Issue 01 · 2022 · With the Bremer 207 D
Before the truck adventure really begins … a holiday first.
After picking up the 1124 in Wedemark, the first thing was a holiday in the Bremer. The rough route: from Berlin to the Allgäu, on towards Liguria and then back through my beloved Dolomites.
The trip in numbers
Year — 2022
Vehicle — Mercedes 207 D “Bremer”
Countries — Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy
Distance — approx. 2,800 km
Diesel — approx. 280 l · €450
Hike — 10 h on the Col di Lana
Before leaving, I adjusted the valves ... I wear long clothes so I don’t get sunburnt. Unfortunately, you have to lean far into the van to do the job ... and my T-shirt was too short. So I got a nice red stripe between my bum and my back that annoyed me for the next two weeks.
At the top: a lunch break with a view and a few photos of the fascinating mountain landscape.
Arrival in Italy. Unfortunately, the rear axle of the 207 D started to sing on the mountain passes, and at times it was also short on power.
The lack of power was fixed by changing the fuel filter ... the singing rear axle turned out to be a worn centre bearing on the propshaft. A quick visit to the nearest garage ... the friendly mechanic said it would probably last until I got back to Berlin.
Cinque Terre almost without tourists (compared to usual ...)? Sure. I found a nice spot above Riomaggiore and explored the area from there. I can really recommend it: you park in relative peace next to a bridge and can easily walk into the village.
After a relaxing time by the sea with lots of water, sun and good food, I headed into the Dolomites. I had wanted to climb the Col di Lana for a long time, after hiking the Lagazuoi and the Cinque Torri on my last holiday. So I went straight to my favourite spot below the Lagazuoi at the Falzarego Pass. During the First World War, this pass and the whole area saw fierce fighting between Austria and the attacking Italians. The traces are still visible everywhere today.
“In 10 hours I didn’t see a single person.”
Completely alone ... in a 10-hour hike I didn’t see anyone.
It was rainy and most people probably didn’t feel like it ... but I wanted to get up that mountain.
On the left the summit of the Col di Lana, on the right Monte Sief, which I climbed.
At the summit cross of Monte Sief, which is connected to the Col di Lana and from which a huge chunk was blown out during the First World War.
The picture below the text shows the remains of food tins from the First World War that are lying around everywhere.
Unfortunately, fog rolled in ... close to the summit. Since I was on my own, it seemed too risky to climb to the top in the fog ... and it was already 4:30 pm and I didn’t want to get caught in the dark. So I turned back without reaching the summit of the Col di Lana. I guess I’ll have to go back.
“I guess I’ll have to go back.”
The weather at the Col di Lana didn’t improve the next day either, and my hiking boots hadn’t dried because there was no heating in the van – so there was no chance of a second attempt. Instead I drove towards Monte Piano ... a mountain you can climb in sneakers.
When I got back from the mountain, this Atego was parked next to my van. After a short chat with its friendly owners, I drove back to Berlin via Bamberg. The end.
