Thursday 26 July 2012

Germany - Lower Rhine area

Und so haben wir jetzt Deutschland herein gekommt, und sehr schon wieder die Rhein sehen konnte; (Grammar?)

We decided to spend a few days near the mighty Rhine, just looking at those passing boats and barges. Snoopy guided us to another view of a yacht harbour near the town of Emmerich and the harbour master showed us to a spot near a hedge, very private and out of sight from most others. We wondered why the particular site had not been taken yet, until a motorhome pulled in next to us and activated its TV dish on the roof, searching for a signal. Round and round it went and it was clear that no signal was to be had. Ah ha! - that's why our very private site was still vacant, the tree-line obscures a good TV signal. We have no TV and hence this has some unexpected dividends! Joan of course loves this privacy and her smile said it all.
Soon we had the awning out, the chairs, table, side tables, potted rose on the table, all followed. I took the bicycle into town, found an Aldi supermarket and carted home beers, potato salad, sauerkraut, Bratwurst and fresh bread. What more can you wish for?!

Joan 'at work' on the laptop

Sunset on the Rhine from the bridge at Emmerich

I took the bicycle for some kilometres along the Rhine and came across this field of mealies (maize) with the rather grand homestead next to it. Of course the mind wants to think that you could be somewhere in the former West Transvaal, but no it is less than 500m from the Rhine itself!

Mealies on the Rhine!

The enjoyment of cycling along the Rhine in Germany, and for that matter starting in Switzerland going all the way to Rotterdam, is following the Rhine cycle route. Maps are available to show you the way and perhaps take you past the most scenic places , but you may as well just follow the course of the river as best you can. There are picnic spots in many places close to the river and I noticed them to be well used, mainly by cyclists. The picture below shows tractor and trailer passing that field of maize, with the river and a barge to the left. On a sunny day such as it was there are few better things to do for the benefit of body and soul.

On the Rhine cycle route

No comments:

Post a Comment