Mit dem Rad aufs Boot

After a good night's sleep and with confidence, as the further movement is now mainly within our own influence, we set off fresh and happy to our bike rental with the catchy name Harry Hurtig. After receiving the bikes, we learned that only cash payment was possible, which seemed rather "outdated". So we were able to extend our first test ride to the city center of Waren, where the wallets could be filled vigorously, just to empty them again fifteen minutes later. The subsequent, almost 30 km long ride, which led through large parts of the Müritz National Park, was breathtakingly beautiful. Golden fields, dense enchanted forests and vast swamp and reed areas alternated with a few sleepy villages with their typical ivy-covered brick houses. So we arrived at the Hafendorf Rechlin with some time to spare and could immediately take over our houseboat, which is supposed to be our home on the Mecklenburg Lake District for the next week. In contrast to previous houseboat holidays, which are more than 20 years ago, this process is much more complicated nowadays. After registration in the office with x credit card authorizations for x deposits, one had to find oneself on the selected ship. Our craft is called the sonorous name "Plötze", but we are still not sure whether it is pronounced Pl'tze or Plöööze. However, we are sure that this is a really stupid name. After we were then explained everything on board in detail, it was time for the practical part, a "instructional ride" through the harbor basin. But that's not all: there was also a theoretical part for all new tenants (about 40 in total), in which the do's and don'ts on the local waters were taught. After that it was done and we could start our adventure packed in bright yellow life jackets (which are mandatory on the Müritz and further north). Fortunately, we had already decided on a southern route in advance, which is subject to far fewer regulations (such as the aforementioned life jackets). After a first swim in the small Müritz and gaining experience in anchor throwing, we immediately headed for the harbor of Rechling, where we arrived safely after a not brilliant but at least harmless mooring maneuver. The dinner at the "Yachtklub" was less exclusive than the name suggested, but it tasted very good. And so the first night on the boat could begin on a mirror-smooth lake. The boating holiday has begun!