Thursday 7th November 2019
Well time for another big day. After breakfast we went for a brisk walk along Lichtentalerallee, a beautiful tree lined walk along the waterway. It was spectacular with all the autumn colours.

It was then time to move on from Baden-Baden to our next destination. First was to drive 96km on the autobahn, it was very hectic, with trucks passing trucks, passing cars, speeding cars, it was a very high intensity drive. At the end I was physically and mentally drained. There was so much going on at once and you have to be totally aware of where every vehicle is to ensure your safety. We arrived safely in Heidelberg. Phew!

On our arrival we took the new cable car to the Heidelberg Castle. These ruins are quite spectacular. We then took the old cable car to the top for an outstanding view of the city. Back down again to the Castle for a stroll inside and outside. Then back down to the city to visit the market square, Church of the Holy Spirit and the Altebrücke (Old Bridge). That was Heidelberg done and dusted in 2 hours.

Next stop is the Rhein Valley. Lisa drove this time thinking there was only 28km of autobahn, but we were wrong. She had about 80km but luckily the truck activity and traffic was a lot less than this morning. It was still intense as the traffic is travelling at 130kmh and more. We arrived at Bacharach, our home for tonight which is an old medieval town. It is very pretty. We then searched for a place for dinner and found one of only 3 places available for a meal. Everything has closed down for the winter.

Tomorrow is our last touring day before Lisa heads home and I head to Ben’s place.

I apologise for the different spelling of Rhein and Rhine. I can’t decide which to use, their spelling of the word or ours. Each time I write it I have conflicting views as I don’t understand our need to change their spelling but it happens world wide. Over here they spell Australia as Australie.

Wednesday 6th November, 2019
Well today we woke to inclement weather, will it rain or not. Unfortunately yes.

We headed off in the rain on our drive through the Black Forest. We found the Worlds Largest Cuckoo Clock at Triberg which we paid 1 Euro to watch a couple of times, did a little shopping. Then we headed to the smallest Cuckoo Clock but parking was a problem, it was raining and it didn’t look like it was open so we moved on. Then to the World’s Largest Loo. This was a funny story. We just could not find it until we went inside a bathroom showroom which was where it was supposed to be located, the staff at the front desk seemed quite entertained and when you see the photos you will understand why. They sold very elegant bathroom fittings. Then to the Dorotheenhütte Glassworks which was really interesting watching the glassblowers at work making vases, glass Christmas baubles, etc. Next stop was the Open Air Black Forest Museum which was unfortunately closed. We then went to Mummelsee which was a little foggy. Then on to our home for the night in Baden-Baden and a visit to the Caracalla Thermal Springs which was heaven, we spent about 90 minutes changing pools, from 38°C to 30°C in the open night air. It was truly heaven and we left their floating we were so relaxed.

Throughout the day we kept searching for somewhere to have some Black Forest Cake in the Black Forest but that wasn’t to be until dinner tonight in our hotel which was a German Beirhaus as well.

The drive today was around many bends, winding roads to an elevation at Mummelsee of 1,124m above sea level. It was a pleasant drive even though it would have been made a lot easier in the dry and would have looked a lot more spectacular in the sunshine. But we can’t be too greedy we have been very lucky with the weather for this time of year.

Open Air Black Forest Museum – find out how people lived and worked in Black Forest farmhouses during the last 400 years. As well as six fully-furnished farmhouses from different parts of the Black Forest, the visitors will find a labourer’s cottage and about 15 outbuildings, such as mills, sawmills, storehouses, a distillery and a chapel, fields, kitchen gardens and a herb garden. The museum presents the many different faces of life in the Black Forest: its architecture, traditions, customs and trades, and the way people lived and farmed throughout the ages.

Tuesday 5th November 2019
Well after the amazing day we had yesterday we can cope with anything thrown our way for the rest of Lisa’s adventure. We have had such fantastic time, achieving far beyond expectations, with perfect weather at Zugspitze, a nice day at Hallstatt and Salzburg. The forecast was for rain for the last week and we have avoided it until today. Unfortunately we had a bit of a rainy day driving from Fussen to Lindau, luckily it was dry on the autobahn. It also stopped raining for us to go for a stroll around Lindau island. There are some lovely buildings and the harbour is quite spectacular, the weather impeded some of it’s glory but it was good all the same.

We then drove to Meersberg and caught the car ferry across the Lake to Konstanz. This was only a 15 minute boat ride each way. On our return we went for a walk around Meersburg, which is a quaint old town with cobblestone streets and lovely old buildings. The autumn colours are beautiful and the walk was very enjoyable.

After Meersberg we headed on our way to Titisee for the night. With a few hiccups from Google Maps, we were finally on our way again 20 minutes later. Lisa was driving and had her first experience on the autobahn, the concentration required for this is very high as the volume of traffic and their speed is very intense. Luckily it didn’t start raining again until we were off the autobahn, but then it was a difficult drive in heavy rain and fading light. We were grateful to arrive just before full dark. After checking in we went and had a nice german meal.
Anyway, time for sleep now. xx

Monday 4th November 2019
Well today is a day we have been working towards for a couple of days, hoping that we will have fine weather. The forecast was looking positive last night so we have our fingers crossed it was OK. And believe it or not we woke to clear blue sky. Yippee!!

After an early breakfast we headed to Eibsee to start our first adventure for today. The train to the peak of Mt Zugspitze (2964m) was closed so this time we went on the cable car all the way to the top. Something different for me which was great. We were on our first cable car to the top. It was a spectacular view from the cable car as it ascended on a very steep gradient. It is amazing how you stay upright when the cable is at such an incredible angle. Once at the top we decided to head down to the glacier. We put the first footprints in the powdery snow. It was a magnificent day, with the most incredible views. After walking around through the snow, up to the church and chatting with a tiny snowman. We headed back up to the top. It was -7°C and the wind chill was icy. What an amazing experience. You ca see the Austrian Alps, the Italian Alps, the Swizz Alps and out to Munich. The view today was incredible. We could see for miles and miles and miles. We couldn’t wipe the smiles off our faces as the forecast we have had for the last week was rainy and miserable. We have been so lucky. After a quick hot chocolate and cake, we headed back to ground level. It was amazing. The hour by hour forecast for today was clear from 8-10am, cloudy from 10-11 then fine again until 1pm. We thought they couldn’t know this but that is exactly the timing of the weather today. AMAZING!!

We then went for a walk around Eibsee (lake) which was very beautiful and in the sunshine now.  We only walked part way 2.5km as we had a full day planned.

After our walk we headed to the Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles at Schwangau. This became a challenge and added 1 hour extra to our drive due to roadworks. Pretty annoying but we did enjoy the extended beautiful drive around the lake to get there. These castles were amazing yet again. On Benny’s orders we caught the horse and cart most of the way to the top and then walked slowly the remainder. The Neuschwanstein castle is having a little restoration work but it is still magnificent. We also walked to the Marion Bridge and through the bush above it for an even better view of Neuschwanstein castle.

We then headed down the less travelled track to Hohenschwangau castle which I haven’t seen up close before. It seems a little like the poorer sister and was a little shabby. But amazing all the same. The down via the lake and back to the car. We had decided to stay in Fussen the night at the San Marco again. With the extended drive home 50mins instead of 5mins we arrived at the hotel, the restaurant downstairs was closed and there wasn’t anyone to contact. I tried calling the number on booking.com but got a message in Deutsche. I then walked around to the rooms but couldn’t find a note. I found an office but there was no answer to the knock on the door. I then went back downstairs and found a sign the said Gerschlossen Reparatur (Closed repair) with a phone number, which I called. Luckily our key was in the door and we were given our room number.

We have had an amazing day today. Yet again we had fantastic weather for a once in a lifetime opportunity. Lucky me has managed Zugspitze Peak twice now. Hopefully next time I can share it with my husband.

Sunday 3rd November 2019
We have had another amazing day. We thought we were just having a scenic drive along the Alpine Way. Instead we had a few surprises.

The first one was a lovely waterfall walk at Tatzelwurm. It was great to get out in the bush and fresh air. Hard for me not to climb hard up the hill but slow and easy is OK.

Our second surprise was when we came to a police road block at Neuhaus. After driving around in circles many times, we finally ended up back at the roadblock, so we parked to see what the problem was. We had happened upon a very special day. It was a special festival to St Leonhard, celebrating the end of the farming season and to bless the horses and cows. The road was blocked from 9am till 1pm with a procession of draft horses and their village people in traditional garb in carriages behind, it was spectacular. They ride from Schliersee to Neuhaus on the main road and then circle the church many times. We took turns in watching this as we were double parked in the carpark due to the huge volume of cars and people in this little town.  To pass the time we decided to have lunch in a bierhaus to pass the time. It was a very special event and we were very lucky to experience it.

Once the road was finally unblocked, it was so late we then just drove through the towns on the Alpine Way, a very scenic drive to our home for tonight. On arrival at Grainau, near Garmisch Partenkirchen we were a little late for the activities planned, but in true Broadbent style (and I have now learned Swannie style), we headed out with only a little day left to the Winter Olympic Stadium of 1936 and then went on a walk to Partnachklamm, a beautiful gorge. Luckily for us it was mostly in the dark anyway as we walked through the tunnels in the gorge. It was very pretty and the water was flowing very loud and fast through the gorge. We finished the gorge section of the walk as it was almost dark and then walked back to the car in the dark.

We finished the day with a traditional German meal. All in all we have had another amazing day.

Leonhardi ride from Schliersee to Fischhausen – 03.11.19 
The Leonhardiritt or the Leonhardi ride is a procession in honour of the horses. It takes place in Bavaria around the day of the feast of St. Leonhard on the 6th of November and thus after the harvest season. “After many hard work, to Leonhardi the steeds honour,” says an old farmer’s rule about this holiday. On this day, rides or horse rides are held in honour of the patron saint of horses. The goal is churches and chapels dedicated to Saint Leonard. The pageant goes along the lake shore to Fischhausen to the Leonhardikirche and then there is a church service followed by riding and Pferdesegnung (horse blessing). Everyone is dressed in traditional clothes.

Saturday 2nd November 2019
What an amazing day.
We left Hallstatt early and headed on a very scenic drive to Berchtesgaden and then headed up to the Eagle’s Nest which was built as a 50th birthday present to Adolf Hitler. This historic survivor of the Third Reich (wasn’t bombed during the war, so looks the same as it did in 1945) can only be reached by taking a special bus (or a strenuous 3 hour walk – not allowed for me this time) to an elevator shaft set deep in the mountain. When the weather cooperates – which it did, the panorama is incredible. Right at eye level with the Alps, looking over both Germany and Austria, the jagged mountains march away in all directions. On a clear day, you can see Salzburg. We enjoyed a fantastic time up at Hitler’s holiday home, amazing views, good food and great company.

You can’t drive up to Eagle’s Nest. The mountain road is too dangerous for regular vehicles. Constructed in 1938-1939, the road required 3,000 labourers working around the clock for thirteen months. Twelve men lost their lives during construction. Hitler didn’t like traveling up the mountain because he was scared of heights and thought the mountain road too dangerous. Consequently, he only visited Eagle’s Nest 14 times between 1938-1945.

We then headed down to Königsee which is quite beautiful but unfortunately we didn’t have time to take the boat to St Bartholomew Church, but we managed a little walk around the town.

We then took the most scenic drive along the Alpine Way, up and down through the mountains and farmlands to our home for tonight at Reit im Winkl (Rip Van Winkle is Lisa’s name for it, she must be related to DB hehehe!).

We then went for an early Italian dinner (5pm) at a lovely restaurant with an accordianist dressed in traditional clothes. It was very nice music and beautiful food.

Friday 1st November 2019
We woke to a very foggy morning, we were hoping it would be fin as today we are heading for Hallstatt. A beautiful lakeside mountain town. By the time we had our lovely country breakfast the fog had started to life and we could see the lake from our room. By the time we got on our way we could see some blue sky. And then the fog lifted and we enjoyed a magnificent day.

We travelled via Mondsee, St Gilgen, St Wolfgangsee, a detour back to Fuschl for a special view, then on to Hallstatt. We went up the funicular to see the amazing view of Hallstattsee. The lake and township are amazing, still as beautiful as ever. We then walked through along the waterfront, up through the chalets, past a few churches and cemetery, through the beautiful town and then enjoyed a lovely dinner. It was a truly beautiful day.

I learnt today that my very good friend is partial to funiculars/cable cars and gondolas. So be ready for some magic photos as we go to the heavens in search of beauty.

Let’s hope we can have some nice weather again tomorrow, The forecast is for rain but the staff at the cafe at lunch and the restaurant at dinner both said we were in for lovely weather tomorrow. Hopefully they know something we don’t.

Thursday 31st October 2019
We have had a lovely day today. I have finally ha about 7 hours sleep in one night, Yay Me. Lisa is still a work in progress in that regard. We had a lovely breakfast at our hotel in Dachau then headed off to Salzburg. About a 200km drive to Salzburg city today, mostly on the autobahn. (Austria Vignette €9.20 for 10 days.) From Germany to Austria. A change of road signs again. I haven’t even got used to the ones in Germany yet. Oh well. Good for the brain. It seems a lot easier driving this time. I have relaxed in to it a lot quicker, though it is very intense on the autobahn, but the German drivers are so courteous. I love them.

The day was a little foggy, overcast and cold. 6°C again today. Very brisk. Once we arrived in Salzburg we visited Mirabell Palace and Gardens, The Old Town, Salzburg Cathedral, St Peter’s Church and Cemetery and we went up the funicular to the Fortress Hohensalzburg and also went through the inside of the castle. It was really interesting and an enormous structure. Like with all castles, each new ruler/king of the castle added a bit more to the building. We also did a little shopping as we walked through the town and markets.

Then we headed to Lake Mondsee to visit St Michael’s Basilica where Captain Von Trapp and Maria were married in the Sound of Music. Unfortunately the weather was too dreary to enjoy a visit to Mondsee Lake. Maybe tomorrow.

We then headed to Zell Am Moos for our sleep tonight in a little country Guesthouse and enjoyed another lovely dinner at Seewirt Guest House. Schnitzel, Potato, and Cranberries and Stirfried vegetables, chicken and rice. Followed by an ice cream filled pancake. Yummy!

Hohensalzburg Fortress isn’t only the biggest fully preserved castle in Central Europe, it is also the emblem of Salzburg City. Construction of the fortress began in 1077.

Wednesday 30th October 2019
Well today we will travel on another mode of transport. We will be flying Lufthansa to Munich. I have been booking our taxis with booking.com which is working out very easy and quite competitive in cost. You get a message to say taxi is on its way, the driver’s name and number, it arrives and they bill your account. All very easy.

We fly out from Berlin at 10.30am and arrive at Munich at 11.40am. Next step to pick up the hire car, which goes by without a hitch. Then the next challenge. To drive on the wrong side of the car, on the wrong side of the road, in a foreign country. After a bit of practice around the carpark, we were out on the main road travelling at 100kmh. It was okay, not as stressful as last time but it required a lot of concentration.

Our first stop for the day is the Dachau Concentration Camp. This was easier said than done, as there was a road closed and we couldn’t get there. We had to go way off course to go the extra long way. We finally made it there at about 2.30pm.

It was a bleak day, it was a very interesting afternoon. They had a couple of barracks displaying the furniture, bunks, etc. There was a couple of churches, gas chambers, crematorium, graveyards, guard posts. It was a dreary day and it felt like it was suitable for the destination.

Then we headed to our hotel in Dachau.

Tuesday 29th October 2019
Time to explore some more of Germany. After a beautiful smorgasbord breakfast, we hit the road running. We decided we would catch an S-Bahn (train) – another new mode of transport – to our staring point as we had 15km to walk today. Our first stop was the East Side Gallery, which is artwork on a remaining section of the Berlin Wall. Then on to the Berlin Cathedral, Potsdamer Platz, Checkpoint Charlie, Topographe of Terrors, Memorial of the Murdered Jews and finally the Brandenburg Gate. Another educating day for me from my teaching buddy. I will be so learned on my return thanks to Lisa.

We decided to head home then and walked the 3.5km back to the hotel for a well earned rest and cup of tea before dinner.

Tonight we went to the Hofbräu München for a traditional dinner and beer. It was very nice.