Prologue

End of August and time for our second trip of the year. We are heading back to Zehdenick with the intention of exploring the Mecklenburg lakes until the end of September. I say intending, as we are not sure how far the water levels will let us go, so we’ll see. We have Martin and Suesi with so Annapanna will be games central for the next week or so! I’m really not keen on games as it makes them shout a lot and I don’t like shouting.

But before we get to Zehdenick we are spending a couple of nights in Hamburg where we are meeting up with Michael, Alison’s nephew (and godson). Brian, Martin and Suesi are going to Minatur Wunderland whilst we walk round Alster Lake and then we are all going on a Harbour cruise.

25th & 26th August 2022 – Whalley – Hamburg

Usual ferry with doggy cabin again, so not too bad. P&O still haven’t sorted out the ice rink like dog exercise area so you won’t find me in there until they put some artificial grass or non slip surface down. Then it was the long car trip to Hamburg and the George Hotel, our home for the next 2 nights.

Michael and Marcella had booked dinner so after cocktails in the hotel bar off they all went leaving me alone in a strange hotel room. Very good dinner, very nice evening – as if I wanted to know!

27th August 2022 – Hamburg

Today was a good day. Right next to the hotel is Alster Lake and Alster Lake is pure doggy heaven. We thought Germany was strict about the on lead rule but everyone here was running around free and happy, so very soon so was I. The lake is bordered by some very beautiful properties and plenty of parks, but best of all there were so many places to get in and out of the water – just perfect.

Then we walked on to the botanical gardens and watched lots of people taking pictures below the little waterfall in the Japanese garden. Of what we have no idea as we couldn’t get near enough to find out. I doubted it was food, so was I bothered!

Then on we walked again, to the Rathuis and the old town and then on to the Speicherstadt, the largest warehouse district in the world and a UNESCO site, where we met up with the others after their trip to the wunderland. Amazing they said, not as good as the lake I replied.

Then it was the Harbour tour. Two hours touring the Speicherstadt and the famous Hamburg harbour. Enormous container ships, impounded Russian oligarchs superyachts and Japanese cruise ships. Not that I really noticed any of them as I spent the time sleeping off my walk underneath the table.

Views during Harbour Tour

Back to the hotel on the S bahn and bus then to a trendy bar/restaurant built out onto the lake. I’d actually had enough by then so was quite happy to be left alone whilst they dined later in the hotel restaurant. Italian and very good I believe.

28th August 2022 – Hamburg – Zehdenick

Michael wanted to treat us to brunch (yes, I was invited too), so after a leisurely start we wandered down the road to a little cafe. Lots of food, lots of leftovers – at least on the next door table who obliged to my pleas by feeding me lots of bits and pieces. Same happened yesterday when Alison and I stopped for coffee by the lake – and I didn’t even have to plead. I think I like this country, the inhabitants are very generous!

Then we were off to Zehdenick and Annapanna – via Schloss Rheinsberg. Unpacking done in a trice – having 4 people people makes such a difference – then it was out to our favourite Italian by the water, Da Vinci. We did plan to eat at the new restaurant in the harbour, but it is far from ready and the current arrangement only sells beer in bottles. Apparently beer in bottles is no substitute for lots of wine (what is wrong with water, I ask).

29th August 2022 – Zehdenick – Bredereiche

Shopping – well it had to happen didn’t it – then we were off, retracing our path north to Bredereiche and my beach and swimming place. No swimming this time though as a family were camping right by the beach. But it’s not too warm so I didn’t complain too much.

I think I need to mention Martin here and his problems. A pain in his leg has been gradually getting worse, not helped they think by the amount of walking everyone did in Hamburg. I’m not going into to details here but he isn’t sleeping and needs to rest, which we thought he could do on the boat – at least we hoped so.

30th August – Bredereiche to Furstenberg

A couple of hours took us to Furstenberg and the town marina. Furstenberg is a small, quite pretty but not very interesting town (sorry Furstenberg). The harbour is very nice though. We had a good mooring looking out over the lake and there is a park and Schloss right next to it. The Schloss is closed for renovations – it looks like they are turning it into apartments – but the park suited me just fine.

More importantly, there is Ravensbrueck. Ravensbrueck was a German concentration camp exclusively for women. About 132,000 women from many countries throughout Europe were kept in the camp between 1939 and 1945. This was thousands more than it was built for, with resulting appalling conditions. The women were used as forced labour for nearby businesses, made to participate in experimental operations and sent to brothels as prostitutes for male prisoners nearby. The site is now a museum and an evocative memorial to all those who suffered and died there. Obviously far to sombre a place to have canines running round, so I stayed on board whilst they cycled off – and then came back hours later very moved by everything they saw and read.

31st August 2022 – Furstenberg – Priepert

Poor Martin is not getting better and is actually exhausted from too many sleepless nights. A visit to the local doctor reassured them to a certain extent but didn’t actually give them a diagnosis. He is very game though and so we carried on on our journey via Robinsee, Menowsee, Ziernsee and into Ellenbogensee. We decided to spend the night at Marina Priepert but before we moored up continued to the infamous lock, Strasen Schleuse, to see if there was any possibility of getting through. Surprisingly, there was a queue of boats, a couple of them similar to Annapanna, although maybe a little smaller. The sign at the lock entrance said water level was 0.8, so not promising. Brian went to see the lock keeper and he said no…. So that was it we thought.

Back at Marina Priepert we got a good mooring looking out over the lake. Ideal for getting the paddle board out in the morning. I had a good walk through a very smart exercise area then onto a path through acres and acres of sunflower fields, although they are definitely past their best now. Then it was barbie night but no games. No games? Something is definitely not right.

1st September 2022 – Priepert

Morning walk, morning paddle board. Then everything changed. After yet another sleepless night both Martin and Suesi had had enough and just wanted to go home. They have enormous suitcases and neither of them had the strength to get to the airport by train, so a taxi was arranged to Zehdenick where they picked up the car and Alison drove them to the airport.

I would like to say that this was the end of a sorry tale and they got home safely, but no, it didn’t happen. Both Eurowings flights were cancelled and there was nothing until Monday. After a discussion they opted to stay in Berlin until then and will seek more expert medical assistance in the city. So farewell fair guests, we just hope this experience hasn’t put you off coming again.

Whilst Alison was away Brian did more digging on the problem lock. The harbour master was insistent that we could get through because of the hull shape, but others said no and in the end the consensus was no. So tomorrow we head to Neustrelitz for a couple of days before returning to Priepert and driving to Schwerin – having the car with us is now a big advantage!

2nd September 2022 – Priepert to Neustrelitz

We left Marina Priepert and the car and sailed north via the Havel to Finowsee and Woblitzsee before continuing on the Kammelkanal into Zierkersee and the lovely town harbour of Neustrelitz. One advantage of low water levels is that we had no problem getting under the 3.4m railway bridge on the Kammelkanal, even though we did have to take the canvas down.

The harbour here is ideal. Right next to the Schloss gardens, near the town centre and surrounded by either new or converted warehouse type buildings. There are restaurants, cafes (one which roasts and grinds its own coffee) and lovely walks along the Zierkersee in both directions. Best of all, the higher level harbour wall makes jumping off very easy – and there are lots of people around to talk to! We are here for 2 nights and I am very happy.

3rd September 2022 – Neustrelitz

There is another Linssen and it’s from Schwerin so of course we had to talk to them. They came through the rogue lock a few weeks ago and are planning to return home tomorrow. Interesting! Brian’s hopes are up again! We will see.

Long walk today. Around the beautiful Schloss gardens, through the town and onto the inland lake Glambecker See, where we had lunch on a terrace overlooking lake. This is a favourite place for locals to swim and hang out, but the cold wind today meant we virtually had the place to ourselves. Perfect for me as I could run in and out of the lake without risk of upsetting picnics, sunbathers etc.

Alison then went for cycle round the Zierker See, came back then went again in the opposite direction as she decided she had taken the wrong route back into town. She had and instead found a lovely track along the lake to a lookout point then another which would have avoided some road work (marked on the map as a walking route but everyone was cycling it). The advice is to do it this way round instead!

Out for dinner at Boothuis overlooking the lake – perfect for sunset watching. The food was just ok but the Georgian student waitress was lovely.

4th September 2022 – Neustrelitz to Kleiner Palitzsee

I typed this heading just after we left Neustrelitz and it originally said Neustrelitz to Priepert. Then things changed again. Brian had decided he wanted to try to get through Strasen lock, so the decision was to moor up at Priepert, drive to the lock and see whether the 410 from Schwerin got through earlier. It did. So off we went. I’m getting dizzy from all these about turns!

Through the lock with never less than 0.7 showing on the depth gauge. Phew, such a relief! Then we continued through Grober Palitzsee and into Klein Palitzsee where found our own personal mooring at the very friendly Marina Boot & Mehr. At the end of the little bridge I could get straight into the water. I can’t believe how perfect this is. Even better, at the restaurant where we went for beers there were balls, so I took one and we went off for some serious fetching. Then I was left in the water with my ball whilst the paddle board came out. I knew Alison had a plan to get me on it with her and this, I suppose, was the perfect place to try. Excuse me, but I was busy and anyway I had no intention of getting on that slippery looking board however many other dogs I’ve seen on them.

5th September 2022 – Kleiner Palitzsee to Mirow

A late start then on through the Canower See, Labussee, Vilzsee, Zotzensee and into the Mirower See and our destination of Mirow. Unfortunately our late start meant both the town harbour and the Strand Hotel had no suitable spaces left so we headed north to Rick & Rick’s other harbour (they run the stathafen too). This was fine although a bit out of town so Alison got on her bike instead of paddle board and headed into town to look at the Schloss.

6th September 2022 – Mirow to Waren

I couldn’t help looking at the map and all I could see was this great expanse of blue and my heart sank. That’s a saying because actually what happens is my little heart starts beating much faster than normal and I go into denial mode, close my eyes and pretend to sleep. I really don’t want to talk to anyone. Of course Brian was excited as it was quite windy and he hoped he would be able to test the stabilisers. I just hoped they worked!

Initially it was fine. Into the lock jam packed full of boats and canoes. The lock keeper was determined to get us all in and so I had lots of people to talk to – several canoeists hanging onto the boat and the couple on the boat in front – as we were pretty much rammed against their stern. Then along the long Muritz-Havel Wasserstrasse, through the Kleine Muritz and on to the big and proper Muritz, the second largest lake in Germany. OK, OK, compared to the IJsselmeer it’s tiny, it’s not even as long as Windermere, but to me it’s big and big means bumpy a lot of the time, stabilisers or not.

I’m glad to report that the crossing was uneventful. I didn’t move or look up once but they noticed my breathing remained calm which meant it was all fine. We aren’t sure if the stabilisers made too much difference but we did feel the rocking a bit more when Brian turned them off to check.

So now we are in lovely Waren, a spa and holiday resort right on the edge of the Muritz National park. We have a perfect mooring on a hammerhead near the restaurants that line this very attractive harbour. They say it has a Mediterranean feel and on a warm sunny day it certainly seems like that. There are places selling ice cream everywhere, all flavours including pistachio – Mags you should be here. If my good luck with generous German tourists continues I should be in for plenty of leftovers. We plan to stay for 3 nights so we can sit out the storms coming our way. I say plan, because the storms seem to be on the move, so who knows whether the plans will change or not.

Dinner at Venezia, the Italian on the harbour recommended by Jeremy. Good pasta and mussels. They wanted to try the Tapas place, Moments, just behind the harbour, but it was booked up until the 13th! It must be good!

7th & 8th September 2022 – Waren

Day 1: Weather ok today so after the inevitable shopping and sightseeing around the old town we walked along the promenade to the Muritzeum, the natural history museum which surprisingly allows dogs. It’s not the first time I’ve been to a museum so I knew how to behave and this one included a walk round the lake as well as big tanks of large fish, so it was all fine by me.

Alison then went off on her bike for a trip round Tiefwaren and Melzer See which included a stop at the lovely gardens of the Hotel am Tiefwarensee where there is also a great view of Waren and the tower of St Marien church

Day 2: We did manage a couple of walks and wander round town before the rain came…. But then it came and it was relentless. No thunder and lightening though, just wet. Very, very wet if you were on the boat moored next to us that seemed to have sprung a leak requiring them to go out and buy a huge piece of tarpaulin to cover it up.

We hunkered down as we’d planned to sit out the rain and hope it means some of the water levels rise a bit. We are pretty sure we still won’t get through Plau lock…. But you never know!

Then we got the news we’ve all been dreading but not expecting. The Queen died this afternoon, peacefully they say and in her favourite place, Balmoral. We are all very upset and spent hours watching the events unfold and tributes come in to a really wonderful woman; an amazing head of state, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. The country will be lost without her.

9th September 2022 – Waren to Malchow

Time to move on – but not very far. From Waren in the Binnen-Muritz we headed west through the Reeck kanal into Kolpinsee, Fleesensee and Malchower See to the small town harbour of Malchow. The harbour is certainly at the centre of things – step off the boat straight into an Italian restaurant and ice cream parlour – and has lovely views of the Abbey across the water. Most Sundays in the summer they have music in the harbour too. We walked across the causeway to the Abbey, which used to be a Cistercian nunnery, and then explored the town looking for some green spaces for me to play. There is a park up the road from the DDR museum but perhaps the hafen near the Abbey would be more dog friendly – not that they would consider moving just for me! Dinner in the fish restaurant over the road by the bridge. Just ok they said.

10th September 2022 – Malchow to Plau am See.

Another short day today across the Malchower and Petersdor Sees and into the much larger Plauer See to where we thought was the end of the line, Plau am See. But yet again we’ve been told we can go further! This is never ending and the only constant is the certainty that we can’t get to Schwerin! Lovely mooring on the wall in Plau with plenty of activity and dogs for me to bark at. Probably far too much in the height of summer but fine in September.

Plau is a very pretty town with lots of the coloured houses which are common in this area, a burgturm (tower) and a historical lifting bridge which we will go through tomorrow. Whilst we were exploring the town Alison spied an oldie worldlie tea shop – in fact two right next to each other at the top of Gt Burgstrasse. We went back later to the one on the corner for tea and cake – how could we resist. Do try them if you’re there and into cakes like me.

Another good thing about Plau – a slipway and very clear water even though it was in a harbour. The nice harbourmaster told us where I could swim so after tea and cake, off we went. I really needed the exercise.

11th September 2022 – Plau am See to Lubz

The information we got from the lock keeper yesterday was that we could travel as far as Parchim but as there don’t seem to be any suitable moorings there we decided, when we set off, we would go as far as Lubz. Then whilst we were in the lock the same lock keeper (who we think had been doing his homework) said we could get to the junction of the junction of the Muritz-Elbe-Wassersrasse (MEW) and the Storkanal. It appears the problem is the Storkanal so we could, if we wanted, continue on the MEW to Domitz and join the Elbe. We don’t want to and anyway we don’t think there is enough depth on the Elbe.

So tonight we have moored up at Stadtmarina Lubz. We are a bit big really as it’s all short finger stern to mooring, but we found somewhere we could go alongside and as it’s so quiet the harbourmaster is quite happy. It is a short walk into town either by the park or the pretty old church. There are some nice buildings, a tor and a lovely – and tiny – 17th century church up one of the side streets.

12th September 2022 – Lubz to Parchim

Guess what, a new plan. The harbour master said the MEW was very pretty on towards Garwitz and it’s junction with the Storkanal so after a quick discussion it was decided that we would continue on through Parchim to Garwitz and Matslow. That was the plan, but then it changed again. The speed limit on the canal is 6kph and the locks are slow, so progress was at a snails pace. It soon became evident that reaching Garwitz would take significantly longer than anticipated and that was going downhill. The reason we had vetoed Parchim was because the town mooring – Fischerdamm Parchim – was down a side branch of the canal and the blog we are using for information says if is only 1.1m. As water levels are low and we are 1.2m we decided we couldn’t risk it. But… just before the town there is a little mooring at Pension am Brunnen. The mooring was empty and the perfect length for us, so in we went. As it’s so quiet the owner wasn’t bothered that we had effectively taken all the stern to mooring places (although these could only be for small boats that didn’t stick out into the canal too far). As it was Monday the cafe was closed so we had the terrace all to ourselves. Shame though as the whole place is lovely.

We set off over the bridge to walk into town – 2k according to the pension owner. It seemed a lot longer than that to us although we did go via …. you’ve guessed it … the supermarket! Bit of sight seeing around the old town then we wandered off to find the town mooring and speak to the other boats we had travelled with today. There is still a question mark about the depth as the chart in the Seenland magazine shows it as being deeper than the canal and the boats in the harbour didn’t confirm one way or another. If you are considering heading this was it might be worth the risk. For me though Pension am Brunnen wins hands down. There are walks through the woods and along the canal which beat “sights” any day. Plus the owner is dog friendly (he has a very shy pup) and gave me a present – a box full of treats. What’s more to like!

13th September 2022 – Parchim to Plau

This time it really is the turnaround point. We aren’t continuing on to Garwitz as it would be very much more of the same. As pretty as the MEW is without having the incentive of reaching Schwerin they have decided they’ve had enough of slow and pretty. Me, well I could do slow all day every day and I don’t notice pretty when I’m sleeping.

Early start as we wanted to get back to Plau and I’m more than happy with that. Five locks including the 7m Schleuse Bobzin, which must be up there as one of the slowest locks in Europe. It took 50 minutes to fill the lock, that’s about 7 minutes a metre, but at least it wasn’t raining!

Back in Plau and moored up at the ‘wall’ before setting off to my swimming place and the lighthouse for a view over Plauer See. Then they were off to dinner at the restaurant right by Annapanna. I wasn’t invited even though there is a doggy menu as well as a human one. Umm, they could have brought me some sausages back in a doggy bag!

14th September 2022 – Plau to Robel

On the way back to Zehdenick we are trying to stay in different places so tonight we are in Robel, a town founded in 1226 by the Lord of Rostock and his wife Christine, who happened to be the daughter of the King of Scotland. We nearly changed our mind when we saw all the fingers in the town harbour saying under 8 metres, which is too short for Annapanna, but we were waved in by the harbourmaster. As all the outer fingers are at least 11/12 metres we are confused by the sign and can only assume it means width. Of course we could have asked the harbourmaster but kept forgetting!

The harbour has a couple of restaurants, shops and a lovely esplanade that the town is justifiably proud of. The path continues on for many kilometres which is great for walking or cycling along the coast. This of course means it’s a very good place for me. After our esplanade walk we wandered in the direction of town as far as the tourist office and St Marien church, one of two large churches in the town and one of the oldest brick buildings in Mecklenburg. Next to the church and part of the Haus des Gastes (such a good name for tourist office) is the small but lovely Burgerpark. A venue for many of the towns musical events we noticed there was a concert on that evening. Having been in the wrong place at the wrong time for several musical events in Mecklenburg Alison decided that this was not to be missed. She hadn’t heard of Andrew Pasternack but he is a jazz musician and part of the Pasternack Swing Trio currently touring the area. Of course I didn’t go, but I was told it was good even though less than half of it was actually jazz.

15th September 2022 – Robel

We like it here so are staying for 2 nights and today is for sightseeing. Alison wanted to find out where we could see the Cranes the area is famous for, so it was back to the Haus des Gastes where a really helpful person told us about the Crane roost each evening on Grosser Schwerin, a promontory north east of the town. Then we walked on, past lots of beautifully painted buildings, a windmill with a photographic exhibition and an old synagogue to the Markt and the second church, St Nicolai. Along the route there are information signs next to certain buildings or squares and tell the history of the site via a personal story of an old inhabitant. Unfortunately translation proved too much for google translate and the Haus des Gastes didn’t have anything in English, so much of this information was lost to us.

After a late lunch back at the harbour and a spot of shopping – I feel obliged to tell you that there is an Aldi and Edeka right next to the harbour – the bikes came off in preparation for the trip to Crane land, Grosser Schwerin. I was not invited. Off they went following the route given to them earlier but came back disappointed as they just couldn’t get close enough to make them out. There is a boat trip each evening which might be better, but as the whole area is protected and therefore out of bounds, we are not convinced.

Out for dinner to restaurant Seglerheim in a thatched building at the other end of the harbour. Traditional German food, so massive portions, which sounds perfect to me, but very friendly and very popular.

16th September 2022 – Robel to Mirow

It was very windy today but thankfully for me it didn’t cause any problems on the Muritz. For Brian it meant he still hasn’t tested the stabilisers and as this is our last big lake of the summer he won’t really know how effective they are until next year. Should I be concerned? Probably, but next year is a lifetime away so I’m not thinking about it.

We have returned to Mirow but this time we are staying in the harbour at the Strand hotel. The information in the blog we are following says breakfast at the hotel is included in the mooring. Not any more, but we (as in they) can have breakfast if they like. Course they like, but as I’m not included I’m not quite as enthusiastic about it.

The mooring is much nearer the Schloss than last time and a lovely footpath took us all the way there. There were plenty of places to play along the way so I wasn’t too bothered about the “no dogs” sign at the beach by the boat. It’s too cold anyway. We were here 9 days and a whole season ago as it’s now very autumnal, cold wet and windy. Even Brian isn’t complaining about going home next week.

17th September 2022 – Mirow to Rheinsberg

There has been a lot of debate as to whether there was enough depth for us to travel to Rheinsberg and even more confusion as PC Navigo said that there were 3 low bridges where we would need to put down the canvas. As it was raining, cold and windy and we don’t have Jeremy’s adaption (to lower the overall roof height without taking down the canvas), we weren’t that keen, but on the other hand we knew at least one of the bridges PC Navigo vetoed was a lot higher than it said. In the end we decided to give it a go and when the guy at Marina Wolfsbruch said we wouldn’t have a problem with the depth and recommended Hafendorf Rheinsberg, off we went.

It was a lovely cruise down to the Schloss with the advantage of low water levels meaning we even got under the 3.7m bridge on the canal just before the Rheinsberger See with space to spare. After sailing down to Grienericksee to photograph the Schloss in the sunshine (the day had improved significantly) we headed back to the Rheinberger See and Hafendorf Rheinsberg. I’m not sure what we were expecting but it definitely wasn’t this! The hafen is a Precise resort and is part hotel and part privately owned Legoland. A very smart legoland though as all of the multi coloured properties were next to the water and there were several Linssens tied up on individual private moorings. Best of all, in this area with limited alongside moorings for boats as big as Annapanna with a tender on the back, all the visitor mooring were along the main waterway into the resort. It was a couple of kilometres out of town but there was a cycle/walking path which goes past all the other hafens and some very grand properties on the way to the Schloss.

18th September 2022 – Rheinsberg to Furstenberg

Another long day even though it was only supposed to take 4-5 hours to get to Furstenberg. Yesterday was changeover day for the hire boat companies so we should have been a bit more prepared – but we weren’t -so it took an hour or so to get through the Wolfsbruch lock, then with another wait at Strasen we didn’t get to the town marina at Furstenberg until about 5pm. It wasn’t a problem though as the place was deserted, a totally different place to 3 weeks ago.

19th September 2022 – Furstenberg

Today was the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II so we bunkered down here to watch it ….. all day. Well they did as I caught up on my beauty sleep. They were so engrossed in it all I could hardly get them to take me out for a walk. I have to admit it was spectacular. All that pomp and circumstance, yet it still managed to seem like a personal tribute to an amazing Queen. It makes one proud to be British (even though I am technically now Dutch). Did you see the corgis at Windsor? Poor things, I’m glad they have a new home but they are really going to miss her.

20th September 2022 – Furstenberg to Zehdenick

So back to base and we are ready for it. It is cold, wet and windy and time to go home. Not yet though as the car is still in Priepert and there is the inevitable washing, scrubbing and packing that has to happen every time we leave. Then we are off to Schwerin by car to see the Schloss we haven’t been able to get to by boat.

21st – 23rd September 2022 – Zehdenick

On Wednesday Alison went off to collect the car whilst Brian was sorting out the winterizing details – and I was bored on board. Actually not too bored as I could lie on deck and watch the world go by. Then it was off to the vets to get my passport stamped ready for our trip home.

Much cleaning – including deck and table scrubbing – so I just kept out of the way most of the time. We did manage a walk along Treidelweg and the nature path along the Havel near Da Vinci before returning for a beer on the lovely terrace of Taverna Victoria. Next year we (hopefully me too) will eat there.

24th September 2022 – Zehdenick to Schwerin

In the end we got there. Not by boat but by car. Not by quiet waterways but by busy motorways. Our dog friendly hotel, the Neiderlandischer, was perfectly positioned alongside Pfaffenteich (lake) and a 10 minute walk through the town centre to the Schloss. I got a big bed, a blanket and a bag of treats. What’s not to like. We went for a long walk round the Burggarten surrounding the Schloss and then on over the bridge to the Schlossgarten. At the bottom where there should be a water feature that seems to have disappeared, there is terracing up to a wonderful view of the Schloss.

I was left alone in my big bed whilst they went out for dinner. They came across La Bouche Bistro by chance and it was buzzing, unlike the first place they looked at which was dead. Food good, lots of chat with other diners. I would have loved it too…. if I’d been given the chance!

25th September 2022 – Schwerin to Vechta

Now we are really on the way home. After all the issues we had in July finding somewhere to stay on the journey back to Europoort, this time they were more organised. Vechta is the capital city of Lower Saxony and happened to be well placed to break our journey. An interesting boutique hotel and a medieval tournament sealed the deal, even though the hotel were initially unsure about whether they were dog friendly or not! Alison told them I was very well behaved – so no pressure!

In the end Melchers 1715 came up trumps. Very modern and with only 16 rooms it was quiet and cosy whilst the adjourning restaurant was clearly the centre of the town’s social scene. Again I got a big comfy bed and some very smart dog bowls. They all looked suspiciously new so I think I am very honoured.

The medieval event is on all weekend and we came across it by chance as the footpath app took us to the nearest green space for my walk. Lots of people in tents dressed up in old worldly gear looking very bedraggled as it had been raining most of the day. We thought there might be jousting, but there clearly isn’t enough space for horses so any combat will be on foot.

26th September 2022 – Vechta to Europoort

They went down to breakfast thinking there would be one or two other residents in the restaurant. What they found was a restaurant absolutely buzzing. I said last night I thought the restaurant, which is on the town Markt, was the centre of the local social scene, well it is clearly the number 1 choice for Sunday brunch! There was an amazing, all you can eat buffet which even included fizz if you felt so inclined – and apparently they do this every day of the week (although it isn’t as busy during the week). Unfortunately Vechta doesn’t really have much to tempt a tourist, but the hotel and particularly the brunch are worth the detour.

We went back to the medieval event as the day was dry and sunny and everyone looked much happier. There were lots of stalls selling medieval frankfurters, pizzas and baklava (?), people engaged in medieval tasks and some sort of knockout sword fighting competition. Lots of dogs everywhere so it was all fine by me.

Then we were off, back to Europoort, the ferry and home. That’s the end of our travels with Annapanna for this year. She goes to bed in her shed in a few days time and awaits, as we all do, our trip to Denmark next year.