Thursday in Buxtehude and Stade - 26th August 2004

Today we headed west from Hamburg into the Altes Land the biggest fruit growing area in Europe. Having safely navigated around Hamburg, our first stop was Buxtehude - approached across this pretty river.

The buildings were decorative too

And there was lots of colour around the Rathaus

and also around the canal

Then on to Stade, where the girls made friends with some statues.

Also by the quay is the Swedish warehouse

And other historical buildings

We managed a quick look inside the main church before we headed further west to cross the Elbe by ferry.

The ferryman is immortalised in bronze.

And here comes the ferry

The view back - with the hint of the coming storm

On the far side, the geese seemed unruffled.

You need to know what you're doing in these waters, as there's lots of mud banks to run aground on!