Our 9th Epic Road Trip with friends - to Mondsee Austria
This year we had intended a trip to Spain but interest was a bit lacking, our friend Davy started the ball rolling on our next destination by booking an hotel in Austria, not wanting to miss out being with friends again Anne and I decided we would jump in and join Davy & Caroline as well as Nic who had also booked.
The area we were to visit was extremely popular which meant we had to opt for different hotels that were within a few minutes of each other, this was the same for Dick and Richard who were to join us on the road trip.
The area we were to visit was extremely popular which meant we had to opt for different hotels that were within a few minutes of each other, this was the same for Dick and Richard who were to join us on the road trip.
Sunday 26th July 2015
It was a fine sunny top down day as we set off on our 9th European Road Trip
We started our journey from Sproatley at 11:00 am, together with Richard and Nic who stopped the night before, this saved Richard nearly two hours on his journey time to Dover and was a welcome respite for Nic prior to the holiday.
- 12 noon we were at Blyth Services where we met up with Caroline n Davy and Dick. 12:40pm we set off for Dover
- Dover bound we stopped at 3:15pm for a coffee break then onward till 5:10pm when we arrived at Premier Inn Dover, we had opted to pre-pay the Dartford crossing before leaving, simple enough to do but I wouldn't say it improved traffic problems a great deal. 7:15pm we dined and so to bed about 10.30pm.
Premier Inn Dover
Monday 27th July 2015
6:00am start for our 8:00am ferry booking, despite being only ten minutes from the terminal we decided to make an earlier start than usual because of the problems in Calais, this was a wise move as they had decided to move all the Calais sailings to Dunkirk, I say "wise" as we didn't get to board till 9:00am..........
- It was worth paying extra to use the private lounge, even more so because of the extra passengers due to the Calais problems, plenty of room, snacks/drinks included and its own toilet facilities.
Auchan Hypermarket
Clocks forward an hour we arrived in Dunkirk at about 1 O'clock, as usual we were scattered about on loading so a ten minute drive to Auchan gives us chance to all get together and stock up with anything we might have missed.
Auchan to B&B Metz
Setting off from Auchan at about 2:40pm we enter Belgium....will try to record different countries but it is difficult as there are no more borders as such! 5:20pm Luxembourg with tops still down. 5:40pm tea break and 6.20pm France again. 6:40pm we arrived at Metz for evening.
- Arriving at Metz (Andy & Fran enjoying the trip)
- A quick shower and change then it's off to...........(If you have seen the previous adventures you might have guessed this)....... CROCODILE!!!!
|
|
Tuesday 28th July 2015
Metz to Mondsee
From the outset we opted for the "Avoid Tolls" on our sat-nav's but adding the "Avoid Motorways" would have made the journey far too long which might have made booking into our hotels a little difficult
6.50pm we finally arrived at our hotel – Garni Stabauer, a very pleasant hotel with very friendly owners, the only down sides being the actual location was right beside a main road which meant that traffic noise was a little off putting but it did quieten down at a reasonable time. Also, although there was a restaurant, it only served the usual continental breakfast and no other meals, there were no tea/coffee or any kind of drinks available either. The upside was that it was within walking distance of Mondsee town and the lake.
At 8:15pm we all met up at Dicks hotel for a very pleasant evening meal....10:30pm we were in bed yawn.
Wednesday 29th July 2015
Woke at 6:30am to rain but by the time we had finished breakfast at 9:30am the sun had come out. We decided to have a day off driving and visit Lake Mondsee just a couple of minutes from our hotel. We started off with coffee in the nearest cafe then wandered round the lakeside. We all decided to take the boat cruise round the lake which only took about an hour, having a bar on board was an added bonus.......Drinking in the sunshine.......Cruising the lake.........BLISS!!! After that we walked up into Mondsee town as far as the church where Maria of Sound of Music fame got married, we went inside intending to look round but a funeral service was being held so we stayed a short while then quietly left. Then we wandered back down to the lakeside restaurant we had seen earlier and sat down to a meal of Wiener Schnitzel followed by LARGE ice creams in a very picturesque setting (apart from the wasps that plagued us all the holiday), then we all went back to our separate hotels for a chilled evening.
Andy & Fran looking over a damp start to the day
Coffee break before checking out the lake
Our grand lake cruise
Found a fountain at the side of the lake
Into Mondsee and the basilica St. Michael
A warm evening stroll back to the lakeside restaurant
Wiener Schnitzel time followed by small ice creams
Thursday 30th July 2015
The weather is beautiful today and we are all going up a mountain with all the others after breakfast, not climbing but on a unique train......The Shafberg Mountain Railway. The scenery as always was stunning on the drive there especially with the top down, even after parking up the walk through the town and along side Lake Wolfgangsee was spectacular. After buying our tickets we boarded the unusual train, this didn't use the tracks for driving for obvious reasons, it used a continuous link down the middle of the track which was engaged by a sprocket drive on the train. Although a little crowded the journey was something not to be missed, a really steep climb with the little engine giving it all it had and spectacular views all the way to the top, once there the views were even more breathtaking. After a short coffee break we all walked up to the top of the mountain where the views were (I bet you think I'm going to say breathtaking?)......SCARY!!, with just a wooden fence between you and oblivion.......
Having worked up an appetite we went to the restaurant that was at the top of the mountain, for another drink and a snack, then back to the station for an equally stunning ride on the train, back down the mountain.
On returning to the cars, Dick suggested a little mountain drive on the way back, and what a drive it was...........
Then it was back to our hotels to change ready for another evening meal by the side of Lake Mondsee, a meal with a view......being with friends.......FABULOUS!!!
CLICK HERE FOR FABULOUS 360 VIEW FROM THE TOP >>>> http://schafberg.panomax.com/
Having worked up an appetite we went to the restaurant that was at the top of the mountain, for another drink and a snack, then back to the station for an equally stunning ride on the train, back down the mountain.
On returning to the cars, Dick suggested a little mountain drive on the way back, and what a drive it was...........
Then it was back to our hotels to change ready for another evening meal by the side of Lake Mondsee, a meal with a view......being with friends.......FABULOUS!!!
CLICK HERE FOR FABULOUS 360 VIEW FROM THE TOP >>>> http://schafberg.panomax.com/
Lake Wolfgangsee and the town
The quirky little train
Some of the views going up
Coffee - snack and feed the bird
Now.......The views
Snack time.........again
Going.....Down
Our "Little" mountain drive
Our evening meal at the side of Lake Mondsee
Friday 31st July 2015
Glorious weather again for our outing to Salzburg today, the journey was just the same as all the others here..........BRILLIANT!!, a nice chill out drive took us into the heart of Salzburg, my TomTom live services didn't let us down and took us to the underground car park right on the marker, we went right down to the fifth floor below which was well below the river level......... It was then a short walk over the Makartsteg bridge to the old town, this bridge is very similar to the Pont de l'Archeveche we saw in Paris but with only a fraction of the locks.
We arrived as they seemed to be setting up, or closing down some sort of event. Heading up what seemed to be one of the main shopping streets we went to a building at the bottom of a cliff that had a lift all the way to the top, it was there we had a cooling drink with an ice cream (again), from there we went to an "Art Museum", which to be honest was very disappointing.....Hey-ho.
Back down to street level we had a walk past the shops, it was after this we decided to split up and make our way back to the hotels, not before Anne and myself along with Nic went into an irresistible shop/restaurant for an excellent lobster lunch after which Nic left us to head back while Anne and I went for a bit of a walk then had a coffee before heading back.
We met up with Dick later that evening for a nice meal just near the basilica St. Michael in Mondsee.
We arrived as they seemed to be setting up, or closing down some sort of event. Heading up what seemed to be one of the main shopping streets we went to a building at the bottom of a cliff that had a lift all the way to the top, it was there we had a cooling drink with an ice cream (again), from there we went to an "Art Museum", which to be honest was very disappointing.....Hey-ho.
Back down to street level we had a walk past the shops, it was after this we decided to split up and make our way back to the hotels, not before Anne and myself along with Nic went into an irresistible shop/restaurant for an excellent lobster lunch after which Nic left us to head back while Anne and I went for a bit of a walk then had a coffee before heading back.
We met up with Dick later that evening for a nice meal just near the basilica St. Michael in Mondsee.
Our drive to Salzburg
Crossing the bridge to the old town
There had been an Audi display at at the top of the cliff......Covered up unfortunately
The restaurant and its stunning views
The art museum (the less said about this the better)
The shops & food (The dogs expression was priceless)
Saturday 1st August 2015
Today we will mainly be going up another mountain, this time one in Obertraun which was only about an hours drive, again through the stunning scenery of Austria. I couldn't resist stopping at a lakeside lay-by on the way there to take in the scenery, it was so tranquil. Then onward to see the mountain, there happened to be a little tunnel on the way which gave us a chance to have a bit of resonance (as the video shows).
Although there were quite a few cars in the car park we still had plenty of room and there wasn't a huge amount of people about, so off to the ticket office so we could take the two cable cars to the summit. The cable cars were a little full and the ride was quite smooth till we reached one of the pylons and it lurched quite a bit making for a few girly screams (not me honest), this took us to a half way point with a restaurant and some other facilities but we decided to take the next cable car to just near the top (You walk the rest of the way), again it had a pylon half way up that caused an even more severe lurch.....and more screams lol. Once at the top we searched out a restaurant for a little sustenance and boy was it a restaurant with a view....
Suitably fed and watered some of us fools decided to walk to the Welterbespirale, a shiny stainless steel construction at the very top of the mountain, then even more foolishly walk further round the mountain to the "5 Fingers", a scary structure that could open up the bowels of some people, not me though, I walked to the end, looked down at my feet and saw a bottomless chasm through the mesh, I didn't scream once (probably all the Tramadols I had been taking). we then walked back to meet the others, took the cable cars back down and made our way back to our hotels, Anne and I decided to have a qick visit to Mondsee to visit the church and hopefully take some pictures, again there was a service going on, this time a wedding (Just a christening to go), so no pictures inside again so it was a quick coffee then back to our hotel to get ready and meet later for an evening meal at the Panorama Hotel restaurant the others had found which had spectacular views.
SOME INFORMATION
http://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/detail/article/obertraun-at-the-foot-of-the-krippenstein-1.html
Although there were quite a few cars in the car park we still had plenty of room and there wasn't a huge amount of people about, so off to the ticket office so we could take the two cable cars to the summit. The cable cars were a little full and the ride was quite smooth till we reached one of the pylons and it lurched quite a bit making for a few girly screams (not me honest), this took us to a half way point with a restaurant and some other facilities but we decided to take the next cable car to just near the top (You walk the rest of the way), again it had a pylon half way up that caused an even more severe lurch.....and more screams lol. Once at the top we searched out a restaurant for a little sustenance and boy was it a restaurant with a view....
Suitably fed and watered some of us fools decided to walk to the Welterbespirale, a shiny stainless steel construction at the very top of the mountain, then even more foolishly walk further round the mountain to the "5 Fingers", a scary structure that could open up the bowels of some people, not me though, I walked to the end, looked down at my feet and saw a bottomless chasm through the mesh, I didn't scream once (probably all the Tramadols I had been taking). we then walked back to meet the others, took the cable cars back down and made our way back to our hotels, Anne and I decided to have a qick visit to Mondsee to visit the church and hopefully take some pictures, again there was a service going on, this time a wedding (Just a christening to go), so no pictures inside again so it was a quick coffee then back to our hotel to get ready and meet later for an evening meal at the Panorama Hotel restaurant the others had found which had spectacular views.
SOME INFORMATION
http://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/detail/article/obertraun-at-the-foot-of-the-krippenstein-1.html
Lay-by view
Short scenic views with a little tunnel fun
Going up
Restaurant with a hell of a view (Again)
Taken on the walk to the top (The only bit of snow left in one of the pictures)
The Welterbespirale with a 360 degree view
5 Fingers
Some pictures Anne took while waiting for us to get back down.....
The Panorama-Gasthof-Pension-Leidingerhof with (More) stunning views
Their Facebook page
http://Panorama-Gasthof-Pension-Leidingerhof
Their Facebook page
http://Panorama-Gasthof-Pension-Leidingerhof
Sunday 2nd August 2015
Woke up to rain......sighs. So we went for a short road trip along with Davy & Caroline and found a small town called St Gilgen, we wandered about for a bit (getting very wet) and bought a few souvenirs then it was back to Mondsee, We thought we would try a visit to the church again but thought it might be busy it being a Sunday, surprisingly it was pretty empty and there were no services at all after wondering round and taking some pictures we decided to go for our lunch in the same restaurant near the church, we were joined by Dick & Richard and had lovely burgers (Not a bit like Maccy D's). Then it was back to our hotel where we did some packing (shame) and had a chill out. In the evening we all journeyed back to mountain top hotel next to Davy n Caroline’s where we had been told we would see lovely fireworks later on. We had a very nice meal....this time Anne & I chose fish - trout...was delicious. Then the usual puddings burp..... We waited dutifully for the fireworks....meh.... they were a disappointment but never mind .... the company and good food made up for it all. Back to hotel for last nights sleep at 11:00pm
Some "Damp" pictures in St Gilgen
Had to take a video of this outfall pipe at the Chinese restaurant
Managed to get pictures inside the basilica St. Michael
Our last meal in Mondsee at the Panorama Hotel before setting off the next day
Monday 3rd August 2015
It was an uneventful journey back to the B&B in Metz, we opted for the "No Tolls" - Avoid motorways" route which initially was very pleasant but decided to take the motorway option after traffic was making the drive really slow, we did get split up on the way and some had a meal before getting there but Anne & I decided to try for the Crocodile again........We made it
Stopped for a coffee....No one about
Tuesday 4th August 2015
Some of us wanted to try for an earlier ferry, some wanted to get some duty free shopping at the Auchan in Dunkirk and some wanted to leave a little later so we all headed off to Dunkirk at different times.
Anne & I could have made the earlier ferry but opted to get a little wine to take back home, so after shopping and sorting out the storage we made it back to the ferry a few minutes before Nic & Richard, Davy & Dick managed to get the earlier ferry and were well on the way.
Saying our goodbyes to Nic & Richard we set off for the 5 hour drive home, top down all the way..........as it should be.
Anne & I could have made the earlier ferry but opted to get a little wine to take back home, so after shopping and sorting out the storage we made it back to the ferry a few minutes before Nic & Richard, Davy & Dick managed to get the earlier ferry and were well on the way.
Saying our goodbyes to Nic & Richard we set off for the 5 hour drive home, top down all the way..........as it should be.
Surprising how many bottles of wine you can squeeze into these little cars.....
My Thoughts
Yet another fantastic European road trip, our ninth to date, it was good to see Davy & Caroline, Nick and Dick again and also to welcome a road trip virgin, Richard, who I'm sure enjoyed the experience and will hopefully want to venture across the channel again.
Although an enjoyable trip, unfortunately I had a medical condition as a result of a recent operation that took the edge off it a bit and I apologise to my fellow travelers for my sometimes moody behavior, hopefully this will soon be resolved ready for a new adventure in 2016.
As always our Toyota MR2 Roadster performed impeccably, as did all the other cars, it would have been nice if Davy could have brought his Roadster along instead of the Yaris, but after recent repairs it would have been a bit risky to jump straight into a long journey like this.
So here's to next year an hopefully an equally as good Road trip.
Anne's thoughts
I wasn't sure if I'd really enjoy this trip as much as last years venture to Tuscany but it really was a lovely holiday. As a passenger all the way I really chilled out. The scenery was magnificent, the towns and villages were truly interesting.....and the food n drink were gorgeous. The company was very good, never a cross word from start to finish. Here's to next years trip!
Although an enjoyable trip, unfortunately I had a medical condition as a result of a recent operation that took the edge off it a bit and I apologise to my fellow travelers for my sometimes moody behavior, hopefully this will soon be resolved ready for a new adventure in 2016.
As always our Toyota MR2 Roadster performed impeccably, as did all the other cars, it would have been nice if Davy could have brought his Roadster along instead of the Yaris, but after recent repairs it would have been a bit risky to jump straight into a long journey like this.
So here's to next year an hopefully an equally as good Road trip.
Anne's thoughts
I wasn't sure if I'd really enjoy this trip as much as last years venture to Tuscany but it really was a lovely holiday. As a passenger all the way I really chilled out. The scenery was magnificent, the towns and villages were truly interesting.....and the food n drink were gorgeous. The company was very good, never a cross word from start to finish. Here's to next years trip!