It is finally time to pack away the tents and begin the long journey back to the UK!
Today’s update comes from the Orange Team, who guided the team through their final morning at Zellhof, before starting the return journey home on the Night Jet train.
Mattresses and Carbs
After an incredibly busy 10 days, the fatigue is very real, but one Explorer managed to find the ultimate camping hack for their final night.
“Funnily enough, the last night for me was the best as I found a left over mattress in the communal area so I slept like a log. We started the day with a camp continental breakfast consisting of carbs and carbs (cereal and brioche). We then started the challenge of packing up camp for the final time at a very lethargic rate.”
Before saying goodbye to the Austrian countryside, the team made sure to squeeze in a few final campsite traditions.
“After a delicacy of bread, ham and cheese for lunch, we headed for the lake for a final paddle (with a deflating lilo). We were then forced into a shower by the leaders before collecting our gear together and getting on our final bus ride to Salzburg.”
Experiencing the “Culture”
With the bags safely transported to Salzburg, the Explorers were given some free time to soak up the historic Austrian city. Naturally, they gravitated toward the local delicacies.
“We arrived in Salzburg and got some free time to experience the culture. We ended up going to the Spar in the shopping centre and burger king. Leaders took turns to eat in shifts while guarding the bag pile.”
The Nightjet Experience
Eventually, it was time to board the train for the night. However, European train travel rarely goes completely according to plan, as the leaders can attest!
“We got on the train and after a bit of back and forth, we finally made it into our rooms and got settled in for the night. It was a rather stressful boarding experience with a slightly delayed arrival and unclear messaging over the station tannoy. Then a game of mini-train shunting in the corridors to get sorted into rooms interspersed with German federal police arriving at the border station to check passports!
Anyway, all is now well and settled in for the night with only one group so far managing to lock themselves out of their compartment…”
We wouldn’t expect anything less. This is an Interrail adventure!
The group is on the final leg of their journey! Keep an eye on the Trip Hub for the final update tomorrow.
