France, Belgium, Holland

[GlobalRider]

I haven't used any guide books, never been on a guided tour. I prefer maps with icons for chateaus, campgrounds, and scenic routes.

I do the same; no guide books, just very good maps are all I use. And isn't it amazing what you come across without even trying? I go self-guided as well.

Excellent photos! I wonder what make and model your camera is?

[franze]

I'm using a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ5. I like it because the lens telescopes inside the body so it's pretty compact. And it wasn't so expensive that if it gets broken, lost, or stolen I won't cry......I also have a "petite" tripod that only takes up the space of a small maglite....... My wife thinks I have a "riding buddy" when she sees the shots of me off the bike

The self guided mantra is a double edge sword. For every cool thing I "discover" I probably drive past two I gave up on the guide books a few years ago when I spent about three hours walking around Paris looking for Jim Morrison's grave. Made up for it a few years later when I went down to the closest church to my hotel room in Caan. Pushed the door open, walked around, saw a little fence inside the church and "whoah" it was the crypt of William the Conqueror.

[RIDERR1150GSADV]

Very nice!!

[bobs98]

Very nice, thanks for sharing! Beautiful photos.

And the cemetery shot, very appropriate as Veterans Day approaches. May they rest in peace and be forever remembered.

[RINTY]

Lumix, great camera. Our daughter just got one, and it's impressive.

And BMW folks have got to love the Leica spec lens you can get on some of the models.

I carry a small (about 10") Slick tripod, that will even fit in my tank bag. It telescopes up to 40", and you can compose some nice shots when you're riding solo. You just have to be careful nobody runs over it during your shot.

Rinty

[GlobalRider]

I carry a small (about 10") Slick tripod, that will even fit in my tank bag. It telescopes up to 40", and you can compose some nice shots when you're riding solo. You just have to be careful nobody runs over it during your shot.

Rinty

What model is that Slick tripod? Link...and does it have a ball head?

Yeah, I almost lost both my camera and tripod that way numerous times. I keep saying I have to attach an "international orange" streamer to it.

[RINTY]

I'll check it for you tomorrow Alex. Hopefully it has a model number on it. I've been looking at other mini tripods for years, but haven't found a better one yet. That gorilla one looks good, but only has a few inches of elevation.

Rinty

[RINTY]

Alex:

It's a Slik (no c) Compact, and mine is 14.5" long. Here is a link:

http://www.amazon.com/Slik-Compact-X.../dp/B00009V316

I note the one shown is a bit longer than mine when folded down. I usually carry mine in one of my System Cases, but it did fit in my previous tank bag.

This one has worked well for me; particularly, you're not at the mercy of picture takers who don't have compositional skills.

Rinty

[TEBMW]

Thanks for the great trip and for the reminder of those who never made it home. You have a nice eye.

[BEEMERCHEF]

Awesome shots! Great angles!!! I was in Namur just a while back where my Uncle and Aunt live! Cannot miss it, the tallest building on the river... right by the bridge that has the Dragon... Thanks for the report! Having been born in france and living around for 25 years it sure brought back some memories!
Maybe some day if I can ship the rig and sneak Spirit in!!!
Be well... a mucg appreciated report...

Ara & Spirit

[franze]

Dawg, thanks for the bump

Chef, thanks for the kind words, I'm a fan of your lens work also. Read on your website that you studied in Montreux, here's a trip down memory lake for you.

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=23291

[BEEMERCHEF]

Dawg, thanks for the bump

Chef, thanks for the kind words, I'm a fan of your lens work also. Read on your website that you studied in Montreux, here's a trip down memory lake for you.

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=23291

That was too much for me to look at!!! We were actually at Glion sur Montreux... had to take an extra year for Pastries!!!... good excuse to extend the incredible fun... as there were 5 (five) all girls boarding school around and the weekends in Montreux were... well, at 60 now, I will skip that part!!! I think the School has expanded now... we use to ski Rocher de Nayes just about every day!!!
Jazz Festival!!! We use to go to "The Castle"... wonder if it is still there... after hours (I was a fortunate kid at the time!) I got to meet Jimmy Hendrix, Brian Auger, Julie Driscoll, Aretha Franklin, James Brown... forgot about Otis Redding if he was still around or not! Oh! such a great time... such trouble we got into...
A "million" thanks for the link... I t really choked me seeing the pictures! When I go back to see my mother hopefully this year in Munich I have been thinking about stopping at the School!!!
Thanks again... and be well and also thank you for your kind words...
Ara & Spirit

[franze]

That was too much for me to look at!!! We were actually at Glion sur Montreux... had to take an extra year for Pastries!!!... good excuse to extend the incredible fun... as there were 5 (five) all girls boarding school around and the weekends in Montreux were... well, at 60 now, I will skip that part!!! I think the School has expanded now... we use to ski Rocher de Nayes just about every day!!!
Jazz Festival!!! We use to go to "The Castle"... wonder if it is still there... after hours (I was a fortunate kid at the time!) I got to meet Jimmy Hendrix, Brian Auger, Julie Driscoll, Aretha Franklin, James Brown... forgot about Otis Redding if he was still around or not! Oh! such a great time... such trouble we got into...
A "million" thanks for the link... I t really choked me seeing the pictures! When I go back to see my mother hopefully this year in Munich I have been thinking about stopping at the School!!!
Thanks again... and be well and also thank you for your kind words...
Ara & Spirit

You met Hendrix!!!!!!!!! I'm moving back to CA (Sacramento Area) in July. Put me on your list of "safe havens". I"d love to hear about those hijinks of your youth.

[BEEMERCHEF]

You met Hendrix!!!!!!!!! I'm moving back to CA (Sacramento Area) in July. Put me on your list of "safe havens". I"d love to hear about those hijinks of your youth.

No you don't!!!... My Friend Brian that takes care of my site is in Placerville... I am sure our path will cross soon... In the meantime, do some "raclette" in the woods and wake up in the morning under a tree for me!

Be well... Ara & Spirit

we want more pictures!

[franze]

No you don't!!!... My Friend Brian that takes care of my site is in Placerville... I am sure our path will cross soon... In the meantime, do some "raclette" in the woods and wake up in the morning under a tree for me!

Be well... Ara & Spirit

we want more pictures!

In case you thought Utah Beach / The Bulge was about a guy popping Viagra at the great Salt Lake......http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=26085

Here's some previews of a ride report coming to a forum near you soon

May 10, 30km east of Venice. Advanced Beach Boy cooking skills





My 11 year old



May 11, view from campsite in Croatia




May 12. campsite on Lake Magiorre, Italian part



ok, getting late out here. See you somewhere. Scratch that dog's belly for me.

Paul