Šeimenos sen.

After a short discussion Ellen and Bernd decide to ride with us for one more day before they start their return trip back home to Hamburg. Goal is to at least set foot into Lithuania and get a taste of what lies ahead of Paula, Anke and myself.

We start with a short stop at the “Oberländischer Kanal”, a famous channel with a century old ship lifting devices. Perfect timing we have - we arrive just in time to watch a boat to be lifted to the next level.

Roaming the “Rominter Heide” is next on our schedule - a nature resort and special retreat close to the Polish-Lithuanian border. For centuries it had been used as a hunting area by European Lords, Kings and Emperors and nowadays still is famous for the ruins of old railway Viaducts. Forests are still wild and dark in this area (and without GPS signal) and we loose our way and ride in circles returning to a new scenic tower several times.

Since we are traveling “after-season” we are almost the only foreign tourists out on the tracks and the local people take their time having a chat with us whenever we stop for food, sight seeing or curiosity.

Finally we reach the Polish-Russian-Lithuanien triangle and cross the border into Lithuania to take our noon break at Lake Wystit.
As we enjoy the fantastic view, the sparkling clean water, the border buoys marking the Russian border and the fresh coffee we made, Paula decides to take a stroll and roam the nearby campground for food. Our travel companions would like to spend their last night in a hotel we book a room at the “Villa Skomanda” in Augustow for them - a wonderful small hotel and adventure operator owned by friends of ours.

We jump in the cars to drive back to Poland for our Bye-Bye dinner – and almost forget to take Paula with us!

Back to Poland again for our dinner with the “Inselmanns”, sending them to Augustow for the night while we return to Lithuania (again!) to continue our Eastward Bound 2021 experience.

After an hour or so driving into Lithuania we discover a wonderful nice spot directly at a small lake with a brand new wooden picnic area and a fireplace included.
A couple of locals come by to go swimming in the lake and later on the local police force makes sure that we're alright.

To give the day a perfect end the night turns out to be warm and very dry – the first time on this trip.Read more