June 30, 2015 – Koblenz, Germany

This morning we sail through the Rhine valley. It is very picturesque. I am still not feeling quite right but hope that whatever is bothering me will go away.

It is very scenic with lots of castles.

Castle along the Rhine
Castle along the Rhine
Castle along the Rhine
Castle along the Rhine
Castle along the Rhine
Castle along the Rhine
The trifecta - a castle, a cute town, and vineyards
The trifecta – a castle, a cute town, and vineyards

One of the perks of booking the Explorer Suite on Viking is that you get a personal invitation to visit the captain in the wheelhouse. Since I have no interest in doing this, I arrange for Peg and Ted, who are avid water people, to visit in my stead. John takes some pictures. While we were going through the high water our clearance under the bridges was really tight. The top deck was closed to the passengers and the whole wheelhouse sank into the body of the ship on hydraulics.

Captain in the wheelhouse
Captain in the wheelhouse
Hydraulics used to raise and lower the wheelhouse
Hydraulics used to raise and lower the wheelhouse
Peg and Ted watch the captain
Peg and Ted watch the captain
The captain steers the whole thing with a joystick
The captain steers the whole thing with a joystick
Ted is so happy in the wheelhouse with the captain
Ted is so happy in the wheelhouse with the captain
Captain's view
Captain’s view

When we arrive in Koblenz Peg and Ted go with a group to the Marksburg Castle. John and I opt for the Mosel tour and wine tasting. It is more our area of expertise.

Wineries in the Mosel Valley
Wineries in the Mosel Valley
A visit to Richter Winery
A visit to Richter Winery
Mosel Valley
Mosel Valley
In the winery
In the winery

We meet for drinks and dinner.


After dinner we listen to the Sounds of Europe. It is enjoyable.

Violinist
Violinist
Mary enjoying the music
Mary enjoying the music

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