Germany
Monday 5th September 2022
After a two day hectic run-around after getting back from our Norway cruise. With the washing done and Kelda checked out and loaded we were off. On the road again for a trip down to Munich and back via Lichtenstein, Switzerland, France and Belgium. We have some Caravan parks booked but some nights we are using Aires or WOMOs.
Driving to Dover for the DFDS ferry crossing to Calais. We stopped at Folkestone for lunch in Tesco. Then drove to the port in Dover. It was fairly quiet so we were through immigration and check-in very quickly. Boarding the Cote D'opale on time we sat in the cafe area and had a coffee. With light wind and calm seas we had a smooth crossing.
Getting off the ferry in Calais the first stop was a supermarket to stock up on food for dinner and breakfast tomorrow. The French have banned all imports of milk and meat etc. So we haven't stocked up Kelda like we normally would.
Leaving Calais for the hour drive to Bruges and our overnight stop at Beisbroek in Belgium. This is just an overnight in a carpark. Arriving at dusk we quickly set up for the night. Eating cheese and ham sandwiches with a glass of wine for supper before settling down for the night.
Tuesday 6th September 2022
Waking up after a good night's sleep, only disturbed by the owl and the badger. A quick breakfast and on our way just after the school bus turned around in the park.
Traffic was heavy and we lost about an hour in the queues. Brussels ring road is much like the M25. Very slow moving with occasional stops for no reason. Dropping off of the ring we stopped at the Atomium for a photo stop. It was only as we drove out we saw the signs for the Brussels LEZ. Oh bugger, when we stopped for the day we tried to pay the day charge as Kelda is a dirty old lady. No luck, you have to register the vehicle first and you need a PDF of the registration document first.
Downloading a vehicle check from DVLA gave us a document that we could upload and then pay the charge. At least we have paid the €35. Hopefully we will avoid the €350 fine.
Pulling in to Idstein at about two o'clock, we found the WOMO Park (wohnmobil = campervan). Parking on a pitch we connected our power cable and put a Euro in the slot for 8 hours electricity. Walking the 800m into town, we stopped at the Tourist Information and paid the €10 for the night.
The nice lady asked if we wanted to climb the Witches Tower. It sounded fun so we said "Yes please." She gave us a large key for our driving licence and told us to lock the door behind us when we went in as we have to return the key when we get back.
Inside the tower it was so dark we couldn't find the keyhole. Eventually using our phones as torches we got the door locked and started the climb. The stairs were very steep and uneven but we eventually got to the top and enjoyed the view.
After we returned the key we got a coffee and an ice-cream in the square before walking back to the WOMO Park. On the way back we crossed the path of a hedgehog and watched him across the road. Back at Kelda it was pasta for dinner as the thunder and lightning crashed around us.
In the night Jackie's leg got quite hot and itchy. Checking it out early in the morning we found :-
Wednesday 7th September 2022
After breakfast we packed up to move on. Driving out of Idstein we rejojned Autobahn heading towards Nuremberg. Making good progress we decided to stop in Nuremberg for lunch. Finding a parking spot just big enough to squeeze Kelda into near the coach bays to the north of town. Walking through the tunnel in the city wall we walked down to the main square.
Getting some more Euros from an ATM, we had lunch on a balcony overlooking the square. Then we made our way back to Kelda for the second half of todays drive.
After shopping and meeting Germany's rudest shop assistant, we made our way to our home for the next two nights. Pulling in the sign on the barrier said to ensure that there is space before you enter. We didn't bother because we had paid to reserve a spot. There was our pitch with it's "Reserved" sign with our registration number on it so we parked and set up.
Sat in the shade behind Kelda on the grass we ate supper, watching latecomers getting to the barrier and reversing out because all the pitches are taken.
Thursday 8th September 2022
Awake this morning at 06:00, the power had run out and the fridge was off. So swapped onto gas operation and turned on the hot water. Getting up at half seven we fed the meter another two Euros to power the fridge for the day and after breakfast we left for a visit to Munich.
Walking to the S-bahn station took 15 minutes and after getting a group day ticket we boarded the next train. After about half an hour we pulled into Marienplatz and rode the escalator to the surface. It was drizzling when we came out so we popped the umbrella whilst we sorted out our raincoats.
Wandering around we visited the Rathaus, quite a few churches and the Cathedral. We arrived back in the Marienplatz square at midday. We had noticed the number of clock towers around the square and they all started chiming at about the same time. Clock chime wars had begun. This went on for about 5 minutes, until the main event the Rathaus clock started with a very complicated tune and figures parading around in the tower. Knights on horseback jousting. On the last pair of Knights one was knocked down, much to the delight of the large crowd that had congregeted.
With that over we walked up to the fountain at Karlsplatz and then looped back to the Rathaus. Stopping in the Ratskeller Restaurant under the Rathaus for a Bratwurst Sampler Plate for lunch.
It was then time to catch the S-bahn home. With only a 12 minute wait for our train we were soon on our way. Back at Altenerding station it was only a short walk back to Kelda for coffee and chill. Later cheese and ham sandwiches for supper as we had a large lunch.
Friday 9th September 2022
After breakfast we got ready to leave. Things didn't quite work out the way we thought. Other people wanted to leave and one camper was parked in the exit but couldn’t open the barrier because there was something wrong with their ticket. The wife of the driver was stood outside the van shouting at her phone and half a dozen other motorhomes queueing behind them waiting to get out. Eventually they sorted themselves out and all left.
With the queue gone, we paid for our two nights at the machine and left. Stopping in Erding for fuel we were soon on our way. Only three hours today, so a short drive.
Leaving Germany and into Austria we have paid for our vignette on line. A short time later we were in Switzerland then soon after that Lichtenstein. Stopping for lunch, we have had breakfast in Bavaria and lunch in Lichtenstein. After lunch we drove on to our camp site for tonight.
Leveling Kelda on our grass pitch we then had time for a walk. Back from the walk Jackie attempted her first cake using her Omnia oven. A packet cake mix and cream soda, completed the experiment. A moderately successful experiment, it was edible if not ready for the WI cake competition. Still, a learning experience and Martin ate the cake nomnom.
Flashing up the Weber BBQ for a dinner of chicken in breadcrumbs and caesar salad, we sat and watched the clouds build. As we finished dinner the rain started. So we stowed all of our chairs, table and BBQ and retired to Kelda for the night
Saturday 10th September 2022
The First really rainy day of our Holiday, so a slow start with a cup of tea in bed. Then up and wash before breakfast indoors. Chilling out watching the clouds drifting past the Mountain we relaxed in Kelda until lunch.
After lunch the rain stopped and the sun came out so we went for a walk in the woods behind the camp site. We found a trim trail and aerial rope course, not in use as it's out of season now. Then the largest snail either of us has seen before.
Finding our way back to the road we completed a loop back to the campsite for dinner and bed.
Sunday 11th September 2022
Moving on again. Packing up and returning the special Switz electrical connector we drove to the local supermarket. Re-supplied with food we drove to the old Rhine bridge. Parking in a convenient place we walked to the bridge for a photo opertunity. One selfie - Two Countries.
Leaving Lichtenstein we tried five times to get a Switz vignette and failed each time. Four times the garage was closed as it's Sunday. Yes they close all day Sunday, like we used to do. Oh well we will use the motorway without a vignette and stop at the next service and try again. If we get stopped by the police, lets hope they understand.
35 kilometres later we got a vignette. Woohoo legal, off we go. Two hours later we turned off of the motorway on the road to Meiringen. We arrived a little early and checked out the bike parking for tomorrow. At the campsite our name was on the door with our pitch number. So finding our pitch we set up.
Once the office was open we paid our camping fee and had a chat with the nice man who runs the site. Off for a short walk before dinner. Then sat eating steak and salad looking at the mountains all around us as the sun set on another fantastic day.
Monday 12th September 2022
With the sun shining we had breakfast. Croissants and some other pastry that we brought without knowing what it was. It tasted nice but we still don't know what it was.
Getting the e-bikes out from under the bed we prepared for our day out. Leaving the camp site by the back gate we rode along a quiet contry lane to the river and then along a cycle/foot path to town. Crossing the river and down the road to the funicular railway. Parking our bikes in the cyclepark we walked to the funicular railway. Buying combi tickets for both the funicular and the museum saved a few Francs.
We set off, rattling up the mountain. It was further than we thought and the track turned back and forth as we ascended. At the halfway point we passed the other carriage going down. We slowed at the station and to our surprise, the driver was opening our door before the train was completely stopped.
Out of the station we allowed the other passengers to rush off. Taking photographs of the falls right outside the station. Then we started the climb to the top of the falls. 344 stairs, plus lots of rocky slope and several veiwpoints later we arrived at the top. Finding Gasthaus Zwirgi we sat down for a nice double espresso. The glass sided balcony gave a spectacular veiw over the valley and Meiringen below.
Retracing our steps back to the funicular, we were soon back down. Riding our bikes into town we visited the Sherlock Holmes Museum. Then after a walk through town we rode back to the camp-site and Kelda.
In the evening Jackie cooked us a calzone for dinner in her Omnia Oven. Deelish. Then with the sun setting the day was over.
Tuesday 13th September 2022
Moving on again today. Water tank filled, grey water tank emptied and toilet emptied. We are ready to go.
Driving out of Meiringen after a lovely stay we headed up hill out of the valley. After an hour we stopped to shop in a Co-op in a little town called Dagmersellen. The only reason is it had a large easily accessible carpark and still being in Switzerland we can get pasteurised milk, not UHT. With enough provisions for the next two days we continued on.
Stopping for lunch and making cheese and ham rolls in a autoroute Aire at Haut-Koenigsbourg we spotted a couple of storks sitting on the lamp posts.
After lunch we carried on to Hombourg-Haut and a free WOMO stop. Pulling in and setting up we were the only ones here. The token machine was broken so no water or electricity. We weren't expecting to use any so no real problem. As we had out tea / coffee and cream Berliners the flying ants came out. With mozzie nets on all the windows and sunroof, we added Jackie's home made mozzie screen for the sliding door. Not a problem the ants will go away at sunset.
Wednesday 14th September 2022
Second day on the road, heading back towards the Channel. Packing up after breakfast and off again for another +4 hour drive. Avoiding the direct route past Luxembourg City we cut across to Mont-Saint-Martin.
After lunch in an autoroute aire we arrived in Ypres at our booked site. Pulling into our pitch we got the electric on. With Kelda set up we walked to the local supermarket for some provisions. Just our luck when we tried to pay, the card reader threw a hissy-fit. Not understanding the text on the machine didn't help. The nice lady on the till poked the card reader with her pen and eventually it worked.
Back at Kelda we put our shopping away then used the showers while they were quiet. After a cup of tea it was time to plan dinner.
As it was a rainy night dinner in doors, Chicken Tika, rice and naan bread.
With tonight's weather forcast better than tomorrow's we decided to do the Last Post at the Menin Gate tonight so taking our cagoules and umbrella we left Kelda at 19:15 for the short walk from the campsite to the gate.
The "Last Post Ceremony" went off well. We don't think the German man stood next to Martin was expecting the response to "At the going down of the sun". He really jumped when the response was given "We will remember them". When it was over we walked back to Kelda for wine o'clock and bed.
Thursday 15th September 2022
After a late night we had a lay-in today. Listening to our neighbours leaving we finally had breakfast at eight o'clock. At half nine we left for a walk around Ypres.
Walking through the park we arrived at the moat and crossed the footbridge. We walked up on to the rampart an continued toward the Menin gate. Here we walked around reading some of the many names engraved on the walls, before checking out the wreaths laid last night.
From the gate we followed the road into the Grote Markt and the Lakenhalle. This houses the "In flanders fields" Museum. Paying the ten euros each plus another two each for the tower entrance we walked around the museum admiring the displays. It was a little busy with school parties so we entered the tower for the climb to the top.
As this was an extra, the school parties couldn’t come in and we had it to ourselves. Climbing the 300 steps spiral staircase, we saw the old mechanism for the chimes and the bells. Right at the top we walked around the perimeter enjoying the views. Climbing back down we continued with the museum in a more relaxed way, as the school kids had moved on.
Back out in the market square we decided to have lunch at "In 't Klein Stadhuis". We had a lovely Flemmish stew, Chicory salad and Belgium fries. Then we went for a walk to work off lunch.
South to the Rijsepoort and the rampart cemetery, then back around the rampart to Kelda for a well earned rest. The forecast rain didn't appear so we spent our last night chilling in the sun by Kelda.
Friday 16th September 2022
Last day on the continent today, so breakfast and strike camp. Leaving the site using our PIN code to open the barrier we drove towards Dunkirk. Dropping off of the autoroute early we made our way to Plage de Leffrinckoucke. Parking by the sea front we walked along the beach to Batterie de Zuydcoote in the dunes. A second world war Atlantic Wall fortification that has been undermined by the sea.
After snapping a few photos we returned to Kelda for lunch. Then drove to a Carrefour for food and fuel. All sorted we headed to the car ferry. Leaving the autoroute early again allowed us to miss the roadworks and traffic. Checking in and clearing customs we were soon parked in our lane waiting to cross. As we had a bit of time we turned the gas back on and had cup of tea with Tarte tropézienne. Nomnomnom.
We have decided to extend our holiday by booking a couple of nights in a caravan site near Hastings. Turning the gas off again we boarded the ferry for the two hour crossing from Dunkirk to Dover.
The two hour crossing turned out to a two and a half hour one. Off the ferry and along the motorway to Ashford and a quick shop before cutting across country to our site for the night. The roads got narrower and narrower until the undergrowth was brushing both sides of Kelda at the same time. Coming face to face with a little sports car we reversed back 50m until he could get past.
Checking in we found a pitch and quickly and quietly set up as it was already getting dark. Then snacks, drinks and bed for the night.
Saturday 17th September 2022
After a nice shower it was time for our continental breakfast as the sun rose. Securing Kelda for driving and leaving our motorhome sign on our pitch we went off to visit Battle Abbey.
Pulling into the carpark we found plenty of space in the overflow. Arriving at the gate we waited 5 minutes until the Abbey opened. With tickets on our phone we were in quickly. Walking around the grounds and the 1066 battlefield, reading the signs we snapped a few photos.
The battlefield was interesting in the effect it had on our history. The abbey ruins were impressive and the gatehouse even more so. Climbing up on to the roof for the view. Then back down the steep spiral staircase.
Finding a picnic bench we sat and ate our lunch that we had brought with us. Then it was back into Kelda for the drive back to the site via a supermarket for steak and salad for dinner. It was a little chilly in the shade but we relaxed until dinner.
Sunday 18th September 2022
Last day. No really, last day, time to go home. Packing up for the last two hour drive home. Stopping for fuel and food we finally pulled onto the drive, home again.
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