Holland in Germany

 

With the German Covid Lockdown we are limited to very few travel destinations. Peter zeroed in on Freidreickstad, a northern German village boasting a serious Dutch flavor. No tourists nor many locals were out on this blustery Monday afternoon.

With the swift winds and gray skies, the weather offered an early taste of winter.  Brrr. There are many picturesque canals to explore in this village. If only I had warmer boots! We must return for a good walking tour once I find proper foot attire.

The shops were all decorated for Christmas - but closed. Pop this village into the memory bank for a delightful holiday experience in non-Covid times.

Every lamp post featured a decorated Christmas tree. Peter should have sung his famous O Tannenbaum for Bob as he stood behind the tree.

The bus. Not legal to camp in it but we surely can dine in it. With the lockdown, restaurants are all closed but we did stumble upon a butcher shop serving delicious hot food for takeaway. 

Of the sixteen German states, the only other state that we are allowed to visit is Schleswig-Holstein. But NO camping anywhere in Germany.

As you can see on the map, Hamburg (the dot) is a city-state and geographically small.  Schleswig-Holstein (highlighted in red) borders Denmark and we can go there! Why the Dutch city of Freidreickstad was located there we could not figure out. More to research.

We continued the drive along the coast. The beaches were all closed and viewing the North Sea was next to impossible because it was blocked by miles and miles of protective dikes. Much like Park Point beaches - my Minnesota friends.

Next Stop: Busum Harbor normally would be a busy tourist spot with spas known for the healing effects of the seawater and the mudflats of the Wadden Sea. 

The lockdown does not stop the fishermen who bring in a daily catch of famous North Sea shrimp and Busum crabs. We did not leave fishless. Skillfully, Peter caught a ready-to-eat mackerel at a harbor-side fish shop. Now back to Hamburg for "his" dinner.

Ready to eat. (for Peter) I prefer meat minus their eyes looking at me.

My dinner.

Walleye World Thanksgiving

 

Happy Thanksgiving group on Betsy's handcrafted bench up on the Buena Vista.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Walleye World. But, please stay off the ice.

Illegal Camping

 INITIATE PETER'S NEW BUS

After our first night parked alongside a dike at the Harlesiel harbor and it is no more camping for us. Little did we know with Germany's Covid Lockdown Light rules, camping is forbidden everywhere in Germany  Surprise, surprise to silly old me. Camping is considered tourism?

At first, I thought it would be prudent to wear a mask when kissing a seal. 

Forget it. Drop the mask - seal the deal with no mask.

Next stop, the quiet fishing village of Neuharlingersiel. Doktor Martin, the German TV series was filmed there. Yes, there was a German version of our old favorite British show - Doc Martin. Remember Portwenn?

Did I say quiet? The entire village must have sheltered in place. Not even a fisherman anywhere, just a colorful lineup of fishing cutters waiting to return to the sea.

Well okay. These two gents were hanging around. Looks like they have been there for a while.

No turkey this year and not a Thanksgiving like others but so very much to be thankful for!

Everyday a New Face

 

Every new day greeted by a new face.

Green Roofs of Hamburg

 Many houses in Langenhorn have green roofs. Okay, this one does look a little brown. Image the garden that Betsy could grow on her roof. Click on the picture for a closer view of the roof.

Outside of my window is the lonely last little yellow leaf still clinging to the tree. 

Keep on clinging.

Funny Face Breakfast.

Getting to Know You

 

There is a lot to learn about his new bus before going on our first camping adventure. A rather Covid safe, self-contained unit that rolls, complete with a sink, water heater, stove, bed, temperature-controlled heater, refrigerator, and toilet. No hotels needed. Actually, hotels are forbidden.

Working on the "getting to know you" phase before we roll.

Can't say that I know of many people who read a manual from cover to cover. Peter seemed to enjoy that manual read like it was on the New York Times bestseller list. More power to him.

The plan is to drive up to see the North Sea. Peter the planner is at it again. 

The route.

Peter's Dream Baby Arrives

 

Peter had this brilliant idea that while the whole wide world is shut down we can then drive all over Germany. So why not do just that in his dream car, a Bulli.

Checking it out.

They say it's what on the inside that counts.

Happy man loves it on the inside and outside.

Tim drove us over to Campmobile in Schwerin where the interior was retrofitted.  After three hours of technical training, a very excited new owner drove us back to Hamburg. That bus almost drives itself with all of the most advanced gizmos. Kudos to the folks at Campmobile, they know how to reach the man's heart. Every well planned out last detail met Peter's satisfaction.

A Walk in the Woods

 

Fairy House

 

Walked past this little fairy house today.

Looks like Peter borrowed the Fairy's dish soap. If only the Fairy would wash the dishes!

So Many Steeples

 City of Hamburg with many canals, bridges, and lots of steeples.

St. Catherine's Church is one of the five principal Lutheran churches of Hamburg, Germany. The base of its spire, dating from the 13th century, is the second oldest building preserved in the city.

St. James Church

Hamburg Rathaus

Church Boat for Sailors.

St. Nikolai Church

Before July 28, 1943, there was a complete church here where the statue now stands. The church tower of St. Nicholas provided an easy target for the aerial bombs during the extensive allied air raids on Hamburg. The roof collapsed but the spire and some walls stand yet today. It was the tallest building in the world from 1874 to 1876. Today it is the 5th highest church steeple in the world. This Gothic Revival church brings strong meaning to the term revival as it has been revived or rebuilt several times over the years. Originally it was a wooden structure when first built in the 12th century. It was the second church built in Hamburg and the chapel was dedicated to St. Nicholas, patron saint of sailors. The tower was erected in 1517 then burned down in 1589 then collapsed again in 1644. It was rebuilt the final time after burning down in the great fire of 1842. That was its last "revival" but the ruins remain today which should be a reminder of the devastation and suffering war brings to mankind.

This statue at the church ruins sums it all up.

If we think 2020 was a bad year, lose that thought.

Quick, There's Sunshine

Quick! Catch some rays before they disappear.  After several days of clouds and raindrops, rushing out to enjoy a walk in the forest sounds like a really great idea. Let's head over for a walk in the Raakmoor - just a block from Peter's home.  Also, it's an ideal homesick cure for missing the woods of Walleye World.

Hand-hewn benches wait for those wanting to rest and listen to nature. 

The Naturschutzgebiet Raakmoor or Raakmoor Nature Reserve.

The Raakmoor is the remainder of a raised bog or moor.  It was created from the headwaters of the river Alster's tributaries occurring after the last Ice Age. This is the smallest nature reserve in Hamburg with only 18 hectares. So whatever is a hectare? I "now" have learned that one hectare is equal to 2.4711 acres. The circular hiking route is about 6K.  We are saving that trail for a day with guaranteed sunshine.

As for sunshine, I must say currently there is even a lack of much daylight. It is now 4:25 PM, and the sun has set. Smart GAB is following the sunshine to Porto on Monday. Her sunshine allowance should be more generous than that of Hamburg.

Friday the 13th...

BTW: Black cats crossing your path are good luck in Germany.

Veteran's Day - Snow Day Celebration

 

Of Course, It's Mr. Kyle Sporting Shorts for a Veteran's Day Snowfall.

Teacher Betsy Jumps for Joy! No School Today.

Katherine Puts Down Her Books and Goes Sledding.

Could Oliver Be Digging for Snow Snakes?

So, Are We Engaged Now

 

It is official, we are officially engaged in the time of Covid-19.

Peter planned on a castle proposal but opted for a memorable car venue ala Covid-19. Practical Peter thought we were too old to wait until 2023 when travel may be allowed once again.