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Thursday, 19th September 2019
A first for this trip, fog!, only 7C at 08:00, but, the fog cleared and a pleasant 19C by lunch time.
An easy drive to Lahnstein, Camping Wolfsmuhle (N50 18'52" E07 37'40"), although, the last few miles, to the actual Campsite, seem rather convoluted, I don't recall this, from our last visit, although, it is nine years ago!
In the intervening nine years, the number of static caravans and Chalets seems to have increased, never a good sign IMHO. I somehow feel we will not be staying here long.
After a quick lunch, we set off, on bicycles, to explore the route to Koblenz. We follow a young lady, who appears to know where she is going, unfortunately, it is not where we want to go, and, we end up following a rather busy and complicated route, until we eventually find the cycle track heading for Koblenz, along the Rhine. On our return, we find the way we should have taken, along the banks of the River Lahn, to a Marina (with Beer Garden, stop for refreshment), then over a pedestrian footbridge, to emerge near the campsite. We clock up just over 13 miles.
Friday, 20th September 2019
A very chilly 6C this morning, but, by the time we are set-up on the Moselle, it is a very pleasant 21C.
Although we have been to Camping Wolfsmuhle before, neither of us feel "comfortable" here, it has gone downhill.
I choose four potential Stellplatz or sites, along the Moselle, and off we go.
I had expected to drive along the Moselle, from Koblenz, but, the exit off the motorway was closed (roadworks), and, the Sat-Nav then routed on a good fast, but boring route of about 76miles.
My first choice was a Stellplatz at a Marina, Neumagen-Dhron, Marina Mittelmosel (N49.85257, E6.8927).
It is right on the banks of the River Moselle, clean, tidy, well organised, clean and working Showers/Toilets, Motorhome service point, and, the real clincher, a Church five minutes walk away. It also has a pleasant village, within walking distance, and, the Moselle Cycle Route runs past the Marina.
It is pricey (IMHO) as Stellplatz go, at 17Euro/night, including EHU, but, it is nevertheless, clearly a very popular Stellplatz, we arrive at just on 12:00, and, there are only two places left. We, and the Dutch couple in the van behind us, nab them. They are adjacent, and the Dutch couple, now our neighbours, turn out to be very pleasant and friendly.
Booking in is a bit of a challenge, unusually, the Receptionist speaks no English, and, my few words of German are no help, but, we manage.
The Stellplatz is yet another "Cash only" place, so, usefully, there is a bank, and cash machines in the Village.
We check out the Church (Mass 09:30 on Sunday, so, Kathleen will have time to make my breakfast, before she goes to Church), and, have a little wander around the village.
Neumagen, is, according to Tourist Information signs in the village, the oldest Wine Making Village in Germany.
The rest of the day is spent reading our books, and, lazing in the sun.
Saturday, 21st September 2019
A very pleasant 13C first thing this morning, then, 25C by lunch time.
We cycle along the Moselle, or, since we are in Germany, I suppose, I should say Mosel.
Most of the way is dedicated cycle route, a little undulating as in places, the route goes through the Vineyards, rather than following the river bank.
We go ten miles before turning back.
There are lots and lots of people cycling, it seems like the thing to do on a sunny Saturday morning.
It being such a hot day, a stop at a Bier Garten is called for.
Some "shopping" is required after lunch. I think, perhaps, "the backpack" will be pressed into service.
Wrong, I am despatched to find the Netto (about half a mile away, it turns out, isn't Google wonderful?).
In addition to the "essentials", I return with Chocolate (white for Kathleen), only to be complained at because Kathleen has not yet finished the last bar I bought for her (about a week ago!). So, while she is reading her book, I give her lessons in eating chocolate. I tell her, "it is easy, just sit then, read page, then, stuff some chocolate in your mouth, continue until it is all gone". It is not difficult is it?
We have another amusing interlude with the Receptionist, who speaks no English. Kathleen wants to use the washing machine. We are puzzling over the instructions, in German of course, when the Receptionist walks by. She gives us verbal instructions, in German of course, which does not really clarify anything. Eventually, she pushes a few buttons on the machine, and asks for the money to put in the slot. I give her 4 Euro, she opens up the cash box, changes to 2 x 2 Euro coins into small value coins and gives me back some more coins. According to my counting, I came out ahead.
Monday, 16th September 2019
After yesterday's scorcher, today seems cool at only 14C in the morning, rising to 22C by lunch time.
We plan to leave, tomorrow morning, so, today we have an easy day, a trip into Rudesheim to mix with the tourists, followed by packing away bicycles etc.
We do not plan to move far, only about 20 miles along the Rhine, to Oberwesel. Currently undecided if we should stay at Camping Schonburgblick (N50 06'08" E07 44'11"), or at the Stellplatz nearby (N50.10828, E7.72729),
Tuesday, 17th September 2019
Although the weather forecast was not too promising, it turns our to be another beautiful day, sunny and 20C, but, with a stiff breeze.
An easy drive along the Rhine, entering the section referred to as the "Romantic Rhine".
Our planned destination, Oberwesel, is on the opposite site of the Rhine, so, the Sat-Nav directs us via a small ferry, it may be small, but, it operates very smoothly, and, other than having to make room for a Tourist Coach to get off the ferry, before we could get on, all is well, for 10Euro.
First disappointment, contrary to the reviews on SearchForSites, the Stellplaz (N50.10828, E7.72729), is disappointing, most of the space occupied by parked cars, adjacent to a busy road, and, no visible EHU, it is 8Euro/24hr, not worth it, in our view.
On to Camping Schonburgblick (N50 06'08" E07 44'11"), just a short distance away. This site has a good location, by the Rhine, but, a slightly overcrowded appearance, and, it is full, except for a small area just outside the entrance, which has EHU for Motorhomes. Kathleen is not happy with this, so, off we go.
A few miles further on, we chance upon Campingplatz Loreleyblick (N50 8'37" E7 43'20"). It is again, right on the bank of the Rhine.
Fairly large, and not immediately to Kathleen's liking, but, we decide to stay, for at least one night. After a little explore, Kathleen decides "it is better than she thought", so, we may stay longer, watch this space!
As mentioned earlier, this section of the Rhine is popularly known as the "Romantic Rhine", with castles, either on islands in the river, or, perched on the steep sides of the gorge.
Wednesday, 18th September 2019
Very cool start, compared to what we have been used to, but, sunny, and quickly warming to 20C.
This site, Campingplatz Loreleyblick (N50 8'37" E7 43'20"), is excellent, except for the railway line, running nearby. Trains continue throughout the night, and, they are LOUD. Living, as we do, in an urban area, we are used to some background noise, but, this is definitely in the foreground! Don't think we will stay a third night!
We have new German neighbours, a much younger couple, only 30 something, I would guess, so, significantly younger than the average geriatric Motorhomes They are very friendly, and wave us off on our cycling outing, they are drinking white wine at 10:00 in the morning!
We cycle ten miles, towards Koblenz, following the excellent Rhine cycle track.
We are still in the "Romantic Rhine", so, plenty of Castles, perched on the hill sides.
Also, cruise boats and barges keeping pace with us, as we cycle along.
We eventually reach Boppard, where we stop for lunch.
Our lack of German Language skills are adequately demonstrated, Kathleen gets a Chocolate Muffin, despite asking, in her best German, for a Blueberry Muffin.
I manage to get Belgian Waffles, as requested, but, minus the honey!
After lunch, we wander the shops, cannot complain at this, as if I would, Kathleen has been very restrained this trip, with respect to window shopping..
It would appear this shopkeeper has read my comments about, souvenirs, being made in China!
I am conned, sorry, persuaded into agreeing that Kathleen needs a (smart) backpack, so that she can help carry the shopping, when we visit Lidl Etc.
Needless to say, she does not have her
purse with her, so, I am 18Euro lighter.
I very much doubt the backpack will ever contain any groceries, however, it does have a need internal pocket, which I point out, could be used to carry her purse and glasses (so I don't have to read the menu to her), in future. This is not well received.
Just thought I would include a photograph of said backpack in action (empty of course), although we do make a toilet stop at St Gear, which then results in more shopping, (not bad, for someone who does not have her purse with her), and, an item is actually carried in the backpack.
Kathllen's comment, "it is heavier with something in it",,,,, err, yes, that fits with the laws of Physics, I suppose.
