Europe summer of 2017

That ole GPS takes out out of the frankfurt Metro area were aiming northwest towards Oomen, netherlands. Now of course we only seen a hundred or two relics or full castles. So today travelling out of germany we see a dozen more. The road is pretty and not too crowded. We stop in a rest area for another 50 euro's of petrol and to stretch. The rest area is fullof tractor trailer trucks. Most truck drivers are frompolandor hungary. In the rest area they break out the camping stoves and cook up a meal. It always looks  like chicken soup with potatoes. We roll on into the Netherlands. Now we asked our friends why is your country called Holland and the Netherlands? The country name is "the netherlands". Holland is a county/ province within the country, and people have used the term Holland as the country name mistakenly for some time. Also some times it just sounds nicer he said. We roll along and pull into their driveway. Made it! No accidents, no breakdowns, no problems a

We aim the van towards Frankfurt. I make some coffee, pee and pull out of the campground quietly, there's a floating small layer of mist above a few houses. The grizz is snoring away and wrapped up in blankies as a wander down the valley at 6:15 am. It's a beautiful morning, I'm feeling sad like I'm leaving a friend knowing I'll be out of Switzerland in a few hours. It's so beautiful! I m making good time, passing gorgeous lakes, as usual going thru timnels, over bridges that can't be done. We tried not to change any more euro's into Swiss Frank's so I'm waiting to buy gas till I enter Deutschland Finally the coffee wants out. It's 9:30 hibernation should be about over in the back. The petrol tank at $ 1.45 per liter is thirsty once again......i pull over.. Now let me tell you about most of these rest areas in Europe. They are awesome! (As they say in bahston). Really great cafeteria style restaurants, with lots of options, fresh bread,

We wake up to the sun! Excellent day for a hike, but it might get warm.. Eat breakfast, inject coffee and drive away. There s a campground at the end of the valley. we can walk to the hiking trail and get some exercise! The van is parked, the rushing glacier fed rivah is about 30 meters behind the van. Back packs are complete, with everything we don't need, were off. Up the trail, the sun's out, the view is ling an the uphill walk(?) Doesn't stop, either does the sweating or breathing. Oh not this type of fun again so soon... We're hiking in trees, and on the edges of steep grazing land . The views are constantly intermittent, we can see the glaciers and the waterfalls cascading down the opposite cliffs. We take numerous breaks, drinking water. Hikers that have spent the night in the alpine huts are passing us in the opposite direction. We dip our hats in the many streams that cross our path. After 2+ hrs we reach the restaurant. Now the only access is hiking o