Wednesday, 23rd October
0735 On the road after morning checks on oil and water. Must remind Roy not to park next to refrigerator truck tonight as we were woken in the early hours by the one next to us.
0955 Lenting. Stop for breakfast - bacon & eggs cooked by Bill & Manda. Delicious. Decide to have a limerick competition, to be judged on ferry Calais to Dover.
1110 Crossed the Danube. Doesn't look very blue - more a mucky Thames-brown.
1200 Stopped at services. Looked big enough for possible tilt repairer but no joy here. Get fax from Martin lllings with names etc of contacts in Vitez, not Sarajevo. Directed to possible tilt repairer at Bad Aibling, a small town near Rosenheim. Press on through still magnificent scenery - narrow, steep valleys with churches or castles perched on high, pointed hills. Still broad-leaved woodland in autumn colours. At one time we climbed long hill out of a valley. Looking down from a height it looked like a snow-filled valley, or rather the view from a plane. Tremendous sight all the same.
Past Munich we have problem following directions to tilt repairers. Eventually decide we are lost so stop to ask directions Sent to transport company with own workshop. They do repair unofficially and for no more than a drink, then one of their lorries acts as guide back to motorway. At T-junction on the way the driver gets out of his car - he's a Lion. Joins with lorry as additional escort back to motorway!
Into Austria near Salzburg - will Julie Andrews appear with the von Trapp family? Really starting to motor now, although nearly half a day behind schedule. Rather a pity that we are travelling this section in the dark and are unable to enjoy the mountain scenery. Perhaps it will be light on the return journey.
1730 Stop high in the mountains to check route. Are we supposed to be heading for Graz or Villach? Loos in lay-by, thank heaven! Some phone home using mobiles. Very quick connection and good quality sound transmission.
1800 On the way again, towards Villach, so we are on the right road.
1830 Toll station, all pull into the side. Possible charge of £250 for the artic alone, but we have papers confirming status as aid convoy and therefore toll-free. Roy works it for the lorries, but we have to pay for the camper.
1915 Gmund. Overnight stop at nearby services. We have passed through several tunnels, some quite long, but Manda has managed very well despite suffering from claustrophobia. Ready for bed at 2100 after good meal.
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