October 11 Eltmann

Town centre of Naumburg

Last night, after the great weather we had, thought we may head slightly north this morning to go through The Harz, an area that Conny and Gerhart recommended but when we woke to the pitter patter of raindrops on the roof we scratched that plan. Instead went into the nearby town of Naumburg to visit a Vodafone shop. Used the app map.me and found a parking area beside the large cathedral, but it was full so then onto another that had plenty of space, even with the large number of trailers hauling American Monster Trucks. Noticed the billboards and there was to be a big show on in town this coming weekend. Walked into another really nice town, I often have to pinch myself that I am walking through these amazing old places with their narrow cobbled lanes and centuries old buildings. Sorry about all the photos but just can’t help myself!

Found the Vodfone store and the two girls couldn’t have been more helpful, even though they weren’t used to speaking in English very often. They sorted out our issue, and even made us a really nice cup of coffee. That is what I call great service.

Spent quite a bit of time walking around the town, no rain, but less than 10 degrees. Had lunch back in Ruakiwi and then set Jilly to head towards Strasbourg, this time using the autobahns. We were on the A9, three lanes with no speed limit, and hundreds of trucks almost filling the inside lane. Not the most relaxing of journeys with cars whishing past at lord knows what speed…we were doing 100kph and estimate they were doing 150 – 200kph, not a comfortable place for two kiwis! After a couple of hours, we decided it was time to exit and enjoy the driving a little more.

I was looking at maps and guide books while we were driving and found a Stellplatz in the town of Bamberg, which was in walking distance of another very historic place but found by the time we got there at 4, all 20 places were full. Very quickly did another look at my online app and spotted a Stellplatz on the Main River, about 20 mins further west. Quickly loaded the co-ordinates and we were on our way. Turned out to be a great call, we have a view 10 metres from the river, and are able to watch the barges going through. There is no charge, and it was almost full with about 15 other vans here. There are some power points but they were all taken. So having been spoilt with electricity (or Strom as the Germans say) for the last few weeks, we are back to dry camping.

It was interesting driving to this parking area as we had to go through an extremely narrow section of town, but we are getting used to this as people are used to seeing bigger vehicles using these roads, and are very obliging.

There are great sights everywhere

American Monster cars in town.

The catherdral at Naumburg