After 2 trips out, one without cash and one with, dave managed to procure some power steering fluid to get the van going again. We were then making good time until hitting really bad traffic on the A5. Took around 2 hours to do 15km. Of course certain people decided they urgently needed to use the toilet despite us having stopped only an hour before. I will refrain from naming and shaming or describing our solution, lets just say it provided much entertainment for more than just our convoy... The next services saw some of our party practically demolish the entrance to the toilets. Rest of journey uneventful, arriving at the church at around 11. They expressed surprise at how early we had arrived... Drive tomorrow should be about 5 hours to Calais so we are leaving 8 hours before ferry!

Stopped part way to film another interview. Lovely old country house abandoned by last occupant over 30 years ago when they fled east germany. Talking to family who would like the freedom to home ed. Further delays as dave seeks power steering fluid. Hope to be underway soon but behind schedule. Again. Hospitality is again amazing. We have been met such wonderfull kind people on our trip.

Final day at ferdinands homestay today. Most of the group went out on 2 large inflatable rafts on the river elbe. We paddled about 15km or so, with stops en-route for swimming and lunch. Our guide was great and everyone pitched in well with the paddling. Lots of lessons in teamwork and effective communication. The other group went mountain biking for quite some distance, even crossing into the Czech Republic. Now off to bed to the sounds of our noisy neighbours who are cal on site again tonight. Tomorrow we head back to koblenz, possibly via one of the mums from Jena for some filmin. Falling sleep so have go now.

Today we started ahead of schedule. Amazing but true. We drove to the station at Bad Schandau and got a double deck train into dresden. We then headed to the Zwinger via a large fountain (and yes, the kids really did go via the fountain). There we met our costumed tour guides who gave a good historical tour of the Zwinger and surrounding buildings. Was very good and kids appeared to have enjoyed it but we were in blistering sunlight the whole time. Around 32 in the shade tonight. Now sitting next to dave driving me mad talking about steak chips and mushrooms. Most of the rest are in an open air pool playing on a huge wide slide. All having fun by sound of screams! Found cafe selling chips which is now becoming flooded with home ed kids! BBQ later back at site.

Sun night had been very quiet as all the holiday campers had gone, leaving us alone in the campsite, just some hostel guests around. Last night we were joined by a group of inner city kids being given a taste of the countryside. By 230am i was ready to give them a taste of the river too. Shouting between tents went on for most of the night. I think they had finally run out of steam by 4am, but maybe i had just reached the point of sleeping regardless. Then at 6am an alarm went off in our tent. No-one appears to have a clue whose it is. Maybe been planted?