Cochem Valley

Heinrich went for a very nice drive along the Mosel River valley. It is a beautiful place with lots of vineyards and several camping areas. The vineyards line the side of the valley and are actually on some pretty steep slopes. The run up and down the hill side and some of the vineyards have little railways to move workers and harvested grapes up and down the hill side.

 

Heinrich stopped to wander among the grapes. This area is famous for making these grapes into an expensive juice. And the Germans take excellent care of their vineyards. Many of them even plant flowers and roses at the end of the rows just to make them look prettier.

This is a popular area for camping as well. There were several campgrounds that are a lot like campgrounds in Michigan. Pretty areas but a lot like big grassy parks with closely packed campers.

The campers in Germany have are like little houses with attachments that act like a Michigan room. Doubles the space in the camper. A lot of them have set up to stay awhile including satellite dishes.

Like typical Germans they keep their homes tidy and clean as well, including scrubbing the roofs of their trailers.

 

Just around a bend in the valley Heinrich came up on the town of Cochem. It actually sounds like Cohem when you say it. It sits in the valley on the banks of the river.

In the middle of the city is nice old church with a very ornate steeple. The buildings are very European and the city has a lot of things for tourists to do.

Up on the hill is the dominant castle of the valley. Many people think that Walt Disney modeled the Cinderella castle for Disney World. Heinrich really wanted to see the castle but it was really high on a steep hill and it was getting late. He would have to come back another day.