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Monday, 30th September 2019
Last night was extreme weather! Blowing a gale, and, raining at the same time all night. But, we wake to "cloud with sun", still windy, and a cool 12C.
The weather has been beginning to be a problem, as regular readers may have deduced. But, Netflix came to the rescue last night. I had previously checked with "3" (Mobile data provider) if the "Go Binge" package, included "free" with my Data Plan, could be used when "roaming" in the EU. Last night, I decided to check again, to be sure, didn't want any nasty surprises with the charges!. Either, only one support person works there (Uday), or, they all use the same login ID, not sure which. Anyway, for the second time, I exchange "chats" with Uday, who again assures me, yes, I could use "GoBinge" whilst roaming in EU, provided I had not used up all of my "inclusive" data allowance.
Sure enough, it worked superbly well, no data used from my allowance to watch a 2.5 hour film.
In the five or six weeks we have been away, this is the first time we have been inclined to watch TV.
The plan today is to stay at Camperplaats Oirschot (N51.500518, E5.3219) another Stellplatz, or, Camperplaats as they appear to be called, here, in the Netherlands, obtained from the very useful SearchForSites website.
About 50 miles, mostly on free, but, extremely busy motorway, particularly busy around Eindhoven.
Things do not start well. There is a road closure, and, we are directed off the SatNav selected route. SatNavs do not understand diversions, and, it keeps on telling me to turn around and head back for the road closure. Eventually, it gives up, and we get the "recalculating route" routine.
The good news is, we chance upon a Lidl, to buy more wine etc, AND, they have my favourite Danish Pastries!
This place (Camperplaats Oirschot), is superbly well done.
The "site" is neatly landscaped, with marked out spaces for about 60 vans, although, there are only five vans here, including us.
Each space has EHU (optional) and water point. There are toilets, showers, dish washing sinks, and a Motorhome Service point which would put most "full price" sites to shame.
It is 13.50Euro/Night (without EHU), or, 16Euro/night with EHU. Hot Water for showers (1Euro),
Dish Washing Hot water (0.20Euro).
Wifi is included, and, it is FAST!
You check-in and pay via an "honesty box" system.
The place is located alongside a canal, with cycle track running in both directions.
The small town of Oirschot, with supermarkets, including a Lidl, about 7 minutes walk away, (less than 5 minutes on a bicycle).
According to the literature in the "information Hut" there are also Restaurants, although, we have not found any, so far.
Once "settled", and lunch eaten, (including my Danish Pastry), we cycle along the canal to the towards Eindhoven, mostly dedicated traffic free cycle track, for 14 miles in total.
Later in the afternoon, while "catching a few rays", Kathleen declares she would like to stay another night here.
Isn't it amazing how a little sunshine makes everything appear fine?
Incidentally, I went to the trouble (well, typed the question into Google) as to what the difference is between Holland, and The Netherlands. It turns out, it is rather similar to our sloppy use of the terms UK, Great Britain, Britain, and even England. Although "Holland"
is often used to mean the whole Country, strictly speaking, it refers only to the two provinces Holland actually only means the two of Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland, whereas the term Netherlands refers to the whole Kingdom of The Netherlands.
While sitting in the sun, we fall into conversation with one of our neighbours, a German. It isn't exactly a flowing conversation, since he does not speak very much English, but, Kathleen does know a smattering of German. We gather he has travelled from Venlo, where it is raining heavily, and, that they have come away in their motorhome, because, their house in Germany is flooded! Although, he appears, fairly laid back about it.
Tuesday, 1st October 2019
15C, pouring rain, with thunder and lightening is the start to the day.
Today, we were undecided as to if we should head to Utrecht, which, I have been told, is very nice, or, stay here for another day and explore on our bicycles. The thinking now is, if we are to be confined to the van by the rain, we may as well be confined here, as somewhere else?
Rain stops, and it brightens up at 11:00am.
We take a walk into Oirschot, it is a very pleasant little town, there is a street market, sadly(?) just packing up as we get there.
Coffee and cake, well, apple pie with cream (Kathleen) and waffles with cherries (me), in a pavement cafe.
Mid-afternoon, the sun emerges!
We set off for a "5 miles there, 5 miles back" cycle ride along the River/canal, and, end up doing 14.75 miles.
This area is exactly what I imagined Dutch Countryside would be like, ie, flat, open, mainly farmland.
Saturday, 28th September 2019
I thought UK weather could be changeable, but, woke to pouring rain, while having breakfast, rain stopped, sunshine, now only 10:15am and blowing a gale, with grey cloudy sky! A brief spell of sunshine in mid afternoon, with 18C, but, it all ends in a downpour.
I think this may be only the third day of our trip when we are confined to the van by by the weather. This is not good news, it is like sharing the van with a caged lined, as Kathleen prowls around looking for "things to do", which usually means disrupting me as I quietly amuse myself, reading, on computer etc etc.
By shortly after lunch time, there are brief sunny spells, it is surprisingly warm, and, it has not rained for an hour or so.
We take a walk into town, to visit the shops. After only about six shops, Kathleen is able to buy what she is looking for.
It gets better(?), there is a market taking place in the market square, I am able to buy some bulbs (crocus, snowdrop, hyacinths), where better than Netherlands, to buy bulbs, although, I suppose, I should have bought tulips?
Divine intervention saves the day, there is a sudden heavy downpour, we dive into a pavement bar (with cover). Kathleen is in good humour, after successful shopping and buys the beer and snacks. All is well with the world!
Sunday, 29th September 2019
Today begins looking bad, it is raining, and windy at the same time, but, the good news is, it is mild at 20C.
It being Sunday, Kathleen is off to church. By the time of the Mass (11:30), the rain has stopped, and, I am able to explore and ramble around the town, whilst Kathleen lights candles etc.
It is amazing what you find, just browsing around, for example, it would appear this church, Sint Christofell Kathederal, is one of the many start points in Europe for the Pilgrims to walk the Camino (Santiago de Compostella).
Although it is lunch time, on a rather damp and windy Sunday, the restaurants and bars around the market square still have their sun shades out, and, their outside seating in place.
Once Kathleen emerges from Church, we get ourselves a table (inside) at the Brasserie Entree, for a very enjoyable lunch.
This is Kathleen, lecturing me on drinking too much, because I had two glasses of wine, whilst she sinks a Cointreau after her dessert!
Wednesday, 25th September 2019
Weather forecast is not good. Cloudy with brief spells of sunshine this morning, 13C. More rain in late afternoon.
Hardly moved today, Kathleen reading, me, playing on internet.
A day of rain, with occasional dry spells, when it was windy!
Thursday, 26th September 2019
Raining again! It does eventually stop, when we reach Roermond, but, I am jumping ahead.
I choose three potential Stellplatz (or, what ever thy are called in Netherlands), from the SearchForSites website, the reason for choosing three is our experience of the Maastricht Marina being full.
All three Stellplatz are around the town of Roermond, on the rivers Muese and Roer, approximately 30 miles North East of Maastrict.
An easy drive along, mostly, excellent, but busy Motorway.
First choice is Roermond Marina (N51.183439, E5.964565). This a very smart Marina development just outside of Roermond. Barriered entrance, with intercom to gain admittance.
Motorhome bays are clearly marked on a large block paved area. Each bay has EHU point. Facilities are in an adjacent building, and, are of an excellent standard.
Now the bad news, it is 30Euro per night!
There are no other Motorhomes here, I wonder why?
Second choice is Resort Marina Oolderhuuske (N51.192169, 5.94933). This is another very smart Marina development (does everyone in Netherlands have a boat?), with barrier controlled entrance. We do not even get as far as checking the price, it is pouring with rain, and the Marina is a fairly long bicycle ride from any "civilisation", probably a beautiful and very suitable place, in summer weather, but, not practical, given the weather forecast for the next few days.
We are left with our third choice Helenawerf (N51.19377, 5.979741). I am beginning to think I am going to have to drive on to Utrect!
First impressions are not good, access is poorly signed, and, we have to drive through a rather untidy boat yard to gain entry.
Given that it is a very drab day, with rain falling heavily now, we both think the photographs on the website flatter the place. However, at 11:30 on a wet Thursday in late September, the place is half full, we reason that perhaps, people know something we don't?
We decide to book in, for one night, rather than drive on in the rain.
Accordingly, we find the Harbour Masters Office/Shop, and book in.
Things begin to brighten up. The Receptionist speaks excellent English, is very helpful and very efficient. It is 15.25Euro/night, including EHU and Taxes. We also get (good) Wifi, free. We are give a city map.
After lunch, the rain stops, we venture into town., which is only a pleasant five minute walk away.
The sun comes out.
There are dozens of places to eat and drink.
There are at least two churches (with Mass at 18:30 Saturday or 11:00) Sunday, for Kathleen.
There are streets and streets of Shops, and, a Designer Outlet Centre with 200 shops in it, for Kathleen.
This being Netherlands, there are Cycle routes everywhere.
OK, so, it is not perfect, too many shops, (for me), but, we decide we can spend a few days here.
A brief wander around the shops.
A stop for coffee and cake, then, we return to Harbour Master's Office and book in for a further three nights, so, we leave here Monday, morning (30th September).
Friday, 27th September 2019
Torrential overnight rain, but, sunny with a bit of cloud, and 20C.
The plan today, among other things, is to visit the Designer Outlet Centre today, can't wait.
After a lengthy walk in the morning, we head for the Designer Outlet Centre in the afternoon. It is only a short walk from the Stellplatz, and, it is HUGE! There are Designer Brands there I have never even heard of.
The good news is, Kathleen is tired out after about an hour!, so, we retire to a pavement bar in the market square to drink beer and watch the world go by.
Sunday, 22nd September 2019
13C when we wake up. 25C by lunch time, but, rain, indeed, thunder forecast for this evening.
It being Sunday, Kathleen is away to church, an hour without supervision for me.
It is still cool and dull, when Kathleen returns from Church, but, undeterred we set off in the direction of Piesport, another dedicated traffic free cycle route.
The more observant among you may notice, newly purchased back pack is not in evidence, so, when there is something to be carried, ie cycling jacket because it is too hot, then, it will be me carrying it!
We cycle on to just beyond Wintrich then, turn back and begin looking for a suitable lunch venue.
At Piesport, we find Weingut Lehnet-Viet, a beautiful spot.
The waitress is very helpful, translating the menu for use, and, even suggesting a German White Wine, which turned out to be very drinkable!, much to my surprise.
Listen to me, wine expert! the truth is, I will drink almost anything, in terms of wine!
Monday, 23rd September 2019
The forecast for last night was spot on, it started raining at 21:00, and continued until 12:00 this morning. There was thunder, but, clearly a long way off, since all we could hear was a distant rumble. So, damp, cloudy, but mild (19C) this morning.
A few chores (rubbish bin emptying etc) and book reading morning for me, and hair washing for Kathleen, she is away to commandeer the shower block as I type.
Although the weather has been a bit damp today, we have noticed even more people arriving, including new German neighbours, who are parked on a bit of spare gravel area, not an actual pitch. The reason become clear, read on.
This evening, as I was packing the bicycles etc ready to be away, tomorrow, the lady of our new German neighbours came and asked, are we leaving tomorrow?, can she have our pitch?, and, can she leave her bicycle trailer to "reserve" it for her?.
She explains that in a few days time, or perhaps tomorrow for all I know, there is a Fete or Festival of some kind starting in the village, and, many people will be coming.
All of this is told to me in German, of which I know the words for "beer", "Wine", "one", "two", "large", :small", and, "vegetables", not particularly helpful in this particular "conversation"!
It is amazing how a woman can get her point across, when she wants something!
Tuesday, 24th September 2019
Thick fog when we wake up, but a mild 13C. As we move on to Maastrict, things do not improve, steady rain by 18:00.
I have Maastrict (of treaty fame), in the Sat-Nav, as a destination for today, not sure if that is where we will actually end up, but, it is in the right general direction, and, you cannot set a route, without having a destination!
It turns our I got the conversation in German slightly wrong yesterday, it is not our German neighbour who wants our pitch, but, her friend, so they can be next to each other. So, they are ready and waiting to move, just as soon as we drive off our pitch, to the Motorhome Service point.
Our route takes us back up the winding road which depends into the Mosel valley, a bit scary in this dense fog.
Approximately 116 miles of mostly excellent quality roads, smooth and well surfaced.
Ashamed to admit this, but, I did not actually know which country Maastrict, is in, although, the spelling made me suspect it was Netherlands. Sure enough, it is Netherlands, so, we pass through three countries today, Germany, Belgium and Netherlands
Disappointment at our first choice, Maastrict Marina (N50.823977, E5.699564), it is full, although it does look very nice, and, is almost in the town.
The Sat-Nav malfunctions as we leave Maastrict Marina, it is not displaying the map, just issuing verbal instructions. This is not much good in Maastrict's complicated traffic system, with cyclist whizzing about, exercising their right of way. We have quite a tour of the central road system, before the sat-nav sorts itself out, and takes us to Camping Oriental, Berg en Terblijt (N50.86005, E5.77258), an ACSI site, a short distance outside Maastrict.
All seems well, we are allocated a good size pitch, facilities are close by, and, good quality. All we need now is for the weather to improve! The ACSI rate is 18Euro/night, but, there is a dreaded tourist tax, making it 23Euro/Night (two people).
It would appear we have chosen a Campsite which is at the top of the only hill in The Netherlands! Great when you are going somewhere, but, not so good when you are coming back.
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.
