Pisa
We booked into a campsite for two nights, it was still very warm but the site did have a lovely swimming pool. We didn’t do much the first day, but got up early the next morning and wrode the bikes to Pisa. It was a short ride and on hind site we probably should have walked it. The tower was a sight to see and it has a most definite lean. To be honest there wasn’t much else to see. Perhaps if it was cooler and we had more energy that might be different. By the time we left there were many more people around and there seemed to be a good vibe about the place. We left early again the next morning and headed for Lake Garda
Lake Garda
John had emailed ahead but the site would not take reservations for two nights. We rocked up at Camping Wien and had no problem getting in. Good old google maps was spot on, took us right to the entrance. When we got set up we went to have a look around. A short walk took us to the lake and what they call the beach (not a bit of sand in site). There seemed to be a path right along the lake. In the cooler evening we walked towards the nearest town. We stopped for an ice cream as you do, and had great crack with a NI couple and there two daughters Eva and Rossie. I was around seven and we were feeling hungry. To go back and make something felt like so much trouble so we walked further and found a lovely restaurant for dinner. Lorraine had fish and John Pizza (again)
This place is so beautiful, but it was a lovely temperature and we had a good nights sleep. The first in some time. We didn’t surface until around 11.00am. We headed to the lake for a swim, but realised that we could spend the afternoon there, so about three trips later we were set up on the beach. We both really enjoyed a swim in Lake Garda.
The temperature is much more pleasant here.
We decided to get up early and go for a ride on the bikes. We passed a shoe shop and Lorraine stopped to have a look. She spotted a pair of sandals, but unfortunately the shop was closed. No prices, which is a statement in it’s self. When we returned to the site, better organised to day we went back down to the beach. I would say it was a little bit warmer today and definitely busier. The swim in the lake was all the more welcome and we dipped in and out all afternoon, to cool down. In the evening we rode back up to the shoe shop, but as suspected they were probably twice the price Lorraine had guessed.
Not just as cold during the night, up early and gathered up the van, all chores done and a quick shower. we headed to reception to check out 88 euro for the three nights.
John had put a question about a route on the motorhome fun forum and one of the guys posted a route they had doe a couple of years ago. So we took the suggestion on board and headed in the direction of Trento. We found a place just North of Trento on Park4Night, called Navis bed & Breakfast and camper stop.
The Dolomites
On our route to get to Germany, the road takes us through the Dolomite Mountains and Austria to get us to town called Fussen in Germany. Our aim on this leg of the Journey is to Visit the Eagles Nest.
Our first stop was just outside Trento Navis Camper stop. The camper stop is right beside the Adige cycle path some 187 miles long. (Don’t think we will get it all done). The stay at Navis was pleasant and restful. It was surrounded by grape vines in every ddirection. The site filled up gradually as the day went on. Only down side is that there was no tree shade on the pitches. We headed of the following day for a place called Camping Zogghof .
Camping Zoghoff
Camping Zogghof is just at the start of the Timmelsjoch pass, (an interesting drive from Italy to Austria through the mountains) It is not possible to make reservations for just one or two nights so it is a bit hit & miss as to getting in somewhere. We managed to just squeeze in to a pitch, but it did the job. It also had the advantage of being close to all the facilities, including some benches with shade and an aircon common room for making food. The drive through the pas was both scary and wonderful, at the same time. You had to have your whits about you, especially for motorbikes and some performance car drivers.. We stoped at the top, just to take it in. It was awesome, 360 pano view of the mountains. Of course we had some cake in the cafe at the top.
Time for the decent, but first a toll barrier 20 euro as it was a private road. We drove past the motorbike museum, perhaps we should have stopped but time was moving on. The decent was easy really, not what we expected. We drove through Austria, and it truly is a lovely country. Something to come back to. Our entry into Germany was to be via the Fern Pass. Driving was slow all day due to a number of collisions. By the time we reached Fussen we were very tired. Unfortunately all three possible parks were full. We drove to a campsite close by called, Camping Hopfensee. After some investigation lorraine was able to get us the last available pitch at 56 euro/night. We were a bit taken back at the price but we basically didn’t have much choice and we were knackered. But on reflection this is a 5 star site. The quality and attention to detail are on a another level. We even decided to stay a second night. (Need a few freebies to make up for it)
Bad Tolz
We turned on avoid toll roads on google maps and had a beautiful drive to our next park, on the way to The Eagles Nest. Google lost connection and John just happened to pull into an automatic garage, right beside an LPG pump. So we decided to fill the gas tank. With some back and forward and a little help we managed to fit the right adapter and fill the cylinder. Sorted out Mr Google and had a lovely drive through the country side, we arrived at a dusty carpark at Bad Tolz. The car park might be dusty but it was right beside a tranquil river and cycle path. Just what the doctor ordered.
