4th September 2011 Bad Duerkheim

I woke up in the night with wet feet. A massive thunder storm after the heat of the day. We had gone to bed leaving the roof light open.

We’ve started to move northwards, as we wish to tackle the journey is small chunks so we can enjoy every day of our holiday rather than spend a couple of whole days driving. Picked Bad Duerkheim because it was about two and a half hours drive from Nuremberg and has an ACSI campsite for 15 Euros. Another Knaus but much nicer than the one in Nuremberg – and at half the price! A large site with lots of neat and well cared for permanent caravans and chalets - huge pitches, set in short rows along the edge of a lovely swimming lake with beach. Children and adults were enjoying the water in yesterday’s heat. We just dozed in the shade of the van, resting after yesterday’s exertions.

Spent an 'interesting' night at the Nuremberg Stellplatz. Pleasantly situated and full with other motor homes (including some with German Shepherds), we didn’t actually feel threatened, but there was obviously a ‘family’ of permanent residents living in a scruffy caravan on the Stellplatz. The ‘family’ consisted of several young men and one older one. As they sat at a picnic table under a tree, a loud argument broke out (in a language we didn't recognise - not Arabic, but similar sounding.)  One of the young men became extremely agitated, having evidently lost something important which, despite repeatedly searching the woods, could not be found. Although Stellplatz was in a dead-end at the side of the park, cars drove down at regular intervals during the evening and transactions appeared to take place between members of the ‘family’ and vehicle occupants. Had the distinct impression that, despite their humble abode, the ‘family’ was running a lucrative business!

Our over-nighting experiences in the city didn’t spoil or enjoyment of it. The most ‘touristy’ place we have visited so far on our trip, but extremely striking. Although much of it was destroyed in the war, many beautiful old buildings remain.

St Lorenz Church was also very impressive. Probably more beautiful than St Sebald’s – again with simple lines and soaring gothic arches. Its treasures are its sculptures rather than ostentatious ornamentation.

We also climbed up to the castle for a view down over the Old Town and went on a visit of Duerer’s house – set up as number of furnished rooms, including the artist’s studio - very interesting.



By early evening, we were both tired. A huge bric a brac market had been set up in the streets – but we just bought our souvenir tins of Lebkuchen and cycled back for an evening of watching the comings and goings of the Stellplatz.

Heading for the Mosel today – taking another couple of hours off our drive home.

Total distance travelled since leaving home – 1184 miles.