Friday 5 September

Well the Red Ox was great – all German (bar 4 Americans), cheap beer. Had 2 litres and moved next door to another bar, better atmosphere but dearer beer. Not quite so drunk this time! Early start, left Heidelberg at 9.00 and down the autobahn as far as Baden-Baden (slight panic over petrol), then off on the scenic route via Freudenstadt, Tubingen, Uhn, back onto the autobahn and to Munich. The drive was very easy through the black forest then down to Tubingen. Saw the casino and other very beautiful buildings in Baden-Baden. All the houses seem to have flower boxes on them which marks for very attractive streets.

The university town of Tubingen and the oldest cathedral in Germany (6th – 11th century) set on the river Moselle make a welcome change from the dark tall pines of the Black forest and the very touristy Germany village of Freudenstadt (fashionable health resort). Just after Tubingen we saw 4 eagles (yes they really were). On through more superb scenery until we came to Blanbeuren and stopped to see the famous Blantopf (blue lagoon). Here, complete with 2 white swans, a deep pool (32 ft) for some reason has blue water – I think it is the plant life – which cascades over a small dam into a larger pool/stream. Also working from the lagoon is an old water wheel.

From there into Ulm is a short drive. In Ulm, once a free city of the Empire, now the second largest town in Wurttemberg, we saw the 14th century cathedral with the highest church spire in the world (528 ft), a fine foundation in the market place and the Rathans (town hall). A short drive onto the motorway of 82 miles brought us to Munich and Camping Thallarchen. This camp is by far the best we’ve stayed at (and there have been some good ones!) with a large well treed area leading down to the river Isar. Excellent washing facilities for clothes, dishes and bodies!

Some other thoughts – have travelled 1886 miles and am doing 30 m.p.g. and 128 m.p.b. (miles per beer). Both good figures. Money seems about right – we are at present spending – all in inc petrol – about £1-5-0 each per day.

We reckoned on Europe being expensive so am happy about the accounts side. Food I think Anne’s choice was good – and I’d take the trunks again – they are proving invaluable as “hold-alls” i.e. no odd boxes banging around. The car is going well – there’s just enough room for everything and the driving and passenger room is okay. I intend to fit a far more powerful horn for Asia in the next few days, but am having second thoughts about the laminated windscreen – depends on cost. The tent, lilos, and sleeping bags are ideal as is all the rest of the equipment. The tent light and map light are invaluable. No more punctures yet!! 

To bed after great meal and a litre of red wine between us!!