Last month was terrific. Spending time with my kids and grandkids for ten days went so fast. This month was rather exciting but not without difficulties. I’ll get straight to the point. I’ve heard the expression “dead in the water” but always associated it with failed business plans. Well, this month, I experienced what it means to sea life!
Our anniversary was July 16th, and we decided to take Virus out and head to the lake, where we took the kids to swim. After experimenting with Jarrod and Albert “dropping anchor,” we headed out to enjoy our anniversary trip three days away from the madding crowd and heat. It’s been so hot here; this was the perfect spot to cool off and enjoy the refreshing Rhein water.
All went well, and Virus, our boat, could stay afloat without electricity for four days (so we thought…). The evenings were amazing.
The water did not disappoint! Just incredible and so clear and refreshing.
We even got the tail end of a rowers event. They were shouting and singing, racing back to their harbor in the late evening.
Later in the day, I went to use the WC and discovered it didn’t flush! Lutz immediately checked the batteries and found they were DEAD! We were so surprised since we had just replaced two other batteries that control our side rudders. Now we had two engine batteries out and one more on the verge. Ugggg… As we sat and discussed possibilities and the fact we might have to call “sea patrol” for assistance, Lutz remembered he had bought a generator from a friend a while back, which was stored in our engine room! We’d never used it; we had forgotten we had it.
He went to work, and we were the noisiest folks on the lake for a few hours that evening and the following day. The generator was running, and we still had time to celebrate our anniversary.
And our favorite boat anniversary dinner…HAMBURGERS!
Plus, one last dip in the water before we cut our anniversary trip from three days to one night!
All is well now. We made it back safely, now have three new batteries, and are ready to take off again. Monday, we leave for two months down the Rhein to the Main River to Frankfurt, then back to the Rhein, passing the Lorelei down to Koblenz, and back to Kehl on the Mosel! Check back next month to see how that trip turns out! We should be set with batteries since all of them have been replaced.
This experience of “Dead in the Water” was Just one of our adventures this month. I received an awesome gift from my sister-in-law, Doris, for a walking tour in the forest identifying plants and herbs with a well know botanist, Astrid Lehmann. This gift was the most incredible experience.
I discovered so many unique plants that can be included in everyday recipes! This little fellow, Narrow Plantain, grows all over the place and is now sitting in a jar of honey, making our next batch of organic cough syrup for winter!
Plus, it was an excellent opportunity to practice my German!
I highly recommend her book! Doris also gave me a SIGNED copy! It’s in German, but the recipes are short and easy to translate. A perfect day and an ideal gift!! Thank you again, Doris.
We made several bike trips this last month as well. Georg and Freya joined us along the Rhein to a cool little lake. They were prepared for a swim while Lutz and I sat in the shade and enjoyed people-watching.
We also headed out on another bike ride through the neighborhood over the mountain to the next village.
What a surprise! They were having their annual Music Fest! Complete with a live band and…
Of course, local food! Lutz was in heaven with his grilled meat, alcoholic-free beer, and french fries. As for me, I got to eat his side salad and water, which I personally love!
Since the weather was not letting up, we decided to visit Titisee, hoping to cool off with a breeze. It was so crowded we left to explore the nearby area and happily discovered Schlushsee. By accident, we found this quaint hotel and cafe, Seehotel Hubertus, tucked away against the cliff. It was so cool. Right on the water with everything you need. Steps to the sea for swimming, boats and paddle boards, lawn area for sunbathing, fine dining, and hotel rooms. And on top of all that, a 180-degree view of the sea.
We had a good chuckle when we went to the bathroom. I thought the window was open because I could see this view facing the other direction from where we sat on the patio. But it was a painting. It indeed looks like our view. Great picture.
Because we could not access the area around, we took a picture that was mounted inside the hotel, and it is truly a replica of this gorgeous secluded location. A bonus, the train station for the area is within walking distance and just behind the boat in this picture. So, if you’re looking for a great getaway, check out Seehotel Hubertus at Schlushsee! Their website has additional photographs and hotel fees.
This last month zipped by, and I think it’s because I am getting older and forgetting more things like generators and my name now and then. So creating these posts helps me recall all the beautiful memories I do have. Thank goodness for Apple TV. Now I have all my adventure pictures scrolling before my eyes each day. They remind me how fortunate I am to have such a wonderful life filled with travel, meeting new friends, my son-in-law, children, grandchildren, a vibrant mother, a healthy brother, and amazing sisters! I am truly fortunate.
We’ve been busy, and I have not neglected my nutrition or cooking super meals. I’ve posted a few new recipes and hope you will take a peek.
Fave Recipes:
Are you looking for something to do with those fresh blueberries? Look no further. Lemon Blueberry Breakfast Cake is delicious. So easy and can be made two ways, cake or scone style.
So when I received a pound of clean, fresh venison, I went to work finding a recipe that would highlight the best flavors and was gluten-free! This recipe is it, “by golly.” I’ve since used this recipe to make Boar Stew and repeated times for this German Venison Stew, which are incredible. It’s all in the sauce, folks! A large beef cut would produce the same luscious flavors and work just as well if you want to try that.
Fave Resource:
I am so grateful for my health and the ability to engage in life. I hope you had a chance to listen to my last month’s resource, Navigating The Dark Ages, by Tara Brach. It reminded me to stay focused, at peace, and grateful. I can manage my health for several reasons, but one that stands out is the knowledge I have gained from professionals like Tara Brach and Izabelle Wentz. This month Dr. Wentz posted an excellent resource for taking control of your health. It can be a challenge to read your thyroid test results, right? Her post, 10 Thyroid Test and How to Interpret Them, makes it simple for you to take control of your health by understanding the results and knowing which test to ask your doctor to perform.
See you all next month for another trip with us around Germany!
I'm Melinda Stevens and living the life of a beach bum was inevitable since my father was a lifeguard for the city of Los Angeles. My memories of growing up on John Street in Manhattan Beach, California were filled with joy, excitement and adventures; until my world, as I knew it, fell apart when we moved to Del Mar, California. My father was offered the position as Captain of the lifeguards and we started the slow migration to the small deserted stretch of beach in 1963. At twelve years old, this seemed like the end of my life. Remember, I’m writing with clear hindsight now, ok somewhat clearer… Little did I know this would be the beginning of a new journey and give a bit more clarity to many of the events that led me to this new cooking adventure.