Making my way from Austria towards the Stelvio Pass. Plenty of alpine roads and such a glorious day to enjoy them! I could have quite happily done a u-turn and re-discovered all over again! Super glad it’s not winter, check out the poles used to mark the roads.

End of the day. All my money troubles behind me and some long miles complete. Swim time and a good sleep ready for Stelvio tomorrow!

Late in the day, winding through narrow roads in Switzerland. Trying to make Liechtenstein before night fall.

I’m really starting to appreciate firms like PowerShop, Vend and Kiwibank. They “get” that given the opportunity, they always want to do right by the user. Thanks Kiwibank. A mistake was made and you admitted so. You took responsibility. An adult and respectful conclusion was made #winning. Though I would try to change the ability to take control over Visa/Western Union timeframes. Either way, I’m not about to jump ship just yet =] Here is the raw response.

That’s Obersee or Lake Constance in the background.

After making my way through some quaint, narrow, back country German roads, I make my way into Switzerland. Welcomed by a stinking hot day, green lush fields and a mountain range in the background. Looking super forward to passing through those!

Set up the Navie to avoid all highways and toll roads. Took me on some picturesque Germany countryside.

Welcome to Bitche, France. Clearly this wasn’t a destination I “actively” sort out to visit. You can blame Garmin and the Navie for that! But what a pleasant little surprise! And in the centre, a citadel that you can see from the run into town. Something of a sight.

I love these open borders!

My given name is Kyle. It’s origin is to mean a “narrows, channel or strait”, but it’s also has another definition. “The fair one”. I can’t help but wonder about the German soldiers whom stood and fought for their homeland. Much has been said from outside Germanys' borders and the condemnation of the Nazi’s (for countless despicable reasons). But looking at this monument quietly located through rolling farm lands, were these names not from sons, brothers and fathers?

For those who don’t know, I normally reside on an island called Waiheke. Due to a barrier of water between itself and the “mainland”, the island climate & temperature lends itself well to grapes. So I’m clearly not new to vineyards (also have you landed at Blenheim airport?). But winding my way down into a valley that follows the Rhine, you’re greeted with what at first looks like rolling grass fields but turns out to be more vines than I care to imagine.

TLDR: Someone didn’t do their job. Note that this post isn’t aimed at anyone personally. I’m sure all involved were trying to do their best to resolve the situation. But Kiwibank, you can do better. Lets make amends. Current Situation. I have €22 Euros in cash. I have an approx range of 80kms of fuel left in my tank. I am 385kms from home base. Although I have funds, I have no access to them.