I’m in Echternach now, which is in Luxembourg. I just spent two nights in a hostel in Luxembourg City. Hostels are cheaper here so I can justify not using the tent. I also met a couple of Aussies (Toby and Ben) and Dutch dudes (Tom and “Stay fun” Steffan) who were a laugh. More details on that later, for now, we go back to the Mosel:

Mon 19th

After going through Koblenz I made it to Cochem at about 7pm (about 100k) and setup camp (in about 35min). Went to the supermarket and bought dinner – filled pasta (uncooked, eat straight from pack – yum!), juice and some potato chips (dessert). The best thing about Cochem though is the supermarket, which also sold.. TOWELS!

Yes, after >3 months I finally bought a real towel!

Well, it’s pretty small but it only cost 3euro or so and after sending so much stuff back to London, it actually fits in the panniers. The best thing in the world is the fact that it actually dries me off properly!

Heaven is a real towel.

Tue 20th

I totally froze my arse off that night! I woke up at 2am and was scared that if I left the tent for a piss, I would freeze to death on the way. It took me about five shivering minutes to finally decide to do the dash. On the way back to the tent, I replaced my shorts with cargo pants, put on socks, put on a thermal top, a polypro t-shirt and my polarfleece. I also put on my head-warmer! I was SOOO cold! At 9am with the sun out it was still only 5degC.

Continued along the Mosel, stopping at a few towns to either explore interesting stuff or look for bakeries 🙂

Made it to Bernkastel-Kues (about 100k too) and found the best Campingplatz so far – Cueser Werth. Only 7euro per night, no fscking “token-operated” showers, friendly receptionist, spot right near the office/bar/toilets/showers and soft, grassy ground. Setup time down to 17min! 🙂

Found supermarket and stocked up. Met “Hans” who was riding from Cologne into the hills somewhere past Trier to see his 101yo Grandma! We had a good chat in the bar about all kinds of stuff and he was born near Trier so he gave me some tips about it. Top boke!

Wed 21st

Next morning I woke around 8am and chatted to Hans again, who was getting an early start into the fog. It was warmer here than Cochem but I still slept in almost everthing I’m carrying! A bakery van arrives at the campsite at 8.30am! Told you this campsite rocks! 🙂

to be continued..