It's the Law: Winter Tyres!

A few years back Germany implemented a new highway code regulation that makes the installation of winter tyres on all axles compulsory from November 1st to April 15 for all passenger vehicles and motorcycles (yes, that goes for foreigners also), that is if the vehicle is driven through wintery conditions such as snow, black ice, or frost. Note: You are good, when it's just mild and wet in winter.

The rule is simple: If you get caught driving on summer tires you will get fined, if you get stuck or delay traffic you will get fined double, if you cause an accident you will get fined big time, gather some points and likely pay for the damage caused yourself (the insurance will cover for the damage to the aggrieved party, however it will reclaim moneys from the responsible party). Also, one could lose insurance coverage for the future.

Red: Winter tryres mandatory!

Source

We had recently fitted winter tyres to our car, surprised how cheap they were compared to cost in Canada. So far we haven't seen any snow but mornings are getting a bit nippy lately. Temperatures are around 0C (32F), and aren't climbing much during the day. 

No winter tyre conditions yet, but for all we care, the white stuff doesn't have to visit, because sans snow and ice we will be good just to ride on.

Sons of Poetry

For those familiar with the TV show Sons of Anarchy…

Simply cute.

Visitors from the North

Mom, Sis and son had been over for the weekend, and we offered our usual tourist package, well some of it. Actually it was very little since we were mostly busy entertaining the little guy.

It involved strolling through Gengenbach Old Town to find a toilet for him, and then a walk along the river, for a stop over at a playground he had spotted earlier. Mom had to pose quickly for the few sights we got to see, meanwhile the little guy - unattended - got his hands (and his sleeves) wet.

He is attracted to everything watery, and this might even mean volunteering doing the dishes. Really!

Walking along the old town wall.

While the sky looks threatening.

Look, a playground!

And if there wasn't a playground around, but the need to climb aroused the little guy made do with what came across his path.

We watched two cats on a roof discussing the world's problems.

More water! Gimme rocks to throw (please)!

And another playground.

And somebody just made his day: A ride on a tractor!

It had been quite a different program compared to what we usually recommend to people visiting the area. However, we pretty much know all playgrounds in the vicinity now  ;-)