Germany again

We are back in Germany.   And back to reality.  After four weeks of being in a cashless econonmy, where paying by card was the norm, it was a shock to find that our card would not work in the campsite, German cards only. Luckily Walter had just enough Euros to pay the camping fees.  

We then went out to find a money machine, and to buy some diesel.  Luckily we were able to get cash, but the petrol station would only take German cards. Has this country, and the Netherlands too, not seen the progress that has been made, close to their shores.

I am sitting outside the office at the camping ground, which is the only place that I can access wifi.   I am sitting in the car, as it is raining outside.   I need to keep up with all the news on Facebook.   And to write my blog of course.

However it is a lovely campsite.  We stayed here at the beginning of our holiday.  It is just outside Hamburg.

 Most of the pitches are seasonal ones, and there is a restaurant and swimming pool.  And at the end of the camping area, there are horse stables.  Most surprising.

 There were great reflections on the two small lakes, this evening.  Very picturesque.   No manure perfume pervading the camping area this time.

 The fishermen looked very peaceful.

We had a mixed day.  First we could not hitch the caravan to the car, due to the lose hitch lock pad, which then became stuck.  But not straight.  Luckily Walter was eventually able to prise the pad out.  So we were short of a pad.  It did not seem to make too much difference to the towing stability.  We provided plenty of entertainment for the grim man in the caravan across the road, who watched but did not say a word or offer to help.

We then drove via country roads, through the lovely countryside until we eventually came to the motorway.  The land became flatter as we approached Germany.  The weather was warm and sunny.  Great for travelling.  Unfortunately there were road works for the last 70 kms, so that part was slow going.

Tomorrow we will drive the last part back to the Netherlands.   Looking forward to seeing the family again.  And I think we could have some darkness tonight.  Great for sleeping.  Plus rain pattering on the roof.