Tuesday October 25 Reil

Looking across the Mosel to the town of Zell

 Great to wake this morning to no rain, mild temperatures and even patches of blue sky. We continued our “amble” along the Mosel, and still in awe of the amazing autumn colours. It is an interesting drive which takes you from one side of the river then over a bridge and you follow the river on the other side. These villages have been making wine for centuries, in particular riesling and the grandeur of the old houses certainly reflect this. 

The vines cling to the side of very steep hills, Ian spotted mono rails winding their way up to the top and noticed little railway type carts with a seat and a wagon. Found out that these are used to take the workers and the equipment up and bring the grapes down. There are a number of locks on the river so stopped at one and watched firstly a barge going one way, then a cruise boat going the other. Couldn’t get as close as we would like as they are well fenced off.

Stopped in the rather lovely town of Bernkastel-Kues and walked the streets. Got back to the van and spotted another GB registered van beside us….and met Jan and Gary from Oxford, the first English couple we have met in the past three months. They are on a week-long visit in their motorhome and so enjoyed having a chat with them, seemed quite strange as we have spoken a lot with people who have really good English but we notice we need to talk much slower and perhaps use smaller words.

All along the river there are so many places to stay, so many choices. Tonight, we are in a small village along with about 6 other campers. Enjoyed a walk into the village tonight and stopped at a café and had a glass of a local Riesling…as you do!!!

Following a grape harvester

The circular lines on the GPS are all the small roads winding up the hill between the vines

Obviously a good crop of ornamental pumpkins

The mono rail cart used to climb the hills.

A pretty impressive river cruise boat

Local wildlife

Mary and Gary from UK

Autumn decorations

Evening in the town of Reil

"Meeting" the locals

Fabulous sculptures in Reil