Rowing touring trip on the Moselle

Moselle touring trip (Neumagen-Dhron – Cochem, 100 km) 26–29 May 2022

Now we went downstream towards Minheim, heading for our first lunch break. Past high cliffs and beautiful vineyards. Hungry, we went ashore and feasted on the treats brought along by the land service. Afterwards we wanted to treat ourselves to an espresso at the Italian in the village centre. But La Familia was just having lunch and we got turned away.

On we went towards today's stage destination, Bernkastel-Kues. After a beautiful stretch through vineyards and lots of lush green, we arrived in the idyllic little town. We quickly looked for and found the „Bernkastel Rowing Club“, made ourselves comfortable and then strolled along the Moselle to the restaurant. On the way to the town centre there was actually a „little“ Ferris wheel, and a few fearless souls couldn't resist taking a few turns. After a tasty meal, we went back to our overnight camp and, after another nightcap beer, to bed (air mattress). Today 24 km!

After a, for some, short night (the big dormitory had a nocturnal visit from a stranger but peaceful person), we continued to Ürzig (lunch break) and to the day's destination Traben-Trarbach. Past ever steeper and more beautiful rocky outcrops, the grapes growing practically on the steep slopes, and we wondered how they're harvested. In Traben-Trarbach we stayed at the rowing club 1881, very beautifully situated, with a terrace, and we went swimming too. Here some also had a wine tasting and we let the lovely evening wind down on the terrace (some already a little tipsy). Today 22 km!

On we went to Zell (lunch break) up to today's stage destination Ediger-Eller. Today we had really great Moselle bends ahead of us and the cox had quite a bit to do. Behind every bend something even more beautiful, and we had lots to look at. Past fortresses and towers, we had lunch at the rowing club in Zell. Today's stage destination surprised us with a holiday flat of a different kind (plush, pink and somehow different, but we made ourselves comfortable). A good supper in a great vaulted cellar with tasty wine and beer. We were practically drawn back to our apartment and spent the lovely evening in a relaxed round of conversation. Today 34 km!

Last day, and off to Cochem. On the way we wondered who drinks all the wine, for as far as the eye could see, vineyard after vineyard. A short break in Poltersdorf and picking up the trailer in Neumagen were on the agenda. The land service drove back to the start and the rest headed for the finish. At the Cochem rowing club it was the end, and everyone content and happy about this great touring trip. Today 20 km!

Thanks for this super organisation (Katja, Sandra and Hendrik) with great and lovely moments. We all harmonised with one another and were a „terrific group/crew“.