June 06, 2015:
Got an early start to a nice day, rode into Krakow and had the engine and differential oil changed. The rear gear box is under warranty and so I had a BMW dealerhip do do the work. I didn't have an appointment however they worked the moto in and had me going in a few hours.
About an hour south of Radom, Poland the moto starting running rough and was having issues getting moving from a full stop, needed lots of throttle play. Luckily there's a BMW dealership in Radom which I arrived at just after closing. But again, a couple mechanics were hanging out and one said he'd look at it. In short order he found the problem, throttle cable issue, right side. It would take a day to get the parts and a day for repairs. I left the moto with them and the mechanic drove me to a place to stay. I'm going to have moto issues, I like when they happen near good support.

June 09, 2016:
All fixed on the trail early, plan ride to Bialowieza and check on entering Belarus without a VISA. The Belovezhskaya Pushcha NP is shared by Poland and Belarus and from my research it's possible to cross into the Belarus side by obtaining some sort of permit.
Arrived a bit late in the afternoon and went strait to a tourist office. Yup, a permit is available and after filling out a simple form I was told to come back at 8am and I would have the permit to enter Belarus. The permit restricts people to certain areas and you are only allowed to walk or ride a bike. The plan, get to sleep early, rise early and check out the park and be back on the moto early afternoon headed for Estonia. Perfect. Found a place to stay and all was great, and then:

These people showed up in vintage beatles. Very nice folks out on a few day tour. After admiring the cars for a bit I was invited to join them for a drink and something to eat.
From June 06-10, 2016

Within a few minutes a table was set with lots of homemade foods, cured hams, chicken, pickles, some sort of potato meat things and raw onion chunks which we dipped in yogurt and sprinkled with salt. The onion thing didn't sound so good but it was delicious. Some sort of sweet onion they grew. Oh, and vodka.
I finally remembered I had a camera and took a photo, as you can see from the picture things are starting to get blurr-fuzzy.
From June 06-10, 2016

One of the bottles had a Mallard duck on the label, I was thinking, it's a duck, I like ducks, harmless and they're good eating. It really was good vodka!!
From June 06-10, 2016

Well, shortly after the second bottle was consumed the two ring leaders went out for more. That's when I realized that visibility had been reduced to less that a meter and it was time to abort. I didn't want to mind you, I had to. It was a lot of fun!

June 10, 2016:
Needless to say, I didn't get up as early as planned. I didn't feel so good but it was a great time! Polish hospitality is to hard to resist, it's stronger than me.
I got to the tourist office around 10 am and the couple working were a bit surprised I was so late, then the husband got a foul look, laughed and then opened a drawer, he gave me a dozen Tick Tacks. He'd live in Chicago for a few years and could speak good English and took a few friendly shots at me, fun. He had my permit and I was on my way to Belarus, just needed a bicycle. I had spoke with a guy yesterday so it was all set, while I was there I had to stop and admire this moto:
From June 06-10, 2016

One of the riding trails in Belarus:
From June 06-10, 2016

Lake Liadskoye:
From June 06-10, 2016

From June 06-10, 2016

I took this photo when I was back in Poland, one of the border agents told me it was allowed. When entering, the Polish side is very easy and friendly however, in the background, the Belarus border control, very strict, no smiles and they checked every page of my passport before stamping it. The Belarus agent asked me about Russia, I didn't understand what he was saying so I just said no, most often the safest reply. You can always change to yes, but once you say yes, no is usually not an option any longer. Anyway, he gave me a serious look over and then let me pass to the entrance gate.
From June 06-10, 2016