Rudesheim am Rhein, Germany

14 - 27th August 2005

This rally got off to such a good start that some ralliers had arrived before the official opening time and even before one half off the rally marshal team. Not to worry, the rally marshals soon had things sorted and had everyone set up, including a gazebo city for communal gatherings.

Monday morning we were provided with an excellent breakfast provide by the marshals and helpers, later followed by a guided tour around Rudesheim.
Tuesday evening found us enjoying a welcome meal in a local restaurant.

Wednesday morning an area 4 "celebrity" was given a surprise birthday breakfast with a cake on which was superimposed a photo of both himself, dressed in top hat and tails and Jeff Way who was to celebrate his birthday the Monday. In the afternoon we strolled into town for a local wine tasting session in some really delightful cellars. This presentation was given by a very interesting and knowledgeable young man who seem to catch some ladies' eyes (or was that the wine) 5 wines were sampled and several ralliers were seen to stagger back with boxes purchased, or the effects of the wine or a combination of both . One rallier (clue rumpy pumpy) managed to persuade (read con) other ralliers to carry his boxes (note the plural) back to his van.

Thursday we were on a boat trip up the Rhine providing us with some interesting photo opportunities. Friday, Saturday and Sunday were free days but at some time, or in some cases all of the time, ralliers walked into town to sample and enjoy the local wine festival, where one paid a small deposit for a glass with which to sample various wines on offer from the local producers. Needless to say several ralliers forfeited their deposit and bought home their glasses.

Tuesday we had a coach trip to Heidleberg where there was so much to see and do that everyone seemed to enjoy the day and felt that this trip was certainly worthwhile. Thursday evening was our end of holiday meal which turned out to be a little different. The meat for the main course was a very large joint of ham which was ceremoniously carried in on a big tray from the kitchen with members of the band leading the procession. During the evening several ralliers joined the band ringing hand bells. The finalé was a long pole on which was attached 5 or 6 schnapps measures. Ralliers were invited to stand behind a measure which of course was filled and on the count of three down the drink in one go - which was fine unless you you were slightly shorter or slower than the rest then the drink ended up in all sorts of places, much to everyone's amusement.

We were very lucky with the weather which enabled us to sit outside in the evenings and to be entertained by Michael Bird with his guitar on several occasions. On one evening Ann and Mark Neale challenged us with a quiz. During the fortnight ralliers went on boat trips, ski chair and gondola trips, visited museums ,and local places of interest.

This was a very well organised and interesting rally. Many thanks for the fantastic efforts by our rally marshals , Dave & Von and Barry & Lynn.

Indeed, many thanks for a great holiday.

 

Willy Waggledagger

Photos © & courtesy of Terry Owen

Click on the image to enlarge (Hover over the picture for a caption - IE only)

A local umpah band entertains us as we drink
Cheers!
There's nothing like a meal out and we had plenty!
We took over this part of the restaurant
Reliving the day's adventures over a drink
There's nothing like German beer to get the evening going!
The northern contingent show how it's done
 Real swifts join the party
Two out of three birthdays celebrated on the rally
Michael warms up the evening with some great songs
Seance? - no just a quiet moment
The magic of candle light
Rudesheim from the day trip ferry
One of the few paddle steamers still left on the Rhine. This one also had a propellor for good measure
 Rottland vineyard
Despite appearing to head straight for us this boat missed
Roseneck vineyard
Anyone fancy living in this old toll tower?
Burg Reichenstein Trechtingshausen castle
Burt was out to lunch when we called
Church of our Lady, Oberwesel
 A large beer in St Goar means a stein!
The easy way to get to the monument is via this recently refurbished cable car lift
800ft above the Rhine, this huge monument is designed to symbolise the re-establishment of the german Empire and Germany's unity. It was erected between 1877 and 1883.
View from the monument looking across the Rhine
Rudesheim from the monument
The Drosselgasse is the place to find live music
This music 'box' plays 6 violins as well as other instruments
 Cathedral square Heidelberg
This pic needs no caption
Königstuhl at 550m is the highest point of the funicular railway
The gradient on this section varies between 27 and 41%
University square Heidelberg, overlooked by the old castle
Heidelberg castle as seen from the old bridge
Heidelberg locks and weir
 The old bridge Heidelberg. Shades of Prague?
If a job's worth doing .....
Hypnotic lighting
Conversation by candlelight
Blackpool eat your heart out!
The Club's equipment store by night!
OK - so could you wink when you were two?
 The night is young! These revellers had no idea what was to follow
The evening started with a toast
Seasoned drinkers take it all in their stride
Traditions must be upheld
This waitress was the best of an excellent crew
The Northerners wait patiently for the first of many courses to arrive
This was only the start of the evening!
 Paul leads the way
Excuse me Miss - it's raining in!
This wooden bar conceals 5 schnapps glasses
The Asbach distillery went on ovetime shortly after this!
The girls would not be left out!
It doesn't get more serious than this!
5 glasses in 1.2 seconds. Swift owners set a new record!
 The Asbach burns as the delicious Rudesheimer coffees are prepared
Come on Sir - I know you like cream!!
Only 6 more spoonfuls to go!
Come on - you like cream!
Happy birthday Peter!
That Asbach is wonderful stuff!
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