Here we go! Tuesday 11 June.

The last few weeks have been a bit of a slog with a lot of logistics to sort out. We’ve shipped our tandem to Paris and have everything crossed hoping that it arrives in one piece. We’ve whittled down our lives so that everything fits in two small and two large panniers (for the next month). We’ve checked and double checked that we haven’t forgotten anything. Fretted about the weather forecast in southern Germany – Donner und Blitzen!

Now we are sitting on the Eurostar to Paris looking at the Medway flashing past. First discovery – no wifi on the Eurostar 300 series trains! We are the very last coach. I’ve got a feeling that’s where they put the InterRailers.

Anyway, how does it feel?

Firstly, a complete change of gear. After all the rushing about, suddenly sitting quietly WITH NO WIFI.

Secondly, we both slowly realised that we will really miss our sons and daughter-in-laws. Plus Bella – Mischa and Josie’s beautiful, good-natured, maternal husky. Well, its only a month initially.

Thirdly, looking forward to being in Donaueschingen at the source of the Danube with a bike that is in one piece. It feels that is when the holiday will really start.

Oh, and today is the day that I expect to get the final result of my Master’s degree!