European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - July 22, 1993, Darmstadt, Hesse                                M on the shores of. Where the rugged life in t so rugged Titi see Bomar Graser when it comes to camping you either like it or you ton t. But unfortunately in order to have an opinion on the subject one must first experience the act. Vacations Are usually entered around relaxation. Unless you happen to be the outdoors Man you la find that relaxation and camping Are two words that should never be linked. German campgrounds have eliminated the idea of roughing it. They have however adopted a More modern form of camping that brings the comforts of Home along with the Kitchen sink to a Small plot of land. Sandbank a German Campground situated in the High Black Forest does t break the unwritten Rule. Sandbank set on a number of terraces Calls the Shore of Lake Titi see Home. Its pier stretches but toward the town of Tiliske with its grand hotels and restaurants which lazily reflect off the Calm water. Three other campgrounds also Dot the shores of the Small Lake but Sandbank by far remains the largest of the four. The word camping can be defined As a series of undeserved hassles. This is brought about by a number of things. One being setting up Camp. It should be known hat our family has moved up upgraded if that s a camping possibility. Gone Are the Days of waking up in a rickety Small dome tent no electricity to Cook with none to warm you with and Only a kerosene lamp to Light your Way at night. X we now do the camping thing with a Large Van fully equipped with a refrigerator television and Var. Staked next to it looms a Large tent suited with two bedrooms and enough space to act As a garage for the Van. Setting it Allup is just one big family activity which the camping police should do away with. Eventually Home becomes the place where the Tarp rustles in the Breeze and where electrical cords slither through the grass. When the Lawn chairs Are finally pulled out one is enraptured by rolling Hills of Green Pine surrounding the Lake providing a quiet Sanctuary for All to take in. Birds fill the air with their chatter. At times it s annoying especially in the Early morning hours but at other times it s an added touch to the area. One goes on and takes in the paddle boats Bobbing along and the Heads of swimmers crazy enough to venture out in the cold Waters of the Titi see. The Lake is the main and Only reason Why people come to the area and Sandbank takes full advantage of it. As said before German campgrounds Are modern. In addition to clean Shower washing and toilet facilities Sandbank also offers buildings for washing dishes and clothes. Its Small store is Well stocked with the goods any camper needs. Its Small restaurant also produces meals typical of the Black Forest Region along with other specialities at a reasonable Price. Even though Sandbank does have its own Beach and pier boats can Only be rented in town or must be brought by the visitor. So what does one do while camping for one Sandbank is the Ideal place to lounge around catch some rays or swim All Day Long. It s either that or take a 20-minute walk through the Forest. The path follows the Lake until you reach the town. The town of Titi see is a renowned tourist trap so beware. Numerous souvenir shops line the streets offering their Black Forest crafts. Paddle or electric boats can also be rented anywhere r a s Sas Marc Grams the German Campground. Sandbank sits on the shores of take Titi see above. A couple takes a stroll through the Forest outside the Campground left. Two youngsters take time to feed the ducks below from about 10-28 Marks for the half or full hour. In the same area tour boats can be taken around the Lake for around 10 Marks about $6. For the sightseer one can easily drive to the picturesque towns of Freiburg Triberg the cuckoo clock capital of the world or Europa Park Germany s largest amusement Park. The town even provides various cafes and restaurants to grab a bite to eat at a reasonable Price. Camping does provide a great Means of enjoying an area without the constant worry of hotel costs and other expenses. It All depends on whether you can stand getting up in the Middle of the night and walking a distance to the Wash House and perhaps stepping on some unknown Squishy substance on your Way. It also depends on whether or not you can stand a few Days is Mare a if without hot water waiting in lines for a Shower or suffering through frigid weather at night Sandbank does provide hot water and for what it s Worth it s a great place to Camp. If you do plan on spending some time Here take heed that it Rains at least once a Day. Whether it s a Light rain or a thunderstorm you can depend on it raining. No matter How warm it is in other areas note that Titi see is located at a higher Elevation and is usually cooler. For the camping fanatic Sandbank fulfils All Hopes of enjoyment. For the beginner Sandbank is a Good Start but before you venture out Ponder a bit on this when you have to do More work than you would at Home should it be considered a vacation Marc a ref to contribute to it Star and strip 12 Stripe Magazine juty22,1993