4-Xtremes – Part 37: Across the Mediterranean with the Kammermanns

Series: 4-Xtremes – The World Tour

Next stop: Barcelona.

Today the Axor's engine stays cold: Mike and Andrea report on the merits of a sea voyage, pay tribute to truckers – and finally reach Spain.

An eyecatcher even in dull weather: the Axor on a mobile home park.


Believe it or not, we have reached Spain as we planned. However, the voyage from Genoa to Barcelona was not without delays. That would have been a miracle. On the very day we wanted to board the ferry a storm was forecast. We decided to postpone the crossing by a few days.

Unlike our normal habits, we parked – in a steady downpour – close to the harbour on an “Area Sosta Camper”. These mobile home sites are normally free of charge, and you can dispose of waste water and fill up with fresh water. Our “site” even had an electricity supply, so we were able to recharge the battery of the sleeping cabin – which we normally do using the Axor's alternator. We camped for the last night by a river and roasted chestnuts over a little campfire.


A relaxed journey to Spain – by ferry from Genoa to Barcelona.
A relaxed journey to Spain – by ferry from Genoa to Barcelona.
A relaxed journey to Spain – by ferry from Genoa to Barcelona.
A relaxed journey to Spain – by ferry from Genoa to Barcelona.
A relaxed journey to Spain – by ferry from Genoa to Barcelona.
A relaxed journey to Spain – by ferry from Genoa to Barcelona.
A relaxed journey to Spain – by ferry from Genoa to Barcelona.
A relaxed journey to Spain – by ferry from Genoa to Barcelona.

Patience is needed at the terminal.

The harbour of Genoa is huge but very well organised. We quickly checked in and found the terminal. But there we had to be patient: the bad weather still wasn't over and the ferry was late. It finally arrived six hours later. Then things were really cramped on the vehicle deck. There was a bus on the left and the ferry wall on the right. We only just managed to clamber out over the wheels and Aimée had to jump to Mike from the driver's seat.

There were a lot of truckers on the ferry using the crossing for their compulsory break time. That showed us once more just how much these truck drivers work each day. Our routes are no comparison with theirs and we don't have to comply with driving times. Nevertheless it is worthwhile for us to cover a distance such as Genoa – Barcelona by ferry: it's quick, inexpensive and relaxed.


Last impressions of Italy: on the banks of a river near Genoa there was some of that offroad feeling.
Last impressions of Italy: on the banks of a river near Genoa there was some of that offroad feeling.
Last impressions of Italy: on the banks of a river near Genoa there was some of that offroad feeling.
Last impressions of Italy: on the banks of a river near Genoa there was some of that offroad feeling.
Last impressions of Italy: on the banks of a river near Genoa there was some of that offroad feeling.
Last impressions of Italy: on the banks of a river near Genoa there was some of that offroad feeling.
Last impressions of Italy: on the banks of a river near Genoa there was some of that offroad feeling.
Last impressions of Italy: on the banks of a river near Genoa there was some of that offroad feeling.
Last impressions of Italy: on the banks of a river near Genoa there was some of that offroad feeling.
Last impressions of Italy: on the banks of a river near Genoa there was some of that offroad feeling.
Last impressions of Italy: on the banks of a river near Genoa there was some of that offroad feeling.
Last impressions of Italy: on the banks of a river near Genoa there was some of that offroad feeling.

“Dog's cabin” with a sea view.

At about 5 pm we set sail. Shortly after that we withdrew to our cabin – and we counted ourselves doubly lucky: because we had the luck to have a “dog's cabin” with a window; and because the night was peaceful. Despite the storm, the ferry was very smooth. It sailed into Barcelona harbour at 9 a.m. We drove into the city traffic without being checked. We're looking forward to exploring Spain – and we'll share our experiences with you.


4-Xtremes – The World Tour.

An unparalleled journey.

Andrea and Mike Kammermann have been on tour in their Axor for three years. "4-Xtremes – The World Tour" is the motto of the journey that the two Swiss nationals embarked on in mid-2020 and which they share with the RoadStars community. Keep up to date and don't miss out on any of the stunning destinations visited by the adventurous pair.

You can find the current parts from the “4-Xtremes – The World Tour” series here.

You can find the route of the trip before the crossing to South America here.

 


Photos: 4-Xtremes

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