In the land of Mozartkugeln

We didn't have big plans for Austria anymore, and we also agreed that a longer hike on the last day would increase the risk of injury, especially since we had already walked quite a few kilometers. So we decided to have a relaxed day in the sunshine at one of the lakes near the border. Co-pilot, navigator, and research specialist Lotti looked for a nice outdoor pool on the way, where we spent the afternoon, took time for a swim (there was even a shower, although only cold), played some frisbee (not Lotti's finest hour), and sorted pictures on the freshly charged laptop. Finding a place to sleep later proved to be somewhat difficult in a country that does not tolerate wild camping in any way and where practically every meadow is private land or pasture. Nevertheless, we found an acceptable spot and realized that this would be our last night in the rooftop tent. Apart from the rainy interruption for 2 nights in Slovakia, we had now slept in the tent for 27 days. 27 days in which we breathed fresh air continuously, didn't book anything, and didn't spend any money on sleeping places, fresh water, or a shower. The following morning, we diligently wiped the dew off the tent, packed up the sleeping gear, and moved on. To conclude, we treated ourselves to a delicious fresh breakfast at the bakery (Karsi's disappointment at the absence of oatmeal disappeared with a delicious hot chocolate with whipped cream). The tour took us further to Salzburg, where we mingled with the tourists again, visited the castle and a bit of the old town, spent the afternoon on the riverbank with a final beer, and finally looked for a suitable place for dinner. We took the opportunity to empty the cooker cartridge and our noodles and were able to enjoy the day and sunset in Germany at a small lake. Instead of the rooftop tent, we took Willie to the highway. Karsi drove the first part, before Lotti completed the last nearly 300 kilometers of our 7-hour drive to Berlin starting at midnight.

On Saturday, September 1st at around 4 am, we headed towards Poland. Exactly 4 weeks and 5324 kilometers later with the brave Willie, we arrived coming from the south. A bit nostalgic and with the certainty that everyday life would catch up with us all too quickly, but also proud to have dared, we fell into the warm soft bed with a huge load of memories, impressions, much more experience, and already the beginnings of new travel plans.

Thank you for your support and your joy in reading, after all, most things are even more fun when you can share them. Now we have to do the laundry, sort pictures, check back in, and before work starts again, give Willie a well-deserved shower.

Until the next adventure.

Your Lotti and Karsi