East to Dresden - Final Part

We travelled in convoy with Peter to Lux Oase campsite not far from Dresden and arrived about 1530hrs.  Checking in was simple and we pitched alongside each other.  Set up and then went for the obligatory walk around the site and then out of the gate and part way around the lake.  Had dinner in the site restaurant which served good food, which was well presented and reasonably priced.

Wednesday – After a lazy start we went to Castle Moritzburg.  This is a stunning location with the castle sited on an island in a lake.  Had a long walk round the village and castle before continuing on our way to Meissen.  The Alt Stadt and Cathedral are very picturesque but be warned there are a lot of steps and cobble roads to walk.  At the reverse side of the Cathedral leading from a car park there is a funicular railway but this wasn’t operating when we were there.  Back at the van Peter prepared a lovely BBQ. 

Thursday – Mrs One and I decided to take the organised trip offered by the site to Pillnitz Castle and a 4 hour cruise along the river Elbe by paddle steamer.  Great day out, boarded the coach at the site gates at 0845hrs and arrived back at about 1730hrs.  The Site runs a number of coach trips including a multi stop tour of Dresden using a double decker. 

Friday – Raining so did some chores and had a lazy day in the van until 3pm when the sun came out so had a walk right round the lake.

Saturday – Got a train from Radeburg to Dresden, half hour journey with a day return of euros 8 which included parking at the station.  Good experience, modern railcar and alighted at Dresden Neustadt station.  Walked to the old town via Albertplatz and the Augustus Bridge.  Visited all the major sites, favourite for me was Zwinger which was stunning and had the added attraction of a youth brass band playing in the courtyard.  If you visit the Semper opera house be aware there are lots of ticket touts operating in the area.  Had lunch in a Imbiss, paid 15 euros 2 massive bowls of goulash, a very large schnitzel sandwich and 3 pints, very good value.  Got the train back to Radeburg from Dresden Mitte station.  We didn’t find the signposting of attractions at all good.  Ate dinner in site restaurant which again was very good.

Lux Oase Campsite – Great site with fantastic facilities.  We found that most of the staff spoke good English although the guys in the restaurant would let you practice your German without becoming impatient and reverting to English.  The old bathrooms would put most CC site facilities to shame and are cleaned 3 times a day. The new bathroom block has heated floors, in the shower/washroom you leave your shoes at the door and either pad around in bare feet or use the flip flops provided.  Shower cubicles are huge and shower heads are adjustable with not a push button in sight.  You can control the height, the heat and the pressure of the shower.  Electric is 16amp, on arrival you get a key (5 euro deposit) to open the electric box and connect your cable.  Reasonably size shop from where you can pre-order your breakfast rolls. As previously stated the restaurant is pretty good and of course very convenient.  Lovely walks and bicycle rides direct from site.  Would definitely return if in the area.

Sunday – We left Peter at Lux Oase as we started our journey home.  Just got outside the site and the Easter Bunny arrived on his motorbike!  Drove back to Winsen Aller arriving just after 3pm.

Tuesday – Left Winsen at just gone midday and dawdled (stopping at number of times) our way back to Hoek van Holland arriving by 8pm and loaded straight onto ferry.  By 8.30pm we sat having dinner, freshly cooked while we waited, in the self service restaurant, excellent. 

Wednesday – Disembarked Harwich at 0630hrs and parked van in garage for them to replace the electrical cable they damaged by 0845hrs.

We drove 1800 miles of which 1500 were towing and returned an overall 33MPG which considering the terrain I thought was very good.  One of the highlights of the trip for me was being able to spend so much time with my brother, 10 days which is the longest period of time since we were boys.