Lahnstein then Moselle, Neumagen-Dhron

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. 

Geisenheim, Rheingau Camping N49.979271, E7.95744 contd...

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. 

The Rhine and Moselle

I am told Imelda Marcos had a thing about buying shoes, well Kathleen has a thing about buying hats. Yet another one is acquired when visiting Rudesheim.

Friday 27^th September 2013

We spend the day, cycling along the Rhine to Guisenheim and beyond.

Visiting the market, to buy fresh vegetables.

Lunchtime is spent drinking white wine in a pavement bar.

All very enjoyable.





Saturday 28^th September 2013

We leave Guisemheim, for the Moselle.

Kathleen is very concerned about the route the sat-nav will take us, the Rhine is a big river, and there are not many bridges.

Initially, she is concerned, because we are heading toward Koblenz, a significant distance down river, but, after just a few kilometres, we are directed to a ferry across the Rhine to Bingen.

The Rhine is an incredibly busy river, with barges and large river cruise boats passing up and down the river every few minutes.

So, crossing the river in a ferry, is, we find, the equivalent of attempting to cross the M1 on foot.

The ferry has to pause and turn head on to the current, whilst barges pass on either side of us, several times during the crossing.

We are heading for a Stelplatz which we got from a book I picked up at a tourist display, we arrive at Minheim, (N49 51’ 54” E6 56’ 28”).

But, the best laid plans of mice and men, seldom work out.

I have carefully checked out the church in advance on Google, but, we arrive to find the place absolutely full.

A van just leaving, but the German van we have followed for the past five miles gets the space. I knew I should have taken a chance and overtaken him! He is so anxious to grab the space, he begins reversing into it, before the departing van has actually exited the space, and promptly reverses into him! No damage done fortunately.

Never mind, we know of another Stelplatze. 

Longuich, Felten Weine and Edelbrande (N49 48’ 7” E6 46’ 49”) A return visit, so, a stroll to refresh Kathleen’s memory of where the church is, and check out mass times.

We pause in a Bier Garten for a glass of wine, then, back to the van to snooze in the autumn sun.

The banks of the Moselle are covered in vineyards, and, most of the stellplatz are set in the vineyards.

This one, at Longuich, is no exception, we are surrounded by the raw materials of our lunch time tipple!

Sunday 29^th September 2013

Sunday, so, that means church.

While Kathleen cycles to the village to attend church, I bake bread for later.

No, I have not become a bread chef, we bought part cooked bread buns, at Lidl, all you have to do, is pop them in the oven for ten minutes, even I can do that.

After Kathleen returns from church, we cycle down river for about six miles, a little beyond a place called Mehring. We call in at Mehring, to check out the Stellplatz there, it has a good spot, right on the river bank, but, it holds approximately 100 vans, and is a little too big for our taste.

By the time we return to Longuich, we have cycled about twelve miles, that is quite a feat on our folding bicycles, which are not designed for significant distances.

We cycle back to the Wine / Bier Garden we visited yesterday, for a very enjoyable lunch, some excellent wine, German brandy and German Liquers.

Monday 30^th September 2013

A beautiful autumn day, bright blue sky, warm sunshine.

We cycle along the Moselle into Scweich, passing a rather large river cruise ship, executing a complete turn in the river. The ship is almost as long as the river is wide.

The plan had been to use a cash machine in Scweich, then cycle along the river in the direction of Trier.

But, we meet an Welsh couple who have ridden to Scweich on their motor scooter from further down the Moselle. They turn out to be an entertaining pair, 74 years old, but, not even looking retirement age, they are making their way back home, from a visit to Poland.

We talk for so long, we run our of time to do our cycle ride, and instead return to the van for lunch, and an afternoon of reading in the sun.

South West across Germany to the Rhine

Monday 23rd September 2013

Heading toward the Rhine or Moselle, not quite decided yet.

First stop is Gottingen, a very pleasant town, is our first impression..

We stay on a stellplatze. Badeparadies Eiswiese (N51 31'23" E9 55'46"). Very nice it is too. Almost empty when we arrive, but, by 17:00 almost full, as you can see.

We meet yet another couple of New Zealanders (France and Cynthia), who are now living in the UK, but, spend most of their time roaming Europe in a Campervan. France is of Dutch extraction, but went to New Zealand as a baby, with his parents. He thus has the luxury(?) of New Zealand, Dutch and EU citizenship.

A very pleasant evening, drinking red wine and comparing notes on the places we have visited.

Tuesday 24th September 2013

Kathleen is not feeling too well today, cold type bug symptoms, but, being a woman, she will not just stay in and keep warm and comfortable. As a dutiful husband, I cycle to the supermarket and buy her a bottle of whisky, so, she can have hot lemonade and whisky drinks.

We spend the day exploring Gottingen, by bicycle. This is all very enjoyable, cycle tracks everywhere. The cycle tracks even have traffic lights to control the flow!

I realise that Kathleen is probably not cut out for life here. Everyone abides by the rules, waits for the "little green man" before crossing the road etc, waiting is not really Kathleen's forte. The problem is, the local population obey the rules, and, assume everyone else will, so, when you get a "wild card" potential disaster beckons.

Wednesday 25th September 2013.

Mundane tasks have to be attended to, ie clothes washing etc,so, we head for a campsite.

Back to Eschwege, Knaus Campingpark (N51 11’ 29” E10 10’ 7”).

All washing done, and lunch over, we spend the afternoon, cycling around the lake, drinking beer in the sunshine, before cycling around the lake again, just for the hell of it. 

It is warm and sunny, but, autumn is definitely here, as can be seen from the colours of the leaves on the trees.











Thursday 26th September 2013.

We arrive Geisenheim, Am Campingplatz 1, (N49 58' 45" E7 57' 27"), an ACSI site.

We get a spot right on the banks of the Rhine.

Once parked, we cycle into Rudesheim, for a late lunch.

Rudesheim is a stopping off point for the river cruise boats which ply the Rhine, so, is a rather busy place, but, still very pretty, if you get away from the river front street.

Berlin

Saturday 21st September 2013.

We get the bus into Berlin centre. I am given the task of memorising the bus stop, where we get on, so we can find our way back.

I understand the logic. If the task is given to me, and it goes wrong, ie, we get lost, it is my fault.

I carefully study the information at the bus stop. I know we are in an area called Spandau, and, there is a sign on the bus stop reading "Rathaus - Spandau", I know this translates as Town Hall, Spandau. Quite reasonably, I think, I conclude this stop is at the townhall, Spandau. I am a little puzzled that I cannot see any large building which may resemble a Town Hall, but, hey, you cannot have everything.

The bus (M45), arrives, as expected, we board, pay our fare and take our seats. The bus sets off, stopping here and there, as buses do. After 5-10 minutes, we stop outside of a large and impressive building, which is clearly, Spandau Town Hall. This means of course, wherever we got on, it was not "Rathuas - Spandau". I decide to keep this bit of information to myself, and worry about it on the way back.

In due course we arrive at the Zoo on the edge of Tiergarten. I am given the task of reading the street map, and trying to keep Kathleen under control as she walks off in various directions at double time.

We manage to take-in the Willem Memorial Cathedral, mostly a ruin (bombed in 1943) and in the process of being restored. There is quite a sobering exhibition of the futility of war.

I manage to keep Kathleen on track, and we walk through Tiergarten, to the "Victory Monument". I am not sure which victory this commemorates, clearly not 1918 or 1945.

I jest of course, the Germans may have lost the (don't mention the) war,but, they certainly won the peace, this place is magnificent. There is success showing everywhere you look. Everything just works! 

Next we come to a memorial erected by the former USSR, to the two thousand Russian soldiers who died in June 1945, during the final days of Berlin's resistance.

There cannot ever be a good time to be killed I suppose, but, fancy getting killed when it was just about all over, talk about bad luck!

Next, we wander along to the Brandenburgh Gate. A memorable sight, from many a cold war spy film, but, I thought, not nearly as impressive in real life as it appears in films.

Basically, it is not as big as I imagined it would be. What is impressive is the quality of the restoration, from photographs taken after the fall of Berlin, this area was a heap of rubble, you would never know it now.

Through the Brandenburgh Gate, and you are into what was, until some 25 or so years

ago, East Berlin of course. All very nasty at the time, but, I think it is all a bit tacky now.

There is no doubt however, they are certainly laughing about is now, people dressed as border guards, etc etc.

Plus one person dressed (I think) as a character out of Star Wars. I am not sure what point he or she is trying to make, well, there is at least one in every major city I suppose.

Inevitably there are people driving around in restored Trabant cars, the ultimate joke of the Soviet system. 

Finally, a very novel bar, where you can sit on your bar stool, drinking your beer, and peddle to get your exercise! The bar is propelled around the streets by the efforts of the drinkers, I am not sure who, if anyone is steering however!

We take in the restored Parliament building, and then wander to Potsdam Platz, via the memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.

At Potsdam Platz, there are some bits of the infamous Berlin Wall, not in their original state, or original situation, but as exhibits from the past.

We stroll some more, in the autumn sunshine, and come across a canal, with this definately "uncity like" view. 

As we wander past pavement bars, we notice everyone is drinking enormous glasses of beer.

We have to have one, and take a seat to have a drink and be entertained, by this chap doing hand stands on a skateboard, followed by an acrobat and a very young boy, playing the clarinet.

One last thing to do, before catching the bus back to the stellplatze, have a Bratwurst.

I cannot convince Kathleen to join me, so, she amuses herself taking a photograph of this very simple, but, effective public toilet (for men), and women who can pee standing up.






We board the bus, and, I have to now own up, I do not know where to get off. We have to wait until we reach the "Rathaus", and then take a guess at the appropriate stop, the fact I am writing this, tells you, we made it.

I redeem myself by finding the nearest Catholic Church, via Google.

It is not far (about 2.5km, the sat-nav tells us), but, we have no idea in which direction, and, since the sat-nav is built into the van, we cannot take it with us.

Google maps to the rescue, and we are able to get both a walking route and a cycling route.

Sunday 22nd September 2013.

 It is dry and mild, so, it is decided, we will cycle to the church. It is a mixture of dedicated cycletrack and on road cycle lane, so, not difficult at all.

Working on the off chance that I am wrong, and there is a god, and, he is a Catholic, I do hope he will take note of the efforts I have gone to, to get one of his flock (Kathleen) to church, no matter where we are.

While Kathleen does the church thing, I have a wander of the surrounding streets, a combination of looking for interesting sights, and checking out likely eating places for our lunch.

The plan is to have a little gentle exercise (walking or cycling) after Mass, followed by Sunday Lunch (although, I doubt it will be Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding).

We are still in Spandua district, but, this area is the "old town", at least I think that is what the term "altstadt" means.

There is a river or canal at the end of the street, with a busy lock.

There are also some rather quaint buildings which according to the signs on them date back to the 1700's.

Kathleen duly emerges from church at 11:00, too early to eat, and it is decided, we will cycle for an hour or so, to sharpen our appetite.


We head to the lock, and then cycle along the river, we think we are heading in the

direction of Berlin Centre, but, since we have no map, the strategy is to keep the River in view, so we do not get lost.

Suitably hungry, park our bicycles and have a very enjoyable lunch.

We walk a little to allow lunch to settle, then head for a coffee and cake shop, to drink delicious coffee and devour enormous portions of cake.



The Stellplatze is on the site of a former barracks. There is a large building next to the site, which we assume was the barracks, and, which now appears to be used as flats. As we arrive back, we are greeted by a very enthusiastic group of some 8 or so children, aged not more than 10 years, waving from one of the windows.

Kathleen waves back. This turns out to be a mistake. Before we can blink, we are surrounded by them. From their appearance, they are immigrants, they are fascinated by our folding bicycles. They speak a little English and in addition to introducing themselves, ask for a ride on the bicycles. We oblige, and two at a time, all 8 of them have a turn at whizzing around the site. Some are not too steady at riding a bicycle, Kathleen is concerned they will injure themselves (or someone else!). We discover while they can speak enough English to ask for a turn, they do not appear to understand "be careful" or "Ok, that is enough". Kathleen eventually coaxes them off the bicycles with biscuits all round.

Once they have demolished the biscuits, they run around the site, playing hide and seek, and, as far as we can see, doing no harm, just being children.

But later in the afternoon, there is some form of upset, and eventually, the Police are called. Kathleen's German is not up to understanding what is going on and we are not brought into the discussion, nor are we ejected from the site, so, I assume it is not us who have caused the upset by indulging them. A mystery.

Arrive at Berlin

Friday 20th September 2013. We leave, the plan being to make another stop over, between here and Berlin.

Berlin is approximately 230 miles away, so, we plan to stop off about halfway.

We head for a Stellplatz, featured in the German Stellplatz book. The place is called Brachwitz, near Halle.

What a place to find! We leave the excellent tarmac road, and travel about three miles along a narrow, cobblestone road.

Then we arrive at a ferry across a (not very wide) river. The ferry is just a sort of flat platform which shuttles back and forth across the river. 

Kathleen has visions of a Jeremy Clarkson (Top Gear) episode, where they ferried their cars across a river on a home made raft.

The chap who operates the ferry takes four euros for the crossing, and gives Kathleen instructions (in German), on how to find the Stellplatz. The only word I understand is "links" (ie left).

After several turning around adventures, we find the place. There are no other vans there, and, apart from a few houses, there is nothing there.

We decide to head for our second choice, about 20 miles further on, in the direction of Berlin. We find this with no difficulty, but, it is a Campervan Garage, there is no Stellplatz there.

We cut our losses and head for our third choice, this turns out to be a rather shabby lorry parking area.

We are not having much luck!

We eat lunch and decide to simply head for Berlin, it is another 90 miles or so.

We were advised by the English couple we met several days ago to use the Berlin-Spandau Stellplatz. In the book, there are two of course. We choose the one which is described as best for public transport to the city centre (Reisemobilhafen Berlin, N52 33' 12" E13 12'2"). The sat-nav takes us there effortlessly, apart from the pouring rain!

The Road to Berlin

Sunday 15^th September 2013

Leave home, raining, windy, cold, makes you pleased you are going really.

The plan is to have a Sunday Lunch en-route. Being an organised individual, otherwise known as a nerd, I look up several possible places on the internet. Not a very successful venture. We choose one (the Jolly Wagonner, Ardley, Hertfordshire), because we are reasonably near there, at about the time we are about the faint from hunger (ie about 14:00 on Sunday).

The sat nav takes us there, with some false starts, and some rather narrow country lanes, only to find they stopped serving Sunday Lunch, despite the fact that their website says they serve from 12:00 – 19:00.

Undeterred, we find an alternative, “The Bull”, in a village called Cottered, very pleasant Sunday lunch.

As we approach Dover, the weather has become even worse, strong winds and driving rain. The ferries are running late, so, at 19:30, we are boarding the 18:00 sailing, which deposits us in Dunkirk at 21:30 (22:30 French time).

Kathleen surpasses herself by navigating us to Gravelines Aire, in the dark, without the sat-nav or a map. We will never hear the last of this feat.

Monday morning dawns clear and sunny, and we set off for Charlesville de Meziers. Apart from some heavy traffic, on the outskirts of Lille, a completely uneventful drive.

The Aire at Charlesville de Meziers is full, so, we have to use the adjacent campsite (Camping Mount Olympus ).

We have time for a walk into town, and a beer, before the rain starts.

Tuesday morning, still damp and chilly, no, make that cold. We make a leisurely departure. East to Sedan, then north into Belgium, and then east through the Ardennes region of Belgium, into Luxemburg. How I love all of this “open borders” stuff in Europe, no hold ups, no passports to be checked, no customs, travel as it should be.

Soon, we are in Germany, arriving at our next stop, just south of Koblenz, on the banks of the Rhine, at a very picturesque place called Braubach (N50 16’ 11” E7 38’ 50”). This is a Stellplatz, German style, electric hook up, shower, toilets, etc, all beautifully kept, for 7 Euro/night.  

We are there early enough to get a riverside spot. I was never really aware of being nautically inclined, but, I love to watch boats or ships coming and going. Here, I have a ringside seat as Rhine Cruise boats and barges sail past at regular intervals. I think it is the wanderlust in me.

Pity the sun is not shining.

We are parked next to a very flash Concorde Motorhome, about the size of a small bus! It turns out, the lady of the outfit was born in South Shields. Is there no escape? In the course of out chat, we get useful pointers on where to stay in Berlin.

Wednesday 18^th September 2013. It is pouring with rain. So, pretty as it is here, if you cannot get out and enjoy it for the rain, there is not much point in sitting here. So, we head off for Kassel.

Kathleen has picked out a Stellplatze, which is (according to the book) a Country and Western Music venue, sounds interesting. According to photographs in the book, it all looks very "authentic", wild west style. But, when we arrive, it turns out to be a rather dilapidated farm, no other campervans in sight, a couple of old cars chocked up on bricks, and a very battered caravan. We decide against staying!

We move on to the second choice, still in Kassel, another Stellplatze. Rather more appealing, but, almost campsite prices (ie 12.50Euro, plus 50 cents Kw/Hr for electricity). So, we decide we may as well go to a campsite. We push on for another 35 miles (well maybe 40 after we have fallen foul of the tricky German double exits, yet again).

We arrive at Eschwege, Knaus Campingpark (N51 11’ 29” E10 10’ 7”), an ASCI site, so, 16 Euro gets us all facilities. The rain stops, the sun comes out to give us a very pleasant evening.

Thursday 19th September 2103.

One of those crucial days, hair washing, straightening etc, I stay out of the way for a couple of hours. It has only taken me 25 years to learn that is the wisest course of action.

It is dry and mild, with a little sun, so, we have a walk into the pretty town of Eschwege.

Very German, but, just the kind of town I like, not too many clothes shops to stand outside of whilst Kathleen looks at exactly the same things she could buy back in the UK, but, plenty of places with cakes, coffee, bars, and food.

I buy a Vodaphone (Germany) SIM, so I can get on the Internet, then find somewhere for lunch.

What a hard life this is.