Czech Roads: Ups and Downs

The steep Czech roads on our map are flagged with little arrows. However only the really steep ones are mentioned and then we talking about 8 to 12 percent uphill. For us 3, 5 or even 7 percent is heavy pulling.

Aysha and Isabel are, yet not, in full condition. We can’t avoid every hill so it’s hard working for them. We stay, if possible, two nights at one address to give them rest.

In Shape for the Czech roads

Every steep hill, we both jump from the box to walk besides the caravan. John drives, and using the reins as if he is still sitting on the box. After we reach the top, we stop for about twenty minutes or as long both horses need to recuperate. Every day their condition is becoming better and better no doubt they will be in shape when we reach serious mountains. Meanwhile our own condition too! Can’t say I’ am skinny now but definitely conditionally more in “shape”.

Even after 1.739 miles, we try to improve the harness, reins and traces. Aysha is the left hand horse. Comparing to Isabella she works to hard. She is very eager but easily worn out. Isabella is a bit heavier horse with a slightly longer neck. Combining this we try to adjust the reins and traces and finally we think to have find the perfect balance. (For people using Achenbach system, we have set the Isabella’s reins on the second hole and Aysha on eight)

Sometimes the area is so hilly there are tunnels to pass trough. No problem, absolutely bombproof.

Not always funny

We don’t think there are many people driving like this on Czech roads. People are making pictures and video’s, waving and yelling. Not always we clap and cheer about that:

On a very steep hill, we try to get to the top. The horses are sweating, but steadily, step by step, we are almost there. The both of us, walking beside it, sweat on our forehead, panting and gasping for air, hoping the horses can go on.

Traffic tears along the small road, sometimes they hold in to get a better look. This time one car drives besides us, coming from the back, the driver with a camera on the ready. He wants us to stop to have a better result! We keep smiling, teeth’s grinding, and friendly waving him goodbye!

In Danger

On a small road, nevertheless a main Czech road, a big truck in front of us, loaded with rubbish and traveling very fast. On the top, big blue isolation plates are lifted up by the wind. We see it happen but we can’t do anything than stay calm. The horses frightened jumping aside trying to avoid the danger.

Cars at the back of the truck making dangerous movements. John keeps his calmness and we are able to remove the plates by throwing them over the crash barrier.Never say we have a dull moment!

Yes or No

People are very helpful but not always in our benefit. We don’t want to sound ungrateful but sometimes it would be better to say no, to hospitality:

We are in search for a spot already refused to stay on several places. Next to an institution, we see a big juicy meadow. That’s the one we want! I walk into the building asking permission. Four women jumping around me with loads of questions eager to help. Unfortunately, we can’t use their meadow but they call a friend who certainly has a spot.

Monica is her name and we have to wait 15 minutes when she gives a hoot out of her car to follow her. We do, however before we know us driving back into the hills. And further and further. Finally, we see a big house with an even steeper driveway up.

Aysha and Isabella, not to mention our selves, squeeze one spurt out again to reach a coral behind the house. After setting in, filling the water can and a short talk to Monica, we didn’t see her again.

Next day we leave the spot early in the morning.

We hardly dare to ask......

That evening we arrive in Zrbaslav, after a very heavy day and a hill of 7 percent. Immediately after arriving, we meet Yanna, her neighbor Janec, grandma, grandpa, father and mother. All horse owners their selves. They welcome us warmly and we all drink coffee.

Grandma asks if we want to sleep in her house. We like to stay in our caravan, instead of this kindly offer (we hardly dare to ask) maybe our laundry? Next morning we have clean ironed clothes! Janec invites friend to come and take a look, he makes music on his guitar and shows us his horse Start.

Grandpa speaks German and we can even have some kind of conversation. Yanna quit well in English translates the rest of it. Next morning, we are not allowed to go back on Czech roads, without eggs, salad and hay. This kind of friendly welcomes, chatting and hospitality is like a warm bath. That makes a hard day work on hilly Czech roads, worthy.

Thea

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