Czech this one out

Thursday 22nd May ...
Today we chose to leave the Wemding campsite. Don't know exactly why but there was a bad vibe about the place. It gave me the spooks, the chill went through to our bones and the whole place seemed oppressive. We were fine when we went out and about but when we returned to the camp the chill set in. So we left - because we can!

On to Czech Republic then - to a place just over the border from Germany called Cheb. The journey was straightforward and within 30 miles of Wemding the sun was shining and the temperature had risen to 16c!! told you it was a devil place back there. As we drove on we climbed steadily and the temperature dropped again. It is clearly a winter resort area as we saw ski lifts etc. Nearing our destination we stopped off at a McDs to pick up and send e mails before making the final step of our journey.

What a difference a day makes - as they say. This campsite, though friendly enough and without the devil chill about it, is basic to say the least. There are rusting wire fences around it, worn out old sheds that are still used as chalets - Steve calls it Stalag 13 - see pics. The toilets and shower blocks are circa 1950 as shown in the photo but are clean and warm - unlike the last place. The barbie was something else - in the picture of the rusted fence you will see them clearly - car wheels on legs!! Fortunately we woke up the following morning and all four wheels were still on our motor. Thank you locking wheel nuts.

After settling in to the camp we cycled a couple of kilometres to Frantiskovy Lazne -a spa town nearby. We were very pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful town filled with elegant and elaborately decorated and designed buildings. This was definitely a place for the haves - and the campsite the have nots. There were spa buildings everywhere and the waters were different in each - only to drink though not to bathe in. We stopped off the get some money from a hole in the wall - they use Kronas here - 24 to the euro for those who are interested. We also had the obligatory coffee and cake to tide us over until dinner time in a lovely palm tree lined avenue with very exclusive shops along each side - see the pic.. We were in our rough gear and on the bikes - scruffs you might call us.

Back to the caravan for a read and an apperitif. Steve is really enjoying his current choice of beer from Germany - Oettinger export - he bought a case of 20 half litre bottles for 6 euros and its 5.5pc proof. It does take effect - so he says - I am sticking to the wine while the weather is cold. A chicken curry followed by another episode of Rome finished us off for the day.