Sunday August 21, Schmalkalden

A foggy morning on the Saale

 Woke this morning to fog, first time this trip. We are getting the first signs of cooling weather and noticing a number of trees colouring up a little and dropping their leaves, maybe it is with the drought. By the time we did our van ablutions and left camp, the fog had lifted.

A road closure on our route today sent us through some really nice small villages, with “the driver” managing the rather narrow roads in places. Certainly, noticing the difference now that we have left the old Communist East Germany, with a much tidier environment. Really enjoyed our trip today as we travelled through open countryside with villages in the valleys. The weather was so nice and not so much traffic being a Sunday. Had several detours due to road closures but Jilly managed well.

We stopped for fuel which is now €1.98, or NZ$3.15/litre for diesel. But there are no road user taxes to pay. And noticed on the shelf at the garage a box of 240 cigarettes for €24.95, or NZ$40. No wonder we see so many Germans’ smoking.

 Ended up on the A4 motorway for a distance, not our favourite sort of road, but today it seemed to be the best alternative. Once we left the 50kms of A4, we were back driving through some interesting countryside. Our destination meant a drive through the  Thuringia forest, rising to 600Metres, and with not too much traffic it was really pleasant. And arrived at our campsite from P4N with no issues, a really pleasant area beside a park and gardens that has been set aside for Motorhomes with ablutions provided for €10 a night. Electricity hook up is extra but with so much solar power we really don’t need it so a perfect site.

Looking forward to walking into the town tomorrow, about a 15 minute walk, and it is supposed to be picture perfect with house from the 1500’s. Sitting outside tonight writing this enjoying the cooler evening air after a very warm afternoon. And its 9pm and getting quite dark, the days are really shortening. 

Sarah...this is for you. Managed a grab shot as we
spotted a large number of Bearnise Mountain Dogs
obviously from a club. Just caught the tail end.

 

Evening light in the park.