The day started out really cool but soon heated up for a beautiful autumn day. We had our open air service listening to the next installment of Titus which was very encouraging on the roles for older men and women and the value they bring to the younger members of the church and community.

After some discussion we left Gordie and Kerry to do a few things in the van – and Gordie wanted to try out the salubrious swimming pool – so we went into the township of Hahndorf. It was full of beautiful historic buildings that Germans had constructed on their arrival to South Australia.

Between 1838 and 1839 four ships arrived carrying German Lutherans who had escaped the persecution in Germany by the then King, Wilhelm IV. From 1837 to 1900 about 18 000 Lutherans emigrated to Australia from Germany.

The captain of “Zebra”, one of the ships, Dirk Hahn, was so impressed with the industriousness of his passengers he advocated on their behalf for newly surveyed land near Mt Barker and as a gesture of thanks the Lutherans named their village Hahndorf.

We enjoyed browsing the shops – Rosie picking up a few purchases as always supported by Dave managing the bags and cash….and he didn’t even falter and go into the only “man’s shop” in town!!

Beryl and I also picked up a couple of items at the German Village shop…. and Trev got into the German spirit practicing his best German look….

In the middle of the town was a restaurant named the Haus – which Klaus’s daughter had recommended so we booked us all in for dinner at 6.

After a bit more browsing, we stopped for “lunch” at the German Bakery to sample some strudel, beestings, and cheesecake – delicious! The bakery was decorated with so many German memorabilia there was very little wall space left.

Klaus and Trev decided they needed a Kransky for lunch as well (!!!) so we stopped at the “best Kransky” in Hahndorf shop – run by an Italian who was very friendly!!

We made some final purchase at the German Pantry and the Gingerbread shop, then returned to the vans for a relaxing afternoon prior to our dinner at the Haus.

Due to COVID we had to be there at 6pm sharp for an hour and a half sitting….which really was unnecessary as the place was not busy at all.

The beer is bigger and better in Germany….or so it looked by the order Klaus received…

Klaus, Trev, and I opted for the authentic German experience – Klaus ordering the trio of Wursts and Trev and I sharing the Bavarian tasting platter – which was HUGE and consisted of a crispy pork knuckle, 3 different sausages plus a smoked pork chop with creamy mash and sauerkraut!!

The meals were pretty good, but Klaus was disappointed – nothing matches Mum’s cooking!!

After dinner we went in search of more strudel – alas the shop where Gordie had “the best strudel ever” was shut…..back home to get organised for the journey tomorrow to the bottom of the Yorke Peninsula.