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| Just love this region |
Had a message from Conny this
morning to say they would be delayed a little so we ambled along the Mosel and
thought we would stop at the big town of Cochem and have a look around. But
once again it was crowded and we tried everywhere to find a place to park but
all the campervan parking spots were full…obviously one needed to arrive very
early! Out of town we found a Rewe Supermarket and did a bit of a shop…first
time we had been to this chain and very impressed. Found a parking area on the
other side of the river to Cochem and a little walk away, it was designated as
a bus parking area but even though it was empty we didn’t want to leave the van
there in case we got a ticket. It was a nice place to stop for a lunch break.
Continued on the other side of
the river and thought we would stop at another old and rather lovely town of
Beilstein, but once again no parking and a number of parking areas had a no parking
sign for campervans. Poor old Ruakiwi was feeling very unwanted. But I guess
the area these towns were built on centuries ago in amongst the vines and the
high hillsides now has no room available for big parking areas, and main areas
are set aside for tour buses which bring large numbers into town.
So, we continued driving and
the road took us higher above the Mosel looking down through the vines. Stopped
at an overlook to take some photos (surprise, surprise!) and who should turn up
but Conny and Gerhart. Sadly their elderly neighbour who they keep a close eye
on had been taken to hospital and they got news on route that they needed to
return to Dusseldorf. After a brief catch up we said good bye until Monday when
we will be at their home.
We continued onto the
campground at Senheim where we were all going to stay, another really nice spot
on the river with a marina. Made use of the laundry facilities and had a well
overdue catch up before walking into town to the Schinkenkeller, a restaurant
where Conny had booked a table. They have been here before and what a good
call. We walked up the street to the sign and it appeared to be just a pair of
cellar doors which went down some steps. The restaurant was housed in an old
winery cellar, rather like a cave and what a great atmosphere. All the meals
are based on local pork and Gerhart had recommended the pork schnitzel,
excellent. Had a long chat with two couples from Netherland who come each year
to this region to visit the wineries and take home supplies for their cellar.
It turned out to be a very pleasant evening.
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| Old houses in Cochem |
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| A brief catch up with Conny and Gerhart |
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| A nice evening to walk into the village for dinner |
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| The restaurant was housed in an old wine cellar |
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| They even had a room with gourmet pork products including bacon that had been aged four months. |
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