Gronowo II After my disappointing visit to the border crossing at Gronowo, where I am already known, I decided to go more east to go to the bordermarkers 2403 - 2398. Earlier this morning, coming back form my hotel in Novoselovo in Russia, I visited 2389 until 2397. With this late afternoon trip I could close the row. After that I planned to go to Bartoszyce, the place not to be according to the border guard I spoke in Gronowo. Things went rather well this late afternoon, but of course I was caught again, just after reaching 2398! The border guards said he followed me all the way from where I started. He also said he could prove I went into the 15 meter zone near 2401, he found me shoeprints. And I couldn't disprove it. So again a penalty of 500 Zloty for entering the 15 meter zone. I had to climb in a Landrover for the third time. This time they brought me to the office at the borderstation Gronowo, where a border guard sent me back earlier in the afternoon. Long discussions in the office between the border guards and their superiors, again many questions, but the most things they already knew. A kind border guards felt a bit ashamed for all the hassle and the high penalty for entering the 15 meter zone. She seemed really interested in what I was doing. I asked her how they manage it to find me so quick each time. "I can't tell you, we have our secrets in detecting people on the border", she smiled. " She joined me to the ATM where I could get cash to pay the last penalty. After that, the border guards brought me to my car in Kalinowek. They were all really friendly, as they always are. It was already 7:30 PM. I ate a hotdog in Braniewo and drove to Bartoczyze where I arrived at 10 'o clock and easily found a hotel for the reasonable price of 100 Zloty. With breakfast.

	Old road Kalinowek - Mamonovo I drove to Kalinowek and parked my car near the main road. I had to walk about one kilometer on a small road that was closed for cars. In the earlier days before the border this was a thoroughfare, but now closed and protected by a bareer and signs. Everywhere traces of Landrovers and SUVs. On the right, you already see the pair 2403.
	Borderpoles 2403 Now in close up. Taken form more than 15 meter from the border. I was lucky that the trees have not that much leaves in April.
	On my way to 2404 I wanted to go to 2404 first, but I was stopped again by water. And no possibility to cross it without getting very wet or without entering the 15 meter zone. So I had to go in the other direction to 2402.
	Borderpoles 2402 It was not an easy trip. The vehicles and the border guards take the inpection road, but I didn't want to take any risk. So it took me some time and effort to cross the bushes and to find a good spot to picture this pair.
	Between 2402 and 2401 A very nice and quiet area here. A bit <<> and not so easy to cross. The sandpit in the strip is not well plowed here!
	Bridge over the Lawta It's getting more hilly here. I cross the little river Lawta. On both sides of the border there is a bridge. I was lucky because it's more than the magic 15 meters from the border. An idylic place! After the bridge comes a narrow passage uphill. I couldn't respect the 15 meter zone here so I places a few steps on the inspection path. I saw prints of the border guards' booths in the mud. They guard here as well.
	A view in the valley A nice view from uphill to the valley with the river. I guess it was about here where I entered the 15 meter zone shortly.
	Borderpoles 2401 I'm out of the little valley, it becomes more flat here again. The strip gets wider as well.
	Borderpoles 2401 A close up of the nice pair 2401.
	Borderpoles 2400 The same kind of picture of the pair 2400. No surprises yet.
	Between 2400 and 2399 On Polish side the fields come again. Hurray! Until now I haven't seen any meadows or fields on the Russian side. Only woods. I guess it has to do with their broad 'no-go zone'.
	Borderpoles 2399 The last picture for today. When I arrived at 2398 to take the last pictures I saw something moving on the horizon. Was it a person? A border guard? Yes, it was a person! And indeed, a border guard. Who else could it be? The rest of the story you can read at the top of this page. Next page >>

Krynica Morska

Braniewo

Gronowo 2409 - 2408

Gronowo 2403 - 2399

Grzechotki

Szczurkowo

Ostre Bardo