Mechanics' Meetup 2014

... but that can't scare off a camper. At 2.30 p.m. we reached the Ilsental motorhome pitch and were warmly welcomed by Per, Inga, Tina and Claus.

After a quick chat, we all moved our motorhomes so close together that the awnings provided shelter from the rain. More and more participants arrived over the course of the afternoon.

The first mechanics' tips were exchanged, and in the evening we discussed the next day as a group. The options for a joint outing were a bike ride to Wernigerode, a walk to the monastery in Ilsenburg or lunch together at the Plessenburg. We chose the short hike – according to our pitch host, it was only 3 kilometres to the Plessenburg.

At 11 a.m. we set off in high spirits for the forest inn. We followed the signs and soon came to a fork where the Plessenburg was signposted as 4.8 km one way and 7.8 km the other. We chose the shorter 4.8 km path through the forest. The path kept climbing up the mountain. There were a few places to rest along the way. Nature was showing off its wonderful colours everywhere. The view from the top over the motorhome pitch was beautiful. The only strange thing was that we had already been walking for over an hour and felt as if we hadn't made any real progress.

We passed the Ilsenstein rock, which offered a wonderful view over the whole valley, and continued up the mountain. There were repeated small signs that we were on the right path. After 2 hours, the first doubts set in. 4.8 kilometres can't be that long – we should have been there ages ago. No mobile internet, no signal. The hiking map still showed we were on the right path. We kept going, and after 2.5 hours we finally reached the Plessenburg.

Peter had set off by bike after us and had saved us a table. He had defended the big table for 1.5 hours, as everything else was full. Thanks again to Peter for his efforts.

The food at the inn is really recommendable. Everything is homemade and tastes excellent. For the way down, the group split up. Some wanted to walk back, others hired a scooter for the descent. For 8 euros you can roll straight down from the Plessenburg into the valley. But beware: afterwards your clothes will need a trip to the washing machine.

Of course there were also regular rounds on the actual topic of the 2014 mechanics' meetup, and everyone was able to pass on valuable tips from their own experience to all the participants.

On Sunday morning it was already time to say goodbye.