INk3NlbU/s640/blogger-image-993655664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GNt-m-cU2DQ/V6RVaP4F_BI/AAAAAAAAB9c/sS-INk3NlbU/s640/blogger-image-993655664.jpg"></a></div>We spent our longest stay at a nice cabin at a fairly dense location but close to seemingly endless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9zhmENvc_Ys/V5qmnMsx4KI/AAAAAAAAB6E/o_UTDX1H50A/s640/blogger-image-1232842171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9zhmENvc_Ys/V5qmnMsx4KI/AAAAAAAAB6E/o_UTDX1H50A/s640/blogger-image-1232842171.jpg"></a></div>We scored a three night stay as vacationing season started to peak. From here we would drive scenic roads and hike the famous Besseggen Ridge. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qxwG3e3BcJo/V5qmoq_e3dI/AAAAAAAAB6M/ekt0gIkGQbk/s640/blogger-image-551817148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qxwG3e3BcJo/V5qmoq_e3dI/AAAAAAAAB6M/ekt0gIkGQbk/s640/blogger-image-551817148.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Besseggen Ridge</div><div>This hike was part of what sparked an interest in coming to Norway and it did not disappoint. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9qMT2DglCTY/V5qmjsKdXaI/AAAAAAAAB5w/uR9vnb9WUJM/s640/blogger-image--729137339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9qMT2DglCTY/V5qmjsKdXaI/AAAAAAAAB5w/uR9vnb9WUJM/s640/blogger-image--729137339.jpg"></a></div>We did a little reconnoissance the day before our attempt which was very useful in getting us a good start which mainly involved getting there early for the first boat to the trail. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x3SXZgjkCK4/V5qmkH5Os0I/AAAAAAAAB50/asZBdvSM1-k/s640/blogger-image-1735853327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x3SXZgjkCK4/V5qmkH5Os0I/AAAAAAAAB50/asZBdvSM1-k/s640/blogger-image-1735853327.jpg"></a></div>While any fit hiker would probably enjoy the trail there are some fairly exposed and challenging open scrambles that make some hearts race a bit.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Je0InWi5Zms/V6RVPuSoF9I/AAAAAAAAB8k/ckiS-vXwmOw/s640/blogger-image--609843743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Je0InWi5Zms/V6RVPuSoF9I/AAAAAAAAB8k/ckiS-vXwmOw/s640/blogger-image--609843743.jpg"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RkuX6floCA0/V5qmiiV-2VI/AAAAAAAAB5s/wufAO6p3WJI/s640/blogger-image-392446757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RkuX6floCA0/V5qmiiV-2VI/AAAAAAAAB5s/wufAO6p3WJI/s640/blogger-image-392446757.jpg"></a></div>We were gifted the best weather of our trip for this hike and unforgettable scenery. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V-hJ5mixYDI/V6RVXQeKOyI/AAAAAAAAB9M/IW8KMlqFMr4/s640/blogger-image--24162651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V-hJ5mixYDI/V6RVXQeKOyI/AAAAAAAAB9M/IW8KMlqFMr4/s640/blogger-image--24162651.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>TentIng</div><div>As we started to make our way toward the coast it seemed that we might not need the tent and sleeping pads we packed as we found available cabins along the route. Then we passed a road sign with too much writing and no place to stop to decipher which we later found out indicated that the road between us and the cabins was closed for construction until later in the evening. We had already tried for a cabin in the area without success so we just settled for a tent site nearby that was in a fruit orchard. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qTJ791fozPs/V5qmsLXRKyI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/25JjoIheYm0/s640/blogger-image--1649425334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qTJ791fozPs/V5qmsLXRKyI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/25JjoIheYm0/s640/blogger-image--1649425334.jpg"></a></div>It was a nice location and we got more rest in the tent than expected. I had a forty degree sleeping bag that was marginal on some nights. </div><div><br></div><div>Cooking</div><div>When tenting we had to rely on the jetboil, which we found some fuel for at an outdoor outfitter we passed on the road for cooking and found meals we could make in it. As it turns out a pan might have been more useful as every campground and even mountain cabins had a cook stoves.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pescatarian</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5gacj7p0VVI/V6RVU1ltANI/AAAAAAAAB9A/kcBYkhZ1NcY/s640/blogger-image-842631934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5gacj7p0VVI/V6RVU1ltANI/AAAAAAAAB9A/kcBYkhZ1NcY/s640/blogger-image-842631934.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Much of the land in Norway isn't tillable but is ok for grazing. Also seafarers historically stored much of their calories in the form of animal protein. So it's of no surprise that eating meatless was a bit of a challenge. Almost every dish seemed to have at least a little meat mixed in. We always managed to find something though even when we had to shop a a gas station on Sunday when all the grocery stores were closed.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div>Photographs</div><div>An Appalachian trail hiker noted diissapointment when looking at the pictures on her phone. They just didn't capture the majesty of the scenery she was experiencing. That was especially true for us on this trip. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tqVuXWmYMZo/V5_3WMD5FLI/AAAAAAAAB7k/Prd-5tqKwbU/s640/blogger-image--2093726503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tqVuXWmYMZo/V5_3WMD5FLI/AAAAAAAAB7k/Prd-5tqKwbU/s640/blogger-image--2093726503.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Trolltunga </div><div>The trolls tongue is an iconic overhang at the end of an eleven kilometer hike/walk. It is very popular and the one of the best marked trail we have ever been on with large distance marking signs each km. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rMLNw1mIRsA/V6RVR4LNtrI/AAAAAAAAB8w/SV8rnPieg8Y/s640/blogger-image-1126403408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rMLNw1mIRsA/V6RVR4LNtrI/AAAAAAAAB8w/SV8rnPieg8Y/s640/blogger-image-1126403408.jpg"></a></div>It also is populated with more foreign tourists and regrettably trash than the trails we saw further from the coast. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-omsaxqTkTgI/V5qmn6DyLLI/AAAAAAAAB6I/I180k8ioA6k/s640/blogger-image-1633023636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-omsaxqTkTgI/V5qmn6DyLLI/AAAAAAAAB6I/I180k8ioA6k/s640/blogger-image-1633023636.jpg"></a></div> Nonetheless the view is fully rewarding and having a photo from the tongue is a nice accomplishment. Interestingly the heavy trail building and maintenance is being done by hired Sherpas.</div><div><br></div><div> Kjerag </div><div>Another hike to an iconic photo perch.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ypbCkCinto0/V6RVULQuBQI/AAAAAAAAB88/w_uO35LBlFg/s640/blogger-image--2085519355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ypbCkCinto0/V6RVULQuBQI/AAAAAAAAB88/w_uO35LBlFg/s640/blogger-image--2085519355.jpg"></a></div> This one a little more difficult to get to the trailhead as either a ferry or a long winding road leads to it. After much debate we took the drive which turned out to be one of our most beautiful rides. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YjmwM9H41Vg/V5qmk7pyuqI/AAAAAAAAB54/LuwxkvYcDP4/s640/blogger-image-417846218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YjmwM9H41Vg/V5qmk7pyuqI/AAAAAAAAB54/LuwxkvYcDP4/s640/blogger-image-417846218.jpg"></a></div>The hike was steep in spots but there were chain railings that made it much easier than Besseggen Ridge. </div><div><br></div><div>Preiskestolen</div><div>"For someone looking for a relatively quick and easy hike with fabulous views of the Norwegian fjords, Pulpit Rock is perfect" this is obviously no secret and the crowds are nearly as breath taking as the views. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-odU-jVhfanY/V6RVMpDQ6XI/AAAAAAAAB8U/BxEcstjXNUM/s640/blogger-image--1355433322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-odU-jVhfanY/V6RVMpDQ6XI/AAAAAAAAB8U/BxEcstjXNUM/s640/blogger-image--1355433322.jpg"></a></div>We were planning on skipping it but a park employee at Kjerag said an early morning trip up might not none too bad so we braved the crowds at the namesake campground and made a run for it before anyone else was stirring.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2orLlOdijbg/V6RVN9KtpJI/AAAAAAAAB8c/DiJ34N3yD6Y/s640/blogger-image--488028847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2orLlOdijbg/V6RVN9KtpJI/AAAAAAAAB8c/DiJ34N3yD6Y/s640/blogger-image--488028847.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div> We waited a bit for clouds to clear at the top and were rewarded with some good views prior to heading down like salmon swimming against the current.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OCEh9AtFsNw/V6RVbjqVOSI/AAAAAAAAB9k/TuSbDiSQqgc/s640/blogger-image-1558140365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OCEh9AtFsNw/V6RVbjqVOSI/AAAAAAAAB9k/TuSbDiSQqgc/s640/blogger-image-1558140365.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--hn-kcyoPv4/V6RVa8MSEaI/AAAAAAAAB9g/BDNTEoLdTB8/s640/blogger-image-280634127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--hn-kcyoPv4/V6RVa8MSEaI/AAAAAAAAB9g/BDNTEoLdTB8/s640/blogger-image-280634127.jpg"></a></div> It really was incredible how many vehicles were coming up with folks to load up the trail. We were satisfied with our summit photos and glad to get free from the crowds and traffic.</div><div><br></div><div>Flam</div><div>Judging by other reviews this seems to be a much enjoyed stop by many tourists. Best just to say the attractions were not the experience we were looking for so we moved on. The area is indeed beautiful though.</div><div><br></div><div>Folgefonna National Park </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3jAN6QpzvuA/V6RVcejdSaI/AAAAAAAAB9o/yMm0DRSyXUw/s640/blogger-image-75570080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3jAN6QpzvuA/V6RVcejdSaI/AAAAAAAAB9o/yMm0DRSyXUw/s640/blogger-image-75570080.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Since Flam didn't turn out to be where we wanted to spend the time we had left before our ferry from Oslo to Copenhagen a glacier hike seems like a great alternative. Folgefonna being not too far out of the way looked like a good option. In the nearest town Odda, the camping cabins and even the tents sites were booked with loads of young folks. We then took a twelve kilometer tunnel that took us to the much less populated other side of the mountain where we found an available rental caravan at Sundal <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DyPENlj1B8w/V5qmloApDaI/AAAAAAAAB58/Wgcp1v5HChw/s640/blogger-image--1692072454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DyPENlj1B8w/V5qmloApDaI/AAAAAAAAB58/Wgcp1v5HChw/s640/blogger-image--1692072454.jpg"></a></div>Camping that turned out to be at the base of trails leading to the glacier. We had another unforgettable all day hike, this one above waterfalls, glacier fed lakes and ponds, through snowfields, two hiking huts and to the edge of the glacier that was completely fogged in.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xTjELCq1dew/V5qmmMGjiZI/AAAAAAAAB6A/f2OpzeS_T-Y/s640/blogger-image--1354125309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xTjELCq1dew/V5qmmMGjiZI/AAAAAAAAB6A/f2OpzeS_T-Y/s640/blogger-image--1354125309.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7ZYt7P1yhNM/V6RVQcyOFKI/AAAAAAAAB8o/8zHeVFjutoU/s640/blogger-image--1961507337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7ZYt7P1yhNM/V6RVQcyOFKI/AAAAAAAAB8o/8zHeVFjutoU/s640/blogger-image--1961507337.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JDZJkV9eUI0/V6RVRJ1ji1I/AAAAAAAAB8s/6rIhpTw_Uvc/s640/blogger-image-1878745154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JDZJkV9eUI0/V6RVRJ1ji1I/AAAAAAAAB8s/6rIhpTw_Uvc/s640/blogger-image-1878745154.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Blaafarveværket </div><div>On the way to the Oslo area we visited Blue Color Works, and toured where they mined cobalt ore and manufactured cobalt blue pigment commonly used on porcelain in the 19th century. Its doubtful most folks with blue trimmed items from the era have any idea how intense a process and how much labor was involved in its production.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pBaXehQzy4U/V5qojJ4UyhI/AAAAAAAAB6g/dNkBtL3hLTM/s640/blogger-image-2040246936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pBaXehQzy4U/V5qojJ4UyhI/AAAAAAAAB6g/dNkBtL3hLTM/s640/blogger-image-2040246936.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div> The mining tour was well conducted in English and this would be a nice stop for any age group. They even have an animal petting farm at the processing museum. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I6B9wOYEulU/V5qoj4m_oPI/AAAAAAAAB6k/Fa62CBKpeV0/s640/blogger-image-1637968798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I6B9wOYEulU/V5qoj4m_oPI/AAAAAAAAB6k/Fa62CBKpeV0/s640/blogger-image-1637968798.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Utøya</div><div>Our tour guide at the mine asked if we were familiar with the terrorist attacks carried out by a Norwegian far right extremist in Oslo and on Utoya five years ago. He went on to say that the blasts were felt by a tour group in the mine and the perpetrator had prepared nearby. Having paid embarrassing little attention to the news of the attack at the time it occurred it seemed like a good time to learn a little more about it over wifi at the last cabin rental near Oslo. The events were extremely sad and by ironic coincidence a guest at the very campground we were in conducted a personal rescue of many victims. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wvxmsCXljEY/V56J_li8NJI/AAAAAAAAB7E/3QehXJpExhc/s640/blogger-image-1735569348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wvxmsCXljEY/V56J_li8NJI/AAAAAAAAB7E/3QehXJpExhc/s640/blogger-image-1735569348.jpg"></a></div>With such a small population it is said that one in four Norwegians knows someone affected by the attacks. </div><div><br></div><div>DFDS Seaways to Copenhagen</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rehzXXC2OHc/V56J-uClF1I/AAAAAAAAB7A/kMMr3a-coyI/s640/blogger-image-553838983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rehzXXC2OHc/V56J-uClF1I/AAAAAAAAB7A/kMMr3a-coyI/s640/blogger-image-553838983.jpg"></a></div>The idea of putting a rental car mileage on an overnight ferry to the airport location did sound a little wasteful but it turned out to be a great choice for us. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zH2A0ah2bQU/V56J9lhC7iI/AAAAAAAAB68/X-D7-JHFbx4/s640/blogger-image--300532356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zH2A0ah2bQU/V56J9lhC7iI/AAAAAAAAB68/X-D7-JHFbx4/s640/blogger-image--300532356.jpg"></a></div>A private cabin provided a pretty decent nights sleep in spite of some pretty good wave bashing.<br>The shopping crowd was pretty wild and they all seems to move to the buffet as a group making it impossible for us to get a seat but we managed ok with a pizza and salad of sorts and made sure we beat most of them to breakfast. We still got a nice little drive through Copenhagen and enough time to sort out our stuff at the rental return.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FLOQIaTH5Y8/V6RVSvOAgII/AAAAAAAAB80/AUGa_5UBH7M/s640/blogger-image-855270074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FLOQIaTH5Y8/V6RVSvOAgII/AAAAAAAAB80/AUGa_5UBH7M/s640/blogger-image-855270074.jpg"></a></div> The total cost on the ferry was probably close to what we would have spent for another overnight and a very long drive.</div><div><br></div><div>Kindle</div><div>Nothing new or noteworthy about the return flight. Long security and customs lines moved pretty quickly and it didn't seem anyone was missing flights due to screening delays. It doesn't get used much at home but the kindle was a great way to share a book on the trip and we could use the kindle application on the iPad or iPhone when taking turns or someone accidentally packed the kindle in checked luggage. </div><div><br></div><div>Trip Cost</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The reports of high cost were intimidating but for the way we traveled Norway was not prohibitively expensive when compared to other European countries we have visited and </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It would be great to have even more time to explore there someday. We didn't have anyone making our beds or serving our meals often and full meals were somewhat rare and we spent nothing on adult beverages and the water was good right out of the tap or even the stream. The cabins had to be clean before we left. Our luggage was pretty much maxed out with camping gear so we didn't have much room for souvenirs. We seemed to be vacationing much like the people around us so we didn't feel deprived at all. </span></div><div><br></div><div>There are many ways a self guided tour could be done there reasonably but this was ours and we very grateful for having had the opportunity.</div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15735274685676061994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505775543784897324.post-27916792234221579502015-07-13T02:28:00.000-07:002015-07-17T09:44:17.622-07:00Wife Rides Injured Husband Over Mountain on Rented BMW F800R Motorcycle<div>
I </div>
<span style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"></span><br>
<div>
<span style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: xx-small;"><b>"It's one of the musts in European Motorcycling. In Europe there are two places a biker must visit at least once: The Alps and Corsica." from CIMT webpage</b></span></span><br>
<span style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7yWNAhhAdls/VaGMbAeZD0I/AAAAAAAABeQ/M7qOID3dKQ8/s1600/IMG_1240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7yWNAhhAdls/VaGMbAeZD0I/AAAAAAAABeQ/M7qOID3dKQ8/s1600/IMG_1240.JPG"></a></div>
<span style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Having ridden the Alps twice we were off to Corsica</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The day before taking off on our long planned vacation we found the source of the noise from the rear of Barbara's car which we needed for the three hour drive to the airport in Montreal. Dad also needed his air conditioner replaced and our lawn needed mowing. The rear brakes looked good from the outside but the inner pads were gone. I bought pads but the pins in the calipers were rusted solid and snapped off and one of the holding bolts head stripped. Thanks to Autozone's generous hours Barbara was able to pick up new calipers and a bolt on her way back from her hair appointment in Manchester. I spent two hours grinding, sawing and drilling out the broken bolt. Once the parts were home it took a good bit of the night to put them on. Finished bleeding them with Barbara's help in the morning. I finished packing in a less than optimal mental state, sure I wouldn't get everything but tried to remember the essential electronics, Barbara organized and carried all of the required documents. </span></div>
<div style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #20124d;">We had a rainy th</span>ree hour ride to airport in the twelve year old car that still needed front brakes. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I was bugged by the fact that I hadn't managed to get a haircut in the last minute excitement and amazingly Barbara found </span>a <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Walmart near the airport with a shop that was open. The store was incredibly busy but the hair place only had an older women getting her hair dyed red and a young effeminate man having a panic over his hair style. Seems like the perfect place for a conventional haircut. The young man who cut my hair took about three times the amount of time as I am used to but it seemed like a good job. Gave him a nice tip but always do. </span><br>
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6K2o24mc79c/VaIrF9EBP5I/AAAAAAAABfg/FWU-KfY4b5w/s1600/2-DSC02394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6K2o24mc79c/VaIrF9EBP5I/AAAAAAAABfg/FWU-KfY4b5w/s320/2-DSC02394.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As we had done a trip before on the budget Air Canada Rouge before we didn't have much trouble with the check in procedures. </span><br>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The flight itself was ok but we both planned on sleeping which is pretty much impossible due to the size and position of the seats. </span><br>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><br>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span>
<br>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span>
<br>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CuMzDH5Fn-U/VaIrvQ0gVSI/AAAAAAAABfo/cMxSZIWvYGs/s1600/roma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CuMzDH5Fn-U/VaIrvQ0gVSI/AAAAAAAABfo/cMxSZIWvYGs/s320/roma.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6a6a6a; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Rome Airport</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">, Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Getting off in Rome was without incident although the infrastructure is a mess and we searched to find our reserved ride amongst the dozens of signs with passenger names handwritten on them we were told to look for with no luck. </span><br>
<br>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YBO39lCVa_Q/VaGOc4nxSqI/AAAAAAAABek/8WbOb2jCqPw/s1600/IMG_1239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YBO39lCVa_Q/VaGOc4nxSqI/AAAAAAAABek/8WbOb2jCqPw/s320/IMG_1239.JPG" width="320"></a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Turns out our Consorzio Airport Shuttle had a little bus and Barbara found the driver and office down the hall. They had a hard time fitting our large cases on the bus and I keep wanting to explain that it was mostly riding gear not excessive clothing but there was a language barrier. </span><br>
<br>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xok7FgxIZr8/VaGOv4bROBI/AAAAAAAABes/agS-pNOnqYQ/s1600/IMG_1067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xok7FgxIZr8/VaGOv4bROBI/AAAAAAAABes/agS-pNOnqYQ/s320/IMG_1067.JPG" width="320"></a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The location of the Hotel Adriano in Rome was just as described right near the center of some desirable sites.</span><br>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CEqAYnJ7nmM/VaIuaHrx3KI/AAAAAAAABf0/wPgghI379fQ/s1600/IMG_1069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CEqAYnJ7nmM/VaIuaHrx3KI/AAAAAAAABf0/wPgghI379fQ/s320/IMG_1069.JPG" width="320"></a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> We got there very early and I was surprised that they let us check right into the room. I was a little worried that the shuttle didn't acknowledge the change I had made requesting </span>a return trip to the airport early the next day for our flight to the island of Sardinia so we asked the hotel front desk to help us confirm.<br>
<br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vHw0G1WC9ok/VZ4LqlqcU8I/AAAAAAAABYo/yiPUNZSZHJg/s640/blogger-image-1694950655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vHw0G1WC9ok/VZ4LqlqcU8I/AAAAAAAABYo/yiPUNZSZHJg/s320/blogger-image-1694950655.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<a href="https://youtu.be/QwI5y_8bNp4">https://youtu.be/QwI5y_8bNp4</a></div><div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I'd say it's really nice for adults and maybe older kids.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<br></div>
Once that was done we got to see way more of Rome than expected.<br>
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zEe3-R2M9w8/Vaa0lMiC8jI/AAAAAAAAB0c/xpG9aKm318E/s640/blogger-image--1661359121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zEe3-R2M9w8/Vaa0lMiC8jI/AAAAAAAAB0c/xpG9aKm318E/s400/blogger-image--1661359121.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u2cuYUrpltw/Vaa0hsWr7XI/AAAAAAAAB0E/kI5Zf2UuZpw/s640/blogger-image--1690673202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u2cuYUrpltw/Vaa0hsWr7XI/AAAAAAAAB0E/kI5Zf2UuZpw/s400/blogger-image--1690673202.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--6lWwkWe2Tw/Vaa0iyH6rQI/AAAAAAAAB0M/Bw-_jzbBmas/s640/blogger-image-1482371612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--6lWwkWe2Tw/Vaa0iyH6rQI/AAAAAAAAB0M/Bw-_jzbBmas/s400/blogger-image-1482371612.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YV-ue36NnRs/Vaa0kO7F2nI/AAAAAAAAB0U/XFTSLrux2Rs/s640/blogger-image--1628374361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YV-ue36NnRs/Vaa0kO7F2nI/AAAAAAAAB0U/XFTSLrux2Rs/s400/blogger-image--1628374361.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--7ULqW4CVBY/Vaa0mKnDS6I/AAAAAAAAB0k/7X-Xjn21lyk/s640/blogger-image--1112276923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--7ULqW4CVBY/Vaa0mKnDS6I/AAAAAAAAB0k/7X-Xjn21lyk/s400/blogger-image--1112276923.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<br></div>
<br>
<br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-opuYHuJPIPQ/VaLjsnsDZCI/AAAAAAAABtg/FEJiOuejsMM/s640/blogger-image-1770087448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-opuYHuJPIPQ/VaLjsnsDZCI/AAAAAAAABtg/FEJiOuejsMM/s400/blogger-image-1770087448.jpg" width="400"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-803R7e9AVk0/VaIuzhNuXWI/AAAAAAAABf8/mxCGBg5YV1c/s1600/IMG_1167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-803R7e9AVk0/VaIuzhNuXWI/AAAAAAAABf8/mxCGBg5YV1c/s320/IMG_1167.JPG" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hy2uJMc8oFQ/VaIvJ9mAM_I/AAAAAAAABgE/eKRHJHSmuH4/s1600/IMG_1068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hy2uJMc8oFQ/VaIvJ9mAM_I/AAAAAAAABgE/eKRHJHSmuH4/s320/IMG_1068.JPG" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jRCt90bwN1I/VaMB4cbQlBI/AAAAAAAABvE/mmx1UVYwK9k/s1600/slide_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jRCt90bwN1I/VaMB4cbQlBI/AAAAAAAABvE/mmx1UVYwK9k/s320/slide_3.jpg" width="320"></a>The next day we had to miss the buffet breakfast for our early flight. The shuttle was even early and caught us still packing. The driver wasn't even sure what airport he was taking us to and was for sure going to drop us at the wrong terminal.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvgL3XHLkgI/VaMC5hi3I7I/AAAAAAAABvQ/uSEANQ-Cb3w/s1600/ls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvgL3XHLkgI/VaMC5hi3I7I/AAAAAAAABvQ/uSEANQ-Cb3w/s200/ls.jpg" width="200"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
It was pretty confusing to find the location to check in as the airline employees didn't seem to be working at the time we were supposed to check in but after being pointed back and forth between terminals we finally got on the Meridiana flight to Olbia which was pretty much one of those up and down flights with a glass of juice in between.<br>
<br>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jo2EQaAQNuU/VZ7eMr1aLLI/AAAAAAAABdQ/mlYkx3cRchg/s640/blogger-image--2062578529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jo2EQaAQNuU/VZ7eMr1aLLI/AAAAAAAABdQ/mlYkx3cRchg/s320/blogger-image--2062578529.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
I didn't understand that the tourism info desk was also handling the motorcycle rentals for Central Italy Motorcycle Tours and the bikes were right in the airport parking lot.<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3ag6cvtvkZg/VaLlgmMfU0I/AAAAAAAABt0/T1O1hDlf8B0/s640/blogger-image--2022185164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3ag6cvtvkZg/VaLlgmMfU0I/AAAAAAAABt0/T1O1hDlf8B0/s320/blogger-image--2022185164.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<a href="http://youtu.be/YrWrlBezeig">http://youtu.be/YrWrlBezeig</a></div><div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Doesn't fit like hers but no complaints.<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7PM4hNFvAas/VaGNDmvfu9I/AAAAAAAABeY/O8ki1Rju85U/s1600/IMG_1193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7PM4hNFvAas/VaGNDmvfu9I/AAAAAAAABeY/O8ki1Rju85U/s320/IMG_1193.JPG" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
We actually got completely packed and mounted before we realized that the BMW F700GS that we intended to have a low seat had a much higher comfort seat and Barbara couldn't reach the ground. I tried switching seats between the same model I was renting and lowering the adjustments but it didn't help enough. Since we could see that there were no other bikes there and the office was on the mainland I expected we would have to change all of our plans but found that they had a lower F800R in the terminal for display which although not anything she would have chosen was barely manageable.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ayR64J47AD0/VaIxDNMcjMI/AAAAAAAABgQ/sJK7goupNgc/s1600/SantaTeresaGalluraBonifacio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ayR64J47AD0/VaIxDNMcjMI/AAAAAAAABgQ/sJK7goupNgc/s320/SantaTeresaGalluraBonifacio.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
Ironically we had the opposite bikes in France last year and I found the F800R to be uncomfortable which is why I picked the GS this time. They switched her over to that and we proceeded basically as planned to the ferry for Corsica. Turns out there is more than one Santa Teresa location and ferry in the area and I learned that I was going to have to trust Garmin if we were going to get anywhere.<br>
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rqEu2bzxi8g/VZ6KZZNsURI/AAAAAAAABZ8/_6kPSjhK0Sk/s640/blogger-image-1934596854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rqEu2bzxi8g/VZ6KZZNsURI/AAAAAAAABZ8/_6kPSjhK0Sk/s320/blogger-image-1934596854.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
For the hour and half plus ride the topography of northern Sardinia seemed much like dry parts of the U.S. Southwest and we got our first taste of riding in the heat wave that was to stick with us. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UeCapwy14L4/VaLvDYk3BUI/AAAAAAAABuY/m2PnRqwpjps/s640/blogger-image-1636012709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UeCapwy14L4/VaLvDYk3BUI/AAAAAAAABuY/m2PnRqwpjps/s400/blogger-image-1636012709.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VO-1q7ygRXM/VZ4wxjevPoI/AAAAAAAABY4/C89L2QQCmzI/s640/blogger-image-261393224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VO-1q7ygRXM/VZ4wxjevPoI/AAAAAAAABY4/C89L2QQCmzI/s320/blogger-image-261393224.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
We had a short wait to board the Moby Lines ferry and they guided the motorcycles on first and tied them down for us. The deck was open to the blazing sun but we stayed out to enjoy the view.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YLGiFF2qI5k/VZ4wzmdGHqI/AAAAAAAABZA/U5cmEIsgydQ/s640/blogger-image-1310839166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YLGiFF2qI5k/VZ4wzmdGHqI/AAAAAAAABZA/U5cmEIsgydQ/s320/blogger-image-1310839166.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
As we came into the harbor of Bonifacio the cliffs and the fortified city that hung over the rocks were amazing. On the way back we actually ate lunch on one of the farthest outcroppings in that city.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zfj2k27ycJI/VZ4w5pQw4JI/AAAAAAAABZQ/ufyHxvM98T8/s640/blogger-image-873182029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zfj2k27ycJI/VZ4w5pQw4JI/AAAAAAAABZQ/ufyHxvM98T8/s320/blogger-image-873182029.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Since we were later than expected we made a straight run up the fast and busy not so scenic route to our first lodging on the Island of Corsica at Les Bungalows de Figha. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
The parking for motorcycles was atrocious but everything else was wonderful. We had a rustic little cabin with a kitchenette a view of the sea and the pool and AC.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lOPR_YKupA0/VaLxlslaFnI/AAAAAAAABuk/QDlnBDTvN00/s640/blogger-image-165879950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lOPR_YKupA0/VaLxlslaFnI/AAAAAAAABuk/QDlnBDTvN00/s400/blogger-image-165879950.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C8JrfDc2nHo/VaLldkEWsUI/AAAAAAAABts/y1YGg8F4ka8/s640/blogger-image-766091223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C8JrfDc2nHo/VaLldkEWsUI/AAAAAAAABts/y1YGg8F4ka8/s400/blogger-image-766091223.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j5td1aMdfaA/VaIzuD44w0I/AAAAAAAABgc/3zcUtlC9wrA/s1600/tav.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j5td1aMdfaA/VaIzuD44w0I/AAAAAAAABgc/3zcUtlC9wrA/s320/tav.jpg" width="320"></a><span style="color: #20124d;">We had to struggle to get our bikes out and in for supper as nothing was quite close enough for walking. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br></span></span><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Here is where tomato, cheese, oregano, bread and salad became a common staples of our vegetarian diet. Nicely served on a patio near the water.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SqGHsupTDTc/VaI0VGjRSiI/AAAAAAAABgo/Z_hYTgkhA6w/s1600/1334061000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SqGHsupTDTc/VaI0VGjRSiI/AAAAAAAABgo/Z_hYTgkhA6w/s320/1334061000.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></span><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The owner brought us coffee, juice and croissants for breakfast on the porch of our bungalow.</span></span><br>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br></span></span>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xm5jdJekml0/VZ6cJPIoihI/AAAAAAAABbw/TPbNx3Kf6fs/s640/blogger-image--1002406406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xm5jdJekml0/VZ6cJPIoihI/AAAAAAAABbw/TPbNx3Kf6fs/s320/blogger-image--1002406406.jpg" width="320"></a><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></span><br>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<br></div>
<br>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">We managed to get a nice ride in on the second day on the island that included the Col de Bavella</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961);">
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></div>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
</span>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961);">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-023LTwA08aw/VZ6cDcqyaYI/AAAAAAAABbo/0dfuvEu5qak/s640/blogger-image-1485701848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-023LTwA08aw/VZ6cDcqyaYI/AAAAAAAABbo/0dfuvEu5qak/s320/blogger-image-1485701848.jpg" width="320"></a><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></div>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
</span>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961);">
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cW_r_DhosY0/VaI3dTOvnJI/AAAAAAAABg4/WUiWFNoKAYQ/s1600/IMG_1192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cW_r_DhosY0/VaI3dTOvnJI/AAAAAAAABg4/WUiWFNoKAYQ/s320/IMG_1192.JPG" width="320"></a></div>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"></span></span>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span></span></span></span>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jHnK0nEj4e8/VaI35AM88VI/AAAAAAAABhA/1dtxx5yZ2EM/s1600/IMG_1077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jHnK0nEj4e8/VaI35AM88VI/AAAAAAAABhA/1dtxx5yZ2EM/s320/IMG_1077.jpg" width="320"></a></span></span></div>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span></span><br>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br><br><br></span></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y6HpEKj52a0/Vaa4aBo4nmI/AAAAAAAAB0w/z21og8BLHgY/s640/blogger-image--1095940619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y6HpEKj52a0/Vaa4aBo4nmI/AAAAAAAAB0w/z21og8BLHgY/s400/blogger-image--1095940619.jpg" width="400"></a></span></span></div>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br><br></span></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MSRJNm2J2fI/Vaa4cBDKApI/AAAAAAAAB1A/XwwdCyGmAtE/s640/blogger-image--10913941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MSRJNm2J2fI/Vaa4cBDKApI/AAAAAAAAB1A/XwwdCyGmAtE/s400/blogger-image--10913941.jpg" width="400"></a></span></span></div>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;">
</span></span>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j9AAtnlgrqw/Vaa4c0mZj4I/AAAAAAAAB1I/bJxBSoRNY0o/s640/blogger-image-1533111672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j9AAtnlgrqw/Vaa4c0mZj4I/AAAAAAAAB1I/bJxBSoRNY0o/s400/blogger-image-1533111672.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_bIFPONT438/Vaa4bBtLemI/AAAAAAAAB04/1tKAidGiKho/s640/blogger-image-1847769222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_bIFPONT438/Vaa4bBtLemI/AAAAAAAAB04/1tKAidGiKho/s400/blogger-image-1847769222.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
</span></span>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RIOHIgvo7_M/Vaa4d5ThQQI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/35w00CMK1Zs/s640/blogger-image--1648570641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RIOHIgvo7_M/Vaa4d5ThQQI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/35w00CMK1Zs/s320/blogger-image--1648570641.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
</span></span>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span></span>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KjAA3ojOpA/VaI4ToC98aI/AAAAAAAABhI/Dr__qQ-y6Ng/s1600/IMG_1079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KjAA3ojOpA/VaI4ToC98aI/AAAAAAAABhI/Dr__qQ-y6Ng/s320/IMG_1079.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great little lunch stop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span></span>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-76tHZCSW1_I/VaI21w2eBbI/AAAAAAAABgw/GSQdUFCzE2c/s1600/IMG_1100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-76tHZCSW1_I/VaI21w2eBbI/AAAAAAAABgw/GSQdUFCzE2c/s320/IMG_1100.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;">then got back to the Bungalows too cool off which seemed perfect for those who wanted to make their own meals and enjoy the pool an private little pebble beach and also for us although we didn't like making the owner do the extra work to provide us breakfast.</span><br>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;">The next day it was north to Saint-Florent. This time I tried to include some more interesting riding in our route. </span><br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-Otfa4rvg8/VaKx_pJqUFI/AAAAAAAABqU/6EkEnlwwfbw/s1600/DSCF6431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-Otfa4rvg8/VaKx_pJqUFI/AAAAAAAABqU/6EkEnlwwfbw/s320/DSCF6431.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fuel Stop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I0bsuB2_3JU/VaLeu_-wRII/AAAAAAAABtI/_F6Ec21v09s/s640/blogger-image-1192125362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I0bsuB2_3JU/VaLeu_-wRII/AAAAAAAABtI/_F6Ec21v09s/s640/blogger-image-1192125362.jpg" width="458"></a></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MUXHpL6yD4Q/VZ6b_CrW6kI/AAAAAAAABbg/q5xEkNh6fq4/s640/blogger-image--1746656705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MUXHpL6yD4Q/VZ6b_CrW6kI/AAAAAAAABbg/q5xEkNh6fq4/s320/blogger-image--1746656705.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attraction</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"></span><br>
<span style="color: #20124d;"></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br></span></span>
<span style="color: #20124d;">Our first stop was at the biggest tourist attraction I have ever seen without a public restroom the Citadelle Corte.</span></div>
<ul class="hlist" id="page-actions" style="background-image: none; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 36px 3.35em 0px 0px; position: absolute; right: 0px; top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">
<li class="mw-ui-icon mw-ui-icon-element mw-ui-icon-watch icon-32px watch-this-article view-border-box" id="ca-watch" style="-webkit-backface-visibility: hidden; background-image: none; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; margin: 0px; max-width: 3.4em; min-height: 1.4em; min-width: 3.4em; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-indent: -999px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 3.4em;" title="Suivre cette page"><span style="background-image: none; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #20124d; display: block; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; height: 22.390625px; margin: 0px 0px 8px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 54.390625px;"> </span></li>
</span></ul>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-npc9bAKsCv0/VaLnosBGL8I/AAAAAAAABuA/JD-iB2A2xtA/s640/blogger-image--1027168527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-npc9bAKsCv0/VaLnosBGL8I/AAAAAAAABuA/JD-iB2A2xtA/s320/blogger-image--1027168527.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandwich Shop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-THE4J-SdJho/VaMFCUSZQeI/AAAAAAAABvc/nvYuiE5oeDs/s1600/ThumbnailServer2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-THE4J-SdJho/VaMFCUSZQeI/AAAAAAAABvc/nvYuiE5oeDs/s1600/ThumbnailServer2.jpeg"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petite Train</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AfCLkFNZus0/VaLnvUwjqMI/AAAAAAAABuI/s_f60aD65ec/s640/blogger-image--1729623638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AfCLkFNZus0/VaLnvUwjqMI/AAAAAAAABuI/s_f60aD65ec/s400/blogger-image--1729623638.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tourist shops</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<br>
No Bathroom!<br>
<br>
<br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZVzjDoeJi4k/VZ6g2hmXVXI/AAAAAAAABb8/ZH3y2nuDKOY/s640/blogger-image-1785809573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZVzjDoeJi4k/VZ6g2hmXVXI/AAAAAAAABb8/ZH3y2nuDKOY/s200/blogger-image-1785809573.jpg" width="200"></a>After seriously considering the bushes but finding none with any privacy we geared up and stopped at the first gas station and found this was the type of facilities offered. Haven't seen that since the Middle East more than twenty years ago.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ENgjpaYUQTY/VaaqBnzkXUI/AAAAAAAAByo/Wlu0XfSB0H4/s640/blogger-image--1929665224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ENgjpaYUQTY/VaaqBnzkXUI/AAAAAAAAByo/Wlu0XfSB0H4/s320/blogger-image--1929665224.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DHY-raPGenA/VaJJTlcHPAI/AAAAAAAABi8/pegc-vnUhtw/s1600/Panneau_au_carrefour_avec_la_D5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DHY-raPGenA/VaJJTlcHPAI/AAAAAAAABi8/pegc-vnUhtw/s320/Panneau_au_carrefour_avec_la_D5.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
After riding on some quick but enjoyable heavily traveled roads Garmin and I accidentally put us on a spectacularly scenic but rough and remote narrow route called the D5 that I had just read about on a bicyclist report.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tjQ1fEVD4jI/Vaap-D4Qi9I/AAAAAAAAByg/Yi8YIFzKibk/s640/blogger-image--436824897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tjQ1fEVD4jI/Vaap-D4Qi9I/AAAAAAAAByg/Yi8YIFzKibk/s400/blogger-image--436824897.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gkyl2S4ttsU/VZ6VkQjR8vI/AAAAAAAABac/Cy9ZDOcpBLw/s640/blogger-image--1586533682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gkyl2S4ttsU/VZ6VkQjR8vI/AAAAAAAABac/Cy9ZDOcpBLw/s320/blogger-image--1586533682.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
It was pretty hot so the cow napping in the road barely looked up when we rode by.</div>
<br>
<br>
<br><br></div><div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><a href="http://youtu.be/4oWQoNNqjl0">http://youtu.be/4oWQoNNqjl0</a></div><div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I wish I could load this with better quality but if only for this few seconds of riding the trip was worth it.</div><div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WTqaHd13Mdw/VaaqCdodqsI/AAAAAAAAByw/_dY0yDMXzuM/s640/blogger-image-524829860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WTqaHd13Mdw/VaaqCdodqsI/AAAAAAAAByw/_dY0yDMXzuM/s400/blogger-image-524829860.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZFrQQpw9mKM/VZ6VgBbxYOI/AAAAAAAABaM/4A0j4C-T98A/s640/blogger-image--204319714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZFrQQpw9mKM/VZ6VgBbxYOI/AAAAAAAABaM/4A0j4C-T98A/s400/blogger-image--204319714.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ITLGrDiH548/VaI5yWQ_9aI/AAAAAAAABhU/9LHVZ1rhmqU/s1600/IMG_1190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ITLGrDiH548/VaI5yWQ_9aI/AAAAAAAABhU/9LHVZ1rhmqU/s320/IMG_1190.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IeAOzBc4u6w/VZ6VpNUcljI/AAAAAAAABas/he99L_xu88Q/s640/blogger-image--328968018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IeAOzBc4u6w/VZ6VpNUcljI/AAAAAAAABas/he99L_xu88Q/s320/blogger-image--328968018.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
A realistic concern Barbara has in these conditions is getting help if things go bad but there was just enough traffic to reassure that someone would be by and it was the road less traveled...<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8dPWclCXDa4/Vaap9IuTF1I/AAAAAAAAByY/wE70GJlhJJM/s640/blogger-image-166391121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8dPWclCXDa4/Vaap9IuTF1I/AAAAAAAAByY/wE70GJlhJJM/s400/blogger-image-166391121.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SX--oGoJSI0/VZ6VtGLG-YI/AAAAAAAABa0/NV_6fVrwL1o/s640/blogger-image-2147434774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SX--oGoJSI0/VZ6VtGLG-YI/AAAAAAAABa0/NV_6fVrwL1o/s400/blogger-image-2147434774.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WxzKBk_XHEM/VZ6Vxb2gZoI/AAAAAAAABa8/1J6IZ0F-Ev0/s640/blogger-image--1140139300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WxzKBk_XHEM/VZ6Vxb2gZoI/AAAAAAAABa8/1J6IZ0F-Ev0/s320/blogger-image--1140139300.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320"></a>The Hotel Tettola in Saint-Florent was nice as well but again a little too far to get into the center and places to eat without gearing up and riding the bikes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hsRtba9voBA/VZ6ViWcc7MI/AAAAAAAABaU/YyKzaPlxW_Y/s640/blogger-image-1121746232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hsRtba9voBA/VZ6ViWcc7MI/AAAAAAAABaU/YyKzaPlxW_Y/s320/blogger-image-1121746232.jpg" width="320"></a>The heat remained and we had to decrease our riding and activities and increase our time cooling off. So far both places had pools and a beach which Barbara took full advantage of.</div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UhLGvbdgP4E/VaKu7N-PRUI/AAAAAAAABqI/SFyhllwnpbs/s1600/IMG_1196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UhLGvbdgP4E/VaKu7N-PRUI/AAAAAAAABqI/SFyhllwnpbs/s320/IMG_1196.JPG" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
The next day after a fine continental breakfast,<br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tZsH3SrRkV8/VZ6Vnb0v0rI/AAAAAAAABak/IBSdCPT1PZ0/s640/blogger-image--820874545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tZsH3SrRkV8/VZ6Vnb0v0rI/AAAAAAAABak/IBSdCPT1PZ0/s320/blogger-image--820874545.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
we took a fantastic ride up the west coast of Cape Corse on the D80 from Patromonio to Minervio. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IOPLCP1Io4c/VaawV6dPPlI/AAAAAAAABzQ/CyHdfBYl9kE/s640/blogger-image-585368939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IOPLCP1Io4c/VaawV6dPPlI/AAAAAAAABzQ/CyHdfBYl9kE/s400/blogger-image-585368939.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUlmES8Oiwg/VaKsCbC7yrI/AAAAAAAABpg/n2y9jJbNDjA/s1600/DSCF6446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUlmES8Oiwg/VaKsCbC7yrI/AAAAAAAABpg/n2y9jJbNDjA/s320/DSCF6446.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a23YWax602o/VaKsEk0rFGI/AAAAAAAABpo/qPBL3c-_9l4/s1600/DSCF6448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a23YWax602o/VaKsEk0rFGI/AAAAAAAABpo/qPBL3c-_9l4/s320/DSCF6448.jpg" width="320"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kyidlI7nlbI/VZ6V0t76MdI/AAAAAAAABbE/BbeCWXOYXC8/s640/blogger-image--1671565895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kyidlI7nlbI/VZ6V0t76MdI/AAAAAAAABbE/BbeCWXOYXC8/s320/blogger-image--1671565895.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BJ2agyyBXYg/VaKsGBT1xkI/AAAAAAAABpw/IQpyk31-NM8/s1600/DSCF6449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BJ2agyyBXYg/VaKsGBT1xkI/AAAAAAAABpw/IQpyk31-NM8/s320/DSCF6449.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
It was surely the most spectacular coastal road we have ever ridden. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_I1bhPQalF8/VaawWjrN-AI/AAAAAAAABzY/hVQ4FhZQhNQ/s640/blogger-image--44386151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_I1bhPQalF8/VaawWjrN-AI/AAAAAAAABzY/hVQ4FhZQhNQ/s400/blogger-image--44386151.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BQjocNsjTYA/VaawYZ4yxtI/AAAAAAAABzo/IjxIw0STC5I/s640/blogger-image-1888993627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BQjocNsjTYA/VaawYZ4yxtI/AAAAAAAABzo/IjxIw0STC5I/s400/blogger-image-1888993627.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RvXkoJIUFFw/VaawT70ieAI/AAAAAAAABzA/xAzRLGOd3EY/s640/blogger-image--947651402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RvXkoJIUFFw/VaawT70ieAI/AAAAAAAABzA/xAzRLGOd3EY/s400/blogger-image--947651402.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x8-8T-3E6Ho/VaawZelMpvI/AAAAAAAABzw/Y89QD_cBtu0/s640/blogger-image--1773464136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x8-8T-3E6Ho/VaawZelMpvI/AAAAAAAABzw/Y89QD_cBtu0/s400/blogger-image--1773464136.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NWMJOMKWPuU/VaawUwspAKI/AAAAAAAABzI/Yc8xNpNhu0s/s640/blogger-image--437980396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NWMJOMKWPuU/VaawUwspAKI/AAAAAAAABzI/Yc8xNpNhu0s/s400/blogger-image--437980396.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qo4zyHa3Z_U/VaawXVFNexI/AAAAAAAABzg/84iRJE_TQyQ/s640/blogger-image-1801278139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qo4zyHa3Z_U/VaawXVFNexI/AAAAAAAABzg/84iRJE_TQyQ/s400/blogger-image-1801278139.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">5 minute video clip </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://youtu.be/HgbPSQsA46w">http://youtu.be/HgbPSQsA46w</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d36BxtsBiSE/VaawaaVsuoI/AAAAAAAABz4/aRNyaHXexuM/s640/blogger-image-289530362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d36BxtsBiSE/VaawaaVsuoI/AAAAAAAABz4/aRNyaHXexuM/s400/blogger-image-289530362.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div>
<br>
<br>
We stopped in the village of Nonza on the way back and climbed up the tower over looking the beach.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6PIEaeYWO1Y/VaKsLpzbt5I/AAAAAAAABp4/chKQCXEN1bs/s1600/DSCF6452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6PIEaeYWO1Y/VaKsLpzbt5I/AAAAAAAABp4/chKQCXEN1bs/s320/DSCF6452.jpg" width="320"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BzR1qDfoqx4/VaKn5BLbkeI/AAAAAAAABpU/-cmCzZ0Xb2w/s1600/IMG_1107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BzR1qDfoqx4/VaKn5BLbkeI/AAAAAAAABpU/-cmCzZ0Xb2w/s320/IMG_1107.jpg" width="240"></a></div>
<br>
Unfortunately the tower itself was being used a a jewelry shop and there was no viewing area. There was a view from the base over the dark sand beach with mostly religious writing on it. We didn't find out until later that its dark color came from asbestos pollution from a former processing plant we drove bay.<br>
<br>
<br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-crHZqEeY_BE/VZ6XIR2wRCI/AAAAAAAABbQ/3gcHAjh2eJY/s640/blogger-image-1200333139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-crHZqEeY_BE/VZ6XIR2wRCI/AAAAAAAABbQ/3gcHAjh2eJY/s320/blogger-image-1200333139.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
We got back to the room and cooled off and decided to head over the relatively short scenic D81 to the popular port of Bastia for dinner. <br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJLj_Wz6PUA/VaI7PEL8B0I/AAAAAAAABhk/7mlSwcg07u4/s1600/91488956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJLj_Wz6PUA/VaI7PEL8B0I/AAAAAAAABhk/7mlSwcg07u4/s320/91488956.jpg" width="320"></a>Unfortunately that turned out to involve too much urban navigation and we turned around and headed back hoping to find somewhere on the way back. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lTU3ts4L48c/VaI9UBvbdRI/AAAAAAAABhs/bJ2CLHaxYfk/s1600/18592693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lTU3ts4L48c/VaI9UBvbdRI/AAAAAAAABhs/bJ2CLHaxYfk/s320/18592693.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320"></a>We found the scenic little town of Cardo a few km off route with signs indicating restaurants and services.After walking around for awhile it appeared the only <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">restaurant </span>was dedicated to a function that night and there were no stores. We were pretty hot tired and hungry but we geared back up and started the ride back. </div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jb7t_sOoJTE/VaI_MRn2pjI/AAAAAAAABiA/AUc9KfnymCM/s1600/Barbaggio_Poggio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jb7t_sOoJTE/VaI_MRn2pjI/AAAAAAAABiA/AUc9KfnymCM/s320/Barbaggio_Poggio.jpg" width="320"></a>One small place on the mountainside in the town of Barbaggio looked promising and we decided to stop.<br>
<br>
<br>
The entrance was steep and sharp and after making it in one direction and missing the turn in the other I managed to crash trying to turn into the opposite facing road. I am not sure what happened. I went down fast but was going slow. Later I saw a loose rock that I might have rolled on. In any case I ended up on the downward slope with the bike over me.<br>
<br>
<br>
I hesitated to announce my condition to Barbara over the intercom as I didn't want to startle her mid turn. As I impacted the ground I heard and felt my shoulder pop and when I tried to move it became obvious that I wasn't going to be able to right the bike. I called her but before she got there two men had lifted the bike. I didn't move much because of the shoulder pain. Some ladies also stopped to help and treated for shock as well as a motorcyclist that checked over the bike and moved it to safe parking.Very quickly local fire and rescue arrived. They checked blood pressure and pulse and started arranging for an ambulance.<br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gMNcWEVH1-s/VZ6r7c4RfsI/AAAAAAAABcM/y7u8rEkMn60/s640/blogger-image--269144217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gMNcWEVH1-s/VZ6r7c4RfsI/AAAAAAAABcM/y7u8rEkMn60/s200/blogger-image--269144217.jpg" width="200"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
The bike damage wasn't too bad. Mostly a dented case and a cracked windscreen.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-coeMEyAEaNU/Vaa64QBGGoI/AAAAAAAAB1c/GS5dn8AvKIQ/s1600/IM-0001-2001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-coeMEyAEaNU/Vaa64QBGGoI/AAAAAAAAB1c/GS5dn8AvKIQ/s200/IM-0001-2001.jpg" width="200"></a>After takings medic I was hopeful that my shoulder was just out of socket and I could get myself out of the situation. I told them that I did not want to take the ambulance back to Bastia. In the meantime a young man who came to help translate had a seizure and they said a doctor was coming for him and he would assess my shoulder. I tried to tell them to focus on the young man since I wasn't anywhere near critical. When the doctor did look at my shoulder he told me it looked to be broken and I needed an X-ray.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mGMXjcrENGQ/VaJAMObZxbI/AAAAAAAABiQ/FcrCUp6BMeo/s1600/hopital-bastia.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mGMXjcrENGQ/VaJAMObZxbI/AAAAAAAABiQ/FcrCUp6BMeo/s320/hopital-bastia.png" style="cursor: move;" width="320"></a>I would need to get back to the hotel in the opposite direction after and Barbara needed to know what was going on so she had to follow the ambulance to the hospital. The X-ray process was quick by emergency room standards and the young doctor decided after a consult using her iPhone to send the specialist a picture of the X-ray that I wouldn't need surgery and put on a Velcro strap support and gave a prescription for what turned out to be Tylenol and an anti inflammatory. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lx0UhIBnHkQ/VaJYbbgdZrI/AAAAAAAABlE/ee1U6y7N8JI/s1600/corsica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lx0UhIBnHkQ/VaJYbbgdZrI/AAAAAAAABlE/ee1U6y7N8JI/s320/corsica.jpg" width="240"></a>At that point Barbara was pretty focused on my care and was ready to carry most of 200lb me on the back of the bike that was already a challenge for her back through hairpin turns over mountain passes in the dark to the hotel to start the journey home. It was far from easy but she made it and after we accessed our situation the next day she took me back to the bike and so I could attempt to ride it back. She had considered riding them back one at a time but with the height issue and the distance it didn't seem possible. I thought I might be able to find someone via the internet but I remembered watching a racer compete with the same injury and saying on the bike it really wasn't an issue. She took me back to the bike the next day and I found that I could ride with little additional discomfort. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YmtYjviZ-Go/VaJCgb5eWiI/AAAAAAAABiY/lcFV87D_1Gk/s1600/piana_pt114726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YmtYjviZ-Go/VaJCgb5eWiI/AAAAAAAABiY/lcFV87D_1Gk/s320/piana_pt114726.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Instead of heading straight down to the ferry I decided to spend the night on the west coast, an idea that was not universally popular. I found an available room in the port of Ajaccio when we stopped for lunch at a place with internet.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pi487y76Glg/VZ6vMGyGnNI/AAAAAAAABco/H2ozB8Ll3RM/s640/blogger-image-1024094780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pi487y76Glg/VZ6vMGyGnNI/AAAAAAAABco/H2ozB8Ll3RM/s320/blogger-image-1024094780.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
<br>
This stop did not work out as well as I had hoped and though we did see some more amazing coastline on the way.</div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
The location was too far from the tourist center and the restaurant onsite was not so vegetarian friendly.<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UKKa1fpZAuE/VZ6vJfrpIKI/AAAAAAAABcg/CFAEJisNFXI/s640/blogger-image-467000920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UKKa1fpZAuE/VZ6vJfrpIKI/AAAAAAAABcg/CFAEJisNFXI/s320/blogger-image-467000920.jpg" width="320"></a>It did have a secure parking garage which in light of the neighborhood was probably a good thing.</div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wlJ3Rh17gUk/VaJ1JBF4GyI/AAAAAAAABnQ/muuMh21gJjo/s1600/IMG_1188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wlJ3Rh17gUk/VaJ1JBF4GyI/AAAAAAAABnQ/muuMh21gJjo/s320/IMG_1188.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Due to transport reservations we couldn't really speed things along but as it turns out I might not be as able to endure the same conditions as a twenty-something athlete.<br>
<br>
<br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ykOnAfIUvqo/VZ6vFbfjgJI/AAAAAAAABcY/f8V9lnaJV90/s640/blogger-image--1485835891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ykOnAfIUvqo/VZ6vFbfjgJI/AAAAAAAABcY/f8V9lnaJV90/s320/blogger-image--1485835891.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Luckily the next stop in Bonifacio worked out much better. We were able to tour the ancient fortified city.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sapocbs22LQ/VZ6vPZt7gzI/AAAAAAAABcw/Ws2tqePM6p8/s640/blogger-image-1707660326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sapocbs22LQ/VZ6vPZt7gzI/AAAAAAAABcw/Ws2tqePM6p8/s320/blogger-image-1707660326.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
The room Barbara had found was right in the tourist center of the harbor with plenty of places to eat, shops to visit and things to see. <br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-guCKiFodcXg/VZ6vXRZeoYI/AAAAAAAABdA/37HiW1-r-5Y/s640/blogger-image-1182743629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-guCKiFodcXg/VZ6vXRZeoYI/AAAAAAAABdA/37HiW1-r-5Y/s320/blogger-image-1182743629.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
The motorcycle parking was public but free and they provided a grocery cart for us to carry our gear with. <br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cEyQVcjelmE/VZ6vTihg1LI/AAAAAAAABc4/R2oDO05e2To/s640/blogger-image-1821934115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cEyQVcjelmE/VZ6vTihg1LI/AAAAAAAABc4/R2oDO05e2To/s320/blogger-image-1821934115.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
I think this was my favorite stop of the trip.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6XZ6UZDRPqs/VaLevyFT66I/AAAAAAAABtQ/d_XZdr9_9X4/s640/blogger-image-1419865522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6XZ6UZDRPqs/VaLevyFT66I/AAAAAAAABtQ/d_XZdr9_9X4/s400/blogger-image-1419865522.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QSafG6FuAoE/VaJHiYvQp6I/AAAAAAAABio/dAJ9q9O8meI/s1600/bonifacio4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QSafG6FuAoE/VaJHiYvQp6I/AAAAAAAABio/dAJ9q9O8meI/s640/bonifacio4.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sri9SiJL_MU/VaJIhLsl-lI/AAAAAAAABi0/EthbFEHPoGk/s1600/bonifacio-021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sri9SiJL_MU/VaJIhLsl-lI/AAAAAAAABi0/EthbFEHPoGk/s320/bonifacio-021.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
We thought we had a choice between the early morning ferry and noon and since the ride was not too long from the port in Sardinia to our motorcycle drop off and hotel we thought we would not rush and brave the heat for the final ride. Well there was a ferry in between those times but it was operated by another line that we didn't know about and the heat of the day was certainly just that.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
The thermometer on the bike reported a temperature of 39.5C which is over 103F. We didn't stop until close and then only to fill up the bikes for returning.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbkN6T6ZZTk/VaJKst5bBCI/AAAAAAAABjM/la9pXODoQ3M/s1600/jazz-hotel-olbia_060120121633329242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbkN6T6ZZTk/VaJKst5bBCI/AAAAAAAABjM/la9pXODoQ3M/s320/jazz-hotel-olbia_060120121633329242.jpg" width="320"></a>We managed to get into the Jazz Hotel in Olbia and unload the take the bikes back to their designated spot in the airport lot. It was less than a mile but we were so hot and tired that we took a cab to get our bags and gear back to the room. This is a large business hotel that works at keeping its ratings high. For us it worked out ok mostly due to the convent location although not having a shuttle and taxi fare of 15 euro to the terminal 1/2 mile away wasn't great. After several attempts to get our AC working they had to move us to another room. That one had a TV that wasn't receiving the English channels and after they failed to fix that we found a router that had been switched off and got it working.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n4mbYCozLLs/VaJL6sgihAI/AAAAAAAABjY/vx3DMTis3B0/s1600/sardinia-airports-olb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n4mbYCozLLs/VaJL6sgihAI/AAAAAAAABjY/vx3DMTis3B0/s320/sardinia-airports-olb.jpg" width="320"></a>We had the breakfast buffet and processed the bike returns in the morning. This time we walked although the footpath ended before we got there.<br>
<br>
I tried to negotiate the damage charges but the actual company owns the bikes were not yet on site and we needed to proceed with our travels.<br>
In the end CIMT was more than fair and I would highly recommend them to anyone who needs a rental near one of their offices.<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hfjUhcTvDHE/VaJMpveCeCI/AAAAAAAABjg/TlZInLLPQZc/s1600/Terminal-Olbia_Airport-car_rental.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hfjUhcTvDHE/VaJMpveCeCI/AAAAAAAABjg/TlZInLLPQZc/s320/Terminal-Olbia_Airport-car_rental.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
We took the short walk over to the car rental shop and got the vehicle in Barbara's name. I called earlier to try and get it switched from manual transmission but no automatics were available and shifting didn't seem like it would be good for my injury.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mFysEacOYN8/VaJOx-ZCq2I/AAAAAAAABjs/HLU0LpP1Cug/s1600/IMG_1132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mFysEacOYN8/VaJOx-ZCq2I/AAAAAAAABjs/HLU0LpP1Cug/s320/IMG_1132.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
We went back to get our bags and sat in the lobby to make our next room reservations for after the Moby Lines ferry to Livorno. Been a few years since we have had a manual shift car and a couple of stalls were in order.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bLqBQQBP24U/VaJZ164_ROI/AAAAAAAABlY/slV4eJ7OFLs/s1600/IMG_1294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bLqBQQBP24U/VaJZ164_ROI/AAAAAAAABlY/slV4eJ7OFLs/s320/IMG_1294.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Then the thrill of piloting and parking up a few decks of 750 vehicle 2200 person capacity ferry after about 5 km of driving.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dvZ9pLXTM3g/VaJQkz6vnkI/AAAAAAAABkA/ll4DDiPREH0/s1600/1472192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dvZ9pLXTM3g/VaJQkz6vnkI/AAAAAAAABkA/ll4DDiPREH0/s320/1472192.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
The Moby Wonder is quite a ferry. We didn't get a sleeping cabin as it was a day trip and I don't recall if one was even available.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_Ch0TK580g/VaJRW2T7okI/AAAAAAAABkM/wkCooJT5RAw/s1600/moby_lines_moby_wonder_self_service.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_Ch0TK580g/VaJRW2T7okI/AAAAAAAABkM/wkCooJT5RAw/s320/moby_lines_moby_wonder_self_service.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Some of the best and most reasonable vegetarian options we have had so far right on board. A few screaming kids but it's a pretty reasonable trip for families if they have need or desire to travel to or from Sardinia.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dm3fJCNg3L8/VaJSk0szrnI/AAAAAAAABkY/pYujdlNog7M/s1600/0912040020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dm3fJCNg3L8/VaJSk0szrnI/AAAAAAAABkY/pYujdlNog7M/s320/0912040020.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
It was remarkable how quickly they managed to get all of the people and vehicles off the vessel. Finding cars was a bit of a challenge for some but Barbara had been to the car before they secured the hold a couple of times so we had no trouble.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rFpVw65AKho/VaJVvNq94II/AAAAAAAABkw/qkx0CN7W54E/s1600/giappone-inn-parking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rFpVw65AKho/VaJVvNq94II/AAAAAAAABkw/qkx0CN7W54E/s320/giappone-inn-parking.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Once off in Livorno the Garmin took us right to the hotel which was in a location that looked liked it would be business like during the day but was sketchy at night.<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jlZWCs51x8I/VaJTeXMgWQI/AAAAAAAABkk/rjUnsUbgJnA/s1600/IMG_1159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jlZWCs51x8I/VaJTeXMgWQI/AAAAAAAABkk/rjUnsUbgJnA/s320/IMG_1159.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Once checked in we took the car to the parking which was, no kidding, a storage locker for your car with your own key inside a locked garage.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5NPlP9TrYA/VaJWOI6_Z1I/AAAAAAAABk4/AsrtOl1FUyE/s1600/IMG_1290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5NPlP9TrYA/VaJWOI6_Z1I/AAAAAAAABk4/AsrtOl1FUyE/s320/IMG_1290.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
We were used small rooms but this is the first time we had basically two cots for beds. After fighting with the AC for awhile we got the room cooled down and even found a way to have the tiny TV play an MTV movie in English. It was very clean and the free breakfast was fine especially considering the reasonable price.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSY48db1fG4/VaJarv9qn5I/AAAAAAAABlk/sL6fRETHdUQ/s1600/IMG_1291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSY48db1fG4/VaJarv9qn5I/AAAAAAAABlk/sL6fRETHdUQ/s320/IMG_1291.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
After checking out before getting our vehicle out we did a short walk around the block and stumbled onto an authentic street market where we bought some delicious fruit, some cheap sunglasses and such.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_HwoA1hTKIg/VaJcBAeCOVI/AAAAAAAABlw/FVnI5rWg0L8/s1600/IMG_1150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_HwoA1hTKIg/VaJcBAeCOVI/AAAAAAAABlw/FVnI5rWg0L8/s320/IMG_1150.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-34DnnCAhYvs/VaJmDlksZqI/AAAAAAAABmM/T2oO8F_jNWc/s1600/IMG_1297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-34DnnCAhYvs/VaJmDlksZqI/AAAAAAAABmM/T2oO8F_jNWc/s320/IMG_1297.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Barbara extracted the car and I returned the key. We knew that Pisa wasn't far but we weren't sure how difficult it would be to approach with a car but gave it a try. It turned out the parking was available quite close to the sight since many were there by other transportation. Some folks were hawking knock off Prada amongst other stuff near the lot.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XqKJZiN92V4/VaJmbDxCfcI/AAAAAAAABmU/qaIjcCbz51M/s1600/IMG_1296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XqKJZiN92V4/VaJmbDxCfcI/AAAAAAAABmU/qaIjcCbz51M/s320/IMG_1296.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
We took a few tourist shots but weren't really up for the wait to hike up he tower<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9r2K75hr6ks/VaJoJ1_hheI/AAAAAAAABmo/Chyv1ULh7Uw/s1600/vespahepburnpeckteal2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9r2K75hr6ks/VaJoJ1_hheI/AAAAAAAABmo/Chyv1ULh7Uw/s320/vespahepburnpeckteal2.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6DPMa3ykTc/VaJn_lgL4SI/AAAAAAAABmg/NZ8UTfIvvjE/s1600/IMG_1142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6DPMa3ykTc/VaJn_lgL4SI/AAAAAAAABmg/NZ8UTfIvvjE/s320/IMG_1142.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
This was said to be a Vespa that Audrey Hepburn rode before <u>we</u> were born.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GwBLU5-3zoU/VaJrEJX5XHI/AAAAAAAABm0/R9hwBARYRVk/s1600/IMG_1298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GwBLU5-3zoU/VaJrEJX5XHI/AAAAAAAABm0/R9hwBARYRVk/s320/IMG_1298.jpg" width="240"></a></div>
<br>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9SJnVPVYxvg/VaJfECFdOmI/AAAAAAAABl8/kWAEQamliaY/s1600/IMG_1160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9SJnVPVYxvg/VaJfECFdOmI/AAAAAAAABl8/kWAEQamliaY/s320/IMG_1160.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Seemed pretty hot for these horses and they were running out of shade.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bamkMA72770/VaJsQbI_yUI/AAAAAAAABnA/eg1pdXuYyjA/s1600/IMG_1295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bamkMA72770/VaJsQbI_yUI/AAAAAAAABnA/eg1pdXuYyjA/s320/IMG_1295.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
We headed over mostly Autostrada towards Florence. We made a stop at the Florence American Cemetery where members of my adopted maternal grandfather's unit are buried amongst 4402 of the greatest generation. It seems important to remember the enormity and significance of this part of history.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
We were a little early so we detoured towards some points of interest that were on the map and marked with signs but they weren't really kept up for visitors. still the views were nice. The tight roads they were on seemed even more challenging in a car than on a motorcycle.<br>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UtSdVsWxLow/VaKWJWzKWEI/AAAAAAAABng/1_qNdRvIJhc/s1600/1355480309487_Convento-di-s-francesco-incontro02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UtSdVsWxLow/VaKWJWzKWEI/AAAAAAAABng/1_qNdRvIJhc/s1600/1355480309487_Convento-di-s-francesco-incontro02.jpg"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Convento Dell Incontro</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kku-sTnEvZQ/VaKW84y61SI/AAAAAAAABnw/GZpFRzFLgzQ/s1600/firenze_da_terzano-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="309" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kku-sTnEvZQ/VaKW84y61SI/AAAAAAAABnw/GZpFRzFLgzQ/s320/firenze_da_terzano-2.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wT2aQGv7IlM/VaKaqRyompI/AAAAAAAABn8/CPMqNAd_8l0/s1600/mappa.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wT2aQGv7IlM/VaKaqRyompI/AAAAAAAABn8/CPMqNAd_8l0/s320/mappa.gif" style="cursor: move;" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Then on to our farm holiday at<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vevnRvnJwhw/VaKeBnNz73I/AAAAAAAABpE/7x8csAK5aIs/s1600/IMG_1214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vevnRvnJwhw/VaKeBnNz73I/AAAAAAAABpE/7x8csAK5aIs/s320/IMG_1214.jpg" width="320"></a> The GPS was spot on with the location but the road was quite a challenge for the little rental car and when we overshot the drive at least we didn't need a tractor pull like a later vehicle .</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VRx2lNsmx_Y/VaKc6SMSPGI/AAAAAAAABoo/MuByW-hW8-Y/s1600/IMG_1209%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VRx2lNsmx_Y/VaKc6SMSPGI/AAAAAAAABoo/MuByW-hW8-Y/s320/IMG_1209%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="240"></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MnSBq2yKEv0/VaKc4q8wpkI/AAAAAAAABok/EzpBUafB0Ng/s1600/IMG_1208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MnSBq2yKEv0/VaKc4q8wpkI/AAAAAAAABok/EzpBUafB0Ng/s320/IMG_1208.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zuv7-yS03Q4/VaKcpI9n0mI/AAAAAAAABoI/7sasy8NL5A4/s1600/IMG_1269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zuv7-yS03Q4/VaKcpI9n0mI/AAAAAAAABoI/7sasy8NL5A4/s320/IMG_1269.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320"></a>The little apartment made out of a barn was adorable</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lfLaWnTSxyE/VaKc8o4bQ4I/AAAAAAAABo4/nU_-iFBlfxQ/s1600/IMG_1218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lfLaWnTSxyE/VaKc8o4bQ4I/AAAAAAAABo4/nU_-iFBlfxQ/s320/IMG_1218.jpg" width="320"></a>As were the children of the two German couples we were sharing the place and suppers with. They were there for much longer since they get 5-6 weeks paid vacation a year.They were very gracious to use their English skills to converse with and translate for us. They had met there and all had become good friends. The man on the left was a Neurologist and is entire education was free. We must bring the USA education system up to the accessibility afforded Europeans. </div>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MDK5eQn6R7s/VaKc2g5uLMI/AAAAAAAABoQ/R8zwYWHIxNA/s1600/IMG_1205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MDK5eQn6R7s/VaKc2g5uLMI/AAAAAAAABoQ/R8zwYWHIxNA/s320/IMG_1205.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
Dinner was a five course affair for which they made a special effort to make sure us vegetarians had enough to eat.<br>
<br>
<br>
Breakfast was simple bread, homemade Jam and cereal. We were the only ones having that prepared for us again.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8r1_szUZ_E/VaK1qltTcoI/AAAAAAAABqo/5nuZUjTTcV8/s1600/IMG_1161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8r1_szUZ_E/VaK1qltTcoI/AAAAAAAABqo/5nuZUjTTcV8/s320/IMG_1161.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Barbara got to spend time with the kids and the animals.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDnlF4qW20U/VaK1le4SJII/AAAAAAAABqg/BxUthzc82fo/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDnlF4qW20U/VaK1le4SJII/AAAAAAAABqg/BxUthzc82fo/s320/6.jpg" width="320"></a>and play in the fancy pool (previous guests)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ILJVr2AK8rk/VaLQmTzXF2I/AAAAAAAABsk/fsl0Tm1jLj4/s1600/IMG_1212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ILJVr2AK8rk/VaLQmTzXF2I/AAAAAAAABsk/fsl0Tm1jLj4/s320/IMG_1212.JPG" width="320"></a>Took a little side trip and saw some more stuff.</div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BoGUlIe9DiQ/VaLQmi4ZSuI/AAAAAAAABso/TOBi6g-QwT4/s1600/IMG_1213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BoGUlIe9DiQ/VaLQmi4ZSuI/AAAAAAAABso/TOBi6g-QwT4/s320/IMG_1213.JPG" width="320"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5GvBZHAB3kM/VaLRo9_ZFII/AAAAAAAABs4/zKqFlhNqKsw/s1600/IMG_1202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5GvBZHAB3kM/VaLRo9_ZFII/AAAAAAAABs4/zKqFlhNqKsw/s320/IMG_1202.JPG" width="320"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<br>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mkhfkw6IXr8/VaKc4ks462I/AAAAAAAABoY/RoWmspRSfV0/s1600/IMG_1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mkhfkw6IXr8/VaKc4ks462I/AAAAAAAABoY/RoWmspRSfV0/s320/IMG_1200.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Then we were off to make our way back to the airport in Rome.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLSrds-Pjvs/VaMMiE0qS8I/AAAAAAAABvs/dtJQWdDHDeA/s1600/3420725215_24723f3215_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uLSrds-Pjvs/VaMMiE0qS8I/AAAAAAAABvs/dtJQWdDHDeA/s320/3420725215_24723f3215_b.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
On the way back we thought a stop at one of the fortified hilltop villages would be nice so I found that Montepulcianio wasn't too far off track and we made our way there. Apparently it was convenient for many English speaking tourists.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O4nAEoBg7sE/VaK5ZxhGMzI/AAAAAAAABq8/QvTc68L54To/s1600/DSCF6561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O4nAEoBg7sE/VaK5ZxhGMzI/AAAAAAAABq8/QvTc68L54To/s320/DSCF6561.jpg" width="320"></a>Parking was tricky. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<br>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXl2oB6AEO4/VaK5QPU0jyI/AAAAAAAABq0/Ux3TVoGEoHQ/s1600/IMG_1227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXl2oB6AEO4/VaK5QPU0jyI/AAAAAAAABq0/Ux3TVoGEoHQ/s320/IMG_1227.jpg" width="240"></a><span style="text-align: start;"></span><br>
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br></span></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br></span></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br></span></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br></span></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br></span></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br></span></span>
<span style="text-align: start;">One of then sights was dominated by a private event but we found the tower to climb </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JXcivtweeCE/VaK5YJDRQ4I/AAAAAAAABrE/BdWk88x5ksY/s1600/DSCF6572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JXcivtweeCE/VaK5YJDRQ4I/AAAAAAAABrE/BdWk88x5ksY/s320/DSCF6572.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
and had a nice little lunch served by quite an old fella and felt like we made the most of our last full day<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N9KcKCPOi4w/VaK-QbtqHvI/AAAAAAAABrc/x-N2vgGozEM/s1600/DSCF6589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N9KcKCPOi4w/VaK-QbtqHvI/AAAAAAAABrc/x-N2vgGozEM/s320/DSCF6589.jpg" width="320"></a>What was supposed to an expedient ride on the A1 back to Rome to check in at the hotel near the airport turned into another adventure. The largest traffic jam we have ever been in. Eventually most of us got out of our cars and many stood in the shade of large trucks to avoid running the car engines, we were in the process of trying to run down our gas tank as we were told to return it as empty as possible. I think the incident was a possible bio hazard release and not a major pile up as we had feared.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--cFl7eLzbDk/VaK-OH0maUI/AAAAAAAABrU/snyoGz5Pjlc/s1600/DSCF6597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--cFl7eLzbDk/VaK-OH0maUI/AAAAAAAABrU/snyoGz5Pjlc/s320/DSCF6597.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RM1IcS9SlBs/VaLDnU6-SaI/AAAAAAAABr0/NLw8o99KICQ/s1600/hilton-garden-inn-rome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RM1IcS9SlBs/VaLDnU6-SaI/AAAAAAAABr0/NLw8o99KICQ/s320/hilton-garden-inn-rome.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
Road crews were handing out water before dismantling the median barrier to allow vehicles to reverse direction to the next exit. There we met a pretty intense battle of Italian drivers trying to funnel into two toll lanes out of three lines in two directions. Once off we selected a highway entrance a good distance towards our destination and Garmin did the rest. Except of course the part of steering the car through a bunch more hairpin curves but by that point Barbara was getting pretty good at handling the little Fiat Panda. It added the better part of two hours to our trip but luckily we did not have a scheduled deadline until the next day.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Once back we checked into the Hilton Garden Inn Rome Airport. I can say it had great beds and bedding and I never heard any noise but its the most generic and overpriced place I can recall on any of our last trips.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vT0wXjy2W4Y/VaLEg_WfUcI/AAAAAAAABsA/yQp1LWGXdZc/s1600/22997257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vT0wXjy2W4Y/VaLEg_WfUcI/AAAAAAAABsA/yQp1LWGXdZc/s1600/22997257.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
The restaurant is like eating in a noisy high school cafeteria and I don't know how they got bargain rolls from Cosco into a country the serves fresh baked bread three times a day. I am a little bitter because we didn't see the 10 euro breakfast offer at checkin so they really though we should pay 36 euro for breakfast. So hungry to the airport we went and the half of me that was functioning spilled free coffee all over my clothes and the rental car because I was determined to try to get some value out of our stay.</div><div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br>
<br>
The return of the Hertz car rental was straightforward once we found the rental station on the 5th floor of a parking garage. It would be hard to drive and find all the little signs leading to it. The Air Canada checkin was fine but it we had to be shuttled all over the place and walk on the tarmac rather than use the dock. The flight was the best as far as comfort and service so far on Air Rouge. We cleared through customs pretty quickly compared to last time when I think more flights were coming in and we don't seem to cause any concern at the borders when driving through.<br>
<br>
This is where I have to say that the trip was a total disaster in the making except the strength and resiliency of my wife got us through and we even had some good times after my incident. If the shoe were on the other foot I don't know if I could have done as well but I would certainly try.<br>
<br>
Will we do it again? You bet we will. We may take different precautions based on this experience but our adventures are far from over.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pmz0WVsj4qA/VaLMgbnNMbI/AAAAAAAABsY/OhfpQoqBTjM/s1600/a107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pmz0WVsj4qA/VaLMgbnNMbI/AAAAAAAABsY/OhfpQoqBTjM/s320/a107.jpg" width="320"></a>One that note I want to share that I have seen a lot of opportunity for adventures that I never knew about or considered when I was younger. There is a 200km hiking trail on Corsica that is said to take about two weeks to do which must be an incredible experience.<br>
<span style="background-color: white; color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">"The GR20 in Corsica is arguably Europe’s finest mountain trek. Its spectacular scenery, breathtaking colours and free roaming wildlife are only accessible to the ones that are prepared to do some serious walking and look for a challenge."</span><br>
<span style="background-color: white; color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br></span>
<br>
<br>
If a person has a little time and can muster up a bit of money and courage and maybe a friend or two a European adventure at any level is in my opinion very much worth it.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15735274685676061994noreply@blogger.com0Fattoria Il Poeta Via di Uscioli, 9, Pontassieve43.862045 11.486518tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8505775543784897324.post-89299372888059006822013-07-24T17:12:00.000-07:002013-07-29T15:43:23.429-07:00Are Motorcycles Even Allowed On The Autobahn?<span style="font-family: inherit;"><div><br></div>When it comes to motorcycling my wife and I are partners. After we met we both seemed to have an interest in motorcycling but neither had really done it. She being a bit of an athlete I had no doubt she would take right to it. So we bought a bike practiced a little and off to the riders’ safety course we went. A few bikes, a couple of accidents and many journeys including our wedding later and we are still at it after the better part of a decade. </span><br>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Times; font-size: 18px;"><div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"></span></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); color: #003580; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><table cellspacing="0" style="line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><tbody></tbody></table>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FqextPf8HjU/Uev1OgucEVI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/pfkR5uLcA3M/s640/blogger-image--388874168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FqextPf8HjU/Uev1OgucEVI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/pfkR5uLcA3M/s640/blogger-image--388874168.jpg"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><table cellspacing="0" style="color: #003580; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><tbody></tbody></table>
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>This is my wife and our bikes in Montana last year.</i></span> </span><br>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><i><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></i></span><br>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">A few seasons ago I picked up a copy of John Herman’s Motorcycle Journeys Through The Alps and </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">Beyond</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> and began dreaming. </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">Pages were bookmarked, highlighted, underlined and became the basis of many web searches. </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">Then life stayed busy and finances moderate. Last year I trailered out to Montana so my wife could fly out and we could ride some of the great roads out west like the Beartooth Highway. The Alps became a distance thought as the book found its way to the bottom of the nightstand pile</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">.</span></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">When this year’s vacation plans came into view and no weddings were planned</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">and being vivid witness </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">the effects of aging along with</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> having </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">too many examples of contemporaries who were denied the chance out came the book and serious research began. Was it financially fair and reasonable? Probably not but </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">other than </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">motorcycling</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> most other vices have been either given up or never started. I figure booze alone could easily average $10 a day so I added that to our vacation budget. Driving cars over ten years old to save money should be rewarded I t</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">hink as well and we stopped buying ski lift tickets when the prices went to the moon. </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> Anyhow I came up with enough justification in my head to pull the trigger.</span></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">I really enjoy following along on rides in progress. Regretfully I couldn't even try so I am writing this after our return.</span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"></span></div>
<h4 class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Vertically Challenged</b></span></h4>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">The first task (after getting over the sticker shock of airfare) was finding suitable bikes at a reasonable price. We have rented before I knew this might be a challenge. </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">A standard</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> position, powerful street</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> bike with a low seat height seems ridiculously rare yet super ground clearance GS bikes that are so unlikely to jump anything but a curb that they are shod with street tires abound. No big deal unless you have less than a 34 inch inseam I guess. </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">We ended up renting two Kawasaki’s both about an inch higher than we would have preferred. I took a </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">Versys</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> and her ER6F which is a Ninja 650R in the US because apparently we prefer bikes with silly names</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">. B</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">eing used to</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> riding a cruiser with pullbacks and finding sport bikes uncomfortable I was surprised that other than being slightly too tall she had no complaints whatsoever with the Ninja. </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">I found the Versys</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> similar to riding my R1100R with the exception of the useless windscreen and the absence of heated grips. I had hoped to start out closer to the Alps but these were out of Frankfurt. This didn’t turn out to be so bad since the final stop on the way back was fantastic and would have been missed otherwise.</span></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KudnnWNFSds/Uev1GgwuriI/AAAAAAAAAFY/uUZQ8oTPJAQ/s640/blogger-image-108505279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KudnnWNFSds/Uev1GgwuriI/AAAAAAAAAFY/uUZQ8oTPJAQ/s640/blogger-image-108505279.jpg"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Here are the bikes we rented at the dealer</i>.</span></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Don’t worry honey I know my way around</b>.</span></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">Once my wife figured out I was serious about the trip she hopped on the web and found some nice looking tour companies and said ‘why don’t we do one of these?’ The biggest reason is that I have pretty much no interest in following someone else around but I stuck with the cost argument. Besides I was stationed in Germany and owned a car so certainly I could find my way around. I didn’t mention the number of times I had been lost</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> or what little language skills I had were long lost in the decades. So my limited memory, a map I bought at the bookstore and laminated and a rented GPS that wouldn’t stay charged were our guides. I will elaborate on the results of that later.</span></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ti_YqfYbJV0/Uev1NfkbAhI/AAAAAAAAAGI/EtA17RO7YU4/s640/blogger-image--1993010879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ti_YqfYbJV0/Uev1NfkbAhI/AAAAAAAAAGI/EtA17RO7YU4/s640/blogger-image--1993010879.jpg"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Guess who had no clue a landslide had closed a tunnel that was on our route</i>.</span></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>United helps you stay in shape while you travel</b>.</span></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">I guess in an effort to absolutely fill the planes extending boarding time to the point of screwing up connections is acceptable. I am no more fit than my wife but a bit of a better runner so I managed to get to the gate at the opposite end of the terminal in DC following our connecting flight from Boston so we </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">could be the last to board. Had I been able to make the reservations a little earlier we could have flown direct. Except for a storm that shook the plane enough so we barely avoided sickness after take off the flight was ok. Taking the trains and buses</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"> to the hotel </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;">near the motorcycle shop seemed straightforward but we had to give up on that at the main train station and take a cab. He had to ask around about the location but he found it in his GPS and drove what seemed like a pretty direct route. It was a pretty long ride but the charges seemed fair.</span></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tc2daOlRkjw/Uev1MDjwMAI/AAAAAAAAAGA/xLKRunxqVL8/s640/blogger-image--1711187781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tc2daOlRkjw/Uev1MDjwMAI/AAAAAAAAAGA/xLKRunxqVL8/s640/blogger-image--1711187781.jpg"></span></a></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Just a bit confused by the combination of subways and commuter trains</i>.</span></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WjitnH4-To8/Uev1K3y3d2I/AAAAAAAAAF4/aUpB7Zr-sb8/s640/blogger-image--929195538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WjitnH4-To8/Uev1K3y3d2I/AAAAAAAAAF4/aUpB7Zr-sb8/s640/blogger-image--929195538.jpg"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>A few taxis were waiting to bail folks like us out at the train station</i>.</span><br>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="s2" style="line-height: 21px;"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit;">The hotel was a very orderly business hotel with tiny but fully functional rooms and is virtually right next to the motorcycle shop. They gave us a little map which led us to walking paths, a nice restaurant and market.</span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BfQdLy23CWk/Uev1JlvxJJI/AAAAAAAAAFw/R_aLBUVtbVQ/s640/blogger-image-596026331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BfQdLy23CWk/Uev1JlvxJJI/AAAAAAAAAFw/R_aLBUVtbVQ/s640/blogger-image-596026331.jpg"></span></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">My lovely wife outside the hotel.</span></i><br>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ll-RJYLBNcQ/Uev1HirbvVI/AAAAAAAAAFg/28ZuOPQSHWM/s640/blogger-image--1795076254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ll-RJYLBNcQ/Uev1HirbvVI/AAAAAAAAAFg/28ZuOPQSHWM/s640/blogger-image--1795076254.jpg"></span></a></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit;"><i>Meeting new friends on the walking paths.</i></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dl1tpLbgH0M/Uev1IlL0AzI/AAAAAAAAAFo/xO2LTGjEnEw/s640/blogger-image--523578850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dl1tpLbgH0M/Uev1IlL0AzI/AAAAAAAAAFo/xO2LTGjEnEw/s640/blogger-image--523578850.jpg"></span></a></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Inside the restaurant</i>.</span></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wCZHViBYsjU/Uev1R6KXGiI/AAAAAAAAAGY/hrP_avQyrdY/s640/blogger-image--1767473050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wCZHViBYsjU/Uev1R6KXGiI/AAAAAAAAAGY/hrP_avQyrdY/s640/blogger-image--1767473050.jpg"></span></a></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit;"><i>And outside.</i></span></div>
<div class="s2" style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You have to push twin beds together most places in Europe if you want to pretend to sleep in the same bed but we managed to get a pretty good nights sleep. We got something close to what we wanted for breakfast at the McD right next to the hotel which seemed way too hard to accomplish since the menus were only in English. Sorting out all the luggage for biking took most of the time until the shop opened and we shlepped our bags across the street in light rain. Of course the rain remained steady for us to try out the almost new rentals on wet cobblestones.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-s_rryqyn5rI/UexFmSZHGTI/AAAAAAAAAGo/EW3egGrqutM/s640/blogger-image--2094279366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-s_rryqyn5rI/UexFmSZHGTI/AAAAAAAAAGo/EW3egGrqutM/s640/blogger-image--2094279366.jpg"></span></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">The bedding was ok once we...ok I pushed the bunks together.</span></i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bkp_lT79Fsk/UexFoXwIanI/AAAAAAAAAGw/5aQdumf9rDM/s640/blogger-image--1986120657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bkp_lT79Fsk/UexFoXwIanI/AAAAAAAAAGw/5aQdumf9rDM/s640/blogger-image--1986120657.jpg"></span></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">These were our hot coffees at McD and finding Wi-Fi for the tablet was more trouble than it was worth in most cases.</span></i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PItLPdUwc3U/UexFqH3HXXI/AAAAAAAAAG4/-ICV24PYPj4/s640/blogger-image-199859732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PItLPdUwc3U/UexFqH3HXXI/AAAAAAAAAG4/-ICV24PYPj4/s640/blogger-image-199859732.jpg"></span></a></div>
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>We are getting pretty good at dragging these things around. Thats the bike shop but there are no bikes out yet because it's not close enough to noon for them to be open</i>. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Some folks actually ship thier own bikes across the ocean to avoid this</b>.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit;">Of course there was a little anxiety involved in picking up the bikes since they couldn't seem to figure out running the deposit charges ahead and there seemed to be achance for the credit card company to throw a red flag but we somewhat patiently waited for the one active worker to push bikes around. We packed the rental cases, filled out a bunch of forms and even listened to the young fella tell us how operate the turn signals and not leave the key on to avoid draining the battery. By the time he got to the GPS we were pretty ready to be starting to make our way to our first stop. He realized that it wasn't charging and thought he had it working but I had doubts nonetheless we really had to start making our sequence of reservations hopefully it was just the loose connector as he thought. For whatever reason the shop is north of Frankfurt while everywhere anybody is likely to take a rental motorcycle is south. I had mentioned that I planned to avoid the autobahn and the response was it would be no problem. Well if your on the north side of a city and you need to get to the south there are pretty much two options. Through city streets or around it on the autobahn. I don't remember much about the first ride so it must have gone ok. I do remember using my toes to reach the ground at stop lights. Barbara didn't seem to be having much trouble at all. She may have mentioned that I might have learned by now to select a bike that fits. I could argue that the ergonomics were really very good but judging by her ride good ergonomics could be had closer to the ground. At least I didn't take the two inch taller GS they tried to put me on. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sc2S-xPqRz4/UexpxgkFtTI/AAAAAAAAAHI/hV9kHkarXSk/s640/blogger-image--39511796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sc2S-xPqRz4/UexpxgkFtTI/AAAAAAAAAHI/hV9kHkarXSk/s640/blogger-image--39511796.jpg"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Our first rest stop which appears to be on the autobahn which I had planned to avoid. The rental shop guy encouraged us to expect nothing but rain all week but it let up and we avoiding going into full rain protection mode.</i></span></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit;"><b>Let the navigational errors begin</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><b><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">I wish I could say I was surprised when the GPS started to die. It wasn't charging and I knew it because I look at the same screen every day and if the battery symbol is showing its running on battery. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Last time we rented I brought our own GPS and getting that mounted and powered was a problem so this time I went with an installed rental. Next time I will ask for a ram mount ball and a powerlet and bring our own again. I am not sure about the updates on the rental but it drove us into quite a number of walking paths and dead ends. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">We struck on a bit of luck when passing an electronics store. We figured out a cable by trial and error and plugged into one of the stores laptops to test it when nobody was looking. Got a funny look when we paid for it out of the package. Seemed like the battery had a long enough life that we might be able to get by. Now finding the first hotel. Getting late, raining a bit and pretty much blindily following a device that had</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"> little battery power left so obviously a mistaken address input was in order. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dIr-shq2-eQ/Uex8ZPQdFZI/AAAAAAAAAHw/D8aBCXr4XwE/s640/blogger-image-1212803760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dIr-shq2-eQ/Uex8ZPQdFZI/AAAAAAAAAHw/D8aBCXr4XwE/s640/blogger-image-1212803760.jpg"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <i> As nice as this is it doesn't appear to be the Hotel Goldene Kanne. Thankfully a local with some English language skill redirected us.</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gb9K8FkaIiU/Uex8aXjCGTI/AAAAAAAAAH4/h-jEglRR4Hc/s640/blogger-image-1388830516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gb9K8FkaIiU/Uex8aXjCGTI/AAAAAAAAAH4/h-jEglRR4Hc/s640/blogger-image-1388830516.jpg"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There it is on Segringer Strasse in Dinkelsbuhl not a Strasse in Segringer near Dinkelsbuhl</span></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Got in late. Thought I lost the building and room key and went through the luggage on and off the bikes a few times until Barbara found I left it at check in. Still raining and no supper yet. First day was a little stressful but at least we got to our stop.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-j1SMMVFtczY/Uex8SMi3aNI/AAAAAAAAAHY/YGhiqLXVk44/s640/blogger-image-2033245233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-j1SMMVFtczY/Uex8SMi3aNI/AAAAAAAAAHY/YGhiqLXVk44/s640/blogger-image-2033245233.jpg"></span></a></div>
</div></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Kinda strange but at least the beds are already pushed together or maybe I gave them a little shove..</i></span></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><i><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wE9cYqx869A/Uex8b7XOxwI/AAAAAAAAAIA/eaa9QYEcfCE/s640/blogger-image--1904744901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wE9cYqx869A/Uex8b7XOxwI/AAAAAAAAAIA/eaa9QYEcfCE/s640/blogger-image--1904744901.jpg"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And we did get a chance to do a little sightseeing before dark.</span></i></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><i><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bcziMrrQJK8/Uex8X7EVHwI/AAAAAAAAAHo/6SFd1Ehv-3A/s640/blogger-image-120853824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bcziMrrQJK8/Uex8X7EVHwI/AAAAAAAAAHo/6SFd1Ehv-3A/s640/blogger-image-120853824.jpg"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And the eating was good.</span></i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><i><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g4YXo7oJEIU/Uex8TTPBdQI/AAAAAAAAAHg/jGQpJSVqE3I/s640/blogger-image-169906034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g4YXo7oJEIU/Uex8TTPBdQI/AAAAAAAAAHg/jGQpJSVqE3I/s640/blogger-image-169906034.jpg"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I moved the bikes to a more safe and convenient location which was likely</span></i><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> posted with some no overnight parking sign that I couldn't read.</span></i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><i><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit;"><b>No reservation required.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><b><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">A couple of weeks before our flights Barbara inquired about where we were staying. I hadn't really figured that out yet. Having traveled with me before without lodging planned she promptly went on booking.com and walked us through making reservations near the stops I had or was in process of pencilling in. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">If it were possible a couple of nights at at least some of the stops would have been more relaxing but there just wasn't any way we were going to see much of the Alps unless we kept moving. I tried to make the rides in between relatively short but just packing up everyday takes a little time and effort. So next stop Neuschwanstein.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2FLYNgmN5TA/UeyGazcEniI/AAAAAAAAAIo/8m-QbDij_3M/s640/blogger-image-1186765062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2FLYNgmN5TA/UeyGazcEniI/AAAAAAAAAIo/8m-QbDij_3M/s640/blogger-image-1186765062.jpg"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>One of the nicer continental breakfast</i>.</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Is9VXluSH8/UeyGUbzpA7I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/1rUyOsVyAaY/s640/blogger-image-1795342098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Is9VXluSH8/UeyGUbzpA7I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/1rUyOsVyAaY/s640/blogger-image-1795342098.jpg"></span></a></div>
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><i>Back on the bikes and no rain rental man!</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><i><br></i></span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ClB1PhJ74KQ/UeyGYKhB_vI/AAAAAAAAAIg/AJs8WT1QXi8/s640/blogger-image--1154200411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ClB1PhJ74KQ/UeyGYKhB_vI/AAAAAAAAAIg/AJs8WT1QXi8/s640/blogger-image--1154200411.jpg"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-c-BfM-kQCXw/UfCSRA041bI/AAAAAAAAAP0/OQsSrsReyxU/s640/blogger-image--20978369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-c-BfM-kQCXw/UfCSRA041bI/AAAAAAAAAP0/OQsSrsReyxU/s640/blogger-image--20978369.jpg"></a></div></span></i></span></span></div></span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pretty sure the dollar store keep went to great length to tell me that I wasn't welcome to use his men's room but luckily I understood not a word because waiting wasn't really an option. Intended to follow the custom of buying something for the privilege but due to his tone it was likely to be some of his Chinese duct tape for his mouth so best just to move on.</span></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oQWcvDQGZ7o/UeyGVbSaSBI/AAAAAAAAAIY/Qy1rOd1nyU8/s640/blogger-image-249739673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oQWcvDQGZ7o/UeyGVbSaSBI/AAAAAAAAAIY/Qy1rOd1nyU8/s640/blogger-image-249739673.jpg"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And here is where we start to see the Alps and Neuschwanstein Castle.</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SunPVDalLjA/Ue2zB7qOc6I/AAAAAAAAAI8/U9U5s_WMqXA/s640/blogger-image-864326407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SunPVDalLjA/Ue2zB7qOc6I/AAAAAAAAAI8/U9U5s_WMqXA/s640/blogger-image-864326407.jpg"></span></a></div>
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003580;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="color: black;">An idea for europe to promote tourism is some pull-offs besides the bus stops for folks to stop and take pictures near sights and landmarks.</span></span></span></span></i></span><br>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><br><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><b>This has got to be the wrong route again.</b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><b><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">We knew we had made reservations very near the castle but as we weaved our way through hundreds of pedestrians and poor horses pulling carts of humans up the hill towards the castle I finally had to concede that the GPS and I had failed again. We turned around to join the hoards in the paid parking in the tourist village below. There after jockeying around the Japanese men with cameras who seemed way too interested in the little lady on what they might consider a big bike from their native land the lot attendant was kind enough to refund our money and send us back up the hill where apparently we were supposed to go after all. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vlDcipm6uLI/Ue2zDGbv9WI/AAAAAAAAAJE/2ZcXlLsGb9U/s640/blogger-image--1800385157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vlDcipm6uLI/Ue2zDGbv9WI/AAAAAAAAAJE/2ZcXlLsGb9U/s640/blogger-image--1800385157.jpg"></span></a></div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><i>This is what we had to balance, clutch, throttle and maneuver through uphill at walking speed on our little too tall bikes.</i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lz-y3EOoG7U/Ue2zFlNDu0I/AAAAAAAAAJU/ANDs0sShWHE/s640/blogger-image--1583902875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lz-y3EOoG7U/Ue2zFlNDu0I/AAAAAAAAAJU/ANDs0sShWHE/s640/blogger-image--1583902875.jpg"></span></a></div>
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><i>Heavy cart and about ten bodies up a grade steep enough to wind folks in decent shape. These horses did not find paradise.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><i><br></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tCetca9x8O0/UfOvX40rlPI/AAAAAAAAAUE/cYRxTBkcTVQ/s640/blogger-image--953384257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tCetca9x8O0/UfOvX40rlPI/AAAAAAAAAUE/cYRxTBkcTVQ/s640/blogger-image--953384257.jpg"></a></div>This one is taking a break. It's a pretty long hike.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><i><br></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bLUz1nVhErA/UfCSSb1XaaI/AAAAAAAAAP8/8_7MTmfufy0/s640/blogger-image--1540288686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bLUz1nVhErA/UfCSSb1XaaI/AAAAAAAAAP8/8_7MTmfufy0/s640/blogger-image--1540288686.jpg"></a></div></div>We did take the tour of the castle that Ludwig never finished. </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><i><br></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><i><br></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><i>Some contractors were helping him out while we were there. </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><i>I kinda enjoyed seeing the various restoration and repair projects in progress along the way.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qAB_JFoQKCk/Ue3I8xTufjI/AAAAAAAAAJk/H2ZKV9FwdX0/s640/blogger-image-572636070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qAB_JFoQKCk/Ue3I8xTufjI/AAAAAAAAAJk/H2ZKV9FwdX0/s640/blogger-image-572636070.jpg"></span></a></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><em>Not the best facilities or the best food but it's pretty neat to have stayed right there. </em></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><em><br></em></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><em><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-booiTCCYKxc/UfOvac5DGKI/AAAAAAAAAUU/NyU-uiTQkaI/s640/blogger-image--2047810615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-booiTCCYKxc/UfOvac5DGKI/AAAAAAAAAUU/NyU-uiTQkaI/s640/blogger-image--2047810615.jpg"></a></div></em></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><em>The schlossrestaurant has some rooms upstairs. The staff was very busy and doing a great job.</em></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2Gd1mFgi7gQ/UfQDUsB3XUI/AAAAAAAAAUs/QzWkEI9WVhk/s640/blogger-image--1498433831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2Gd1mFgi7gQ/UfQDUsB3XUI/AAAAAAAAAUs/QzWkEI9WVhk/s640/blogger-image--1498433831.jpg"></a></div>If you haven't guessed Barbara is a bit of a animal lover. This guy and his budy were sneaking around the restaurant after hours. </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic;"><br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pay at the pump?</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Getting fuel seemed pretty easy at first. Then the stations seemed to vary between pay at the pump, pay with a card inside or cash only. The only catch was they didn't seem to feel any obligation to post which it was in any language. The wallet got unexpectedly drained a couple of times but at least we never came up short.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-47ifHRA6mdQ/Ue3PapmE8qI/AAAAAAAAAKE/mQlioOW6ZbE/s640/blogger-image-350839692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-47ifHRA6mdQ/Ue3PapmE8qI/AAAAAAAAAKE/mQlioOW6ZbE/s640/blogger-image-350839692.jpg"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ok where is the card reader?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KxbQMQ9uxSk/Ue3PZeKSsII/AAAAAAAAAJ8/OamA5w7_vx0/s640/blogger-image--271943522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KxbQMQ9uxSk/Ue3PZeKSsII/AAAAAAAAAJ8/OamA5w7_vx0/s640/blogger-image--271943522.jpg"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Ok anytime now.</i></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><br></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fAJpX5sUeqE/Ue3PUE5T6BI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/roqxECALvyw/s640/blogger-image-327347957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fAJpX5sUeqE/Ue3PUE5T6BI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/roqxECALvyw/s640/blogger-image-327347957.jpg"></span></a></div>
</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><i>This really isn't the most fun part.</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-y8nIWogqorE/UfOvZDsy8nI/AAAAAAAAAUM/SFHJVL9WAdY/s640/blogger-image--2007856720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-y8nIWogqorE/UfOvZDsy8nI/AAAAAAAAAUM/SFHJVL9WAdY/s640/blogger-image--2007856720.jpg"></a></div>I couldn't figure out why I found the narrow little unmarked door to the restroom so odd then I realized that it's because there didn't seem to be any accessible option. Not required in Europe?</i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><b>Can we handle </b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><b>the famously challenging alpine passes?</b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><b><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;">This seems like a good place to say how much I appreciate my wife for taking on this trip with me at this time. Like most folks our age we have issues and situations of many types. No details here but I am grateful to her. I think we both realized that </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">the perfect time for this trip was never going to come.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">As far as the actual riding the turns were tight and surfaces varied but we are pretty experieced mountain riding folks. Once we got used to the bikes other than oncoming busses and moving over for the speedsters it really wasn't bad. The dozens of hairpin turns can be a bit of a mental and physical challenge but its hard to complain since on every ride there were multiple pedal bikes doing the same roads.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d8DOJfjMjPU/Ue3gj9UK7LI/AAAAAAAAAKU/qPNW_GbBOb0/s640/blogger-image--2124328810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d8DOJfjMjPU/Ue3gj9UK7LI/AAAAAAAAAKU/qPNW_GbBOb0/s640/blogger-image--2124328810.jpg"></span></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">So our alpine riding started out a little wet and we left a huge puddle in McD. Nothing we hadn't been through on most every trip.</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kOtz4I3kJRg/Ue3gll-b_UI/AAAAAAAAAKc/z9Fp3avfFpc/s640/blogger-image-1119399687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kOtz4I3kJRg/Ue3gll-b_UI/AAAAAAAAAKc/z9Fp3avfFpc/s640/blogger-image-1119399687.jpg"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ok this is a little different that's snow and I had to scape the ice of my visor to see. Sure wish my waterproof over-gloves fit because I can't feel my hands. Timmels joch pass is so beautiful that it's worth the toll they say. All we can verify is that it is a toll road.</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1EhxEH5cVRk/Ue3gs7F88dI/AAAAAAAAAKk/TBusvzi8oW0/s640/blogger-image-1460069869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1EhxEH5cVRk/Ue3gs7F88dI/AAAAAAAAAKk/TBusvzi8oW0/s640/blogger-image-1460069869.jpg"></span></a></div>
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><i>By the time Barbara found me I was well through a bowl of soup and a cup of coffee and the feeling was returning to my hands at this little shack on top of the pass. I have no excuse. She was able to put plastic bags in her boots there so her feet would stay a little more dry though.</i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bk6ch-9UON0/Ue5Ocaab9zI/AAAAAAAAAK0/bEgWWOt-1NA/s640/blogger-image-1460742282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bk6ch-9UON0/Ue5Ocaab9zI/AAAAAAAAAK0/bEgWWOt-1NA/s640/blogger-image-1460742282.jpg"></span></a></div>
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><i>This is what the road up to Timmels joch looks like I guess.</i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><b>The Towns Have Two Names </b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">The forecast was for much better weather in the Italian Alps than the German and Austrian and that turned out to accurate. By the time we found our lodging it was warm and clear and we had somewhat dried out. The parking was uneven but we were offered the patio for parking. It did not look like a common stop for motorcyclist. Again we were a little late so the receptionist was off duty but our reservation was found and we were shown a nice suite with a view. Then we were given a a pass to take the aerial tramway from the village into the city. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><b><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ayMQKRUehWc/Ue8EKEuFc9I/AAAAAAAAALE/iYpBu1pW-Is/s640/blogger-image-976393205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ayMQKRUehWc/Ue8EKEuFc9I/AAAAAAAAALE/iYpBu1pW-Is/s640/blogger-image-976393205.jpg"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><div>The Hotel Latemar seems more of a destination than a stop but we were glad they shared it </div><div>with us.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jP1QCKllKH8/UfCSPx-P3FI/AAAAAAAAAPs/EOEj_AFcORI/s640/blogger-image-1845456907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jP1QCKllKH8/UfCSPx-P3FI/AAAAAAAAAPs/EOEj_AFcORI/s640/blogger-image-1845456907.jpg"></a></div></div></span></i></span></span></div></span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is our lodging in Soprabolzano or Oberbozen. We didn't get a picture of the traditional wedding with men in lederhosen held downstairs.</span></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j4jti5trJR4/Ue8LKzSYA0I/AAAAAAAAALc/InPKWNVlGrE/s640/blogger-image-234538196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j4jti5trJR4/Ue8LKzSYA0I/AAAAAAAAALc/InPKWNVlGrE/s640/blogger-image-234538196.jpg"></span></a></div>
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><i>And this is dinner in a nice little restaurant we found in Bolzano or Bozen. </i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6CYW7fLixsQ/Ue8LL1lAGcI/AAAAAAAAALk/bdfYENbeF5A/s640/blogger-image--1449230803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6CYW7fLixsQ/Ue8LL1lAGcI/AAAAAAAAALk/bdfYENbeF5A/s640/blogger-image--1449230803.jpg"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NTVStgc2-jw/UfB2A_HgeTI/AAAAAAAAAOM/iyvurNwAQC0/s640/blogger-image--1621337390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NTVStgc2-jw/UfB2A_HgeTI/AAAAAAAAAOM/iyvurNwAQC0/s640/blogger-image--1621337390.jpg"></a></div></span></i></span></span></div></span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">And this was our transport to and from dinner. Looking at this brings back a little vertigo.</span></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; font-family: inherit; "><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sOJl1PPjr4M/Ue8LJ8COVUI/AAAAAAAAALU/XihyqF7O2fM/s640/blogger-image--894256299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sOJl1PPjr4M/Ue8LJ8COVUI/AAAAAAAAALU/XihyqF7O2fM/s640/blogger-image--894256299.jpg"></a>.</span></div>
</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">The view from the tram of the roads we came up through the vineyards to the hotel.</span></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Off to the heart of motorcycling wonderland.</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dV0g-teGew4/Ue8VnpAWtpI/AAAAAAAAAL0/EeUYRaZR4pc/s640/blogger-image-842367084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dV0g-teGew4/Ue8VnpAWtpI/AAAAAAAAAL0/EeUYRaZR4pc/s640/blogger-image-842367084.jpg"></span></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">GPS tried to quit before we quite made the next hotel so we stopped here in Selva di Cadore and Barbara found ice cream to buy in exchange for the use of the facilties at a little bar nearby. The locals rolled in from their weekend alpine ride on the bikes next to ours. Note they are all smaller, lower and lighter than our rentals. </span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FnBQoKM_gZY/Ue8VowrQI4I/AAAAAAAAAL8/sUK7EyYsORs/s640/blogger-image-379674260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FnBQoKM_gZY/Ue8VowrQI4I/AAAAAAAAAL8/sUK7EyYsORs/s640/blogger-image-379674260.jpg"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This looks like the route the GPS selected for us once I turned it back on as we neared the next lodge. The chickens, the farmer and the little girl all stepped out of our way as we ducked through where the eaves of the barn hung over the road. </span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2hF0KjhZ6Qo/Ue8lbnk-JVI/AAAAAAAAAMU/x_s0eCul8RU/s640/blogger-image--1300668401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2hF0KjhZ6Qo/Ue8lbnk-JVI/AAAAAAAAAMU/x_s0eCul8RU/s640/blogger-image--1300668401.jpg"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the parking lot. In spite of the great reviews the place was only okay. It's primary function seems to be ski lodging. Possibly it's better at that.</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZNP7IZlW9hM/UfOvb-kKeCI/AAAAAAAAAUc/Du1C7lYNOU8/s640/blogger-image--929735500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZNP7IZlW9hM/UfOvb-kKeCI/AAAAAAAAAUc/Du1C7lYNOU8/s640/blogger-image--929735500.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TngNo48lWQM/Ue8lczF5dAI/AAAAAAAAAMc/pFki5BpRsyQ/s640/blogger-image-1659856124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TngNo48lWQM/Ue8lczF5dAI/AAAAAAAAAMc/pFki5BpRsyQ/s640/blogger-image-1659856124.jpg"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But the roads to the Giau Pass nearby were the the figurative if not the literal pinnacle of our alpine experience.</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mLxxJD_vhK0/Ue8landMKLI/AAAAAAAAAMM/Yws0-aBETLI/s640/blogger-image-1924533299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mLxxJD_vhK0/Ue8landMKLI/AAAAAAAAAMM/Yws0-aBETLI/s640/blogger-image-1924533299.jpg"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">29 numbered turns plus some sweepers at the bottom and what a view.</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">There are dozens of passes and folks who race from one to another to see how many they can cover. Needless to say that wasn't our style. I figure we crossed ten and most on the way from one place to another. For the record Hahntenn Jock, Timmels Joch, Jaufer Pass, Penser Joch, Passo Constalunga, Passo Fedaia, Passo Falzarego, Passo Giau, Grossglockner, and Pass Thurn.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-obB8QCc21hA/UfG_tKu-EBI/AAAAAAAAASk/EbwnhqkdRSA/s640/blogger-image-1120535478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-obB8QCc21hA/UfG_tKu-EBI/AAAAAAAAASk/EbwnhqkdRSA/s640/blogger-image-1120535478.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>It really is a remarkable place for motorcycling.</i></div></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JAdjqGuDmYY/UfOvWjhERyI/AAAAAAAAAT8/0h14PfHJpXY/s640/blogger-image--1435975857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JAdjqGuDmYY/UfOvWjhERyI/AAAAAAAAAT8/0h14PfHJpXY/s640/blogger-image--1435975857.jpg"></a></div>Even up there she found a pooch to pet.<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><br></i></span></span></div>
I<b>f there was a sign that the tunnel on a route to Mittersill was closed I sure missed it</b>.<br>
<br><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">Even after tacking on another day we needed to start heading north in order not to have rush to Frankfurt. We started by crossing the beautiful Giau Pass again. Then I figured we would take the most direct route instead of another scenic pass to save a little time. Signs that things are no allowed are often entirely in English but ones with helpful information like turn around to avoid driving dozens of kilometers to a closed tunnel may not be. Thus we ended up at the entrance to a closed tunnel route due to some sort of landslide or washout. The only feasible option was over Grossglockner High Alpine Road which is one of the tallest and most popular passes. It has a glacier viewing area and is used for road testing by various auto manufacturers. It also has what must be the largest toll anyone has ever charged to simply drive a motorcycle on asphalt on anything other than a racetrack.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><br></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-quDTa32fMFM/UfG_wQRPltI/AAAAAAAAASs/x9ByPnXti0A/s640/blogger-image-814943239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-quDTa32fMFM/UfG_wQRPltI/AAAAAAAAASs/x9ByPnXti0A/s640/blogger-image-814943239.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; font-family: inherit; "><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WY1F1XdJLZU/Ue83JJjhcVI/AAAAAAAAAMs/7mJa0VDY4oM/s640/blogger-image--1906338744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WY1F1XdJLZU/Ue83JJjhcVI/AAAAAAAAAMs/7mJa0VDY4oM/s640/blogger-image--1906338744.jpg"></a></span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is indeed a beautiful road.</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y5kLhL0zrLs/UfL20DcqQOI/AAAAAAAAATM/oDULgtbdVzE/s640/blogger-image--1258518517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y5kLhL0zrLs/UfL20DcqQOI/AAAAAAAAATM/oDULgtbdVzE/s640/blogger-image--1258518517.jpg"></a></div><i>We picked the right spot for a light lunch.</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FxPXGSb_FT4/UfL2xdFC15I/AAAAAAAAAS8/vlODUx5S7bg/s640/blogger-image-271810720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FxPXGSb_FT4/UfL2xdFC15I/AAAAAAAAAS8/vlODUx5S7bg/s640/blogger-image-271810720.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He wasn't all that impressed with us at first but he warmed up to my dog whispering wife.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In the background where the road goes up the mountain you may be able to see it is covered to protect it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KY-V0PQOtKw/UfL2y6XrgEI/AAAAAAAAATE/mrbzsrglW4s/s640/blogger-image-109594942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KY-V0PQOtKw/UfL2y6XrgEI/AAAAAAAAATE/mrbzsrglW4s/s640/blogger-image-109594942.jpg"></a></div>It was a pretty long ride up to this point and there goes another bicyclist.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LpRznOLROzI/Ue89np5Q4AI/AAAAAAAAANk/Dwl3TDUgmTQ/s640/blogger-image-76835645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LpRznOLROzI/Ue89np5Q4AI/AAAAAAAAANk/Dwl3TDUgmTQ/s640/blogger-image-76835645.jpg"></span></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">The closest call of the trip was with these. Somebody should let them know they don't fit on this road.</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yWyX-9OBviI/Ue8_SVQc0NI/AAAAAAAAAN0/5FA7OD3XwYA/s640/blogger-image-276415004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yWyX-9OBviI/Ue8_SVQc0NI/AAAAAAAAAN0/5FA7OD3XwYA/s640/blogger-image-276415004.jpg"></span></a></div>
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Almost as much snow as Montana last summer.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Et0KKa-hLrQ/UfL21saHZNI/AAAAAAAAATU/f06e5-0WWwg/s640/blogger-image-1289796787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Et0KKa-hLrQ/UfL21saHZNI/AAAAAAAAATU/f06e5-0WWwg/s640/blogger-image-1289796787.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>
</i></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BZ6e4JzK530/Ue83VtZmBcI/AAAAAAAAANM/OcMdYc1Kq78/s640/blogger-image--948475942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BZ6e4JzK530/Ue83VtZmBcI/AAAAAAAAANM/OcMdYc1Kq78/s640/blogger-image--948475942.jpg"></span></a></div>
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">And there were some pretty interesting vehicles up there.</span></em></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8gF1ajB8D2o/Ue83LH-aSeI/AAAAAAAAAM0/Yktxnsa5JRQ/s640/blogger-image--1562670366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8gF1ajB8D2o/Ue83LH-aSeI/AAAAAAAAAM0/Yktxnsa5JRQ/s640/blogger-image--1562670366.jpg"></span></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">They were testing some electrics that day I guess.</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;">Soon we found the glacier viewing area at top was not in the actual route and backtracked down to the intersection with the route that continues north. </span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CExWsihOvfc/UfL28kcs9eI/AAAAAAAAATc/90ZdiIXmM4A/s640/blogger-image-1217042124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CExWsihOvfc/UfL28kcs9eI/AAAAAAAAATc/90ZdiIXmM4A/s640/blogger-image-1217042124.jpg"></a></div><i>I couldn't figure out why this little guy was blocking the pull off maybe the batteries were flat?</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><br></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Then as we found a huge traffic jam through Mittersill and tried every route around to no avail. My best guess is that the bypass for the tunnel route being built caused the problem.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mPoOTJXje0Q/Ue83T0_uR_I/AAAAAAAAANE/u3rVuAgQ4Pg/s640/blogger-image--465175940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mPoOTJXje0Q/Ue83T0_uR_I/AAAAAAAAANE/u3rVuAgQ4Pg/s640/blogger-image--465175940.jpg"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Here we are sitting in the traffic jam</i>.</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ATLNTseZC9U/Ue89lGkW0YI/AAAAAAAAANc/ZRU05bJKUeE/s640/blogger-image--1694960843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ATLNTseZC9U/Ue89lGkW0YI/AAAAAAAAANc/ZRU05bJKUeE/s640/blogger-image--1694960843.jpg"></span></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is where we took off layers including my long underwear so we could survive the traffic jam in the hot sun. That turned out to be a sport facilty across the street from which a few dozen children emerged while we were changing.</span></i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VIj2gq58Uj4/Ue83SUg_6yI/AAAAAAAAAM8/MBam0MrOBG8/s640/blogger-image--1203579018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VIj2gq58Uj4/Ue83SUg_6yI/AAAAAAAAAM8/MBam0MrOBG8/s640/blogger-image--1203579018.jpg"></span></a></div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"><i>The roads through Pass Thurn to Kitzbuhel were really nice but we were a little too tired from the heat traffic jam and detour to stop and enjoy. Finally we made it here which had a number one value rating in the area and it was pretty nice except the no smoking in public areas thing doesn't seem to have fully caught on here.</i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><br><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><b>All downhill from here.</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); line-height: 21px;"><b><br></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">The last pass was about half as high as some of the others and it was clear our Alps adventure was ending. There was still some chance of seeing some nice spots through Germany, We debated visiting the Dachau concentration camp outside Munich. We basically didn't decide against it and ended up stopping there. We knew how bad what went on there was but I never understood how companies like BMW not only knew what was going on but used forced labor from the camps for thier own profit. People have done serious time for treating animals less poorly and it seems many individuals and corporations just went on without suffering any consequence. Gas chambers and incinerators were as disturbing as imagined. Still it seemed right to be a part of not forgetting what went on. From there the only near serious problem of the trip which was not having made a reservation at our next stop in Schwabisch Hall. Turns out they have a thriving business economy there </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">and all rooms get booked during the week. Luckily we found the information office before it closed and at least they found us a room. I balked on making reservations for this portion because I just wasn't sure of where would want to stop.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5FVRSP8OJRk/UfB-a6I6vII/AAAAAAAAAOk/sMKaiWxRzK4/s640/blogger-image--1781607789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5FVRSP8OJRk/UfB-a6I6vII/AAAAAAAAAOk/sMKaiWxRzK4/s640/blogger-image--1781607789.jpg"></a></div><i>Evil prevails when good people do nothing.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><i><br></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both; "><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OuVe8BX10-I/UfB-ZSPs1qI/AAAAAAAAAOc/JxRe4vX1MR0/s640/blogger-image--2074025196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OuVe8BX10-I/UfB-ZSPs1qI/AAAAAAAAAOc/JxRe4vX1MR0/s640/blogger-image--2074025196.jpg"></a></div>This was the something is better than nothing place. It was a half hour walk back to the nice part of town for dinner. Just glad the bikes were still there in the morning.I am sure it's fine for business travelers but it is not a vacation spot.</div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><b>One Good Choice.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><b><br></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; ">After the near lodging disaster I was determined to have a reservation for the next night. Since she had to put up with that sad place I decided to surprise Barbara with hopefully a nice place in a nice place. I had to hike over from the overflow building and sit in the lobby half asleep for wifi but a reservation was made.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PQCq-TBBipE/UfCHkzqa6NI/AAAAAAAAAO0/8a9wFZc0nWI/s640/blogger-image-1361258702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PQCq-TBBipE/UfCHkzqa6NI/AAAAAAAAAO0/8a9wFZc0nWI/s640/blogger-image-1361258702.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><i>A pretty long but mostly nice ride. Some rain then the a sequence of narrow roads with lots of pedestrians and wet cobbstones and we arrived here.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dULzqIK5tds/UfCHrJ4rBYI/AAAAAAAAAPU/tfp8EOvXbN4/s640/blogger-image--1184754550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dULzqIK5tds/UfCHrJ4rBYI/AAAAAAAAAPU/tfp8EOvXbN4/s640/blogger-image--1184754550.jpg"></a></div></div>An absolutely gorgeous 800 year old hotel</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E0CIqedMaps/UfCHo5PDhuI/AAAAAAAAAPM/S8frY9EiXls/s640/blogger-image-1272224353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E0CIqedMaps/UfCHo5PDhuI/AAAAAAAAAPM/S8frY9EiXls/s640/blogger-image-1272224353.jpg"></a></div><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-B-nK_XPOkdo/UfCHsFB8YVI/AAAAAAAAAPc/eJrQk_uFDkA/s640/blogger-image--1278317342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-B-nK_XPOkdo/UfCHsFB8YVI/AAAAAAAAAPc/eJrQk_uFDkA/s640/blogger-image--1278317342.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both; "><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FziFSzC-xws/UfCHmKG_bYI/AAAAAAAAAO8/OxBr0JqmT2E/s640/blogger-image-318413883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FziFSzC-xws/UfCHmKG_bYI/AAAAAAAAAO8/OxBr0JqmT2E/s640/blogger-image-318413883.jpg"></a></div>With perfect rooms.</div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both; "><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C4h8ypP0Zgw/UfCHnecRZ_I/AAAAAAAAAPE/JqD7Qb6j7m4/s640/blogger-image-2004427531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C4h8ypP0Zgw/UfCHnecRZ_I/AAAAAAAAAPE/JqD7Qb6j7m4/s640/blogger-image-2004427531.jpg"></a></div></div><i>In the historic medieval city of Rothenburg.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><i><br></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-USbQtV9wDew/UfD4bWo_w_I/AAAAAAAAAQM/7k_XQBUPB6I/s640/blogger-image--676128417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-USbQtV9wDew/UfD4bWo_w_I/AAAAAAAAAQM/7k_XQBUPB6I/s640/blogger-image--676128417.jpg"></a></div>In from the rain at a romantic hotel what to do? Borrow an umbrella ,sightsee and shop of course. We hung around as long as we could to see a much of the touristy stuff as possible.</div><br></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both; "><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-__TRMCQgej0/UfGuKPq_QWI/AAAAAAAAAQc/RF_9PbrfGrY/s640/blogger-image--799485735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-__TRMCQgej0/UfGuKPq_QWI/AAAAAAAAAQc/RF_9PbrfGrY/s640/blogger-image--799485735.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both; ">The city garden entrance.</div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both; "><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6nisVdbQm2Q/UfGuLU7o5nI/AAAAAAAAAQk/qCv2UUDuboA/s640/blogger-image--851171593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6nisVdbQm2Q/UfGuLU7o5nI/AAAAAAAAAQk/qCv2UUDuboA/s640/blogger-image--851171593.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Dogs in training in the square.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both; "><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ckenm10PWJ0/UfGuUDN7DAI/AAAAAAAAARc/1u2iBtij45g/s640/blogger-image--1306914678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ckenm10PWJ0/UfGuUDN7DAI/AAAAAAAAARc/1u2iBtij45g/s640/blogger-image--1306914678.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both; ">This guy made us miss our guy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both; "><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_7QSTz71x3Y/UfGuPCG2KjI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/bb7YLXeGej4/s640/blogger-image--496586664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_7QSTz71x3Y/UfGuPCG2KjI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/bb7YLXeGej4/s640/blogger-image--496586664.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The mailman.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WvkEc7XWyHA/UfGuS-UwrVI/AAAAAAAAARU/o5puUH3K_M4/s640/blogger-image--50467277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WvkEc7XWyHA/UfGuS-UwrVI/AAAAAAAAARU/o5puUH3K_M4/s640/blogger-image--50467277.jpg"></a></div>Churches playing organ music.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Qcn3_XwWcZM/UfGuVvWS26I/AAAAAAAAARk/x4rkWJl_IBs/s640/blogger-image--1754314198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Qcn3_XwWcZM/UfGuVvWS26I/AAAAAAAAARk/x4rkWJl_IBs/s640/blogger-image--1754314198.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Plenty of souvenir shops.</span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2Uk8qNZ752c/UfRzcrFslOI/AAAAAAAAAU8/AJm8ZqtW-Ts/s640/blogger-image-599014256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2Uk8qNZ752c/UfRzcrFslOI/AAAAAAAAAU8/AJm8ZqtW-Ts/s640/blogger-image-599014256.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2Hr5iWRWKQc/UfGuRuvdwwI/AAAAAAAAARM/G-rVN_kE4Cw/s640/blogger-image--963993077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2Hr5iWRWKQc/UfGuRuvdwwI/AAAAAAAAARM/G-rVN_kE4Cw/s640/blogger-image--963993077.jpg"></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">The ancient wall surrounding the city. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iOrP7m1As0Q/UfR4iW3khaI/AAAAAAAAAVM/sGUCgTgA5WU/s640/blogger-image-1019506920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iOrP7m1As0Q/UfR4iW3khaI/AAAAAAAAAVM/sGUCgTgA5WU/s640/blogger-image-1019506920.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">And so on then back on the road to return the bikes.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><b>The Fast Way Home</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><b><br></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; ">Now we were on full autobahn, high speed traffic and all as trying to weave through Frankfurt seemed pointless. This is where Barbara wondered out loud if are bikes even allowed out there. I guess I haven't mentioned we have intercoms. We rode for quite some time and saw next to none. Really it's not great fun and it easy to see why its not all that popular. We stayed to the right with the trucks for the most part. Still along the less interesting roads are some things of interest to tourist.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Q97BIhfeyfQ/UfG4Oycb1wI/AAAAAAAAASM/N5WOwP1_M7o/s640/blogger-image-1597529184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Q97BIhfeyfQ/UfG4Oycb1wI/AAAAAAAAASM/N5WOwP1_M7o/s640/blogger-image-1597529184.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><i>Tablets in a McD </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1lQ9o096c8o/UfG4akzDAlI/AAAAAAAAASU/B3Vi-W1yq9o/s640/blogger-image-1489577144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1lQ9o096c8o/UfG4akzDAlI/AAAAAAAAASU/B3Vi-W1yq9o/s640/blogger-image-1489577144.jpg"></a></div></div></i></div></div></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline !important; ">Campers of different types</div></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HVTVfH0FYYA/UfG4NqkvNPI/AAAAAAAAASE/yRaWAd_IXJc/s640/blogger-image-186610478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HVTVfH0FYYA/UfG4NqkvNPI/AAAAAAAAASE/yRaWAd_IXJc/s640/blogger-image-186610478.jpg"></a></div></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><i>Similar but seemed a bit nicer than in America.<br></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; "><b>We got them back on time a day later than originally planned.</b></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both; "><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dr_YJ0lSV3Q/UfGuYRCgMAI/AAAAAAAAAR0/WCpVBEMgeVU/s640/blogger-image-644536006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dr_YJ0lSV3Q/UfGuYRCgMAI/AAAAAAAAAR0/WCpVBEMgeVU/s640/blogger-image-644536006.jpg"></a></div></div></div><i>Lots of returned bikes.</i></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both; "><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QwiTKfW-D9A/UfGuMdW-xNI/AAAAAAAAAQs/ribUOdM6Vwg/s640/blogger-image--382093357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QwiTKfW-D9A/UfGuMdW-xNI/AAAAAAAAAQs/ribUOdM6Vwg/s640/blogger-image--382093357.jpg"></a></div></div><i>Another nice walk in Frankfurt Nord.</i></span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><i><br></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6Ec10SMY3Jo/UfL7-Kvl1dI/AAAAAAAAATs/6z3VEV1GpoU/s640/blogger-image-141231744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6Ec10SMY3Jo/UfL7-Kvl1dI/AAAAAAAAATs/6z3VEV1GpoU/s640/blogger-image-141231744.jpg"></a></div></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><i>I like the little conversion vans.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Rcv0sguly9Q/UfGuNjs19PI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/qweZmotRbpA/s640/blogger-image--283263487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Rcv0sguly9Q/UfGuNjs19PI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/qweZmotRbpA/s640/blogger-image--283263487.jpg"></a></div>Another nice dinner with alcohol free beer outside this time.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><i><br></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sKL_SlNHaLc/UfGuW17zE5I/AAAAAAAAARs/-cV1ZFBnyus/s640/blogger-image-382067900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sKL_SlNHaLc/UfGuW17zE5I/AAAAAAAAARs/-cV1ZFBnyus/s640/blogger-image-382067900.jpg"></a></div>At the same little restaurant as our first. Staying at the same hotel near the bike shop.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><i><br></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both; "><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dOBfE5gRKKk/UfGuQZY2ofI/AAAAAAAAARE/6KQBygV0Vsg/s640/blogger-image-203421469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dOBfE5gRKKk/UfGuQZY2ofI/AAAAAAAAARE/6KQBygV0Vsg/s640/blogger-image-203421469.jpg"></a></div>Breakfast at the same McD. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><i><br></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">A 100 mph ride via the unlicensed and unmarked taxi the night clerk arranged for us and a direct flight this time to Boston. Customs at the Boston end ate up an hour with nothing to declare. Otherwise a pretty good trip back all the way home.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><i><br></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><b>Next time Switzerland.</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><b><br></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Not that it needs any promotion since out of print copies of the current edition are listed on Amazon for about a thousand bucks but it wasn't until I was there that I fully realized what a remarkable resource John Herman's guide is and how much work must have gone into it. I didn't use it exclusively as we were as much casual tourists as alpine motorcycling adventurers but almost all specific details were referenced there. I am anxious to see the next edition.</span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15735274685676061994noreply@blogger.com0