Knut & Bazel tour Poland

Travelling with dogs was never going to be a walk in the park (sorry, no pun intended!!) and they are always at the forefront of my mind whenever I plan my daily activities: how long will they be ion the van/at home for, is it too hot/cold for them, do they have enough water? Knut, the Northern Inuit, suffers from separation anxiety, despite Bazel's companionship and has a tendency to howl mournfully.

So, anyway, the planning of this trip does revolve around the dogs and the places they're allowed to go and places they aren't. So far, most of the planned campsites en route are dog friendly. Unfortunately, a couple of the Polish National Parks have restrictions on visiting with our canine friends. The Bialowieza NP, where there are bison and other distinctive animals allow dogs which are both leashed AND muzzled. Knut and Bazel are fine on their leads, but muzzles? Not a chance of getting those on them and keeping them on! In the High Tatras, in the south of the country, dogs aren't allowed, full stop. So, a slight dilemma, solved by opting to see the Tatra Mountains from the Slovakian side where dogs are allowed: leashed (and muzzled: but I'm sure we can get round that!). I can fully understand that beautiful areas need to be looked after and it wouldn't be a brilliant move to allow dogs to roam free. It's just a bit tricky: if I go anywhere, the dogs have to come too; after all, we are a pack!! As sis is with us on our trip, life is a little easier even if we have to visit attractions one at a time.

So, research has thrown up a couple of worrisome facts: Bazel has discovered that in parts of eastern Europe, small dogs are considered very good to eat, especially if they are young. Knut, on the other hand, is looking forward to a possible interaction with his lupine brethren...from a distance. Sis plans for Knut to be in the tent with her every night so let's keep our fingers crossed that he doesn't start his "I'm here, where are you?" howling routine. Could be entertaining for Bazel and I in the van.......

Some pics of the boys tomorrow.....back to the planning.

Welcome to the first in what I hope will be a fabulous record of our trip to Poland! It's going to be a big adventure on many counts: travelling abroad in the VW, taking the dogs (with their pet passports) and spending an unprecedented 3 weeks with my sis! I'm sure we'll get along well most of the time but I can foresee some arguments and swear words! It's going to be a blast!

I'm in the process of planning; it's taking ages. Not only can I not read the Polish place names, they sound nothing like they are written. Lonely Planet is very helpful in having phonetic pronunciation next to most place names. Sarah wanted to learn at least a few words of Polish and I agree that it's important to at least make an effort. I think I have "where is the cake shop?" down to a fine art now! Back to the planning: why do they make maps so incredibly huge when they are folded out? If one is opened whilst I'm driving, I won't be able to see a thing! Anyway, we have a rough route: across the Channel on (in?)Eurotunnel then straight up to the north coast. Truck along as far as you can go (that'll be the border with Russia then!) then head down south to the mountains, then back through Slovakia. Sounds OK doesn't it? There's heaps to see and do and as as photographer, I'm on the lookout for great places. I have a wonderful app which will let me search for a location then it will show me exactly where the sun will rise and set: brilliant! I should never be in the wrong place at the wrong time!

Back tomorrow for some more planning!