Deutschland JUN01 – JUN15, 2012
The above scene is a panorama shot of the old town of Passau. You see the Donau (Danube) River below and the Inns above, running together. There is a third river, not seen also running into the Donau, the Ilz, and so Passau is often called the Dreiflüssenstadt, or City of Three Rivers. Such a photo represents the overwhelming impressions one gets while visiting Deutschland, and of the nearly 400 photos that I took, I could only show a small fraction of them. Pity.
Our trip started by arrival to Düsseldorf. We were just given notice from Herbert that his plumbing gave out, and so there was no running water in the house. Thus, we stayed in a hotel in Düsseldorf, and dropped in twice to Herbert’s Haus to pick up the bicycle and visit a dear friend. We also must bring Herbert his annual load of Jamaican Jerk sauce.Herbert’s Haus
Betsy and I then went to München, and met Peter Tate there. The time was spent riding our bicycles, and seeing the city. On our last night, we were able to meet with old friends, Robbie and Jordan Rayburn.Peter in Marienplatz
05OCT. First bicycle day ride 3:27 riding time. 50 km total riding, ascent 105 meters, 2416 cal, ride around München, Nymphenburg, Olympia stadium, Enflischer Garten,, then SW of city.Peter in front of Nymphenburg PalaceOlympic Stadium areaPeter pumping up the Olympic MountainOverview of the Olympic Park from the top of Olympic MountainBavaria, in the Theresian Weise06OCT., second riding day in the München area, 4:41 riding time, 74.65 km, 3315 cal, 283 m climb , trip from München to Wolfratshausen and back, mostly on variants of the Isar Radweg.Quaint house on the IsarWoods along the Isar
Somehow, we lost our way on return from Wolfratshausen, and ended up on a very muddy mountain bike alternate of the Isar Radweg. Not good.We then took the train to Würzburg, where we dropped Betsy off with the Wagners, and went on to begin the Main Radweg from Würzburg to Frankfurt.07 OCT, first day on the Main Radweg, starting at 12:30, for a total of 3:54 riding time, 77.19 km, 108 m total ascent, 2847 cal burned, trip from Würzburg to Markt Heidenfeld. TOTAL RAD!Castle in the Lohr area, close to the REAL sleeping beauty castleHotel in Markt Heidenfeld08OCT 5:48 riding time, 102 6 km, 3425 cal, 181 m ascent. Trip from Markt Heidenfeld to Aschaffenburg. Miltenberg was awesome!Poppies on the wayNumerous castles were seen along the wayMe in Miltenbergin MiltenbergAschaffenburg Castle09OCT 4:10 riding time, 67.43 km, 2453 cal, 137 m Aschaffenburg to Frankfurt, and then Zellingen to Leinach. We took the train back from Frankfurt to Zellingen, and then rode our bikes up to the Wagners in Leinach. Peter left to Munich the next morning. I went for a walk with Hans-Jurgen and Gustav.Frankfurt on the horizonFlowers were everywhereDer Hund und der MeisterDorf Leinach ohne NebelBack in Leinach, we went for one day to the Fränkisches Freilandmuseum in Bad Windsheim, where many of the old Fachwerk houses were reconstructed into a museum setting.Nicht die Meisterin mit GustavSheep dog in museum herding sheep the old wayOne of the many Fachwerk Houses in the museumHannes and Katja and Gustav
Betsy and I then hopped on the train to Passau, and was met by Herbert’s sister Hille. She showed us around Passau, and then let us stay overnight at her place in Rotthalmuster. We got to walk the town the next morning.Kloster across the Inn River in Passau Largest pipe organ (in the world?)Inn River flowing into the DonauDowntown Rotthalmünster Betsy and HilleBetsy and HilleDonald Duck
We then took the train back to Würzburg, and then the next morning to Benningen. There we met some dear old friends from the past, Heinz and Debbie Fuchs. That evening, we got to watch the Europa Meisterschaft, with Deutschland playing Niederland. Deutschland won, of course. The next day, it was off to the Castle in Ludwigsburg.Betsy at Ludwigsburger SchlossFlowers at the SchlossDebbie and Betsy
The castle had a Märchen (Fairy Tale) Garden, where many of the Grimms tales and Max and Moritz were displayed in anamatronics type format.The big bad wolf from Little Red Riding HoodLehrer Lampel from Max and MoritzOnkel Fritz from Max und Moritz
Inner court of Ludwigsburg PalaceStairwell of Ludwigsburg Palace
Unfortunately, they would not let me take photos on the tour of the Palace. It was stupendous. That evening, we bid Debbie goodbye, and took the train up to Frankfurt, flying back home the next morning.This trip was fun, rewarding, and inspiring for returning as soon as possible to do Germany ag
ain. This time, I’d like to predominate the bicycle travel, thinking about either some portion of the Donau Radweg, or perhaps the Romantische Straße, which runs through western Bayern.Betsy and I need to thank everybody who made this trip a pleasure, Sarah at home who got the mail and watched the house, Herbert for advice and inspiration, and attempts to accommodate us, Katja and Hannes for their incredible hospitality, Hille for putting up with us on the fly, Heinz, Debbie and family for their accommodations and willingness to watch my bicycle and use it once in a while, Robbie and Jordan for touching base with us, and helping Peter care for the rental bike, and for Peter for making an awesome cycle partner.
