Photos of Scandinavia are at https://photos.app.goo.gl/QsCXvZ9mRb8DcCpH7
Photos from the Baltic States at:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/DrKfAr1cfRa9QJn18
Photos from Poland & Germany:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/s3QhhmdbGzFgmhnM9
Tuesday May 7th
After all the hassle and double booking I finally started out and the day went really well.
Up at 6am, time to shut everything down, do the washing up etc and get out. Made the 7am train to Cardiff and the pass worked. Subway didn't open until 10am so a leisurely McD breakfast and on the 0837 train to London (on a lumpy seat) Tube to St Pancras where I found a Subway and used up the points on a snack and a drink. Eurostar check in went smoothly. An hour wait in the crowded undercroft was a pain. Travel to Brussels was OK. Made the connection onto the ICE to Cologne (it was pretty close, they have closed the shortcut due to customs) Checked in to the hotel, with a view of the Station and Cathedral.
Went out for a short wander but pretty tired so in bed.
Wednesday May 8th
6am alarm and time flew, out just before 7am and crossed the road to McD for breakfast and a variation on the usual with a wrap.
Train to Hamburg and rushed connection but the train to Copenhagen was 10 mins late so I didn't need to have rushed. No liferings on this train so a bit worried but it turned out that the ferry crossing had ceased in 2019 so no ferry. Some big bridges to get to Copenhagen. The North German plains ae boring, people complain about the USA!
Copenhagen caught me out - just messaged Charlotte that all was on schedule when they cancelled the train. The bridge was closed. One hour later I took the train to the airport, where it was terminated, considered going back to Copenhagen, but stayed. Considered a hotel. Considered lots of things. The 8.30 was packed, managed to squeeze on, this was the last one to Gothenburg. Virtually everyone got off at the next stop which was the stadium for Eurovision. Dark ride the rest of the way so no scenery!. Met at the station by Stu and Charlotte and into bed.
Thursday May 9th
Really relaxing day. Breakfast at 8am down to the waters edge with Charlotte and the dog before going along to the dog training lesson at 11am, Shopping, walk out to a headland and view of the yacht club on the way back. Relaxing meal and then a game of Mexican Train (a dominoes variation).
Friday May 10th
Driven up to "The Summer House" via the Gothenberg Flat and treated to a ferry ride and the scenic route. Climbed the mountain and visited the sound before a very relaxed evening.
Saturday May 11thBreakfast, dog walking, shopping, lunch, dog walking, tea, dog walking (up to the castle) got my green bar, dinner with Eva and playing Mexican Train till bedtime. A really relaxing day.
Sunday May 12th
Breakfast, a final dog walk and into the car for a lift to the bus stop. Saw some cranes on the way, so all boxes ticked, as far as Charlotte was concerned, Elks, ferries etc. Realised I have not mentioned Sture's bad shoulder, hope it gets better.
Don't know what it is about the bus that makes it much less fun than the train, maybe the views, or the packing in, less room. Bus was comfortable and had power. Got in at 13.30. Walked to waterfront via McD. Back to check in being told I could not see the display on democracy because of an Israel/Gaza demo.
Room is comfortable and washing is done.
Monday May 13th
The day started with a nice lie in and a breakfast at McD. Then the railway confusion started. No regional train on the board, there was a train at the right time going to Trondheim. People on the platform said ask and stay on it, so I did. One short bus ride and the new conductor accepted things. The scenery was spectacular, but I failed to get photos.
Got into hotel, bit of a labyrinth to find the room but it's OK, if small. Short wander around and shopping. Hoping the train isn't cancelled in the morning.
Tuesday May 14th
With a 10 to 8 departure there was time for breakfast at the hotel. Usual problem of getting familiar with what was on offer. Would have liked to have had herring but salmon in the ham and cheese rolls made up for that.
Train was fantastic. It follows the edge of Fjords and rivers, which were full of water, passes waterfalls and rapids. As we got further north and higher there was more snow and frozen lakes and it went on and on for hours. The Arctic circle was marked by a landmark, and a souvenir shop on the road! Back own to sea level for the approach to Bodo and the mountains reflected in the flat calm water. Into Bodo on time at 5.45pm
Three hours to kill so walked along the waterfront, saw a number of yachts out, the local sailing club having their weekly race. Now I have seen the southerly (Sydney-Hobart) and the northerly race starts!
It sort of began to rain so spent an hour sitting in the station before getting on board and into cabin at 20.40 for a 21.10 departure. WhatsApp conversation/exchange with Josh as I tried to get to sleep.
Wednesday 15th May
Just lost previous account typed on Blogger so start again! Up for photos at 4am and awake at 6am -train arrived at 7.15. McD was not open and not due to open until 9 or 10am. Decided to walk to the Green Path, picking up a bus ticket on the way from a machine at a bus stop. The path was very pretty, lots of waterfalls, lots of photos. Climbed all the way to the resrvoir. Just missed a bus so 15min wait and back to the centre. Eventually found the Tourist Information. Seems trips to the island don't start until Saturday, the Tram Museum doesn't open until June, so I decided to walk along the river.
Started at the Cathedral and got distracted by the armaments museum, for a while. Walk was interesting, much gentrification of areas that were once working areas. Still over an hour to kill, fast transit boats were expensive and infrequent, so I took another trip on the Tram (view of the city is good) went all the way to the end this time and back. Bus to station (saving my legs) and check into hotel. Pictures to edit.and shopping.
Thursday 16th May
Up at 5.15 and at station to catch the 06.07 to Oslo. Pretty crowded I thought. It turned out to be the stopping train so I came back on a different route. Scenery just as spectacular - we ran alonside the river for a long way and then went over the mountains. We were runnig half an hour late at one stage so I got vaguely worried about the connection but in the end we were only about 15 mins behind and we got in around 2pm giving me time for an ice cream. 14.37 train to Stockholm, scenery was not as good and I got rather hot. Arrived Stockholm on time 20.22. Got a wireless connection and found the hotel which is OK. Big question is what to do tomorrow? It's a 1hr walk 3.7km to the ferry terminal, check out 11am.
Friday 17th May
Surprising day! Was awake at 7am so got up and went out to McD for breakfast. While there I downloaded and bought a one day transport pass. Wandered around took a few pictures and returned to the hotel Bema to check out at 11am. Returned to McD for a hot chocolate. Took a bus to the Maritime Museum, which was interesting as they had a display on refugees crossing the Baltic in small boats to escape Nazis and Soviets. Contrast with "Stop the Boats" rhetoric in UK.
On to boats, which was behind the National Museum and Vassa Museum, and lots of other museums. Took a ferry to Slussen, intending to ride a commuter train but decided shopping was more urgent. Got ripped off by Co-op as 2 for discounted price had to be exactly same - not just any in the bin! Then the Metro took me through the centre and practically out to the ferry port - 2 stops on the 76bus and check in was easy. As was getting aboard. Cabin is nice - in the bowels Deck 2.
I NOW KNOW WHAT AN ARCHEPELIGO IS! It's almost as good as trains. Two and a half hours of watching this cruise ferry snake it's way between granite rocks while seagulls zoom around. Fantastic and we are not out of it yet!
Saturday 18th May
Well, the idea was to see what the darkness brought so I got up at 11.30 and went up on deck to discover that it was dark, there was a glowo the horizon, and there was no aurora. I also discovered that the ship operates on Finnish time so it was actually 12.30. Adjusted the morning alarm so that I would be in early for the breakfast buffet.
The buffet was strangely unsatisfying. No bean, no croissants, but there was fish, herring and salmon so no reason. Usual problem of the table being cleared while I went to get the next course and then someone grabbing that table. Found the forward observation lounge and got a good view of coming into harbour, it does pass through some pretty tight bits.
Also found the internet and managed to get a day pass for the public transport, so onto a tram and off to the main railway station (because that is my interest - in the architecture) Soviet style? Also visited the city museum which asked som interesting questions about what should be preserved and put some of their collection into context. Little wandering, as feet getting tired despite having only done half the usual distance so rode tram No2 to the end of the line and back and on board with an our to spare (15.15) we sail at 17.00 but should be onboard at 16.15. Was nice to jump the queue checking in.
Sunday 19th May
Up again at midnight, moonlight on the water, and an attempt to capture the flash of a lighthouse but failed, back to bed.
Up early and breakfast of grapes in the lounge. Packed and ashore about 10.30am, there was a sign for walking to the metro, it was about a mile, and through hot covered walkways. Arrived at central station by a different entance, it must be massive. Nice McD brunch. Had intended to take the tram, but it was packed. Bus instead and onto the ferry to Slussen. It appears to be being massively re-developed which would explain why no trains out to the country. Ferry back and a much less crowded tram back to Nybrokajen, and then the No80 boat to Ropsten. Really nice and killing over an hour. Seemed early so I took the metro into centre and out again, after a milk shake. Did the walk in reverse.
Check in was interesting, they wanted see the interrail pass, and I have booked breakfast. This time I am on deck 8 and have a window, plus a television, currently watching "The Grand Tour". Old and old ideas. Have explored and been stung by the static again.
Monday 20th May
Leisurely arrival in Tallin, not sure if a window is good or bad, no need to go wandering up on deck in the middle of the night. On the other hand being on deck 8 meant that I used the stairs rather than the lift. Breakfast was better croissants available, but no honey to go in them.
Hotel had no record of the booking but I got in at the same price and the room has all that I want. They let me leave my bag while I wandered around the town until 2pm check in. Town fortifications are impressive even if the layout is confusing. Wondering what the illuminations will be like, if I stay up. Question is what to do tomorrow?
Doing the Maths in respect of days left on pass and commitments.to see if I use it for a day trip somewhere else for the day. Love Interrail, they have me booked on a train that does not exist on Wednesday. I need the 07.11 not the 07.42 they would have me believe.
Tuesday 21st May
Breakfast included and nothing to do so lazed until 8.30. Decided that there was no point in using the pass as Paldiski, although an hour away was too cheap, booked online it was £2.99 out and £2.12 back (senior discount) Out on the 09.47.
Beautiful 10 mile wander, assisted by numerous information boards and some clear path marking, at least on the coast path. Out to the lighthouse on the end of the point, the old fortress, clear sea, birdsong, butterflies, Martins zooming around and seagulls. Hawthorn in bloom, new leaves sprouting. Great! on the other side a gas landing wharf, car park with electric charging point. Cut back through the wind farm, they are noisy, and the path was not clear, but we managed. Found a supermarket and was able to use their wifi to book my return train ticket, as well as getting goodies. Back on the 15.47.
Wednesday 22nd
Awake at 6am, 4am in UK. Made 07.11 train. Issued with a ticket, thought it was for the bus replacement service but also got one on the next train. Bus replacemen was quite a long one, and I was also surprised how far out of town Tantu station was. Chatted to a lorry driver. Made train to Valva and had a 3hr stopover. Saw the border stream, didn't do a Michael Portillo and stand astride it - stuck with photos. Burger and drink at Hoffburger.
Train to Riga was not as modern and the stations had no names. Tried to get reservation at station for Friday's train to Vilnius, they all said on the train, as did the chat on the website. Have pretty much deided to cut trip short and have another one week trip to use up the pass. Will fly into europe -it's cheaper.
Hotel is really nice - wine - supposedly an upgrade - nice reception.
Thursday 23rd
Woke up about 7am. Good breakfast and must have been out by 9am. Did the suggested walk on the app. The lorry driver was correct the market is ipressive - apparently old airship sheds. Old town was good as well, problem is the beauty is in the detail that the camera so often misses or the brain amplifies certain areas of the view, like the soldiers at the monument and then they come out as dots in the picture. Finished by 1pm so processed photos.
Out again at 3.30 and another 40 odd pictures from the river as I took a 1hr cruise. Hessburger screens were not working so I ended up at Burger King before coming in for the evening.Friday 24th
Train to Vilnius was at 15.28. Checkout at noon. Spent the morning on the computer trying to sort out the return train travel. Have decided staying at Cologne seems the familiar idea, and gets me back early afternoon on the Monday. Thy had a bag room so left bag and wandered around Riga. There are some nice parks here, shame I am useless at sitting in the shade and watching time go by. Sitting in McD on the internet makes time fly but I drink too fast.
Got a seat on the train. A ticket would have cost E25 I had to pay E5 for a reservation, once I was on the train. Compared notes ie chatted to a couple of fellow travellers. Once again a non-window window seat. Got to Vilnius and got a reservation to Warsaw. Problem now is that it is not showing on the Pass from Mokoba. Also completed Eurostar booking by which time it was bedtime.
Saturday 25th
Breakfast included, and done and by 0800 it was get out and do Vilnius. Nice place, lots of churches and a big river. So much for The Hunt for Red October. I almost ignored the nearby McD but with half an hour to wait for the train I couldn't resist. My reserved window seat turned out to be in the bike storage area. About an hour wait for the Polish train, which seemed to change engines a couple of times.
Arrived in Warsaw with a thunderstorm, guess we are no longer up north. It was further than expected to the A&O hostel but I am now in and comfortable.
Sunday 26th
I haven't enjoyed Warsaw. Had breakfast at Hostel. No hot food, unless you made pancakes. Out around 08.30. Walk to Gowry Station and discovered a rail museum, which didn't open until 10. Tried to purchase a 24hr transport pass but couldn't decide what it allowed. Eventually bit the bullet and bought something which will expire at 09.20 tomorrow. Jumped on a tram and visited the Central Station in search of a tourist office - failed all closed.
Tram to the river and began to walk along it but it was really too hot. Ended up at the Castle. Heard the bugle sound. Failed to find a tourist office. Wandered further in search of the Jeweish History Museum - failed to find that until I was on a tram going away from it - back to where I got on. Spent a long time in the Museum. Don't know what to think.
It's too hot, back at A&O Hostel with supplies for tomorrow.
Monday 27th
Tram to the Central Station and time for Breakfast at McD (though they couldn't give me extra milk for the coffee). Train to Poznan was OK. Time for lunch and ice cream. Ticket machine gave me a ticket. Train was very crowded. Checked in, surprisingly cheap and comfortable. Evening stroll around the lake and through the town, including a very nice piece of cheesecake.
Tried to figure out how to get to Weinigerode, which had me up till 11pm
Tuesday 28h
Wandered into the local Foodie, and got totally ignored so went off into town in search of breakfast. Nice wander around the lake and found a supermarket. Breakfast at the lake.
Having returned stuff to the hotel I wandered to the Train Sheds (Museum) It's cheap but what is the use of all the QR codes if there is no internet, and very few of the notices had english translations (Unlike the Baltics)
Had the timing wrong for the train. There was a normal train at 13.25, so the steam train was an extra at 114.25 (normally one evry 2hrs). Steam train is more jerky than a modern train. However, I did come across a lot of sound recordings of trains I have been on. Very tired back at hotel from 5pm still trying to work out travel.
Wednesday 29th
The conclusion meant getting up at 05.45, and out by 06.30 for the 07.50 train to Zbaszynek. Only problem was that it was delayed half way down the track so I missed the connection and had about an hour and a half wandering round looking for a wi-fi signal. The booking office closed in 2020. No luck. Slow train to Rzepin, which was being re-developed but no booking hall. The conductor let me on the fast Berlin train as far as Frankfurt (Oder). Germany! Hooray, finally found a wi-fi signal, and reasonable connections. Brunch at Subway was expensive. Train to Magdeburg went through Berlin, Wannsee and Potsdam. Good memories of 2.4 German Nationals and my last trip through Germany. Made the connection despite the train being 10mins late.
Got into Wernigerode about 16.30. Checked out the times of the Brokken train, need to revise the routes. The Hotel wanted the local tax paid in cash so I am going to have to visit a cash machine!
Thursday 30th
The Brocken is done! Day started at 5am well maybe a little later but I was not going back to sleep. Then there was the usual breakfast problem, where was everything and what was the procedure. Must try and get more herring tomorrow. And off to the station and purchase of a three day ticket at just under £100 (110 Euro).
Steam train to the top of the Brocken. Pretty misty and just beginning to rain, but I did walk around before going back arriving at Wernigeroden at 13.38. Distracted trying to work out timetables so it was about 3pm and raining heavily before I got out and hiked to the Schloss or Castle. They had wi-fi and a website, so I pushed google to the limit, translating their website and various placards that were around the place. Good insight into class system at end of 19th century. There was even a couple of references to the communist era of the 1950's. Finished there about 5.30 and went in search of a supermarket as I could be late back tomorrow, so it was 7pm when I got in. BBC Europe on TV gets boring after a while - about 100 photos from today!
Friday 31st
The decision was to do Quedlinburgh, even if it meant not getting back until 9pm, and it worked. What I had not realised was that there was some sort of festival happening, the town centre was pedestrianised and a stage was in the Market Square, all very nice and the usual architecture to gawp at. 08.25 train out and I got there by around 12.30. I left on the 13.25, which got me back at 21.03 - exactly the same time as if I had caught the 16.30, but the steam trains are more comfortable than the diesel railbus. It did mean that I visited Haselfelde - twice! and had an extra trip to Ilfeld and back. I guess that with single line working the connections are more reliable.
Saturday June 1st
Today it was Nordhausen, so same 08.25 railbus to Ilfeld and then wait for the 11am tram into town. I see why "The man in seat 61" prefers Wernigerode. It was pretty modern going up the hill, and hot and humid, but I did come across the old town at the top and it has the same medieval street pattern and old style houses. Came down steps from the hill and wandered along the river back to the station. Railbus back to E/T and then back to the comfort of steam.
I took the train up to the Brocken again. It was pretty thundery, but we didn't get any rain, although there seemed to be some spectacular clouds and views into the mist distance or just for miles (another thing the camera will not capture).
Got off the train outside town and walked back alongside a stream and through the town centre, earning my little green bar (12,400 steps) it says 6 miles walked. Two days worth of photos to process (maybe).
Sunday June 2nd
A fun day. It began with my five course breakfast and then off to the station to catch the 08.25 Rail replacement bus, which of course they had put nowhere near the station, in fact as far away as the integrated bus station would allow. I just followed the crowd. The local train to Gottingen was OK if pretty full. The first ICE was running over an hour late so I just jumped on the next one 787 to Kassel figuring there would be a local train from there, and there was 10 mins of standing. Local train got into Frankfurt Main in time to make the scheduled RE30. Ended up sitting on the wrong side, but it was a dull day views were not that good. More trouble at Koblenz with ICE with my reserved seat was an hour late and the local train was going to be full(and was running late) Hopped the RB27 to Monchengladbach. This crossed the river and came down the east bank with better views than the direct train to Cologne. Checked in and have the same room as I started out with!
Monday June 3rd
Up early so decided to go have breakfast and then come back and pack. Got back to the station and the first of seven e-mails told me the train was delayed by 83 mins. The service people didn't seem concerned - they just said see Eurostar. I considered taking a local train to Aachen, but other e-mails arrived with better news so I hung around, figuring that I could at least use the advice from 61. Problem was that the train ICE 18 kept vanishing from the board or having a platform change. Eventually the next train turned up, 2 hrs later so I got on that ICE316, found a seat and got delivered to Brussels Midi.
61 was correct - Eurostar staff directed everyone to the ticket sellers, the ticket sellers re-directed us to Eurostar, but said go to the check in. Check in have obviously been having a lot of this as Southern Germany has been hit by thunderstorms and flooding, and immediately gave me a ticket on the next train out. All smooth from there except I caught a District Line Tube (knowing I would have to change at Baker St) what I hadn't realised was that it went to a different platform so I had a bit of a hike to get back to the Circle Line. Train to Barry Island was supposed to go to Bridgend but was being terminated at Rhoose, as it was running late. Perhaps not as extreme as the German Railways but very similar.
Dumped my kit and went down to Sea Cadets and discovered I need more practice in the Zest, kept loosing my hat.
