June 4, 2023 to June 20, 2023
After EDT
Postscript
Skagen - Fredrikshaven - Gottenburg - Helsingborg - Helsingor - Copenhagen
On arrival at Skagen I was ahead of my "on paper" schedule by about a week, so had almost 2 weeks before my return to NZ.
After several attempts to book a train space online for Wally for our journey back to Amsterdam, and failing, I surrendered and made a different plan. Also, Karolina had invited me to visit in Berlin.
Rather than take Wally to Berlin, and in light of the bike / train issue, I decided to take Wally back to Amsterdam, and fly to Berlin on 13 June.
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I also booked the Fredrikshaven to Gottenburg ferry, and made Copenhagen a planned stop on the way back to Amsterdam. Everything else depended on what dates I could get Wally a seat on the train, as everything I'd read said ICE (intercity express) trains would not take bikes unless folded/bagged/boxed. A series of regional trains was looking more Wally friendly, but I planned to get that sorted in Copenhagen at the train station.
An early departure from Skagen, via the bakery, and flat, fast cycle ways had us in Frederikshaven several hours ahead of the ferry's 1400 departure. While investigating the way in to the port to get on the ferry to Gottenburg, I met a Dutch couple on touring bikes, we got chatting and shared a coffee moment before they had to catch the 1100 boat.
I followed up with a proper lunch, then attempted to use the ship's pedestrian walkway to board by taking Wally into the lift and then along the glazed passage. I was met by a crew member who suggested I return to the ground, and enter the ship via the vehicle access. Wally has grown so much on this trip, from a lost box in San Francisco to fully fledged vehicle in Frederickshavn! We sat in the queue with the big boy bikes with motors and felt pleased with our journey.
We over-nighted in Gottenburg, then caught a train to Helsingborg with people and bikes enjoying a public holiday. Next a ferry to Helsingor, and then some lovely coastal bike paths to Copenhagen.
At Next House Hostel I parked Wally in a corridor rather than outside on the racks, and got away with it. I met Joelle from Strasbourg and enjoyed great conversation through Google Translate; I enjoyed a politically incorrect walking tour of central Copenhagen, and best of all, booked Wally (and me) seats on 2 trains back to Amsterdam.
After a few days back in Amsterdam enjoying the city and eating, I left Wally behind and flew to Berlin to visit Karolina for 3 days. Berlin is a fascinating city and armed with Karolina's list of recommended sites, I did a one day bike tour of the highlights. The following day we both rode out to Pottsdam and cruised through parks, past beaches, and around castles.
On return to Amsterdam I scrubbed all of Wally, all our bags, shoes, the tent, everything that had been in contact with soil in preparation for the MPI inspection on re-entry to Auckland. (New Zealand does not have many of the endemic diseases and insect pests found in other parts of the world, and we are very keen to keep it that way. Our border inspections for fruit, food items, dirty shoes, and illegal drugs are very thorough.)
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