Curonian Spit by motoscooter

It was long time ago but as a first blog entry I decided to write about unforgettable trip by Piaggio Sfera 125cc scooter.

I wanted to go out somewhere for weekend, so on Friday we with girlfriend (who was still at work) decided to go to the Curonian Spit with a scooter - crazy idea!

I read some tour descriptions, studied the road map, awaited girlfriend, and at ~ 6PM we were ready for adventure. To leave Riga at Friday evening is not fast thing to do, even driving barefaced in front of all. When we get out of Riga everything went a lot faster. The road in Eleja for scooter is pretty awful and all the time I had to concentrate a lot.


Curonian Spit by motoscooter larger map

The first refill was at Joniškis (driving with passanger my scooter needs to be filled ~ every 100km).

We were going in direction of Palanga when it started to darkle. Last 100 km we drove in total dark quite carefully. Scooter lights were ridiculous. Well, that was good that I saw two white lines where to drive between. It was really a pleasure when cars with high beam drive behind us- I could finally see a way.

We arrived in Palanga at 1PM and looked a place to stay for a night. A logical choice in Palanga seemed room (Kambaris) rent. (This is very popular in this region to rent rooms for travelers- the owners stay on road with posters.) The first lessor asked 50 litas (14 euro). At first we were afraid if so cheap place is terrible room with toilet outdoors. But- all respect- big, comfy room with a separate toilet and shower. Every four rooms shared a kitchen, but we didn’t use it.

There was opportunity (which we also used) for additional 5 litas(1.40 euro) to put scooter in garage.

The next morning we went to shop to buy some food and at 10AM went to Klaipeda. There we get lost a bit until we found the right ferry. At 12AM we were on ferry.

Finally we were on spit and calmly moved to our goal- Nida. Very soon- the first point of interest- Dead dune- scary view- the fire had raged.

A bit before Jodukrante we needed to buy a pass for mechanical transport.

At Jodukrante is worth to visit Witch Mountain and buy smoked fish.

After some time we get in Nida- there we visited a church, lighthouse (for geocaching.com) and went to the dunes. It was really impressive view- especially from the top of the highest dune (over 60 meters).

Going back we quickly visited Gray dune and at 6PM we were on ferry. In Klaipēda refilled scooter, bought best lithuanian beer- švyturys baltas and we were ready to go home. This time we decided to go through the main highway leading to Vilnius. It took long time for us to understand where we were because we lost our way, but at 7PM we get on the right road.

After 100 km it started to rain and it get dark very fast. We stopped at gas station, drank some tea in cafe nearby, waiting rain pass. At 9PM it stopped raining and we could go on. The scooter lights barely lit up the road and the road signs, we had to stop to see them.

All the way home I thought- why we took sleeping bags but didn’t take raincoats, which could wear under the jacket that could save us from axes wind and rain (we drove at a speed of 100 km/h).

At 1AM we were in Riga finally.

The lesson for future times:
Be sure to wear Moto-jackets, and the light should be placed in more powerful.

Total Costs (~77 euro):
35 euro-  fuel (~ 750km/ 28 liters)
14 euro- room in Palanga
1.40 euro- place for scooter in the garage
2.25 euro- ferry ticket (Roller driver + passenger)
2.80 euro- entry to the dune area (near Juodkrante)
21 euro- food, fish, beer