Old border post on entering Germany west of Nuremberg from the Czech Republic, June 07/2011. Nice to not have to worry about border formalities once in the E.U.!
In Heidelberg at Stefan Knopf's, of "Knopf Tours". Great fellow and a wonderful place to meet fellow motorcycle travellers from all over the world.
Stefan's main business is providing storage services for bikes left over the winter. He also rents bikes, provides accommodation, and ships motorcycles back and forth from Europe to Florida. Heidelberg is an excellent place in the centre of Europe from which to visit whatever part of the continent. I cannot say enough good about Stefan's service, just excellent!!
Paul from Fort Meyers Florida, getting ready to hit the road on his K Series BMW.
Central Heidelberg and the castle.
Heidelberg is an old university town, quite pleasant.
The River Neckar and an old bridge, central Heidelberg.
In Stuttgart, out for supper with old travel friend Doug and his wife Brigitte.
Above the first of 3 different visits with a long time Swiss friend and his family in Kussnacht, a small town twenty minutes out of Lucerne. Karl and I first met in the 70s when he and two other Swiss came to our little village of Arthur, Ontario to work, not speaking a word of English.
Edith, Karl's wife, cooking up a storm.
Myself on the Lake Lucerne waterfront in Kussnacht.
In the mountains above Kussnacht with the town below. Incredibly scenic place. The mountain ridges are crisscrossed with hiking trails and hostels are plentiful, providing both food and accommodation.
Enjoying a meal and a few beers.
Kussnacht.
Lake Lucerne and the city of Lucerne in the distance.
On lake Lucerne leaving Kussnacht for the village of Schwyz, Karl's birth place and the home of his brother.
School children on the boat.
Ibid.
Canton house on the lake front.
We leave the boat at Brunnen.
Ricky and Irene, Karl's brother and sister-in-law in Schwyz. We enjoyed a lunch of fresh in season white asparagus. Last time I saw them was in 1973.
In front of Karl's family home, now owned by Ricky. He has a woodworking business.
A farm on a mountain ridge above Schwyz.
On the patio of a hostel from which I took the previous picture, enjoying a few coffees schnapps with Karl, Ricky, the waitress and a few of the local farmers playing cards.
Karl and his brother taking in the view. Magnificent country, friendly people!
Back at Knopf's in Heidelberg to get my bike all tuned up and a new set of tires. Stefan was setting up a bar to celebrate a friend's fiftieth.
Stefan's youngest. He has four children and their English is perfect.
Once the bike is ready, I'm off to the south of France.
Once the bike is ready, I'm off to the south of France.
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