Busy Day!

We got up early, packed up the car, and went back to the little
restaurant for some pfannkuchen. Apparently that is a weird breakfast
food in Germany because they acted like we were weirdos for ordering
it, and they would only agree to making us 2 , instead of the 4 we
wanted. That was fine with us, and we also partook in the breakfast
buffet they had. It seems the typical breakfast in Germany is a buffet
of hard (or soft) boiled eggs, some different kinds of ham and salami,
assorted rolls, and cold cereal. The coffee in Germany is not so good
(at least what I've experienced so far). Anyway, between the buffet
and the pancakes, we had plenty to eat, and then we were off!
First stop- Zugspitz. The tallest peak in Germany. And how did we get
to the tallest peak in the German Alps? How any self respecting
tourist would, of course- a breathtaking, heartstopping, gondola ride
to the top!
J is not a big fan of heights, and I don't generally mind them, but
this was really, really intense! Towards the top, the mountain was
just huge, sheer, vertical rocks that made Yosemite in California look
like a kids' playground. J kept his eyes fixed on the horizon, but I
was looking straight down and decided maybe I was nuts to insist on a
gondola ride in the Alps!
When we got to the top (phew), we walked around the platforms and took
in the view. AMAZING. We could see so far- fields, gorgeous mountain
lakes, and Alps as far as they eye could see. I think it helped the
kids understand why the Alps are such a big deal. It was SO cold up
there. Carter kept saying, "Sky bus!! Sky bus!" We didn't stay up
there long, and the descent was not quite as terrifying. Almost
though! I was very relieved to step off that thing at the bottom! We
talked about it later and M and I decided it was the type of thing we
were glad we did, but we were also glad to have it be over!
Next we drove to Linderhoff Castle. It is one of the 3 castles that
King Ludwig built, and the only one ever completely finished. The
castle was really gorgeous, but the gardens and surrounding grounds
(including the faux cave/grotto) were even more beautiful. (pic)
Spring has barely sprung in the Alps, so most things were still bare
branches, but we could imagine how it must look once things get
blooming.
After Linderhoff we drove on the Romantic Road for awhile, and visited
the beautiful Wiess Church. Then we hit the highway, waved goodbye to
the Alps, and drove and drove and drove to our new 'home.' We
calculated the distance correctly, but it took much longer than we
planned, thanks to bad traffic, a TON of road construction, and a
really awful rain storm. We were so glad to pull into Landal Hochwald
at a little after 10.
We are staying at a country resort in the area outside a little town
called Kell Am See. Our place is a small and cute A Frame bungalow.
Downstairs is the living area and 1 bedroom. Upstairs there are 2 more
bedrooms. M and G claimed the upstairs for sleeping and playing- they
are thrilled. They also spotted an indoor pool, so we'll have to check
that out as well. For now though...

Auf Wiedersehen!