Of course another reason why Bavaria and the Northern Alps are so green, apart from the muckspreadng, is that it rains. A lot. Yesterday was glorious sunshine. But today, as I approach Salzburg, it’s back to form. Hence shot above of another serious biker encountered today, togged like me to the gills for the rain … Read more …
The Alpine flowers are at last beginning to bloom. Very late, but delightful. Mum, this photo was for you! And on the same theme, the green of the meadows here in the German south takes one’s breath away. How do they do it? Like the English lawn, it’s easy. Just nurture/roll/manure for hundreds of years. … Read more …
After spending an hour this morning re-posting my Serious Wistful Thoughts from yesterday, which Blogger.Com had got all confused, I’m going to try one post today with three pix, and then a separate one just with pix, but text will refer to both. Make sense? If yes, then read on. After yesterday’s thoughts about the … Read more …
Here the photos to go with the last blog. Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device Read more …
Having trouble wth the blog today, so first text, then photos. I promise I will write that blog on Why Blog At All, but it’s been a thought-provoking kind of day – my 58th birthday, and thanks to many of you for the kindest of emailed wishes – and there are Other Things that are … Read more …
Pictures from a glorious, snowy, sunny, Alpine day that don’t need to wait… Neuschwanstein Castle near Füssen, 25 miles into today’s ride, and the inspiration for all those Disneyland theme parks. Built by Bavaria’s beloved but eccentric King Ludwig II 1869-86, before the government of the day had him declared mad and locked away. But … Read more …
One thing I can’t quite crack with this Blackberry blog is how to make sure the photos get posted in the right order. I think I’m going to give up expecting precision, and let you make your own connections. Among which (connections) today is one of precipitation. I did enjoy a German road sign this … Read more …
There are downsides to cycling a long distance on one’s own like this (at least there must be, though I can’t think of too many at this moment). But one of the absolute upsides is the people one meets. The Moroccan immigrant in a small hotel in France (whither I’d fled from the rain) talking … Read more …
I’m posting three photos tonight as there’s no dominant theme today – but rather, sitting in a Swiss (I think, see below) – Italian restaurant full of spaghetti and rejuvenating beer, and regular guests around me talking of Berlusconi’s absurd victory in the Italian elections, a glow of accomplishment having at last cycled more than … Read more …
Wonderful welcome at the von Siebenthals this (Sunday) evening in Oberdorf. 43 miles from Berne, glorious Swiss landscape and NO RAIN!! And if you were wondering what their bomb shelter in the basement looks like, here it is with Rolf, Karin and daughter Lena in bright yellow helmets. That door is nearly a foot thick, … Read more …