Day 4. 20th April 2024.
Osterspai, nr Koblenz, to Landau in Der Pfalz, Germany.
Today started out as a magical mystery tour 
. As hard as it was to get to last night’s stop, it was just as hard to get back out 
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This was initially due to a distinct lack of bridges crossing the Rhine and then because of more roadworks. A 10 minute journey took about 30 minutes to navigate but eventually, we finally got onto the road which took us along the scenic route of the Rhine.
And, like L’Oréal, it was worth it!
Passing the steep vineyards, plots of all shapes and sizes on both sides of the river, river cruise boats slowly making their way along to the next stop, container barges delivering and the odd fisherman hoping for a good catch, the Rhine is certainly a big, wide and busy river. This is where they make Riesling wine 
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Every now and again we passed towns and villages with the obligatory castle on the hill. Some were lovely old walled towns, definitely worth a visit when the sun is shining. It doesn’t really matter which side of the river you are on, there are many beautiful spots to see.
Leaving the rivers edge, we headed towards Mannheim, passing to the side of it aiming for Landau in Der Pfalz, to a vineyard we’ve actually stayed at before. It’s called WeinGut Lorentz
Once again today has been a mix of showers and sun, with the occasional hailstorm.
Luckily, once we were parked at the vineyard, the weather cleared enough for us to take the dogs out for a run. Crossing the road we entered a huge vineyard, plots marked in different colours denoting the owners of each one. You are able to walk around which was great for Marley. Meg dog had to remain on her long lead as she is partial to digging for rodents and I wasn’t prepared to be chasing her through the vines – even though it does sound rather romantic now 
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Because Jane and I were dressed for a downpour, of course it didn’t rain. We spotted a few birds of prey and found a lovely little seating area – best guess is that it’s used for wine tasting or picnics in finer weather.
Back at the van we treated ourselves to a bottle of cherry beer each and sat in the sun….for 2 seconds as, you guessed it, it started to rain .
We’re now showered and fed – courtesy of Andrew and Jane and having a glass of wine from the vineyard before bed.
Oh yes, I almost forgot to mention the near disaster averted this morning. Our toilet cassette wouldn’t open last night, then once we got it open, it wouldn’t shut. For flip sake, we left it shut to deal with this morning.
Suddenly at about 5am Gareth shot out of bed, went outside, managed to get the cassette out of its socket, replaced it with the spare and then got back into bed! I think he’s still a little shocked himself. Apparently it had been keeping him awake .
Ah, the trials and tribulations of campers 
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Looking at the weather app, you have had a better day today, you’re welcome 
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