Our second week in Eastern Europe has seen us travel into Poland, almost reaching its border with Russia in the North, before traveling down to Krakow in the South.
Adding another 1400km to Rosanna's clock, we've completed some of what we now realise will be the longer drives of our journey. Our first night was spent roadside in the North-West (no where in particular) feeling slightly overwhlemed by the ground still to be made. Although a tad later than we'd hoped, we did manage to make it close to Lelek the following day, a small town surrounded by lakes and countryside in the North-East.
We stocked up on supplies in town, before checking out the layout of our surrounds on Maps Me. This had quickly become the go to play when attempting to park up somehwere that would be free of charge.
We tried a side road beside several farm houses, which took us to a lakeside campground currently in its off season. Although we didn't luck out with the power outlets, we were very content with the position of Rosanna's front door and decided on spending two nights here.
Patchy weather meant for a quiet couple of days, though we did manage to film some content indoors. Weather obviously plays an influential part of how one goes about a day trying to explore a new place and for Jake and I, it also provides the challenge - How can we stay productive?
Fortunately, our new series Motorhomies is developing into a style of documentary that allows us to enjoy ourselves whilst filming - so, naturally, Jake worked the camera and I whipped us up some tapas - coming to a screen near you soon. We're also having fun with conversation to camera setups, which enable us to breakdown the road trip as it unfolds.
Luckily, the weather swung back in our favour as we headed South to Warsaw. After spending a night parked up in the strangest spot thus far - an abandoned family campsite, we made it into the old part of Warsaw, a quiet set of streets fileld with tourist targetted restaraunts/bars, yet beautiful French-style buildings.
Now a little behind the 8-ball, we continued driving South toward Krakow. Jake was now driving with a cheeky amount of confidence, soon to be stifled in an unexpected turn of events. Once again trying to "free" park, we were required to 3-point turn back in the direction of a forest that neighboured a small town. Point 1 was made into the driveway of a local farmers house. Point 2 was then made (downward) into the ditch behind us. And finally, point 3 was the farmer's tractor pulling us out. A well chosen first turn I'd say.
The following day was dedicated to visiting the concentration camps at Auschwitz. Needless to say, it was a heavy experience, but definitely not one to miss if you're in the area. Our last full day in the country was a sunny Sunday spent in Krakow. Fortunately, the traditional "pierogi" dumplings at a local markets made the journey worthwhile, as neither of us were too fond of the foot traffic. We also managed to find a quiet corner in 'Viva La Pinta' - a craft beer bar specialising in Polish beers
Now at 215 880km on the odometer, it was time to head further South. Originally, we were set on dipping into the Czech Republic next, but after browsing possible camp spots and reviewing our time left, we made the call to beeline for the Tatra Mountains, in Northern Slovakia. Keep up with both of our video series here - thanks for reading!