Spiers: Memoranda of an autumn tour in 1836

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AUG. 25. WEDNESDAY.

We had just sufficient daylight when on the bridge of Limburg to see the fine situation of the cathedral & of the town. Our acquaintance the Lahn was here of considerable width. For some miles we walked up hill along the chaussée which was excellent, though a continual ascent is tiresome. For some miles farther the road led through a forest whence we saw some fine red deer emerge & walk across our path. We met between Limburg and Montebauer waggons to the number of 23 all laden with bottles, it seemed to form the principal commerce of the country. The road sides afforded us lots of apples & blackberries. We have hitherto been so fortunate in meeting with the latter, beautiful wild fruit, that ours might almost be called a blackberry tour.

Montebauer is a curiously built town, being on the side of a steep hill; we took a chaise from hence to Coblenze which cost us 4/- & joined the table d'hôte at our hotel the White horse with great satisfaction. The dinner was indeed excellent, the dishes quite different to any we had before had & much more elegantly served. The company consisted principally of Prussian officers; 2 hours we sat at table, but it was not too long for enjoyment.

No news yet of either bag or letters. At 6 we started again on our walking tour - this time on the opposite bank of the Rhine through a fortress & 5 miles farther brought us to Capellau where we proposed passing the night. We ran up to the beautiful ruin of Stolzenfels, which belongs to one of the Prussian princes royal, having been presented to him by the town of Coblenz. Some years since it was offered for sale for 70 dollars

25 miles

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