July 16, 2009

Camping Trip to Cochem, Germany

I know it's been awhile since I last posted. We've been really busy although I cannot quite pinpoint why as it seems the dog days of summer boredom have hit. We are enjoying the great weather for sure and took advantage of a great 4th of July weekend and camped out in Cochem, a town in the heart of the Mosel River Valley...wine country in Germany.

A large group of us drove down on a beautiful Friday afternoon and set up camp, complete with tarps rigged to a tree and through the roof racks of three cars to create (in the words of Jim) an Ewok Village. No sooner did we secure the ropes than it promptly started to downpour, as if on cue, complete with thunder and lightning. Luckily the storm was short lived and we were able to enjoy two fantastic days touring the castles, biking around town and shopping for delicious German wines.

Trailer Buddies Brad and Chase

Jim Towed Hallie and Rhi

Jim and Lionel

Tony, Hallie and Rhi Dining on Coolers as Tables

This camping trip was much cleaner for Bradley than last year's, although he still tends to wander away from the group quite frequently. He was rarely without a candy or cookie procured from a neighboring camper as he butted into many a campsite trying to make new friends. He and Rhi both slept wonderfully in the tent, a result I am proud to say of their crazy parents dragging them to and from many a destination where flexibility is not an option but a necessity. The only hairy moments for the kids came mid afternoons when hunger, the heat of the sun and the continuous walking uphill would finally take it's toll on their little bodies. Needless to say, they slept very well when we got home.

All of Us at Cochem Castle

Lunching on the Mosel River

Trekking Up to the Castle

The Guys Caught This For Dinner

The Cochem Castle is thought to have been built around the year 1000. Then in 1869 it was blown up by the French King Louis XIV. It was completely rebuilt in 1868 in a Neo-Gothic style and was used for awhile as the owner's summer home. Now it belongs to the town of Cochem and is the main tourist attraction there.

Jim's New Toy, A Mace

Day Two
Burg Eltz Castle

On our way home Sunday afternoon we drove through a town called Münstermaifeld. There we saw the Burg Eltz Castle which sits very well hidden in a valley, so we had to hike down to it and at the end of an exhausting day, were expected to hike almost straight uphill back to the parking lot. Gratefully, there was a shuttle. One interesting note about this castle is that it has remained in the same family for more than 800 years. To be able to trace one's roots back that far is a real treasure, and I suppose it is that way for many families in Europe. It is in the newer countries like America where people seem to have lost track of their familial histories. Just one more amazing thing I love about living here; I am always aware of how old and rich in history it is. But I digress...

Danielle, Melisa, Natellie

Having Another Lunch on Another River
(or maybe it was the same river)

Random Pig Roast at the Castle

Brad Goofing with an Apple

That about sums up our camping weekend. Couple castles, couple tents, couple coolers full of food and drink, couple bottles of wine purchased, beautiful weather and great friends to share it with. Couldn't ask for more than that.