Blauer See, Garsen, Germany

Sunday was Mother’s Day in Holland and Germany, (and I believe in South Africa and Australia also) so there were lots of family gatherings and an abundance of flowers around!

We are currently camping, well at least we are in a camping ground even if we are not roughing it in a tent, by a manmade lake called Blauer See. This lake, as well as the large one in Hannover, which is about 18 kms away, was made when the motorway to Berlin was constructed during the 1930’s. It was the idea of the engineers of the time to dig huge holes, which could be made into lakes, and use the earth to built motorways. Very good! We are lucky enough to get a site beside the lake, with a great view of a very interesting water skiing format. There is a high wire running around the centre of the lake, with long cables attached. The skiers, who are on ski boards, hold onto the cable and ski along at a reasonable pace, and do amazing twists and turns on the ski jumps. I feel sorry for the water skiers who fall off as they have to swim to the edge and walk back to the start again. That would be me, over and over again!
We did have a little mishap when we arrived! After we went through the usual ‘Is the van facing the right way?’ and ‘Perhaps we should turn the van around and face another way’, Walter reversed the van out and hit the grey container in front of the light post. Luckily the bike rack took the full impact. We now have a dented bike rack, which is preferable to a dented motor home. We then decided that the best position for the van was the initial position. Typical! This is our first visit to northern Germany and I do hope the people cheer up a bit! So far we have only encountered very dour people, who look at you gloomily when you smile or say ‘hello’! Or even worse, glower at you! This is very off putting!

We have been for three bike rides, including one which required some skill in negotiating tree roots and low branches. Thankfully we are now very fit, due to all the fast rides up and down hills around Joydon’s Wood and Swanley.
We have also spent time sitting in the sun reading. Walter is making good use of his binoculars! I am not sure what he is looking at as there did not appear to be much life around this morning.
It is fresh asparagus, fresh witlof (chicory) and fresh strawberry time. Last night we ate white asparagus with beenham (leg ham), new potatoes and boiled eggs and topped it with a béchamel sauce. Tonight we ate witlof with beenham and cheese. We followed both meals with fresh strawberries. I have learnt to take the bitter centre out of the witlof and to peel the white asparagus. Gourmet meals!

We have been here two days now and will reluctantly leave tomorrow morning, destination Berlin. Luckily we realised we needed a special sticker to say that our van meets the emission regulations for cities in Germany and organised it today. Otherwise we will be fined €40.