With a Detour to the Shortcut

It really happened: on July 7th, just after noon, the long-awaited call from the garage came – our van was ready to go.

We had spent the weekend slowing down a bit, catching up on sleep, and reminding ourselves of the original plan: traveling light. So we took off the motorcycle trailer, cleared out the van, sorted and repacked everything. By around 11 p.m., our travel setup was finally complete – the van packed, the bike ready, and both of us set to roll.

Somewhere along the way, we had also spontaneously changed our route. Poland was only ever meant as a transit country, so we decided to head straight for the ferry to Klaipėda, Lithuania. The catch: we're traveling with two vehicles, but only need one cabin – something you can't book online. So we had to wait until the ferry company’s hotline opened in the morning.

The woman on the phone sounded more than a little surprised when she heard we were hoping to board that same night. For a while it seemed like it wouldn’t work out at all. But then – the very last cabin was still available. Ours.

And so, our journey officially begins. We drive north, taking small roads through the Harz mountains. Weather slows us down here and there, but by around 10 p.m., we both arrive at the ferry terminal in Travemünde – just minutes apart.

Then comes the waiting. It takes another four and a half hours until we’re finally allowed to board. At around 3 a.m., we crawl into our bunks – tired, relieved, and ready for what lies ahead.

The first leg of the journey is complete.