I decided to go to my pre-arranged flat in the next town, Gearn.
The separate B&B style upper room at the Sann family home was perfect, as usual.
After a short rest, I walked back to Ornbau through a yellow and purple field of blumens. Absolutely beautiful with Swans in the small river that flows past the walled town and under the entrance bridge.

 Once inside Ornbau, I walked for an hour exploring the houses and shops. No box stores, just small local owned businesses selling to the 800 residences. A lot of Cows in the pastures. Everyone has a vegetable garden.

 As I approached the VDH section of town, it was 6:00 and could see that the event had started. Cars started filling the empty designated fresh cut grass lots. Over 800 cars. Pontons, Pagotas, a lot of Fintails,  /8's of all years, 108's and 109's and some nice 111 Coupes and Cabriolets. There were the occasional Fintail station wagon, A 59 220s towing a 50's trailer parking in a prime spot with what looked like the original owner and wife. 600 Grand Mercedes parked next to a Fintail. Mercedes Hearse, Ambulance, and a  couple of 114 station wagons, one just restored by VDH member HAWA, or as we call him, Osama (only because of the resemblance).

 All of the 800 plus cars were in various stages of condition. From absolutely incredible to "how did that thing make it here?" to perfect machines. Some of the owners were working on their cars, so they can make it home. Either way, the owners were proud of their Mercedes. Some of the Ornbau home owners gave their garages to the members for overnight inside parking, leaving their own cars outside. It was all too cool.

  The 201 group proudly displayed their cars in it's own section with boom boxes blasting some sort of music. Ever see a 190E 2 door convertible? They had one. 

All attendees shared the same passion for cars and life. No suits, ties, or lawn chairs with umbrellas. No people scrubbing their moldings with toothbrushes. No judges or awards. Just nice old cars with bugs on the front end and windshield from the drive to Ornbau. No need to clean. The amount of bugs are an indication of just how far you have driven to get there. It was apparent some came from quite a distance.

As I walked around all of the VDH displays and technical centers, I was greeted by a lot of people, most of whom I have met before, but could not remember their name. Doesn't matter, they always reminded me. The night seemed never ending, but with jet lag, a lot of beer and 4:30 in the morning, it was time to go back to my flat, via Taxi, free of charge to all, thanks to the VDH no drink and drive policy.