London to Grossenborde, Germany

Last night spent packing. The interminable question 'do we really need this?' plaguing the proceedings.

Early to bed, early to rise. 3.30 up, left at 4.15 on the Chunnel at 6.20. Breakfast in France, well in the car in France to be precise.

I find the prospect of long distance travel exciting. It's not every bodies taste. The idea of long days stuck in a car fails to raise the heart beat of many of my friends. The thing I find is you get a perspective on the world, which is not realisable from the window of an airplane. OK, so I'm greedy and love air travel as well, but you can't beat the physical challenge of A to B by land and sea, especially if the final length of the journey is in excess of 4,500 miles. It's the possibility of what you find on route, not the tourist attractions more the way of life, how the world gradually changes and of course the prospect of reaching an area unspoilt and remote. I believe that the long you have to travel the more spectacular the the destination.

Konrad driving onto the train.

Traversing Northern Germany on the motorway system is not in the top ten of scenic drives. On the plus point, their acknowledgement of the motor car and it's potential meant we could push the Skoda to it's physical limits. Allan McNish watch out, team Stitt will be lining up on the Le Mans grid next to you.

Across the Rhine and through the industrial heartland. The sheer power of mans impact on the world can't be under estimated. Concrete, steel and plastic. The monumental scale of man's historical urban development is breathtaking although not aesthetically pleasing. I can't help but wonder what it is all really for.

Just sitting in the car, I can feel the stress of work and living slip away. This modern distinction between work and play, no longer do we live. It reminds me of the Yak Herders I spent time with up on the Tibetan Plateau who don't work, they live. Everything they do has an impact on whether they can feed their families. It's too simplistic to say they have it right, as their lifestyle is tough, hard and unrelenting, but it is simple. No desire to out do neighbours and friends, no urge to accumulate unnecessary wealth, though given a chance I'm sure that urge could arise.

Finally arrived at the Hotel Palstek. Konrad was a real trooper but by this time even his patience was wearing thin. A warm reception and more importantly a tasty bbq washed down with Flensburger Pils.

Konrad, after a day sitting in the car, decided that it was time to be hyperactive. Bouncing around the room until late into the night. I, on the other hand, couldn't keep my eyes open and drifted in and out of sleep from 8.30 pm disturbed by the odd head bang, slap and gurggle of excitement.

655 miles, 10 hours 47 minutes. A great day.