Thursday August 8, Tiefenort

Tom, so friendly and helpful.

The weather was looking much better as we left this morning, heading north to Tiefnort, a town on the Werra River which had a well-reviewed Stellplatz near cycle paths on the river. Once again, we took the smaller roads and really enjoyed driving through vast areas of cropping and small villages with their half-timbered houses which have so many bulges and bends in them. Most are extremely well cared for with only the odd one beyond repair.

Drove through the town of Meiningen, and very surprised to see many very grand baroque style buildings with porticos, such a contrast to the half-timbered houses. Followed a busier road for some distance then Jilly told us that the route was closed and off we went on a pretty “hairy” drive on narrow roads, but very interesting. Arrived at the co-ordinates for the campsite and Jilly in all her wisdom tried to get us to drive over a pedestrian bridge! Had to resort to google maps to find the correct road!

This parking area is provided free by the local town in an area beside a swimming pool, with electricity available for €2. Perfect, and by this evening there were 6 campers here. The weather had improved, the skies were blue and families were swimming in the pool. After a rather late lunch Ian got the bikes out and we ambled off to find the cycle path. Came to a bit of a dead end and while I was looking at my phone for directions, a small truck pulled up and a smiling guy started talking to us in German, realised he was asking us if we needed help for directions, but he didn’t speak any English. He was so keen to help, and between us and my Bike Path app we soon found out the way, and which routes not to take!

Could see the sky once again looking a bit dark and 10 kms later the rain came, by the time we got back we were rather wet. A little frustrating but at least we did get out on our bikes.

PS…….We were sitting outside after dinner and a guy drove by on his bike, looking in at us and smiling. Then the story unfolded. Phillip had been to NZ twice, and when he was at a family gathering earlier in the evening his uncle Tom said he had been talking to some NZ’ers who were needing directions and they were staying at the local camp. Then Phillip’s friend said that his Dad has spoken to some NZ’ers who were sheltering by his house from the rain, and he had chatted to them!!! So the only two people we spoke to in the town told Phillip about us and he decided to come and check us out. A really nice guy who just loved New Zealand and wanted to tell us about his travels there, and as always wanted to know how we ended up here!  There is something special about being staying in a small town.

Lots of half timbered houses on our travels today.

Utilising hay bales!