European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - June 21, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Campgrounds abound campgrounds abound along the Rhine River Between Mainz and Cologne. Cologne itself has four campsites. There Are camping facilities in Hartenheim Meisenheim Rudesheim Bingen Bacharach St. Goar Hausen St. Goar Coppard Winniger on the Mosel River near Koblen Koblenz list zen bad Ronningen Bachem on the Ahr River Rhei Breitbach and bad Obe Kassel and atop the famous Lorelei Cliffs and on the Cliffs that loom above Brohl. Some tips for anyone contemplating such a trip Don t worry if you Don t have the latest $4,000 lightweight bicycle. Either a Mountain Bike or a touring Bike will do but a Mountain Bike is the Best bet for those times when you must travel off the paved path and ride on Sand or Rocky roads. Make sure your Bike is Well maintained and properly equipped including a Bell and lights. It s advisable to Wear a biking helmet. Pack lightly and dress comfortably. Don t worry if you re not in the greatest physical shape because the route is basically Flat and you can make your ride As Long or Short As you want. If you grow too tired to make the return trip you can Load your bicycle aboard one of the passenger trains that run up and Down the Rhine River. And a few words of warning for you fellow Mouth breathers Don t do it. The nearby water and Lush vegetation make the biking paths a Haven for millions of minuscule insects that gently Bash into your face. Insect ingestion for a cyclist is not As serious As Bird ingestion for an f-16 Pilot but it s no fun and the nutritional value is nil. Sunglasses also Are a Good idea to keep the Little buggers out of your eyes. A . Campers gather around a table to share food drink and conversation. A amps Filo 3 at left part of the old fortifications of a Eidesheim and a View of the nearby Abbey of St. Hildegard. Arc camping by Steve Taylor Munich Bureau pitching a tent at the armed forces recreation Center s Campground at Chi Emsee West Germany in t like Quot roughing it Quot in the Backwoods. There Are new Shower and Bath facilities a Well stocked Camp store and a comprehensive recreation program. Hotel restaurant and bar facilities Are next door and child care services Are available there. After a $1,7 million renovation Job at the Campground beside the Lake a stay at Chi Emsee has become More luxurious. New campsites have been prepared playground equipment has been installed and a new cafes shop Pette and a game room have been built. The Campground opened May 18. Gone Are the Days of soggy Sites and Muddy lanes says Dick jabs arc s new recreation director at Chi Emsee. Last summer when poor drainage caused frequent problems arc still managed to fill the Campground s 96 tent Sites regularly. During Peak periods an overflow area was used. The first phase of the renovation project a the new campsites playground and recreation facility is Complete. The second phase of construction which includes 22 trailer Sites and an additional Shower and toilet facility will Start in the fall. Make reservations Early officials warn. The campsites May be hard to come by if you wait too Long especially around popular vacation times. If you can t get reservations at Chi Emsee but you still want the bavarian Alps for a backdrop try arc s Campground at Garmisch South of Munich. The Garmisch travel Camp which also has gotten a face lift has about 100 campsites and fees Are similar to Chi Emsee s. There Are two trailers that sleep four people and Cost $28 per night. And you la find a Bathhouse launder at and shop Pette. For reservations and additional information Call the Chi Emsee travel Camp at ets 441 -2719 or civilian 08051-802719 or the Garmisch travel Camp at ets 440-2848 or civilian 08821-750848. June 21, 1990 stripes Magazine