http://ifcus.org/admin/controller/extension/extension/alfacgiapi We left Bernkastel at 4 am, heading downriver on the Moselle, cruising all day and scheduled until midnight. After all the activities we’ve done all cruise have left us a little tired and the rest day aboard the River Queen is a welcome change. Many passengers chose to do laundry on this rest day and the line for the two machines was very long.
Our weather ran the gamut, from overcast and dreary, burst of welcome sunshine, to downpours. We even had a downpour while the sun was shining. This was the time to photograph passing scenery. Though photos can’t possible tell the entire story. Much of the time was spent watching the crew get us through the locks and watching the River Queen glide through the majestic countryside, where vineyards climb up the steep slopes, towns and villages dot the shore, sheep grazed, birds flew and hunkered down for the storms. The best views were from the top deck, though it was chilly up there. Two brave Canadians wrapped in blankets sat on deck with a bottle of wine and cheese and crackers for lunch. Brave souls.
Food and drink were abundant. Our chef, Manuel, and pastry chef, Dimitri, gave a Black Forest Cake demonstration attend by Mike and lots of ladies aboard. Of course the rest of the men magically appeared where the cake was served for consumption.
We were treated to a lecture by Martin, our cruise director, about the German personality and quirks – even though he is an Austrian.
We reached Boppard ahead of schedule, we were supposed to get there at midnight but we pulled in before dinner. We visited with other passengers all day, comparing notes on photos and lives, getting to know each other better. After a huge dinner, we planned our next days activities.