May 08

Well this weeks blog comes from a beautiful little camp site near the medievel Czech town of Cesky Kromlov. After leaving the Italian Dolomites we headed East arriving 2 days later at the Slovenian border, and soon after the iddylic Lake Bled. What a place! Its known as the jewel in Slovenias crown, and rightly so. A perfect tranquil lake is surrounded by wooded mountains, whilst perfectly placed in the centre is an island with church. Almost as if it was designed with postcard manufacturers in mind! 2 days flew by, and suitably relaxed and refreshed we turned north and headed into Austria.
The following 2 nights we wild camped along the way, and they couldnt have been more different, the first in a layby, more commonly used as a dumping ground - litter and excrement! The second was altogether more appealing, hidden as it was in a small wooded area right next to a river. A curry, some beers and a starlit night rounded off a very enjoyable day.
So Tuesday found us crossing into the Czech Republic, country number 8, and pretty much a quarter of the way around. Weve seen and experienced so much already, it is hard to comprehend what is still to come. And scarily, its all going according to plan!
Prague awaits, with us aiming to spend the weekend there. The days are still quite long, but we're consoling ourselves with the fact that we've already passed over the Pyrenees and the Alps, and flatter terrain awaits!
We're getting there. Slowly but surely we're getting there!

So, once again our apologies for not keeping this blog as up to date as you, and indeed we, would like! Following Chamonix and the french Alps we headed across the border into Switzerland.
After studying the map we decided our best option was to park up in Visp, and travel by train up the valley to Zermatt to see the Matterhorn. After realising there was no campsite, and consoling ourselves in a pub for a few hours, we woke to find ourselves in a bin! But a bin with a view mind!
Slightly worse for wear we caught the return train to Visp and on to Grindelwald and the Eiger. Unfortunately the weather wasn't on our side so after one night under canvas we decided to head back to our trusty vehicles. After a brief encounter with a car park barrier, we propped it back up and scarpered as quickly as our 50cc's would allow!
Almost as soon as we hit the Italian border, the weather turned shite! And has stayed so all all along our route past the italian lakes to our current location in Pedraces, in the Dolomites.
So rested and dried out, we're off again, next stop Slovenia! The time is ticking too, as we are aiming to meet our friend Kamila in Prague.

Well first off our apologies for not writing sooner! Its been a bit hectic, and but we’re slowly falling into a routine. Since leaving Andorra last Thursday morning, we made our way to the French border. Unfortunately we had over looked the fact that a 2400m pass stood in the way. This took virtually all morning to cover the 20miles or so, with the Ape really struggling along in 1st gear. Luckily the motorists we were holding up seemed to appreciate the humour of the situation, and we received more goodwill than on any other part of the trip. The workman who lined the route were particularly impressed with our modes of transport, cheering us on the whole way!
Once into France, a 20 mile downhill quickly took us towards Toulouse, where after a nights camp we headed for Jon’s cousin, Jerome where we were really well looked after, enjoying numerous beers and even a curry!
It was hard to tear ourselves away. Not only were we treated to the ‘luxuries’ of a home, but when you stop, you have time to comprehend the scale of what we are attempting, and that can be more than a little daunting!
Beyond Toulouse, we made a bee line for Chamonix, passing through the beautiful Massif Central, and the Ardeche region. This meant more slow climbs, but the views were more than just rewards.
We were really tested by the weather on Monday as we were hit by countless storms, the worst of which saw us take shelter in a service station whilst lightening hit all around us. The adrenaline of riding through this pushed us on until we stumbled upon a great campsite in amongst the ruins of a castle and old Chataeu.
Mechanically, the worst we’ve had to deal with so far is a temporary hub cap loss!
So, 994miles under our belt sees us in Chamonix, basking in the sun under the magnificent Mt Blanc. We’re planning to head along the road to Argentiere for a stretch of the legs. Then Switzerland awaits!