Camper Travels

Travelogue – Scandinavia 2019

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Borgholms Slott

Travelogue

Period: 15 August 2019 – 7 September 2019. Distance: 5.635 km.

Photo gallery

The photo galleries of both Norway and Sweden can be found on our SmugMug site. Click here for our photos of  Norway and here for our photos of Sweden.

Route

In 2019 we have made a round trip, starting in Denmark, through South-West  Norway and we ended in the south of Sweden on the island of Öland. It was a fantastic trip. It is our plan to travel in Scandinavia every year and explore Scandinavia further. It has so much to offer and we have only seen a small part of it yet. The nature is stunning. The weather might be a challenge sometimes.

Highlights

Denmark

Bjulberg is a limestone cliff in northern Jutland. It is the only rock formation in Jutland, the only bird cliff on the Danish mainland. When we were there were many bird watchers. The bird tribe.

Other highlights of Denmark can be found in our travelogues of Denmark.

Norway

Lindesnes lighthouseis Norway’s oldest lighthouse dating back to 1656. It occupies the southernmost tip of the Norwegian mainland – 2518 km from the North Cape.

On the road Rv44 between Egersund and Flekkefjord, under Helleren in Jøssingfjord, are two unique small houses under an impressive rock formation. Both houses date back from the 1800’s. Helleren is large, the drop fall measures 10 meters at its deepest. Helleren (“Hedlaren”), forms a natural roof for the light blue and red house.

Varhaug gamle kyrkjegard. The first church at Varhaug was built in the 13th century. The old church was demolished in 1905 and replaced by a small burial chapel. The scenic cemetery faces the ocean. There is also a monument to nine Russian sailors who were washed ashore after the naval vessel “Ingermanland” was shipwrecked in 1842

Skudeneshavn. Is described as an idyllic coastal town. It may well be, but the tourists and the new rich do not do well to this old town. It is still worth strolling through the old fishermen’s town and admiring the old houses and narrow streets and try to ignore the influence of the new world.

The mountain road between Aurland and Lærdal. The crossing Aurland – Lærdal- Aurlandsfjellet is 48 km and the highest point 1306 m above sea-level. With the camper it was a challenge to drive the fisrt segment of 7 km’s. You will come away with powerful impressions, and the contrasts between the fjord and the high mountain region where snow lies on the ground for most of the year are compelling. The road is also called “the snowroad”, since you can see snow along the road most of the summer. We were here during the weekend and we regretfully could not make a stop at Stegastein. However, the desolate landscape higher up was so beautiful that we have spent hours here.

Borgund Stavkyrkje. Built around 1180 and is dedicated to the Apostle Andrew. The church is exceptionally well preserved and is one of the most distinctive stave churches in Norway. Some of the finest features are the lavishly carved portals and the roof carvings of dragons’s heads. The stavchurches are Norway’s most important contribution to world architecture and Norway’s oldest preserved timber buildings.

Lærdalsøyri. The village is located along the Lærdalselvi river where it empties into the Lærdalsfjorden, a branch off of the main Sognefjorden.The village center is listed as a national “heritage village” and tourists come to see the old city center with its 161 wooden houses that date from 1700-1800.[4] Old Lærdalsøyri used to be a trading port between east and west in Norway.

Jostedalsbreen National Park covers an area of 1,310 square kilometers. Jostedalsbreen is the biggest glacier in mainland Europe and covers 487 square km2 of the park. The national park also contains many other large and small glaciers. The Jostedalsbreen glacier divides two of the world’s longest fjords, the Sognefjord and the Nordfjord. We made a walk to the Bergsetbreen in the early morning, which was a great experience.

Dale Kyrkje in Luster. The church is built around 1250 in Gothic style. We found the colours of the church nice, but the most beautiful part is inside the church, in particular the lime paintings.

The Sognefjell route. This was the culmination of our trip in Norway. This route, the R55, winds from Lom in the Gudsbransdal, over the Sognefjell to Sognefjord. It is the most spectacular route to the fjords area. It is a beautiful area with breath taking scenery. The highest mountain of Norway, the Galdhøpiggen (2.469 m) lies in this area. You feel void in this landscape. We have taken a lot of pictures. The light was beautiful.

Sweden

The petroglyphs at Tanum. In Sweden, many petroglyphs from the Bronze Age, the period of about 3,700 to 2.500 years ago, have been preserved. The largest group is here in Bohuslän. The location is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We have visited a number of places. At Vitlycke we made a long walk. We very much like the drawings and we believe that many artists are inspired by these drawings.

Svenneby gamla kyrka. A beautiful church, but although the Church would be open all day, it remained closed when we visited the church.

 Fjällbacka. Beautiful village, which is hidden under overhanging rocks. The road through the gorge to the top of the rocks with the beautiful view of the village and the fjord is definitely worth the climb. The village, how can it be otherwise, is very touristic, but still ok. The village has been and still is the decor for movies and TV series. There is a special place designed for Ingrid Bergman, with photos and a bust of her.

 Granhults Kyrka. It is the oldest surviving wooden church in Sweden. The church was built around 1220. The church is beautiful on the outside, but we especially liked the interior and the atmosphere in the church. The murals go back to 1750, but there are also fragments from the Middle Ages. Sweden has beautiful old churches. This one is high on our list.

 Dädesjö gamla kyrka. The old church is best known for its special wall and ceiling paintings from the 13th century. A beautiful sober church in a beautiful setting.

 Transjö Hytta. A small glassblowing farm in the forests of Sweden. This small factory was set up by two master glassblowers, Jan-Erik Ritzman and Sven-Åke Carlsson. They learned the profession at Kosta Boda. The glassblowing farm itself is only active in winters. But in the garden and the atelier are beautiful works of art of glass to see. In the future we hope to visit more small glass workshops in this region. This region is called the Glass Kingdom of Smålland and it is located between Växjö and Nybro. Glass is such a beautiful material!

The Mönsterås Kustvåg is a beautiful coastal road from Kåremo to Mönsterås. A beautiful oer nature landscape. Pataholm is an old trading post with beautiful characteristic houses

Öland

We have been on the island of Öland for a number of days. A beautiful island now connected with a bridge with the main land of Sweden. We felt at home here. Very varied vegetation, prehistoric monuments, rural churches, windmills and miles of beaches. The perfect spot for us. Below are some highlights of Öland.

Byrums Raukar and Neptuni Akrår. On the West Coast, the nature reserve shows the contrast between grey stones and the snake herb. Beautiful to photograph. The light and the clouds were Scandinavian beautiful. Also, on the West Coast are the limestone formations of Byrums Raukar formed by the wind and waves. The stone statues have been formed by the sea over millions of years. If you like fossils, this is also a paradise.

Långe Erik, official name Ölands Norra Udde, is a lighthouse built in 1845 and stands on a very small island, Stora Grundet, which is connected to the northern part of Öland. There are lots of water birds to see. The small island with the lighthouse is definitely worth a visit.

Källa Odekyrka. is the well-preserved ruin of a large 12th century fortified church near Källahamn on the east coast of Öland. From the outside, the ruin is completely intact and still looks almost like it did 750 years ago. But the inside of the building is empty. We found it to be a beautiful church. Especially with the old graves that lie around the church. Nice atmosphere.

Sankta Brita Kapell, Kapelludden is located on the east coast of the island of Öland, about four kilometers from the village of Bredsättra, in a marshy area called Kapelludden. The chapel dates back to the 13th century. Today there is nothing left over then foundation and the eastern wall, the Western Wall is devastated during a storm in 1914. With the right light, a beautiful photographic location.

Gräsgård Fiskehamn. On the east coast, about 5km north of Eketorp. Gräsgårds Fiskehamn is a little smelly fishing port where a salesman sells fish and chips. We found it a nice charming little harbour, without tourist shops.

Ottenby Nature Reserve, with the lighthouse Långe Jan. A truly beautiful nature reserve, in the extreme south of Öland. Paradise for birdwatchers. The landscape is flat, with rolling stones, isolated by the wind deformed trees, some old houses and of course sheep and lots of birds. The 42m high lighthouse stands majestically in the landscape.

Gettlinge gravfält. Gettlinge Gravfält is one of the largest and most certainly most beautiful prehistoric cemeteries on the island of Öland. The grave field extends over a total length of about two kilometres with a good view over the Strait of Kalmar. The entire cemetery once consisted of about 250 graves, most of them were typically bronze and Iron age tumuli. 15 of the more than 200 surviving graves have been investigated archaeological. The studies have shown that the grave field over a period of approximately 2,000 years-from approximately 1000 BC up to 1050 AD was in use.

Travelogue – Denmark 2017 – 2019

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Gershoj

Camper Travelogue – Denmark 2017 – 2019

Period: 20 May 2017-30 May 2017. Distance: 2,915 km.

Photo gallery

You are invited to see the photos of our trip on: SmugMug

Route

  • Ribe – Esbjerg – Blåvand – Hvide Sande
  • Hvide Sand – Lyngvig Fyr – Trans – Boubjerg Fyr – Vestervig
  • Vestervig – Thy National Park – Mors Stoer – Stenbjerg Landingsplads – Nørre Vorupør
  • Nørre Vorupør -Hanstholm – Bulbjerg – Lild Strand – Børglum Kloster – Rødhus
  • Rødhus – Märup Kirke – Rudbjerg Knude – Rudbjerg Fyr – Tornby
  • Tornby – Hirtshals – Råbjerg Mile – Skagen – Saeby
  • Saeby – Hals – Mulbjerge -Mariager

Highlights of this trip

We followed to a great extent the Daisy Route (Danish: Margueritruten) an autoroute of about 3.700 km, of which we deviated regularly. In these ten days we traveled mainly in Jutland.

The highlights:

– Ribe, a beautiful old town. What is particularly striking is the use of colors. Almost Caribbean. The light was beautiful. We were there during the golden hour.

– The sculpture group Mennesket Ved Havet. Impressively high white sculptures of men who look out over the sea. Beautiful to photograph.

– The bunkers on the beach at Blåvand. An artist has put heads and tails of horses on the bunkers. It has become a beautiful setting on the beach.

– The Thy National Park, which includes a lighthouse from 1883. But also the Stenbjerg Landingsplads, here are white houses, where the fishermen once stored their tools, nets, etc. Beautiful light gave it a magic atmosphere.

– An evening, again with really beautiful light, on the small beach of Nørre Vorupør. There was a strong wind, which caused high waves. There were beautiful colourful fishing boats on the beach and the light was magical. Our cameras are not fond of sand, but we could not let this pass us.

– Near the Børglum Kloster is the Oxholm Molle. A special octagonal mill from 1857.

– The Rudbjerg Fyr, A lighthouse, which is disappearing in the sand, was probably the most beautiful place this holiday. The undergoing lighthouse with the sand dunes around it are truly spectacular. You imagine yourself in a desert.

– The Tilsandede Kirke. Just like the Rudbjerg Fyr this church began to disappear after violent sand storms in 1775.

– The beach at Mulbjerge. The coast of East Jutland is very different from the coast of West Jutland. The west and north very wild and rugged, the east friendly and some tame. This is an idyllic beach. Children caught fish with small fishing nets. A few white houses. A wooden pier that goes very far into the sea.

Travelogue

Period 20 May 2018-1 June 2018.  Distance 2,900 km.

 Route

  • Sønderborg – Fynshav – Søby – Marstal
  • Marstal – Ommels hoved – Strandby Havn – Ærokøbing
  • Ærokøbing – Marstal – Voderup Klint – Borgnaes -Skoldnaes – Søby – Faaborg
  • Faaborg – Troense – Dageløkke
  • Dageløkke – Hou – Tranekaer – Kelds Nor – Ristinge – Bagenkop
  • Bagenkop – (Lolland) Albuen – Harpelunde
  • Harpelunde – Maribo – Park van Corselitze – Stubbekøbing
  • Stubbekøbing – Møn – Fjaneford Kirke – Møns Klint
  • Møns Klint – Elmelunde Kirke, – Keltby Kirke – Stege – Ulvshale
  • Ulvshale – Nyord – Prætø – Rødvig
  • Rødvig – Stevns Klint – Slot Vallø – Kalmar – Sjølund
  • Sjølund -Christiansfeld – Aabenraa

Highlights of this trip

We continued the Margueritruten. This time the southern islands of Denmark.  All gems. The weather was Mediterranean just like last year.

The highlights:

– Sønderborg. A nice castle, beautifully situated by the water. Characteristic old trees close to the castle.

– The island Ærø. What a pretty sweet island. The whole island is a highlight. Unique are the beach huts at Marstal and at Ærøkøbing.

– The three older fishermen, Pensioners who were celebrating life in the morning with a beer at Stranby Havn on Ærø.

–  Ærøkøbing, like Ribe, colorful beautiful architecture

– The island Langeland. Like Ærø the whole island is a highlight for us. We visited the lighthouses of Hou and of Kelds Nor. Both are worthwhile visiting. The Cliff at Ristinge is quite high and style and a favorite hiking area.

– The Port of Bagenkop, colorful with the old fishing boats.

– The walk to the lighthouse of Albuen (Lolland). The lighthouse is not special, the road thereto is.

– The area at Maribo with the small lakes on the beautiful island Lolland. The Park of Corselitze is also very nice.

– The whole island Møn is a highlight, with the absolute winner this holiday the white chalk cliffs at Møns Klint. In the evening we walked on top and in the morning, we were very early at the foot of the cliff and we were there alone for several hours. A beautiful experience! It is an imposing steep coast of 7km long and a highest point of 128m (higher than Dover).

– Churches with interesting murals on Møn are the Elmelunde Kirke and the Keltby Kirke

– Nyord is a small peninsula, connected to Møn. Half-timbered houses, a beautiful octagonal church and a charming little harbor.

– Rødvig, a busy fishing site.

– Stevns Klint is more than worth visiting. The old church of Højerup of which a part of the rock is plunged into the sea, is so beautiful of simplicity. The walk from the church to the lighthouse Stevns Fyr Is impressive along the cliff.

Travelogue

Period 22 May 2019 – 31 May 2019.  Distance 2.800 km. 

Route

  • Zeeland-Wischhafen (Germany)
  • Wischhafen – Glückstadt (Ferry Elbe)-Flensburg-Randers-Mellerup
  • Mellerup – Voer (ferry)-Fjellerup-Ebeltoft
  • Ebeltoft – Helgenæs (via Mole Bjerge) – Porskar Stenhus-Skødstrup
  • Skødstrup – Kalo Ruin – Hov – Samsø (ferry)
  • Round trip Samsø
  • Samsø – Kalundborg (ferry)-Sjællands Odde-Hørby
  • Hørby-Kundby – Undløse-Gershøj
  • Gershøj – Frederiksund-Rendsburg

Highlights of this trip

We picked up the Margueritrutenin Jutland, from where we stopped in 2017.This trip we did Djursland, the island of Samsø and North Sjælland. We didn’t have as much luck with the weather as in previous years. The skies, on the other hand, were therefore very beautiful and often dramatic.

The highlights:

– Ebeltoft. We have been here many years ago and wanted to revisit the town. Many of the old half-timbered houses and old buildings have been preserved, all in the cheerful Danish colors. Ebeltoft has a nice atmosphere and we had a nice camper spot at the harbor, with a harbor master (?) who took very good care of his guests. A very nice elderly man.

– The Mol Bjerge Park. Beautiful undulating landscapes with often in the background the sea. On the islet Helgenæswe walked in the surroundings of the lighthouse. Along the beach were expansive fields of lilac/pink English grass. Mol Bjerge is a must.

– Porskar Stenhus. One of the most imposing round dolmens of Denmark, with a diameter of about 20 meters.

-The walk we made at the Kalo ruinwas very worthwhile. This has previously been an imposing fortress. Again, beautiful fields with English grass.

-The island of Samsø. Not spectacular, but a friendly green island with friendly little villages. We had a beautiful camper spot in Ballen, right by the sea.

-The route from Kalundborgto Sjællands Oddewas scenic very beautiful. Hilly with beautiful vistas.

-On Sjælland We had very nice camper spots close to the sea at the port, e.g. in Hørbyand Gershøj. We really enjoyed these quiet spots.

-Beautiful churches in Kundbyand Undløse. The Undløse Kirke has beautiful mural paintings from 1430 – 1450. Special is that all people depicted have long noses.

Map of Denmark
The orange flags indicate the locations where we have taken our photos.

 

Travelogue – Spain and Portugal 2019

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Sao Pedro das Cabecas

Period

14 March 2019 – 8 April 2019. Distance: 7,145 Km.

Photo gallery

A photo gallery with photos of our journey is now available on Smugmug (please click).

Route

  • Zeeland (NL) – Buchy (France, above Rouen)
  • Buchy – Mirambeau (France)
  • Mirambeau – Bordeau -Villaquiran de Los Infantes (Spain)
  • Villaquiran de Los Infantes – SalamancaValle Del Jerte – Navaconcejo
  • Novaconcejo – Coria- Valle La Vera – Losar de la Vera
  • Losar de la Vera – Villanueva de la Vera – Parque Nacional de Monfraqüe – Trujillo
  • Trujillo – Garrovillas -Valencia de Alcantera
  • Valencia de Alcantara – Marvao – Portalegre – Elvas – Olivenza Rosário (Portugal)
  • Rosário – Estremoz – Elvas – Rosário
  • Rosário – Terena – Barragem do Alvito – Viano do Alentejo
  • Viano do Alentejo – Alvito – Castro Verde
  • Castro Verde-Cuba-São Pedro das Cabecas
  • São Pedro das Cabecas – Barragem de Santa Clara-Cabo de São Vicente
  • Cabo de São Vicente-Carrapate -Villa Nove de Milfontes -Porto Covo
  • Porto Covo – São Bartolomeu da Sera – Santiago do Cacém-Porto da Carrasqueira – Comporta
  • Comporta – Peniche – Consolacao
  • Consolacao – Obidos – Nazaré -Coz
  • Coz – Aqueda – Bico
  • Bico – Bunheiro – Cortegaca – Ovar – Bico
  • Bico – Aveiro – Peso de Régua
  • Peso de Régua – Braga – Soajo
  • Soajo – Lindoso – NP da Peneda-Gerès – Santuario de NS da Lapa Soutelo – Boticas
  • Boticas – Senhora da Graca – Cascate de Figas de Ermelo- Peso de Régua
  • Peso de Régua – Pinhão – Chaves
  • Chaves – Saint Jean de Luz (France)
  • Saint Jean de Luz -Bordeau – Mayet (France)
  • Mayet -Zeeland (NL)

 Highlights of this trip

A nice journey which started in the Extremadura in Spain and then we traveled through Portugal. In Portugal we started our journey in our so beloved Alentejo region. Then towards the most southwestern point of the Iberian Peninsula, Cabo The São Vicente. Then along the Atlantic coast and partly inlands northward. And finally traversing the north of Portugal, along the river Douro, direction Spanish border (Chaves), where our journey ended. Lisbon, Porto, certain parts of the Alentejo and the Algarve we have visited in earlier years and were therefore not visited this time but of course well worth a trip.

The highlights:

Valle del Jerte. A 50 km long valley northeast of Plasencia. It is known throughout Spain for the more than one and a half million cherry trees that flourish in this period.

Valle la Vera. A beautiful valley with typical villages. We have been in Villanueva de la Vera. Many old houses with overhanging floors, resting on wooden beams. The valley lies on the southern flanks of the Sierra de Gredos.

Parc Nacional de Manfragüe. This National Park is quite beautiful. It is located at the Taag river. The fauna is special because of a large number of protected animals, such as monk vultures, black storks and eagles.

In Trujillo we made a city walk. The Plaza Mayor is nice. We drove the same day to Garrovillas, and this village has one of the most beautiful village squares in Spain.

Elvas. We visited Elvas back in 2010 and we didn’t see the charm then. Probably the wrong time. Now we found Elvas a beautiful, lively and atmospheric city. Narrow streets. The aqueduct of Elvas is the tallest in Europe. It was built in the 15thcentury and still active. We have to go back again to Elvas and take the appropriate time.

Terena is a very small village, along the road from Estremoz to Elvas. We found it very worthwhile visiting. Estremoz in miniature.

Alvito. A small town in the Alentejo. A small gem. The market is very cosy. The old town is beautiful. Some years ago, we made a Alvito of the Alentejo region and on the cover of our book is a photo of the Ermida The São Sebastião, a church with Moorish influences.

We passed Cuba. The country Cuba is high on my wish list to visit. This small town with the same name Cuba is worth a visit too. It has Cuban influences and this small town claims that  Christovão Colon (Columbus) was born here, in contradiction to the history books which say that Columbus was born in Genua.

Stunning views can be found at the São Pedro das Cabecas with a 360 degree’s view of the surrounding area. We stayed there for the night. The land owner told us the next day that this was not allowed, but he understood that we did not do it intentionally. You have enjoyed it in any case, he said.

Cabo de São Vicente. The lighthouse, the rocky coast and a beautiful sunset. We had a nice camper place for the night. Fortunately, not too many tourists, yet. A month later it is Sunset Circus.

Along the Atlantic coast we took at Carrapate a dirt road along the cliffs. This place is a paradise for the Surf Tribes. In Porto Covo, a blue-white town,with a beautiful coastline we stayed overnight.

We have visited two unique train stations in São Bartelomeu de Serra and Santiago do Cacém. We hope that the Portuguese will discover how unique these stations with tile tableaux really are and treat these stations as a national heritage.

The Cais Palafitico do Porto da Carrasqueira is a characteristic very small tidal port in the delta of the Sado River. A big storm and everything will be vanished. It is ramshackle, but a great location for photo shoots.

Obidos. This is a must of course. In 1989 we were here for the first time. Although many tourists visit Obidos throughout the year, the town is rather unspoiled and still worth a visit.

Nazaré. Beautiful beach and a beautiful old town. If you are lucky, we were not, you can see spectacular high waves close to the lighthouse. A fantastic spectacle. Nazaré is a place you must visit. Unfortunately, but rightly of course, pretty camper unfriendly.

Coz. The Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Coz is the only landmark of the village. But definitely worth a visit.

At the Aveiro Lagoon is Bico. An excellent camper spot. In the port are the typical pointed lagoon fishing boats. Aveiro, we found not that interesting, too much pimped up for tourists. Well worth the effort is the Igreja Matriz de Cortegaca in Cortegaca. The walls of the church are covered by azulejas. Also the town Ovar is worth a visit.

In Braga we visited Bom Jesus do Monte. A pilgrimage’s place. Great, but too bombastic I find.

In the National Park da Peneda-Gerês, in the villages Soajo  and Lindoso, are really wonderful groups of espiqueiros. Espiqueiros are typical maize storage sites, but also stock shed for onions, garlic, pumpkins. The National Park located on the border of Spain and Portugal is breathtakingly beautiful.

We had seen a picture of a church in a rock. After a long search we found it: Santuário The NS da Lapa Soutela. It is about 10 km west of Vieira Do Minho. It was worth a detour, not only because of the church, but also the spectacular rocks behind the church. The gigantic boulders seem to only need a small push to thunder down.

From Boticas we drove through the Serra do Alvão. A beautiful old landscape. The Rio Olo collapses through the Figas waterfall. At Cascate de Figas de Ermelo you have a nice view of the waterfall. It is a very beautiful nature area.

From Peso de Régua we drove along the Douro river to Pinhão. A beautiful town along the Douro. Also, Pinhão has a unique train station with tableaux of azuleas. In the surrounding mountains of Pinhão are beautiful viewpoints over the Douro. However, with a camper it is a challenge to get there.

Travelogue – North Spain 2018

Posted on by vdbos_fotografia

Camper travelogue – North of Spain 2018

Period: 8 September 2018 – 29 September 2018. Distance: 5.925 km.

Photo gallery

We invite you to see the photo’s of our trip on: SmugMug

Route

  • Zealand – Buchy France (above Rouen)
  • Buchy – Mirambeau (France)
  • Mirambeau – Bordeau -Vielha Spain
  • Vielha- CollEspina – CastEjón, Campo – Capella – Graus – Huesca
  • Huesca – Monasterio De Monte Aragon –  Castillo de Loarre – Riglos
  • Riglos – Embalse De la Peña – Foz The Biniés – Yesa – Sos Del Rey Católico
  • Sos Del Rey Católico, via the Rioja Region to Fuenmayor
  • Fuenmayor – Reservoir of the Ebro – Borleña
  • Borleña – Santillana – S. Vicente – Covadonga
  • Covadonga, direction Costa Verde – Playa de Verdicio
  • Playa de Verdicio – Cudillero – Luarca
  • Cudillero – Tapia de Casariego – Castropol – Praies Das Catadralis – Foz
  • Foz – Mondeñedo – Teixido – Cedeira
  • Cedeira – Bétanzos – Corme
  • Corme – Camariñas – Camelle – Playa de Muiñas
  • Playa de Muiñas – Slate – Cabo Finisterre – Waterfall Rio Ezaro – Playa de Testal
  • Playa de Testal – Santiago de Compostela – Ourense – along the Rio Sil direction Ponferrado
  • Ponferrado – Las Médulas – Ampudia
  • Ampudia – St. Jean-de-Luz ) France)
  • St. Jean-de-Luz – Sainte-Maure de Touraine
  • Sainte-Maure de Touraine -Zealand

Highlights of this trip

A very alternating journey that began in the mountains, the Pyrenees, then to the rough Atlantic coast ending in a rural desolate part of Spain.

The highlights:

–  The two gorges we drove through on the road from Vielha to Huesca (See above). One between Campo and Castiljon de Sos, the other one between Barbastro and Graus.

– Natural park Sierra y Cañones. Beautiful rock formations. Just like in Brittany in France, the Côte Granite Rose, some villages have gigantic boulders in the village center. Such as Azlor and Azara.

– Castillo de Loarre. The castle, built in the 11eCentury, is situated majestically in the mountains and seems like from afar whether it is a part of the rocks. It is one of the oldest castles in Spain.

-The rock formations of Mallos de Riglos. We arrived in the evening and the light was magic. We didn’t know how quickly we had to get out of the camper in order not to miss this golden hour in photography.

-The truly breathtaking Mountain Gorge Foz de Biniés, which we drove through from Riglos to Sos Del Rey Católico.

-The castle of Javier. We were early in the morning and therefore there were not many visitors yet, and we were able to view and experience the beautiful castle peacefully.

-The landscapes in the Rioja region are very beautiful, we also visited the Balcony of Rioja, with a beautiful view over the area. Unfortunately, that day it was not clear.

– Covadonga is an important place in Spanish history. Here the Moorish troops were defeated by Pelayo. The Santa Cueva is special. The Basilica is great, but moderate inside.

-We were with our camper at the edge of a cliff at Playa de Verdicio, overlooking the Cabo de Peñas. This was the most beautiful camper site of our holiday. Spectacular.

– Cudillero. A picturesque fishing village on the Asturian Coast. It has some characteristics of Hydra, the small island opposite Athens in Greece.

– Praies las Catedralis, the beach of the cathedrals. The cliffs have been shaped by the waves to support arches of Gothic cathedrals.

– San Martino de Mondoñedo. A beautiful sober church in a small village. There was a nice atmosphere in the church.

– Sanctuario De San Andrés de Teixido. The road thereto is quite beautiful. Certainly, also the wind farms with stray cows. The granite Church is charming and is situated in a picturesque village.

-The Costa de la Muerte. A somewhat morbid name for this beautiful coastline in Galicia. From Corme we made a walk to the lighthouse. Beautiful vieuws and a special vegetation. From Camariñas we drove along the coast over a dirt road to Camelle. At the Tomb of the English people have stacked with stones thousands of small sculptures. Very special. The coastal road is really stunning.

-The Hórreos in Galicia. A hórreo is a storage for grain, built on pillars of wood or stone.

-The narrow road along the Rio Sil and the storage lake of Santo Estevo.

– Las Médulas. A surrealistic landscape of isolated rocks of red earth. The Romans have changed the landscape when digging for cold.

– Ampudia. The streets are unique, with the typical early Castilian Arcaden construction. Some of the wooden poles that support the houses still stem from the 13e Century. The village has not yet been affected by tourism. The castle is characteristically located on the edge of the village. A very authentic village. The area is deserted and desolate, which we very much like since this is also the real Spain.

-In both Ampudia, but also in Valoria Del Alcor and Dueñas there are many bodegas to see. Bodegas are, underground, agricultural storage sites. You feel that you are a century back in time.

Travelogue – Greece 2017

Posted on by vdbos_fotografia

Camper travelogue – Greece the mainland

Period: 9 September 2017-10 October 2017. Distance: 7,625 KM.

Photo gallery

You are kindly invited to see the photos of our trip on:  SmugMug

Route

  •  Zeeland – Vilsberg Lorraine Les Bouleaux
  • Vilsberg – Palazzago (Italy) (we lived here for 8 years)
  • Palazzago – Ancona
  • Ancona – Manfredonia
  • Manfredonia – Bari – Igoumenitsa
  • Igoumenitsa – Ioannina
  • Ioannina – Aristi (Voimatis) – Papingo
  • Papingo – Kastoria
  • Kastoria – Agios Germanos – Agios Achilios -Psarades (Prespa Lake)
  • Psarades – Nea Moudania ( Chalkadiki)
  • Moudania – Sithonia – Thessaloniki – Paralia Korinos
  • Korinos – Mount Olympos – Kastraki (Meteora)
  • Kastraki – Volos – Kato Gatzea (Pilion)
  • Kato Gatzea – Paralia Theotokou (Liri) – Kato Gatzea
  • Kato Gatzea – Volos – Macrinitsa – Tsangarada – Agios Ioanis
  • -Agios Ioanos – Davlia (Parnassos)
  • -Davlia – Delphi
  • -Delphi – Itea – Lidoriki – Galaxidi
  • Galaxidi – Nafpaktos – Andirio – Kato Vasiliki
  • Kato Vasiliki -Messolungi – Astakos – Mikikas
  • Mikikas – Lefkada – Agios Ioannis
  • Agios Ioannis – Zalongo – Mytikas
  • Mytikas – Arta – Koronissia – Parga
  • Parga – Koravostasi – Igoumenitsa
  • Igoumenitsa – Bari- Porto Recanati
  • Porto Recanati – Saint Koningbourg – Zeeland

 

The highlights of this trip

When we are heading to southern Italy or in this case Greece we go along Palazzago, where we have lived for eight years. Returning to Greece is in itself a highlight for us. We have lived in this beautiful country for six years. When we set our feet on land it is home coming for both of us. Also, for our dogs, they are both born on Corfu.

Summary:

-the beautiful old stone bridges in the Zagori In Epirus. In 2002 we also made a walk along the Vikos Gorge. With our dogs, of which Precious is an unguided missile, it is too risky. The concrete bridge over the Voidomatis river, at Aristi, is a good place to stay.

-the surroundings of and the Prespa Lake itself. You can see Albania and North Macedonia. Three countries that embrace the lake. The islet Agios Achilios is a heaven of peace in the Prespa Lake. The islet can be reached via a long walkway. At the Prespa Lake Gigantes (large beans) are cultivated. A beautiful crop.

-the route of Korinos, passing Mount Olympos, to Meteora. The tobacco plantations along the road are special.

–  Meteora is of course magical. Visit Meteora very early, because after nine o’clock the buses come with loads of tourists. We have been there 25 years ago during winter. It remains a wonder that on these masterful rocks these magnificent monasteries are built.

-the Pelion. We enjoyed the beautiful coastlines, but certainly also the inland.  A little gem was Paralia Theotokou, where we also stayed overnight. Macrinitsa and Tsangarada are definitely worth to make a stop.

-the area around Mount Parnassos. Orchomenos, the archaeological site, the Treasury of the Mynyas and opposite the Church of Skripou. The Jerusalem monastery. Osias Lucas is a must. Unfortunately, more commercial than 25 years ago, but still special.

– Delphi, a unique archaeological site. It is so beautiful, and you can wander for hours. We have been there many times and it always fascinates.

-In Distomo we have been to the monument in memory of 232 inhabitants of this place, who were shot on 10 June 1944 by the German occupiers. On the monument the ages are mentioned. All ages are represented.

– Galaxidi. With friends and family, we have spent many weekends in Galaxidi. At Bruno in pension Ganimedes. His breakfast was world famous. Unfortunately, Bruno died and is buried in Ponte St. Pietro in Italy, near Palazzago. Galaxidi is a beautiful place.

-the Bridge over the Gulf of Korinthos at Andirio. A piece of art.

-the road from Astakos To Mitikas and Mitikas Itself.

-the remnants of the earthquake-stricken Plagia. Now a paradise for goats, geese and cats.

-the monument at Zálongo was for us both very impressive. In 1803, a group of sixty women, with their children jumped in the sea from a 700-meter-high cliff, to prevent themselves from falling into the hands of Ali Pasha’s son Veli. The story goes that the women, before they jumped, danced and sang. The Dance of Zalongo.

-the Byzantine Church at Agios Dhimitrios Katsourris. One of the more beautiful churches we have visited in Greece.

-the road to Koronissia, a long road that meanders through the Lagoon. A paradise for many birds, including herons and flamingos.

-the Country of the Souliats, A group of Albanian Orthodox Christians who populated 11 villages. What a beautiful area! So pure.

 

Travelogue – Nederland 2018

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Camper Travelogue – Nederland 2018

Period 17 April 2018 – 25 April 2018.  Distance 1,240 km.

Route

  • Zeeland – Den Oever
  • Den Oever – Afsluitdijk – Pinjum – Harlingen – Brantgum
  • Brantgum – Ameland – Hegebeintum
  • Hegebeintum – Lichtaard – Jannum – Moddergat  – Lauwersmeer
  • Lauwersmeer – Pieterburen – Noordpolderzijl -Termunterzijl
  • Termunterzijl – Bourtange – Westerbork- Nijetrijne
  • Nijetrijne – de Weerribben – Sloten
  • Sloten – Gaasterland – Molkwerum
  • Molkwerum – Zeeland

Photo gallery

We invite you to see the photo’s of our trip on: SmugMug

Highlights of this trip

We initially wanted to travel along the Wadden in the Netherlands and Germany, but we “got stuck”  in our northern provinces, Friesland and Groningen.

-The Afsluitdijk was a nice start. An important part of the Zuiderzee works. It remains impressive. The dike is 32 km long and was completed in 1932.

-The village Pinjum turned out to be a small Frisian jewel.

– Harlingen, one of the Frisian 11 cities is a city full of character. Wonderful to stroll through Harlingen with this beautiful spring weather. Beautiful old buildings and uniquely situated on the water.

– Ameland was not our expected top highlight. Too many tourists and too many second homes. We feel that the original character has disappeared.

-The Church of Hegebeintum, built on a mound.

-The what a resident of Lichtaard said of the little Church on the mound: a poor louse church. Beautiful because of the simplicity.

-The village Jannum, consisting of a church, indeed built on a mound, a farm and some cottages.

-The village Moddergat. A beautiful fishing village at the Waddensea. Over the dike, a beautiful landscape with lots of sheep and lambs.

-The Lauwersmeer.

-The ‘gemaal” at Noordpolderzijl with the smallest seaport in the Netherlands.

– Termunterzijl to the EMS.

-The trip to camp Westerbork was a disappointment. We have not dealt well with our heritage. Everything is gone. Too sad for words.

– Nijetrijne, a delightful spot by the water, at Driewegsluis.

-National Park de Weerribben.

– Sloten, the smallest of the 11 Frisian cities.

-The Bell Chairs In Friesland.

-The Frisians and people from Groningen. Very friendly.

 

 

Fotografia – Camper Travels

Posted on by vdbos_fotografia

On the road with our camper

In 2016 we bought our first camper. We wanted to travel together with our two dogs and be free to go and stay where it is good. Business trips to the farthest places we had made enough. Now there is finally time and space for us. Although we can’t make very long trips yet, because our very old parents need us these days. Nothing is nicer than being on the road together in our camper. Where the wind carries us. Of course, with our cameras.

The first camper we bought in 2016 was the Pössl Road Scout R. A great camper, with which we started our camper adventure. It has not disappointed us and this camper made us even more enthusiastic for “camping”.  The Road Scout was 5.40 m long. A nice entry-level model. But travelling with two dogs needed a little bit more space and therefore we have bought a new buscamper in november last year, the Pössl 2 Win R, see the featured image on top of the page. This buscamper is 6 meters long and gives us more space inside without losing the flexibility of a buscamper. We do not want a truck to step on, but a buscamper, with which we can still visit the smaller villages and are able drive on difficult paths.

Here below some precious camper memories:

Gershoj
Sjaelland, Denmark