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Europe and Canada 2019
  • Pat Esler
  • Pat Esler

Europe and Canada 2019

A 82-day adventure by Pat Read more
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  • Pat EslerEurope and Canada 2019Pat Esler

    Neustadt

    June 18, 2019 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Another early start, breakfast at a nearby bakery/cafe. The highlight today was Ingolstadt, with the usual enormous cathedral, a castle and an impressive old Rathaus.

  • Pat EslerEurope and Canada 2019Pat Esler

    Munich again

    June 24, 2019 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    We caught the train back to Munich to return the rented bikes and have a few days before flying north to Norway.
    Staying in the Arabest Aparthotel very close to the main railway station was very convenient. We even had a washing machine that was put to good use. A bit of sightseeing, some washing, resting, repacking for non-cycle travel, and a few very good Munich beers.Read more

  • Pat EslerEurope and Canada 2019Pat Esler

    Svolvær

    June 27, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C

    Today we traveled from Munich, in the middle of a Europe-wide heatwave, to the Lofoten archipelago, part of Norway, above the Arctic Circle, and no heatwave here. In fact about 7 degrees below normal temperatures, with daily maximums of 9 to 11.
    Two flights, changing in Oslo, to get from Munich to Narvik (Evenes) airport, landing a bit late at 6:15pm. We then had a two hour wait for the bus to Svolvær. We had researched the bus connection online, discovering that it leaves the airport at 8:20pm, takes about 2.5 hours to get to Svolvær, that you cannot book tickets, and that it is a very scenic trip.
    During our two hour wait the small airport (similar to Albury but not as modern) emptied of passengers and staff. No-one else was waiting for our bus. It was cold and windy, and we were getting worried when we finally saw a bus making its way towards us five or ten minutes after the scheduled time.
    The bus was almost empty, which allowed us to move from one side to the other as the amazingly beautiful and dramatic scenery passed by.
    Arriving at Svolvær about 11pm we were pleased to see the hotel we had booked was in sought of and a very short walk from the bus stop.
    All photos taken through the bus window. Second post follows with more photos.    Read more

  • Pat EslerEurope and Canada 2019Pat Esler

    Å

    June 28, 2019 in Norway ⋅ 🌧 8 °C

    We had a bit of a look around central Svolvær, including a visit to the tourist info centre in the main square. It was quite cold, and we had a look in a few shops selling down filled jackets. Also in the main square we got chatting to a young lady working for one of the local tour operators. We told her we would be back there on Monday, and she offered to loan Tracey some warm clothes!
    We picked the hire car up at 11. We had booked a VW Golf, and they gave us Hybrid Rav4, a nice upgrade.    Read more

  • Pat EslerEurope and Canada 2019Pat Esler

    Å 2

    June 29, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 5 °C

    Today we set out to do the walk to Munken. The start is only a few km from our accommodation. First a visit to the very old and quaint bakery next door for coffee and a cinnamon roll. We only made it about 2k into the Munken walk before abandoning due to cold wind and rain. Hoping for better weather tomorrow for a hike.
    Back at the car, we set off to visit some of the recommended places to see. Despite the lousy weather, it was a good afternoon for a scenic drive. We ended up at Nusfjord. After a look around this very picturesque little village, we found ourselves in a great little bar for some hours. Red wine, good conversation with the barman and cook, and the best pizza we have had in a long time.    Read more

  • Pat EslerEurope and Canada 2019Pat Esler

    Ballstad

    June 30, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    Today was a better day, with virtually no rain and some sunshine. Following recommendations from a number of people, we did the hike up to Ryken. About 8km return and a 500m climb. Very beautiful. Spending the night in a waterfront room in Ballstad before heading back to Svolvær tomorrow.Read more

  • Pat EslerEurope and Canada 2019Pat Esler
    Leaving TrollfjordMaking our way through the Raftsundet strait.

    Hurtigruten, Svolvær

    July 1, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C

    It rained pretty well all day. We returned the hire car at 11am. The boat wasn't due until 9pm, so we needed to leave our luggage somewhere for the day. The tourist info centre told us we couldn't leave them at the ship terminal, but we had read a review that said otherwise. We asked the storeman/forklift driver at the terminal and no problem, we left them there for the day. We filled in the afternoon in various cafes, bars and shops.
    We are now on the Nordlys, one of the Hurtigruten ships, for three nights on our way to Kirkenes, from where we fly down to Alesund.    Read more

  • Pat EslerEurope and Canada 2019Pat Esler

    Honningsvåg

    July 3, 2019 in Norway ⋅ 🌧 8 °C

    In low cloud and misty rain we visited Honningsvåg for a few hours. The Nordkapp Museum was quite good. The church is the only building not destroyed by the Germans when they left in WW2.

  • Pat EslerEurope and Canada 2019Pat Esler

    Ålesund

    July 4, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    We picked up a hire car at Ålusund airport and once again we were given a Toyota hybrid, this time a C-HR.
    We had a bit of a walk around Ålesund, had very good fish and chips at an outdoor place for dinner, then a glass of wine and dessert (very good chocolate cake with licorice ice-cream) at a nearby restaurant.Read more

  • Pat EslerEurope and Canada 2019Pat Esler

    Oslo

    July 10, 2019 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    On Karen's advice we caught the train up to Frognerseteren, and are walking back down through the forest for a bit. Travelling in Norway is very expensive unless you adopt a modified exchange rate. I find that if I use a rate of 10kr to the AUD, the prices aren't so scary.Read more

  • Pat EslerEurope and Canada 2019Pat Esler
    1From the deck of the Linquenda.
    Our home for five nights.Karen heading back to the campervan.

    Alkmaar

    July 11, 2019 in the Netherlands ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    We caught the train from the airport to Alkmaar and found Erika waiting for us at the station. We walked through the beautiful town of Alkmaar to the Linquenda, where we will stay for the nights.

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