North-South meets West-East

Setting up our camp along the river Rhein near Loreley, we were in for a nice surprise. After we had pitched our tent, a two person kayak with a small white sail came into sight at the opposite side of the river. And it starting crossing to our side of the the Rhein. A difficult task, given the powerful stream as well as the huge amount of large ships going up and down. They made it well and headed for our camping, where a support team, with jeep was awaiting them.

After introduction it appeared to be a turkish group doing a kayak expedition from North Sea to Black Sea. So, also crossing Europe, but now West to East. Their trip would mainly be on the rivers Rhein, Main and Donau, where the first part was of course the most difficult for the very strong current. Even the large barges have visibly problems with it, so with only a human powered kayak you can imagine.

the Turkish team

the kayak team at both ends, with the support team in the middle

NS meets WE

leaving

We had a nice evening exchanging our experiences. The distance we were both doing are quite similar, but for the rest everything differs. They were lucky with a support team and a sponsor who provided amongst others the vehicle. And ofcourse a couple of portable telephones. That makes the problem of getting power and communication, as we are regularly facing it, a lot easier.

This was one of the most pleasent encounters we had so far. Nice people and very brave what they were doing. We wish them all success and I hope we can meet in future ...