Getting the kinks out: Soyen, Dinkelsbühl und Ammersee
The idea of a camper van isn't just to enable us to get in some good summer cycling. I have a deep seated desire to spend more time out of doors. Something like living closer to nature and more than merely taking a vacation in the country. With just the sliding door of the van between me and the grassy ground, experiencing nature should be much easier than from the fourth floor of our city apartment. Another major reason for spending time on the road in a camper: I am passionate about photography. I envision myself falling out of bed into a field of wild flowers, camera in hand.
Dandelions, daisies and buttercups awaiting me
To Soyensee
Theoretically, we should be able to keep going for as long as we like, weeks or months. But who knows, if we can't get that folding bed to work more easily I might change my tune. But I am confident. Our second foray was more enjoyable than the first. We were still struggling with table, seats and beds, but less so. For our two days out we chose Soyensee, a small lake to the east of Munich, a lovely area and a bit more off the beaten track than the more popular areas to the south. Our plans to cycle in the surrounding countryside didn't materialize due to mechanical problems on Janos's bike, but I got some picture taking in. What could be more perfect than a hazy early morning at the edge of a lake?
Theoretically, we should be able to keep going for as long as we like, weeks or months. But who knows, if we can't get that folding bed to work more easily I might change my tune. But I am confident. Our second foray was more enjoyable than the first. We were still struggling with table, seats and beds, but less so. For our two days out we chose Soyensee, a small lake to the east of Munich, a lovely area and a bit more off the beaten track than the more popular areas to the south. Our plans to cycle in the surrounding countryside didn't materialize due to mechanical problems on Janos's bike, but I got some picture taking in. What could be more perfect than a hazy early morning at the edge of a lake?
Morning mist on the lake
Evening light from our campsite, Soyensee
To Dinkelsbühl
Back home again, the bad weather was getting us down and we were spending more time at our computers than was good for us. We decided to take advantage of our newly acquired mobility and get out of the apartment. Janos chose Dinkelsbühl, one of Germany’s most beautiful medieval towns, as our destination. And if it rained, which it did, we we could always go to a museum there, which we did.
Back home again, the bad weather was getting us down and we were spending more time at our computers than was good for us. We decided to take advantage of our newly acquired mobility and get out of the apartment. Janos chose Dinkelsbühl, one of Germany’s most beautiful medieval towns, as our destination. And if it rained, which it did, we we could always go to a museum there, which we did.
Dinkelsbühl on the Romantic Road
In spite of the occasional shower, Dinkelsbühl was a perfect choice. It was too early in the season for crowds and the campground, located on a lake and quiet, was excellent.
Camping near Dinkelsbühl
This time we tried out the new tent, too.
Open expanses, wonderful for an evening walk
On the way into town we passed this amazing field of daisies, full of chickens pecking away.
To Ammersee
We were now getting the hang of it and since one - ONE - sunny day was predicted for the remainder of May, we planned a two-nighter at a near by lake, Ammersee. Our camping skills had improved by now and setting up the beds and table were no longer obstacles. This time we took our youngest granddaughter, seven-year-old Nisrin, with us. She caught on very quickly to the mechanical side of making beds and tables appear and disappear, much more quickly than we did, it seemed. It was still too cool for swimming, but we took bike rides and Nisrin found a playmate. Camping is perfect for kids. Nisrin also had a camera and kept me company on my photo shoots.
We were now getting the hang of it and since one - ONE - sunny day was predicted for the remainder of May, we planned a two-nighter at a near by lake, Ammersee. Our camping skills had improved by now and setting up the beds and table were no longer obstacles. This time we took our youngest granddaughter, seven-year-old Nisrin, with us. She caught on very quickly to the mechanical side of making beds and tables appear and disappear, much more quickly than we did, it seemed. It was still too cool for swimming, but we took bike rides and Nisrin found a playmate. Camping is perfect for kids. Nisrin also had a camera and kept me company on my photo shoots.
My pal
Cycling with Nisrin
Ammersee in the evening
Peaceful morning
In a few days we will be on our way. We are ready for the big trip, we've done enough shake downs. Sometimes we wonder if a boat wouldn't have been better. It's still raining and there is flooding in many areas.
Italy seems like a good idea as a starter and we'll keep going until we find the sun. We will have a laptop/notebook with us and I'll try to keep my journal up-to-date en route.
Italy seems like a good idea as a starter and we'll keep going until we find the sun. We will have a laptop/notebook with us and I'll try to keep my journal up-to-date en route.