General Twinair Trip Around Europe

[GettinBetter]

Tues 2nd

I realised today that the super dupa EU only actually got 19 of the 28 countries to use the Euro, all the other retained their own currencies.
I feel I was misled years ago, by MSM into thinking the UK was probably the only one.

Here's a glimpse of the Jesenice Campsite




I took a walk through the woods and came across this, it was totally untouched, and exactly as installed


Oh, and I'm not sure I'd trust this ....


Oh, and here's one of those thermalite welds on a track'


Lots of planning for tomorrows off.

Ok, did the planning, and will leave tonight, drive until its dark, attempt to sleep in the car, resume as light breaks. The forecast was for rain, and I didn't want to pack a wet tent, plus the camp gates don't open til after 07-00 and I wanted to be gone before then.

Departed Jesenice : 18-30 drove til ~10-30
Filled coolant reservoir (CR), and topped up a further (roughly 0.75 ltr) two times before nightfall.

It's quite nice to be driving on the flat again, the views are terrific from the mountains, but the driving is exhausting.



Weds 3rd
Checked and topped up CR.
Resumed after a crap nights sleep at ~ 05-45

The river that flows past the town of Brzeg, and a few other goodies


The detail on the fence is interesting...










CR seems to need topping up more in slow stop start traffic, than on a motorway or clear 'A' road.

Now back in the lands of grafitti, overflowing bins, and uncut grass borders. Pot holes, they certainly know how to do potholes, oh, and no white lines (except on the main roads), but found myself a nice over night stop, (actually for a couple of days).





Definitely not a tourist town, there wasn't a single cafe with chairs outside. Temps were 23 degs, so seemed a bit odd.

 

[varesecrazy]

Did you get the BootLight sorted?

 

[GettinBetter]

Did you get the BootLight sorted?

Yes, thank you. Couldn't prise off the front, so took two screws off and removed the pillar shroud which allowed it to bend enough for me to get my hand in far enough to push the tab in and remove the whole fitting, and unplug it for now. It's all made difficult by the amount of crap I have with me.

 

[the green vanper]

Why such itinerary in Poland? Do you plan to see anything special?

Wrocław has a beautiful old town, I wouldn't miss that. Are there any special things that interest you?

Closer to the Lithuanian border the route passes through a village Szkocja, which is the Polish name for Scotland

 

[vexorg]

Have you got the stickers on the lights? cant see thim in that photo.

 

[varesecrazy]

Have you got the stickers on the lights? cant see thim in that photo.

You mean "beam benders"..?

Adjusting / cutting headlight beam aim

Not sure it's too relevant nowadays,

I've not seen any on imports to the UK with adjusted beams in a decade, presumably same applies in Europe

 

[vexorg]

My daughter went over to europe last week and are still a requirement.
They come supplied in eurpean driving packs or on their own from halfords.

 

[GettinBetter]

Have you got the stickers on the lights? cant see thim in that photo.

Nope, got them in the boot though. Only did one evening requiring lights, and adjusted them right down. My LHS lamp is lower than the right, not sure why but it's handy in this case. Can't be sure, but IIRC they're flat beams rather than slanted. I'll try to check over the next couple of days.

 

[GettinBetter]

Did manage to find some of this though.

 

[the green vanper]

In Czechia and Poland if you don't have DRL, driving with low beam lights on is obligatory. No idea what about the Baltic countries and Scandinavia, but could be the same...

 

[GettinBetter]

Why such itinerary in Poland? Do you plan to see anything special?

Wrocław has a beautiful old town, I wouldn't miss that. Are there any special things that interest you?

Closer to the Lithuanian border the route passes through a village Szkocja, which is the Polish name for Scotland

Not really, just trying to stay away from the tourist traps, and well just passing through. I quite like the small ordinary towns, they often have a little gem hiding away. I don't want to see too much of what's on Google.

 

[GettinBetter]

Thurs 4th

Went looking for somewhere to get some laundry done, 16kms away I found this at a truck stop/petrol station.



With washing all done for another week, I took the car back to the lodgings, and jacked it up in the garden, using the emergency jack (on dirt) put the spare under whilst I crawled under to see if I could see where the leak originated. Also tried taking a video, but couldn't see anything. Gave up, but need to sort it, as it's becoming a worry.



Parked here to get a piccy, and checked the rad, it was way below MIN

Fri 5th

Rose at 06-15, washed & breckied for a 07-10 start. Put two egg whites in the rad whilst cold, and made way. Drove for 4 hours without needing a topup. In that 4 hrs I'd managed to find some radiator sealant, which I kept for standby. Stupidly I had a blast to see what these other guys were doing tearing past me all day, after half an hour at xxx km/h, the egg gave up the ghost, I was three hours from my chosen destination so added the rad seal.

Trouble with motorways in Poland,(and much of Europe is heading that way) is that they are boarded up, presumably for soundproofing. So the views are pretty poor.

Arrived at Agro camping, Olsztyn for 15-00hrs.

ODO: 70872

Proceded to set up camp and yep, it rained (only a short shower though).

Sat 6th
Had a lay in, got up at 07-30, and chilled.
Lovely campsite by the lake, marred only by the jetskis, and speed boats tearing up and down all day, the planes flying over the dogs yapping and the kids screaming.

Site has real potential, but owner too lazy to work at it, seems to find plenty of time to eat though.

Thought to ponder, meant to say this ages ago, but looking at some cows in a field I thought do those cows know they're french?

Also love the storks on the telegraph poles, thats amazing. I took a pick of "a field of storks", they're as common as anything in northern Poland and Lithuania.




There are 13 storks in that field... as I drove further into Lithuania they were often seen rumaging in the drainage dugout along the side of the road, such an odd sight.


Departed Agro Camping at 06-20, drove all day, without topping the rad up.

After negotiating gravel tracked roads for 10/12 kms (poor 500 doesn't like 'em) arrived at my chosen site about 16-00, drove into the wooded area,






hearing some dodgy sounds from the underside. Had a quick recce of the site and decided it wasn't for me. Got outta there ASAP.







Got back onto some real tarmac, and set course for Sodeliskiu Dvaro Sodyba
Arrived: around 18-00.
ODO: 71443
Now this place I like.







Will sleep like a log tonight.

 

[GettinBetter]

Mon 8th
Slept like a log last night.



WOW!, This is the little gem I've been looking for, and maybe others have already seen it. But here goes, this'll get an upload all to itself, and IMO worthy of it.



Firstly I'm off tomorrow, not sure where yet. Car didn't need topping up all the way, what a relief, bought some more rad seal stuff anyway, and after all those dirt tracks, the 500 is in need of a good wash, plus I don't like all those dead flies on the front end.

Bloody mossies are still trying to suck the blood out of me. I really must make more effort to get a repellant.

So Sodelinskiu Dvaro Sodyba is a Hotel with added features, so here's their website.

https://www.sodeliskiudvaras.lt/en

The main points of interest to me was the Museum of Ancient Technology (Senovines Technikos Muziejus) , heres a few pics.
















Next was the 'Ethinographic Household Museum'









Absolutely fantastic Hotel, with really nice relaxing grounds, tennis/basketball court, recreational excerise areas Pool, Sauna. Really loved it, and given the chance would definitely come back again.

When I get home I'll upload all the pics I've taken to my personal webspace, and provide a link there's just too many for here.

 

[GettinBetter]

Tues 9th

Departed Sodeliskiu at 09-20, well I had to stay for breakfast, because it was really nice.


Reservoir enroute..



Stopped by the sea in Latvia, for a coolant check (no topup necessary, it was fine). Beautiful fine sandy beaches.





Mostly single two way roads most of the way, most roads off the main carriageway seemed to be dirt tracks. Only two storks on telegraph type poles spotted enroute. Views were mostly of trees.



Arrived Saunapunkt Camping, Tallinn, Estonia, 16-00hrs.

ODO: 71838 So I think we can safely say I'm over half way now.

Site was cash only, so I needed money, fuel & food, all done by 16-40, I'm getting the hang of this.
WiFi in public areas only means just that, so nothing over the other side of the field where I am, looks like no film tonight.



Accomodation is effectively a DIY summer house with porch, two beds, a table and a lamp, and some power sockets. Perfect.

I noticed there was a train line running along the end of the field, so I investigated the station in the evening, and decided I'd get the train into Tallinn to get my ferry ticket to Hellsinki and wander around for the day.

& a couple for the lads...





Weds 10th

Spent a lovely day in Tallinn town centre, got my ferry ticket, popped into the nautical museum..
and took in the sights around town.


And how long d'you think that would last in the UK.
.. and enroute to get my ferry ticket..





KGB cells

Nice spaceous electric train..




Thurs 11th
Up at 06-45, for camp exit at 07-30.

DRL warning light on just as I left camp, so put dipped beam on looking at beam on the vehicles in front confirmed flat horizontal profile. Will attempt a bulb change at next stop.

Checked in at terminal, and watched sparrows feeding their young by grabbing the flies out of the radiators/front grilles of queuing cars.



I must admit the ferry crossing was a nice experience, and although the ship was ~30 yrs old, it had been well looked after, or just had a complete refit, it was pristeen.
Views from the top deck were stunning.Temp was in the mid 20's



Arrived Merrycamping, Merikarvia, Finland around 16-30'ish.
ODO: 72168



Am booked into another shed, but this time by the sea with much better fittings.
Drive here was mostly trees but I did spot a few motors.

Fri 12th
Received email from P&O ferries telling me how much they were looking forward to my trip tomorrow, well, that ain't gonna happen.

Spent day dossing, and doing laundry. Site staff were really helpful and friendly, and many spoke good english, facilities were very good, all was clean and tidy.


Views from the waters edge were great. Great feeling of space. I do like a bit of space.






Checked coolant level, and its fine, no need for top up.
Off to Oulu tomoz. Yep, route change. Heading for Narvik.

 

[varesecrazy]

Those "bicycle maintenance stations" are great I've only seethe in Blue in the UK..
But generally appear to survive

Good to hear the coolant level has stabilised

Jealous of the warm weather and sandy beaches

 

[steveras57]

Tues 9th

Departed Sodeliskiu at 09-20, well I had to stay for breakfast, because it was really nice.

View attachment 448302
Reservoir enroute..

View attachment 448306

Stopped by the sea in Latvia, for a coolant check (no topup necessary, it was fine). Beautiful fine sandy beaches.

View attachment 448303
View attachment 448304
View attachment 448305

Mostly single two way roads most of the way, most roads off the main carriageway seemed to be dirt tracks. Only two storks on telegraph type poles spotted enroute. Views were mostly of trees.

View attachment 448318

Arrived Saunapunkt Camping, Tallinn, Estonia, 16-00hrs.

ODO: 71838 So I think we can safely say I'm over half way now.

Site was cash only, so I needed money, fuel & food, all done by 16-40, I'm getting the hang of this.
WiFi in public areas only means just that, so nothing over the other side of the field where I am, looks like no film tonight.

View attachment 448307

Accomodation is effectively a DIY summer house with porch, two beds, a table and a lamp, and some power sockets. Perfect.

I noticed there was a train line running along the end of the field, so I investigated the station in the evening, and decided I'd get the train into Tallinn to get my ferry ticket to Hellsinki and wander around for the day.
View attachment 448308
& a couple for the lads...

View attachment 448309
View attachment 448310
View attachment 448311

Weds 10th

Spent a lovely day in Tallinn town centre, got my ferry ticket, popped into the nautical museum..
and took in the sights around town.

View attachment 448312
And how long d'you think that would last in the UK.
.. and enroute to get my ferry ticket..
View attachment 448313
View attachment 448314
View attachment 448319
View attachment 448315

KGB cells
View attachment 448316
Nice spaceous electric train..
View attachment 448317



Thurs 11th
Up at 06-45, for camp exit at 07-30.

DRL warning light on just as I left camp, so put dipped beam on looking at beam on the vehicles in front confirmed flat horizontal profile. Will attempt a bulb change at next stop.

Checked in at terminal, and watched sparrows feeding their young by grabbing the flies out of the radiators/front grilles of queuing cars.

View attachment 448320

I must admit the ferry crossing was a nice experience, and although the ship was ~30 yrs old, it had been well looked after, or just had a complete refit, it was pristeen.
Views from the top deck were stunning.Temp was in the mid 20's

View attachment 448321

Arrived Merrycamping, Merikarvia, Finland around 16-30'ish.
ODO: 72168

View attachment 448322

Am booked into another shed, but this time by the sea with much better fittings.
Drive here was mostly trees but I did spot a few motors.

Fri 12th
Received email from P&O ferries telling me how much they were looking forward to my trip tomorrow, well, that ain't gonna happen.

Spent day dossing, and doing laundry. Site staff were really helpful and friendly, and many spoke good english, facilities were very good, all was clean and tidy.
View attachment 448327

Views from the waters edge were great. Great feeling of space. I do like a bit of space.
View attachment 448323
View attachment 448325
View attachment 448324
View attachment 448326


Checked coolant level, and its fine, no need for top up.
Off to Oulu tomoz. Yep, route change. Heading for Narvik.

nice old sr yamaha but bloody uncomfortable handlebars!

 

[GettinBetter]

But generally appear to survive

Really, I've never seen one in the UK, but ok, I obviously need to look harder.

 

[steveras57]

Really, I've never seen one in the UK, but ok, I obviously need to look harder.

considering how many rolling road blocks are caused every Sunday by the lycra lads theres probably hundreds of the dam things!

 

[GettinBetter]

I haven't seen that mentality of on the continent. Although there are hundreds of bikers and they are very into their biking priorities, They are nearly all using them to commute, shopping, other daily functions, and although you get cycle trains (20 or so cyclists) they aren't all perving in their budgie smugglers. In fact it is a pretty even mix between men & women riders.

Whilst I'm on the subject, when at Tallinn, I saw two women, (one youngish say 30's, and another 50's) riding along the station platform after getting off the train, and they were wobbling along the yellow line near the platform edge. I couldn't believe it. .

Oh, and had to brake sharply for a moose this morning... the adult luckily bounded out from the left hand side, which gave me time to react, I also saw the young one nervously go back into the trees, I crawled past in case it decided to have another go at crossing. Speed limit is 100km/h, but after reaction time you still need a bit of distance to actually stop. The bloody thing was bigger than my car, talk about road kill, it would've been me lying in the gutter had we collided.

 

[steveras57]

To be honest i find the whole "leisure lifestyle "cycling ethos a bit hard to bare!!-so many of em out on a Sunday riding two or three abreast 5 to 10 deep with a line of twenty other vehicles stuck behind them at 20 mph whilst they bibble along having a little chat! -spect they get a kick out off holding up and irritating all those "gas guzzlers" must tickle there "superiority complex" as they" save the planet" and of course the rules of the road dont apply to them so no need to wait at red lights whilst replacing manners with arrogance!- dont know about leaving a three foot gap as you(eventually) pass them because they are so vulnerable! they expect consideration whilst giving little or non to the other road users, have to say gets on my nerves quite a lot! maybe its just me!.