Somewhere between camping sites on the Wesel-Datteln Kanal (north of Duisburg) and the Barleber See in Germany, we broke 2,000 miles (3,200 kilometers) on the 19th day of our family camping road trip this summer.
Dancing with the ducks along the Wesel-Datteln Kanal… simple pleasures that come with Camping Lippetal in Germany.
After a short visit to the highest point of the Netherlands in Vaals (a whopping 312 meters above sea level!), and a quicky of a great visit to see an old friend in Moers, Germany to catch up on the state of international political economy and the eventual fall of the evil empire(s)… (fill in the blank here as to which one: _____________) over a memorably fiery Punjabi foodfest for lunch that had an equally memorable exit . . . the excitement of being so long on the road and so close to Poland had the kids chanting in perfect synchronicity (and to the tune of “Glory Glory Hallelujah”),
So, we decided to rush forward and have a couple of overnighters in Germany. We missed the camping sites that we had in mind a couple of times and ended up improvising at the last minute. We were stretching the limits of our luck as we were still on the road at around 9 at night, twice without a camping pitch to call home.
Peace and simplicity of Camping Lippetal on the Wesel-Datteln Kanal.
In the end #ThankGodandGoogle, we eventually found alternative sites at Camping Lippetal on the Wesel-Datteln Kanal (north of Duisburg) and the Barleber See in good old Deutschland!
It goes to show: we do not have to make any reservation for camping. This saves money and time, and gives us more flexibility while traveling.
We arrived late at night in both cases (past 9 pm) and were lucky enough to have the camping sites still open.
A few that we tried to chance upon were closed by 8 pm. With a 2-second pop-up tent and a 20-minute teamwork setup (where everyone’s pitching in to do the work, kids included even though they were complaining the whole time)… in the dark…. mission accomplished. At that point, all we needed to do was have a quick bite, a beer or two, bathroom ceremonies and crash. . . Then, break camp in the morning, explore a little bit, play … and move again. No time to see the town or village… No need, really.
A rustic playground next to Barleber See (lake). Kaj rushes in… but Karol got there first!
After 20 days on the road, sleeping (all 4 of us!) in one pop-up tent. . . we all yearn to be. . . well, still for some time… and to sleep in some sort of separation.
Playground at Camping Barleber See. Kids could play here, in these simple wooden structures, for hours!
Karol’s roughing-it-training-to-be-“homeless” advances. He enjoyed sleeping in the car with his Tata (Six).
A novelty outdoor library at Camping Lippetal.
free electrons family 