Bernkastel Kues

We cycled from Traben to Bernkastel Kues, a distance of about 16 miles, making it a round trip of 32 miles. The beauty of the Moselle area is that the cycle paths are all off road and follow the length of the river. In many cases they are on both sides of the river. This is excellent for cycling and is mainly flat. Bernkastel is a real tourist attraction and as it was Saturday it was extremely busy. We came here again with the kids on our last Croatian trip but I can't remember it being this busy. Again the weather is holding out with temps just touching 21c. We really like the stellplatz we are on and feel lucky to have got a place here, can't believe how busy all of the camping areas are.

Traben Trarbach

Presently in Traben Trarbach on the Moselle river. Lovely place, great weather and still very busy. Not seen any English but the Germans are out in force many sites and stellplatz are full. We are on the Traben stellplatz, 12 euros a night with elecky , toilets and showers. Its right on the river, a perfect location.

Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber

Absolutely loved this town with its magnificent buildings dating back to the 12th century. Again a fortress town with splendid walls and battlements. Just wandered around its centre looking at the classy but expensive shops. Later had a beer in the afternoon sun in the market square. This would be a great place to visit at xmas. The stellplatz is again positioned right next to the city walls and is priced at 12 euros a night, electric 0.50 cents metered

Nordlingen

Spent last night on the Stellplatz just outside the city walls. An attractive old town with well preserved defensive wall and battlements dating to around the 14th century. The stellplatz was ideal for visiting the city costing 3 euros a night plus 2 euros for electricity , toilets available.

Sunrise Camping Alpin Seefeld

Now in Seefeld Austria. How crazy is this place came through Austria in August, it was 12c and raining, its now mid October and its 23c with clear blue skies. A great little ski resort but too early for snow.

On Sunday morning we rode to Peshiera del Garda, weaving in and out of the cyclists, joggers, hikers and promenade poseurs. We found the town to be busy but attractive; a hub for tourist activities such as lake boat trips and cruises. Returning to the site we had the pool virtually to ourselves again and even without an accompanying child to put an arm up my back I managed two descents of the waterslide. Monday we returned to Lazise, a town we love and hope to return to. We again tried to adopt the Italian lifestyle opting for cappucino's, people watching and later an ice cream. With daily temperatures expected to remain around the mid 20's for the next week or so it is tempting to remain a while longer but we must make a move so tomorrow we head to Austria or southern Germany.

Le Palme Camping, Lazise, Garda.

Mid October at Lake Garda and the fine haze hovers over the Lakes edge, shrouding the mountains and disguising the fine detail of the many villages that sit along the lakes shoreline. The sunshine is strong casting flickers of  light across the blue water. Its hard to believe that its autumn as the almost summer sun refuses to die away. the daily temperatures are in the mid 20's making these the most perfect of Garda days. The tourists are now heading home for advent and the long tortuous preparations for the winter festival. For us the freedom and flexibility of motorhoming makes us wonder when we will continue our journey home its so nice in the sunshine away from crowds.
We've now had 5 nights  here at Le Palme Camping and yesterday I rode into nearby Lazise, a wonderful town with ancient battlements and towers. The half term German kids have now left and yesterday we had the entire heated swimming pool to ourselves. Another fine site on the lake shore. We should have departed days ago but keep putting our journey off.

Jonesy meets Arthur

On the next pitch at Punta Sabianni was Arthur the Airdale. One morning he was that keen to go and see Arthur that he shot out of the motorhome and pulled Barbara with him. Unfortunately she fell and injured her calf. Has been struggling with a walking stick the last 5 days.

Venice

We arrived in Punta Sabbioni on Sunday afternoon with the sole intention of visiting Venice on the Monday. They say you should never return to the places you fall in love with and as I had visited Venice with my family as a 15 year old I was worried in case a second visit would disappoint. This would also be an opportunity to knock one off Barbs bucket list so we walked the 700 metres from the campsite to the ferry terminal at Punta Sabbioni with Jonesy in tow. We had a fabulous day just walking around the city. What I liked most about Venice is its seemingly refusal to create anything modern. Nearly all of the architecture is very old. A great place and a really good ride in on the ferry.

Sistiana, Italy

Saturday 6th October. We left Rovinj and managed to skirt along the Slovenian coast avoiding the toll road. We ended up just passed Trieste in a place called Sistiana. The campsite was excellent, positioned on a high clifftop with views over the bay. All facilities were top class apart from the restaurant where they provided microwave meals at Jamie Oliver prices. Still a good overnight stop and managed a 6 mile clifftop walk.