Views, Vines and Variations

So, welcome to blog number 8 and approaching our 6 week away mark.

First things, first. We've had a pretty good week weather wise, but as I know there was something of a "heat wave" back home (or summer 2018 as I've heard it be called), I am fairly sure you won't mind too many references to warm weather, ice creams and paddling in cool streams!
We ended up spending a full week in Luxembourg in the end, most of it spent as the lone camper on the site, which we didn't mind one bit. In fact, there was quite some consternation one night to find someone else using "our" wash up sink - there were probably 10 more to choose from so it wasn't a deal breaker!

On Tuesday we took a 6 mile walk from site up the other side of the hill to see some incredible sweeping views. I don't know whether the air is clearer or it's just the lack of industry, but the vistas in Luxembourg seemed almost endless. At the top of this particular climb, it really was a true 360 view. After such a walk, it seemed only fitting to have a brief paddle in the stream which bordered our pitch. A very clear reminder that it was only April as it was flipping freezing!

Wednesday dawned another warm one, but we needed supplies so we took the van out into Diekirch to a local Aldi to stock up, then headed to Echtrenach for a wander around and a treat day pizza lunch and ice cream (Yes, in April). On the way back we also saw the ruins of a castle in Beaufort and a lovely waterfall which was something from a fairy tale - I found myself wandering whether the troll would be hopping out any time soon!

Thursday was again sunny (do you see why we ended up staying?!), so bikes off and took a lovely ride down to Diekirch and onto the cycle track which follows the river for what seems like mile after mile of stunning scenery. Plenty of bird life and fish activity along the route, and I was lucky enough to spot this heron catching his lunch in the rapids!

Friday was set fair again, and a housekeeping day needed. Spent a happy day with me taking care of the van and laundry (I know, the glamour!) and Jase tending the bikes. We also did a van first - pizza night. Something we've done at home for years, making pizzas from scratch, dough to topping, but trying to recreate this in the van, without the kitchen aid or oven could have been tricky. However, with our outside cooker and a pizza stone, we took the challenge on & success! 3 lovely small pizzas, all slightly different in terms of cooking & toppings, but each with it's own flavour. Brilliant. Another van first.

Saturday was our final day in Luxembourg so day spent planning our route south. As we are cash concious, we are trying to steer clear of the toll roads as far as possible, although this will increase driving time. Very much time will tell on this one.

Sunday rolled around, and started bright and warm again, sad to leave our lovely site, but we were cheered by seeing a red squirrel on the road out of site. Very pretty drive into Germany, and fabulous views all down the wine road. We had planned to stay on an Aire in Edenkoben which was essentially a car park, but very well located for exploring the town. After lunch we headed into the town to explore, only to be hit by a reasonable downpour! The air had to clear sometime I guess. Undeterred, we carried on our walk, found a nice hostelry and enjoyed a local drink.

Monday started wet, so the original plan to ride around Edenkoben was pulled in favour of a lazy morning in the car park (thankful we hadn't misread the signs and found a market around us!). We then headed into the Alsace wine region just over the border into France, seeing a couple of deer and loads of storks on the way. This is an area we have visited before, but this time we headed for the lovely village of Mittlebergheim. Again, rain unfortunately hit (I know we can't have reason to moan about this after a week's worth of sun), so we put our best foot forward and explored the village anyway.

We then headed to the neighbouring village of Andlau to see Jean Wach whose wine we've been enjoying for years. it was lovely to see Raphael and his wife Fanny, and catch up over some samples. The wine tastes as good as always, but to talk to the creators somehow makes it taste all the better. We had to dip into the rainy day fund to make a few purchases (It had been raining, so all good there!).

We then headed back up to Mittlebergheim for a night's free in a tolerated Aire. We weren't alone, another 2 vans had joined us, so safety in numbers.

So now, Tuesday morning, and this was my view for writing the blog. Jase has headed out for a little explore, and then later we will head further into the Alsace for the night.

Finally, for the week's question which this week comes from Jase's best mate, Craig - have we any items that we've found a new and interesting use for? Well, it may not be that interesting as such, but when we were packing up the very final bits in the house, we had a couple of towels that were past their best, but missed the final cull to the dump. Being the sort of landlords that didn't want to clutter the bin when we left, we ended up bringing them thinking they'd get dumped at the first opportunity. However, these towels have been used as everything from draught excluders when it was cold, to floor mats on the grass when it was hot, to everything in between! They've been so useful that they've even managed to get a wash! We have also had our first "what we were thinking when we packed that" session too, or for anyone who has watched Ewan and Charley in the Long Way Down, the "toilet roll bag" moment! Cue a knackered pair of shoes, working gloves & lids that don't fit hitting the bin! I'd like to say that made more room, but someone seems to have stowed a bottle of wine in that gap................!

Til next week, stay safe all and keep any questions coming

Love J&J x