I know we said we loved Budapest – but on departure from Szentendre, one missed turn on the satnav saw us plough head long into Central Budapest, traffic and all.  I loved having one last look at the beautiful buildings – though the commentary from the driver was slightly different to that on the tourist bus!  Still, we made it out the other side and headed south to Lake Balaton – Hungary’s summer playground, and Europe’s biggest body of fresh water.

After discarding several campsites and driving an hour more than intended, three hot weary travellers finally chose a lake side pitch at Napfény Camping in Revülöp.  The afternoon was hot and sticky and the evening became ever more sultry as the clouds gathered to the south of the lake.  In a true inland sea manner, the waters whipped themselves into a frenzy and the initially distant thunder drew ever closer until we were surrounded by constant booms and lightening streaking across the sky and down to earth in a spectacular fashion.  We sat out watching the approach, and then when the heavens opened, we retreated to Will’s bed, opened the windows wide and enjoyed nature’s display.  A science lesson in storms to follow…..

The next day dawned fresher for the storm and we celebrated a belated travellers Father’s Day as we couldn’t do it on the day.  When Deane went out for a 10km run, it was action stations in the van – streamers and balloons went up, a treasure hunt was put into place with accompanying chocolate treats, and a full English breakfast blew our pitch electrics twice before ending up on our plates.  A sweaty but pleasantly surprised Papa Dean-ee arrived home!  The day was full of laid back family activities, with a table tennis tournament, badminton and then the big Daddy turned up with an inflatable boat just big enough for three (though that number hasn’t been tested yet) and him and Will hit the water.  Great fun all round – Happy Father’s Day Papa Dean-ee.

The following day we headed to the bottom of the lake (not literally), camping in Keszthely.  A quick stop for lunch on the way proved a bargain with Will and Deane having yummy 10” pizzas for £1.87, and Bron having a two course meal (nom nom) for £2.90.

After an afternoon catching up on school, skype and then hitting the spa (it’s a hard life!), the next morning Will and I joined Deane on his morning run, tracking 5km around the lake to a lovely recreational area with fisherman, families and flowers galore (before turning back and doing the 5km again).  Pleasant enough.  In the afternoon we headed to Hévíz but instead of taking the bus the 11km, we jumped back on our bikes and headed off (padded pants intact).  A lack of signs resulted in slightly elongated route, but we arrived safe and sound and after a delicious Bavarian (which country?) lunch we donned togs and jumped into the incredible Lake Hévíz.

Lake Hévíz is the world’s second largest thermal lake (47,500 square metres), and is believed to be completely replenished each day by 38° water – which makes a pleasant 32° to swim in.  An absolutely stunning spot – and yet again, we felt so lucky to visit!  It is in a park set in a pine wood, where you change in very civilised fashion and then step daintily down to the lily filled waters.    We swam amongst the lily pads, and because unlike most folk, we only had one noodle (no prizes for guessing who had that….), we treaded water in between the rest planks until we resembled dried fruit, before reluctantly climbing out and back onto our saddles for the ride home.  All in all…30km ride that day…not bad for little (and old) legs.  What a smashing day – and I’m sure the old bones are better for the medicinal water!

We leave the lovely Hungary now – what a super, super country!  Köszönöm and Viszlát Hungary – we will be back!