On the run from the Italian Toll Company.

We camped at a lakeside campground in a spot the campground host made for us (maybe 10ft. X 10ft). She felt sorry, since Europe is on Holiday, we would have never found a spot (hotel or campsite). I went swimming (cold) and we called it a early evening. We have headed south enough now that it gets dark around 9:30 and when camping off of a motorcycle you go to bed when it is dark (not unlike home for me).

We decided it was time to leave Italy for good. We pulled out the next morning and rode around the lake. Made it to the most northern point before the traffic woke up. We jumped on the highway (I love my bike) and before we knew it had crossed over into Switzerland. The Alps were standing tall on both sides of the highway as we watched waterfall after waterfall flowing into the valley.

We rode through some tunnels. I would leave it at that but I don’t think some of you would get the picture. All through the Alps there are giant tunnels. Not so much in height but in length. We rode in a tunnel that was 10 miles long, underground (or in this case a mountain range) and some the temp would rise. I just knew there was an accident and a huge fire and we were riding right into it. This was not the case but in one tunnel the temp did climb from 58 to 95.Switzerland was beautiful, just like you would imagine. I think the snow fall each year helps wash away the dirt, both on the roads and building. It was a very clean country.

At a rest stop we met a guy and his wife heading down to south Switzerland in a 4x4 truck (not stock). He had ridden Africa and Australia on a bike like ours in 2006, but had a family now and were going exploring by truck. They had their little girl with them. Trade in your motorcycle adventures for a 4x4 truck and a daughter? Deal.

We rolled along then stopped for gas in the country of Liechtenstein. How awful, again a country I had never heard of. The country is in between Switzerland and Austria and the one person we talked with at the gas station was very nice. I am going to base my opinion of that country on her, a very nice place. Was the main character in the movie “A Knights Tale” from Liechtenstein? Jim and I couldn’t remember. We spent a total of 4km in Liechtenstein and think we covered most if the country.

Once we drove out of Liechtenstein we found ourselves on the Austrian toll road without the proper toll road sticker (I am racking up the fines). We did pull over to the first service station/truck stop to see it we could purchase one. I walked to the counter (not knowing which language I should use) asked the grumpy woman behind the counter “Do you speak English, maybe” (I decide to go with my English). Her replay shocked me. She said with a scowl on her face “I do speak English, and don’t call me BABY!” She was so scary I couldn’t even let out the laugh. I told her I had said “Maybe” and would never refer to her as “Baby”. Although now I might.

We bought the toll passes $7.50 for 10 days, said good bye to Baby, and move on down the road.

Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria four counties in one day. Try that in the States.

 


Comments

Lisa (Svenby) Nance
08/05/2010 11:10am

Yes, the guy from Knights Tale is from that country that starts with an L and sounds like Lick-den-stein. And I think it's always a great idea to judge a country by the few people you meet, especially when they're nice. :)

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Kim Truelove
08/07/2010 11:48am

I think that idea of trading a motorcycle for a 4X4 and a daughter is great deal! I had gotten a little behind on keeping up with the blogs. I'm caught up now, but can't wait to hear you actually tell the stories!!!!

Reply
Lori link
08/09/2010 6:47pm

I agree with both things Kim said!!

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