And other tales from the road
“I never thought I’d be sleeping in some stranger’s van tonight.” And I, for sure, never expected to have a guest in my campervan, but here we were.
After many hours driving and hiking along Austria’s Grossglockner High Alpine Road, I had finally reached the last viewpoint. The day had been filled with beautiful scenery in every direction. The route is billed as one of Europe’s most beautiful drives.
The highest point of the road, 2571 meters (8435 feet), offers views of dozens of 3000-meter mountains. I kept wondering how it was possible that places like this even exist.
As I maneuvered the VW Campervan around the s-curves, I couldn’t help but take photos through the window. I wanted to stop at every viewpoint, but if I had I’d probably still be there.
Along the way, there were bicyclists who somehow found the strength to pedal up the steep inclines for hours on end, while others were gleefully speeding down the mountain towards me having started from the other direction.
When I met Max, he had just reached the final viewpoint on his bike. Only a few other tourists were around and the sun was about to go beyond the tallest rocky peaks.
As soon as we started talking, I learned that this 20-year-old was biking from his hometown in northern Germany to Istanbul! Today had been an achievement in itself, but it was one day of many weeks of cycling to come.
I also discovered that Max was riding to raise funds for a medical center in Ghana, a place where he was hoping to volunteer but couldn’t due to scheduling conflicts. Instead, he decided to raise funds for a much-needed solar generator to deal with frequent blackouts, as well as to alleviate the war-induced rising costs of fuel for their diesel generator.
As the sun went down it grew much colder and we moved to an area with less wind, but soon decided it was time to part ways – we were the last two left at the viewpoint. Though Max had been sleeping wherever he could pitch his tent (he had woken up in a frost-covered sleeping bag that morning), he considered going to the same campground I was headed to, so it just made sense to offer him a warm place to sleep.
It’s funny how solo travel always leads to spending time with strangers who become friends. Max and I shared a meal in the van and talked for hours that night and the next morning. Neither one of us really wanted to go our separate ways the next afternoon. But he was going to spend the next two days biking to Slovenia and sleeping in fields, while I drove south toward the Dolomites in Italy.
The next night it was a bit lonely in the van, but I was grateful for having met such an inspiring young man.
Please consider sending a donation to Max’s project, which you can read all about on this page (scroll down for English). He has put a lot of thought and research into how to have the most impact, and has worked with his contacts in Ghana to address their needs in a meaningful way.
My campervan week was the final adventure of my 70-day trip. The last few days will be spent heading back to Poland by train and hanging out before flying home.
Though it rained during my three days in the Dolomites, I managed to enjoy some hikes and get glimpses of the majestic mountains during the brief moments when the clouds cleared away.
I didn’t finish this post on the long train ride from Austria to Poland as planned because I ended up chatting with a couple from the US on their first trip abroad. The young man couldn’t believe how safe Europe is, and it was clear they had caught the travel bug. When I found out they were both 22, I thought how fitting this is as I was the same age when I took my first trip abroad. They have a lifetime of travel ahead, and already know how amazing and safe the world really is.
If I lived in a world limited to news headlines and social media posts, I would quickly lose all hope for our future. In the real world, though, meeting young travelers with open minds and people like Max whose project for a clinic in Ghana is just one of the amazing things I learned about him, all hope is restored and energy renewed for taking on the challenges that face us. I am forever grateful for these encounters with beautiful people and beautiful landscapes.
Here are some more scenes from my campervan trip in Austria and the Dolomites region of Italy.
Click on the first image to open the gallery.
May 9, 2026 @ 17:59
It’s going to be difficult to end this journey!
May 19, 2026 @ 11:42
I’m adjusting!
May 9, 2026 @ 18:35
What an amazing adventure! You even managed to renew my hope for this troubled world 🌎
May 19, 2026 @ 11:42
So glad to hear that, Kristin! We can’t lose hope.
May 9, 2026 @ 20:11
Thanks, Tim, for all these beautiful pictures and accompanying travelogue!
May 19, 2026 @ 11:42
It has been my pleasure (and privilege).
May 9, 2026 @ 22:06
Gorgeous scenery, amazing people, and rainbows!!!
May 19, 2026 @ 11:43
The brightest rainbow I’ve ever seen, right above my campground.
May 10, 2026 @ 08:08
Thanks for giving us hope in this troubled world ~ and thanks for your ever-inspiring photos! The rainbows at the end were a special treat!
May 19, 2026 @ 11:44
It was a perfect rainbow, on my last night of the trip.
May 10, 2026 @ 10:23
Lovely post, Tim! I love how you find meaningful connections with new friends….the best part of travel….well, the scenery isn’t too bad either!!!
Enjoy the last of your epic adventure!
May 19, 2026 @ 11:44
I’m back now and enjoying our beautiful hometown. Your turn to travel now!