I had only been in Germany a few hours and most of that time was on the road–The Road– you know, the Autobahn.
I was driving a small van–all they had left to rent at the airport. I brought my own GPS, which, after a little adjustment, was working just fine. Fine…except for the small issue that I didn’t see had it did not seem to be charging all the time. What I thought had fixed it turned out to be temporary and so I watched the life drain from it as I sped down the autobahn.
And then, after a brief stop at McDonalds and learning how to ask for a tasche for my leftovers , the power in the GPS died. I was driving down the autobahn getting close to my exit when it happened. Now what?
You might laugh, but I did not have a printed road map, at least a recent one. I had a folder of old photos and maps. And, I did have my memory. I had in fact come this way to follow the footsteps of veterans who had tread this ground on the last days of WWII.
I had studied many maps. So,though not detailed maps (almost schematic), I had and idea of place names and road numbers and where I needed to go. It was a bit of an unexpected shift, but I had traveled before the days of GPS so reverted to paying close attention and seeking out roadsigns. It reminded me to not become too dependent on convenient technology.
I got to the right exit and got off. It was at a small town with a medieval road plan ( and winding ways). I recognized the town name and route number from the WWII era maps. I pulled over and readjusted the plug on the GPS and got it powered up charging and working again. Meanwhile, I was already headed in the right direction.
If I had missed my exit it would have wasted valuable research time so it pays to do your research and have a back up resource. I was planning on and did get detailed local maps once I was in Berchtesgaden. It’s good to have a plan and a back up plan too. Don’t leave home without one. And, run through a few probable contingencies. What could go wrong: delays, weather, car problems, sickness, and yes, navigation back up.
I had to laugh at myself because I had learned some primitive navigation techniques both while in the course of hiking and travel, but also through reading specific resources on the subject. I’d just thought I’ll look at the terrain and navigate with a sharp stick or two. I didn’t really need to resort to those skills, but realized there was some comfort in knowing I could go down a few grades in navigation resources below even map and compass, and still get where I needed to. It was nice to know I had them if I needed them. Gives you an edge and some confidence. It frees up brain space to make other decisions.
As it was, I was able to drive the route to where the military unit I was following–the 101st Division– had run into road blocks and resistance in those fateful last days of WWII and turned back. I did the same and headed north to Tiesendorf area in time to catch the sunset (pictured above) and then onto Bad Reichenhall for the evening. Both locations were given by veterans as where they spent the night. I would be rising very early — 4:00 am to stay on schedule with the 101st 70 years before….
Portraits of a Traveler 