19/3/23 Rob and Charlie
Start mileage 12526, End mileage 13539, total 1013 miles
I was planing on a ride to the Orkneys, but there were several large storms on the way, and lots of snow due in Scotland, so Rob suggested somewhere further South, so we settled on Netherlands as a starting point, ending up in France a week later.
I met Rob at a McDonalds in Colchester, (I had a quarter pounder with cheese while waiting), then we set off for the Castle Inn in Harwich, and camped in the beer garden. we then went into Harwich town for fish and chips at 6pm, but they were just closing. The pub had also stopped serving food, so we went to another McDonalds for another burger, then back to the campsite for some beers.
Next morning, I could tell Rob was apprehensive about the 9 hour crossing to the Hook of Holland, but the crossing was ok.
After disembarking, we went to Strandpark Vlugtenburg, and the tents were soon set up, and we went looking for food. I wasn't hungry, but Rob was, and we ended up at New York Pizza in the rain. I told Rob I was still full up from 2 baguettes and a curry from the boat. He ordered a large pizza so I could tuck in anyway. We went back to the tents for an early night.
Next morning we wenmt to a McDonalds for breakfast (no wonder I'm a fat git!) then 83 miles later we visited the navy museum in Den Helder
and went on the
submarine Tonijn
Then we headed to the road across the inland sea, which was interesting
and stopped at the esso garage on an island, then headed to a campsite called Campingplatz Neuengland which was very nice, we didn't realise it at the time, but we had crossed into Germany!
Next morniong, we went back over the border to have a look at Fort Bourtange, that Rob had spotted on the map
It looks very impressive from the air, but from the ground it is difficult to get some idea of the scale of the place!
Next, we headed off to a McDonalds for breakfast, then headed to Cologne, and as there was a massive storm headed our way, Rob booked us into Premier Inn Koln City Sud, we dropped our gear at the hotel, and went for a walk. Rob went into the swiss Army knife shop and bought one, then we had a look at Koln Cathedral, which is very impressive
The padlocks fill both sides of the bridge, and is very impressive. Next, I found a currywurst shop for my evening meal, and Rob had a strange meat and vegetable thing in a sort of cornet. After a couple of beers in the Hard Rock Cafe, it was back to the hotel.
Next morning, we went to the Hurtgen Forest museum, after stopping at a kawasaki shop for some chain lube, The museum was closed when we arrived, but when it opened, the old geezer there wouldn't let us in, until someone else turned up and sorted it out. The museum was interesting enough, then we had a ride over to have a look at the Siegfried Line Dragons Teeth, which looked impressive, but Rob told me that in the second world war, the allies just bulldozed soil over them and drove over!
Next, we went to Niglo Burgers for food, then to a pretty town called Dinant
We went to a few campsites trying to find somewhere to stay, but no luck, so we went to a hotel called Le Richmond which was was a most peculiar set up, the owner agreed we could stay for 1 night, but due to the language barrier, we took ages to get sorted, Next morning, we couldn't find anyone to pay, so we left a note with our details, and headed off, Rob decided he needed the bog, so we headed back to the hotel, and I found someone who had just turned up to work there, so payment was made. Next, for a change, we headed to McDonalds for breakfast, then onto La Coupole, which is always interesting.
Then after a few hours at La Coupole, we went looking for a B&B, as it was forcast gale force winds, we ended up at Ferme de la Valley, which was a good plan, as the weather turned very nasty. The B&B had loads of niknak's everywhere, and it was run by a nice old lady. Rob went out for beers, so we had a relaxing evening. Next morning, we headed off to the ferry at Calais. It took ages to dock due to the very strong winds. Rob didn't enjoy the crossing, but he didn't loose his breakfast, A great fun trip, bike was perfect, and great company. Thanks, Rob.
