Kungshamn

Prospect of a cold rainy Kungshamn, well at least that is what the met office predicted for the next few days. Sure, we had a bit of rain, but the majority of the time it has been sunny, very sunny.



Lukas, Jorg and I headed off to the Saab museum in Tollhatan, which is also know in Sweden as Trollywood as this is where many of the Scandi films are made. Lars Von Trier's last film was made here. But back to Saab, all the current industrial news about the company centres on Saab being on the brink of bankruptcy. It would be a shame for such a distinct brand to collapse, but on the other hand they do need a new strong product. The original cars were great, with their aeroplane origins and bold curves.











Then off to Haverud to look at a five lock engineering feat.






Next day spent canoeing around Smogen.

On to Kungshamn

Over the bridge and onto Fehmarn for the ferry to Denmark. A new country to add to the list. Konrad, for a 1 year old, is now well travelled having visited: Sweden, France, Germany, Belgium, Denmark.









Copenhagen. We decided to drive through the city. It was bigger and more developed than I had imagined. The Monocle review placing it as the No1 best city to live in globally some how created a more intimate and traditional image in my mind. As we navigated through the streets and waterways Julia and I started to get a sense of the design culture in the city. The architecture was innovative and the mix of old and new gave the sense of a well thought out and aesthetically cared for urban enclave.












A long slow slog in the rain up to Kungshamn. Julia and Konrad decided it was time to catch up on their beauty sleep.



587 Km (now on the continent and miles out of the window) 7 hours 17 minutes.

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.

A New Legacy & Road Trip Excitement

Yes I have been lazy, at least when it comes to blogging. Last entry was mid road trip in the US. To think so much has come to pass since that time. Well, it's not time to be nostalgic, it's time to look to the future and the next journey. This time Julia, Konrad (our one year old son, see I haven't been lazy) are heading off to Sweden with the ultimate destination being Nordkapp the most northerly point of Scandinavia.

Tents, hiking gear, rations, sleeping bags all laid out through the great efficiency of my wife. Four o'clock tomorrow morning and we are away.

Middlebury to Ann Arbor

Monday, 6th April: Middlebury – Ann Arbor

Woke up to the see the world covered in a blanket of snow.

Breakfast at the beehive.

Were given 2 xhome made applebutter (a type of applesauce) one for us and one for our friend we are visiting in NY.

Into middlebury and then on to Shipshewana, saw lots of buggies and amish.  I only know this way of life from the movies and so it seems odd to see people dressed in traditional costumes. Looks like a permanent fancy dress party! 

Went to menno-hof museum to learn more about the Mennonites, Hutterites and Amish.

Back for lunch to Middlebury at the Village inn where the Amish come to eat.

Julia ordered the goulash – didn’t quite live up to her expectations.

On the road to Ann Arbour.

Quick drive through the university town – twinned with tuebingen, germany.

Checked in motel 6 – very new and modern.

Julia got dinner – difficult to find a supermarket –mainly just McDonals around. No change here.

Watched march madness basketball game (Michigan State versus South Carolina) and updated the blog.

Oh - Michigan just lost. Shame.