Tour of Germany. Spring 2015. Part 4.

May 2nd.

Woke to another dull drizzly day. Made use of our free passes and caught the bus into town. This time all was open. Strolled around for a while and came across this.

Dont know what it was about, but they were very good, and all in traditional dress, as were the ladies.

They're showing the proof of the weather.

  In the square where this took place was the war memorial.

Shows all sides suffer in time of conflict. Opposite this was a large church, we decided to take a look.

Inside was a beautiful altar.

But no stained glass window. There was also this statue.

I have no idea what it's about, and never found out.

  We strolled around some more, had coffee and cakes, before heading back to the site. Spent a quiet evening as we were moving on tomorrow.

May 3rd.

Packed up and left site 1000hrs. Took on fuel then headed for Dachau Concentration Camp. An easy drive with a mix of rural roads and Autobhans until we got to Munich. There had been an accident and our sat nav took us off the autobhan onto the ring road. I started to sweat on this as every exit had a sign, Umwhelt Zone Green. (These are German Low Emission Zones) You require a green disc in the windscreen to enter these, we had a yellow one (waste of time as we only ever saw green zones). After a few miles we came clear without contavening any rules. Arrived at Dachau 1230hrs to a queue of traffic culminating in a police road block. When we reached it a very nice female officer came to us. She informed us in very good English that today was the 70th Anniversary of the camps liberation by U.S. Forces. We were able to visit but would not be able to park. She then explained the way to a small shopping centre where we could park. We duly did as she said. Then took a 15 minute walk to the camp. We entered and found that there was a wreath laying ceremony taking place with representatives from all 4 corners of the globe. They provide large screen relays for us onlookers.

We left there and walked to the SS guard rooms, at the end of the block was a plain white wall.

This was where executions by firing squad were carried out, before a more productive method was required. As we left this area there was an American Veteran in a wheelchair, he had been one of the liberators. I was surprised at the number of younger German ladies that embraced him and thanked him.

 We then walked to the other end of the camp where the mass executions took place.

From there you enter this.

The crematorium. As the US army approached the guards worked round the clock disposing of bodies, trying to destroy the evidence. They failed as was evidenced by the piles of bodies outside that the Americans found. Here we came across the American Veteran again, he broke down in tears and had to be taken outside. That was enough for us, with tears in our eyes we decided to leave this place.  As we neared the gate I took this panorama.

The raised sections are the foundations of the huts. Originally built to house 200 prisoners in each, by the time of liberation they held 600 each. This is a scale model of the camp as it would have been.

The neat rows on the right are the panorama scene. We left the camp at 1530hrs. I felt a great sense of sadness, not only for this place but that our species has learnt nothing and still it goes on. 

 On return to Eevie we headed off for our stopover at Sulzemoos. Arrived at 1600hrs, and set up. Put 3 euros in the metre for electric and settled down. At 1700hrs a large Italian Motorhome arrived and whatever he did he blew the electrics on the whole Stellplatz. As it was Sunday there was nobody in the large dealership to which the site belongs, to sort it. Still we had a lovely view.

That ended a very emotional day.

Tour of Germany. Spring 2015. Part 3.

April 30th.

Sunshine had disappeared. We had wanted to visit the "Eagles Nest" Hitlers retreat.

But it wasn't open, it opened May 16th. Took the photo from Konigsee, where we had decided on a boat trip. The boats are all electric due to the strict environmental protection enforced on the lake.

Bought our tickets and off we went.

Ths is the view from the boarding point. The water is very clear. 

Konigsee from the boat.  The weather was not brilliant but we tried to capture the beauty.

There are many of these cascades from the snow melts. Near this spot we stopped and the boat captain took a trumpet and opened the doors, he began playing notes and to our amazement they were perfectly echoed, the reason for the stop. About half hour into the trip the boat stops here.

St Barthaloma. A church and monastery. We stayed on to the end of the lake.

We disembarked here to walk up to the Obersee, a small lake above this one. Walking along the path through the trees we came across this.

A Fire Salamander. Never seen one before, didn't know what it was until research later. Nice to make new discoveries. The walk was about 20 minutes then we were there.

So tranquil and beautiful.

There was also a newish boathouse.

Again the water was so clear. 

  We had an hour or so wandering round before getting the boat back.

Back at Konigsee we had the best Apple Struddle and custard I've ever tasted. Then back to the site picking up some shopping on the way. The end of a really enjoyable day.

May 1st.

Another dull miserable day. Caught the bus into Berchtesgaden and walked to the salt mine. Took about 20 minutes. We decide we would take the tour. After passing through the entrance we had to put on miners overalls.

We certainly looked good.

Hazel especially. 

  You go underground on a train. Then a walk, a ferry across an underground lake, and train back.

It's a very interesting and informative tour. I will never take my salt for granted again. 

 After the visit we walked up into town. Had a coffee in the square.

Then took a stroll round. Found everything closed, May Day. Got the bus back to the site, deciding to come back into town tomorrow, when it will be open.

 

Tour of Germany. Spring 2015. Part 2.

April 28th.

Woke to a dry morning, but it had rained most of the night. Packed up and left site at 0945hrs. Crossed the border into Germany 1040hrs. Got tangled up in traffic soon after, a truck had overturned on a roundabout. The diversion was through a small town, bet the residents loved it. We got to Lake Constance and then followed the lake to "Camping Park Gohrem" which has a stellplatz adjacent. Arrived 1415hrs, by the time I'd checked us in the sun disappeared, and the rain came down.

Never mind, we thought, when it eases up we'll take a walk. 1600hrs and we took the walk, the place was massive, quite a few permanent vans too. Shower blocks were excellent, and there was a well stocked shop where we bought some bits. Then back to Eevie.

Had dinner the watched "The Marigold Hotel" DVD. Very good film. 

April 29th.

Sunny morning and on the road at 0800hrs. Heading for Berchtesgaden. Here I made one of the biggest errors of the whole trip. We took the Autobahn up to Munich and then down to Berchtesgaden. Since we returned home a scenic route has been posted on "Search for Sites" which is almost door to door of the days start and finish, maybe another time. The weather continued good and as we got nearer our destination the Alps came into view, always such fantastic scenary. Arrived at "Camping Muhlleiten" at 1330hrs. 

The owner Richard spoke very good English and is very willing to please. I booked for 4 nights as there is so much to see here. We were also given a card which gives free travel on public transport throughout Berchtesgadenland. UK take note. The weather still being lovely we took the mile walk along the river

to Konigsee. Very touristy and lots of people, nice though. Naturally a beer by the lake was in order.

The glass wasn't empty long. We checked out the prices and times of the boat trips, as this is the only way of seeing the lake. That woulld be our plan for tomorrow. Strolled back to Eevie.

Went for our showers and they were superb, 5* hotel standard at least, the loos were too.

Haad an early night as it had been a long day.

Tour of Germany. Spring 2015. Part 1.

April 25th.

Did our day at the "Malthouse" finishing at 1700hrs. Quick shower then off to get Eevie, which we had pre loaded so was ready to roll. Left Hawkinge 1840hrs for the short drive to Canterbury Park and Ride. The Dover Road one has motorhome parking similar to a French Aire.

The "Gate Inn" is just outside, so we spent the evening there with a very good meal and wine.

April 26th.

Set off for Dover at 0610, short drive, checked in and boarded. Had breakfast on board, disembarked in Calais at 1000hrs local time. Short run to "Adinkirke", Belgium for my tobacco. Left there at 1200hrs and headed for our first overnight stop, "Camping du Lac des Vielles Forges" arriving at 1500hrs. Checked in using ACSI card and set up.

Quite generous size pitches and faciities are good. We took a stroll to the lake,

Doesn't show in the photo, but it was quite busy as it was a Sunday and there is a watersports centre just along the road. A nice bar next to the site entrance, so a couple of beers before settling in for the evening.

April 27th.

Left site 0950hrs heading for the Alsace region. Dull miserable day which spoilt the drive, as many places worth a look were shrouded in mist. Arrived at Saverne 1430hrs, looked a nice town so decided to overnight here. Found a site "Les Portes D'Alsace. Nice site, cheap with ACSI card. Covered swimming pool and good facilities. By the time we'd set up and having a cuppa the heavens opened.

As it didn't let up the walk to town was abandoned. Even the equestrian centre in the photo became deserted.

Our view by 1700hrs. Such is the joy of the open road. We had dinner watched a DVD then bed. Tomorrow we would cross into Germany.

Chertsey April 2015

April 6th.

Decided to take a 2 night trip to Chertsey C&CC site. One of our favourites. The reason this time was to see Queen Annes Dolls House. We left home 0800hrs. Stopped at Mersham Hatch to visit the "Boot Fair" then "Sainsburys" in Ashford for breakfast and provisions. Easy drive to Chertsey in lovely weather, arrived at 1200hrs. Site was quite busy but we got a nice pitch.

We then took a stroll into town for a couple of beers. Evening spent with a bit of tv and reading.

April 7th.

Caught the bus to Staines then train to Windsor. When we got there they had just completed changing the guard, so we saw the off going marching through town.

Bought a baguette each from a sandwich shop, then headed for the castle. Very long queues but I had bought our tickets online and printed them before leaving home. Of all the hundreds of times I've been to Windsor this was the first time visiting the castle. 

We made our way straight to the dolls house, both of us were not really that impressed, but at least now when customers ask we can say we have seen it. Sadly it was a strictly enforced no photo policy, so there are none here. 

 We did take a stroll round the other displays, again no photos, before looking round the gardens.

All very well kept, but, no doubt an army of gardeners looking after them. On the way to the exit passsed this non public area.

Usual trip round the shops then back to Chertsey and a couple of beers. Back to Eevie where we had dinner and some Rum  for me and wine for Hazel.

April 8th.

 

Homeward bound, left site 1045 hrs and home 1230hrs. Another trip done.

Henly on Thames, March 2015.

March 8th.

Set off for a 3 night break to Swiss Farm, Henly. Left 1030hrs, uneventful drive except for a diversion at the approach to Henly. Wasn't too bad and we were on site and set up by 1415hrs.

Went for a stroll into town, usual charity shops visited, Hazel did get a couple of dolls house books. Naturally a couple of pints before returning to Eevie and a quiet evening.

March 9th.

Decide on taking the bus into Reading. Had a stroll round but found it all a bit run down and tired. I'm sure there is something of interest but we never found it. Back to Eevie and Hazel made some miniatures.

March 10th.

Woke to a lovely morning, decide to take a walk along the river. Into town and across the bridge.

Passed Leander Rowing Club (where our Olympic rowers are based). Then along the river to Hambledon lock. It's a long straight reach to Temple Island, used for the Henly Regatta.

When we reached Hambledon Lock we turned away from the river looking for the "Flowerpot Hotel" for a pint. As we walked along the path we spotted a Red Kite sitting in a tree.

Magnificent birds. Shortly after we reached the pub. The food others were eating looked very inviting. So we indulged and both had Steak & Ale pie. It was delicious, and a proper pie. I highly recommend this place if you're in the area. 

Walking back to Henly I had a call from ex brother in law Micheal, said he would drive over from Bramley where he lives and meet us for a beer. This we duly did and spent a pleasant hour catching up with him and his wife Peri. Made a really nice finale to an excellent day.

March 11th.

Another lovely morning, packed up and left site 1000hrs. Problem free journey and home by 1230hrs.

Plymouth, January 2015.

Jaanuary 25th.

A run to Plymouth for stock. Streets Ahead our wholesaler is based there. Although it's no problem ordering online, we like to go now and again to see the products ourselves before buying. It's for our small business in Hythe, Kent, where we deal in dolls houses and accessories. Can be found at

Teeny Weeny World

  We're so familiar with the route now that its quite boring, but using Eevie we can combine business and pleasure by having a stop on the way home. Arrived at "Riverside Caravan Park" 1530hrs.

Took on water then parked up and settled down for the evening.

January 26th.

Left site 0950hrs. Only 2 miles to the warehouse, so started our task about 1015hrs. Being a warehouse there was no heating. After a couple of hours we were freezing, but, had to carry on. Left at 1430hrs, stock done and blue with cold. Fuelled at Sainsburys, then back to the site. Had roast chicken for dinner then snuggled in our fleeces watching tv.

January 27th.

Left site 1030 hrs. Heading for "Sandy Balls" in the New Forest. Arrived 1330 hrs and paid our £20 for 2 nights. Brilliant in low season. Fully serviced pitch and use of leisure centre included in the price.

Took a stroll round and I bought a top in the sale. Then a couple of pints in the bar.

Back to Eevie for the evening.

January 28th.

After breakfast, we went to the pool for a swim and sauna, lovey it was. Then off to the "Fighting Cocks" for a pub lunch. We had steak & ale pie, it was nice, but, I like a pie to be a pie. this wasn't, it was steak & ale on a plate with a bit of puff pastry floating on top. Never mind Hazel had a treat as we left.

She loves donkeys, so that made her day. Back in Eevie we just chilled out.

January 29th.

Left site at 1000hrs, uneventful run we were home at 1330hrs.