Harben Globetrotters

21/09/2025

Disaster and disappointment 😬

Are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin…

One glorious hot and sunny day, after an idyllic stop in Beilstein, we hit the road in search of our next dream destination. Our sights were set on Cochem along the Mosel river - but when we rolled in, it was absolutely heaving. Every river cruise boat in Europe must’ve docked there at the same time as us, and every parking space was long gone. After a quick conflab, we decided we didn’t want to stop there anyway as it was so busy.

So, plan B it was: Eltz Castle. The drive up was steep, full of hairpins, and kept us well awake! We parked at a quiet (but very uneven) spot and prepped for the walk. Tim advised me about the big step down from the motorhome… and then, in true “me” fashion, I promptly forgot. One misplaced step later and I was flat out on the ground with a sprained ankle, an audience of curious German neighbours peeping discreetly over their paperbacks trying to ignore the antics of the stupid Brits next door. 🙈 A bag of frozen potato wedges were pressed into service as an ice pack 🥔❄️😂.

While Tim and the dogs sweated their way up the castle path in 30° heat, I stayed behind with my foot up, suffering from a severe bout of FOMO. However, when Tim returned, he said it was so steep that he almost wished it had been his ankle that needed resting 🙈.

So that’s me on reduced walking duties for the next few days… but at least Monday’s work day means forced rest! Silver linings ✨.
Sometimes the best travel stories aren’t the ones you plan… they’re the ones that involve potato wedges, nosy neighbours, and a good reminder not to ignore your co-pilot’s advice. Onwards and upwards (once I can walk again)!

20/09/2025

✨ No room at the inn for us! ✨

We rolled a little further along the Mosel than planned this weekend (rookie error forgetting it’s sunny + weekend = BUSY 😅). After two full park-ups, we finally scored a gorgeous riverside stellplatz in Zell - right on the banks of the Mosel. €12 a night, and views that made all the searching worthwhile. 🌊🚐

We spent the afternoon soaking up the sun on the riverbank before wandering over the footbridge into Zell’s old town. The vibe? Buzzing! A live band in the square, plenty of people out enjoying the sunshine, and - our favourite discovery - a vending machine that dispenses bottles of wine. 🍷😍

🍇 Fun Zell fact: The town is famous for its wine, especially Zeller Schwarze Katz (Black Cat) - a local legend says a feisty cat once “guarded” a barrel of wine here, convincing buyers it must be the best. Today, you’ll spot black cat statues, motifs, and even labels all over the town! 🐈‍⬛

After a mooch and a drink, we headed back to the van to plan tomorrow’s adventure - proof that even an iffy start can turn into a perfect day. 💛

19/09/2025

Our youngest son and daughter, Rhys and Issy, are running the Torbay Half Marathon on Sunday

They’re running in memory of their Nan and hoping to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society. It’s just a warm up for Issy as she’s running the London Marathon next. All donations, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated.

There’s a link in our bio if you could spare anything at all 🙏

Many many thanks to those who’ve very kindly already supported them for this great cause 😍

19/09/2025

Our son and daughter, Issy and Rhys, are running the Torbay Half Marathon this Sunday.

They’re running in memory of their Nan and hoping to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society. It’s just a warm up for Issy as she’s running the London Marathon next. All donations, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated. Many many thanks to those who’ve very kindly already supported them for this great cause 😍

Here’s the link:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/isobel-harben-3?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

17/09/2025

Not our normal post today as we’ve heard that one of our dear friends has passed away after a short illness. She was always so beautiful, bubbly, fit and full of fun - it just feels so unreal and unfair 💔

We hadn’t seen her for a while, and so often said we must organise something, but somehow we never found the time. There’s a big lesson in that - life is fragile and tomorrow isn’t promised.

It’s made us pause and really appreciate what we have, and reminded us that there’s no point waiting for the “perfect” time to do the things we dream about, just do it, because thankfully none of us know what’s around the corner.

So let’s live fully, make memories, laugh often and hold those we love a little closer. Every day is a gift ❤️

13/09/2025