4 more days of photos uploaded here: http://picasaweb.google.com/104484993780229620201
After seeing Val in Hocheim, Germany we took a detour from the river up into the hills of the Pfalzweld Nature Park in Germany. The riding was beautiful but VERY hilly. I guess that is good to get us in shape for the Alps! We were in the nature park for 2 nights.... night one we secretly camped in a outdoor shelter near a soccer field, perfect spot to wait out the evening thunderstorm. the next night we were down on a small lake. some sort of animal grabbed our food bag (15 pounds!!!) and started dragging it away in the middle of the night - good thing it woke Heather up!. no idea what it was although we did see some sort of roadkill badger / wolverine thing. either way a fairly stout critter! On the way out of the woods we were greeted with a 10 mile downhill! it was incredible. also tried a little fishing in a mountain stream at the bottom. saw a few fish, but got skunked. had trouble casting without a rod!
We came out of the nature park straight into wine country. Vineyards everywhere and absolutely beautiful riding. we then ventured back to the river and today we're in Strasbourg France, a beautiful city on the Rhine river. We got our first hotel of the trip since Amsterdam, as it was raining fairly steadily yesterday, and Heather wanted to experience some French culture. This city is very nice, we went out for dinner last night - Heather was determined to try some traditional regional cuisine, so we ordered something under the "traditional plats" heading for two. The language barrier is funny - what actually came out was a huge pile of sauer kraut, a few boiled potatoes - and 6 - yes 6! - different forms of pork...literally. Ham, hot dogs, wurst, bacon, unidentified meatballs, etc. It was actually kind of disgusting although it tasted quite good! Finished off with a local gevurstraminer (sp?) wine, we basically went right to bed:)
Onward to the Alsace wine region of France today - we have plans for a winery/camp combo tonight!
All for now,
au revoir! Mitch and Heather
Bonjour Heather and Mitch,
ReplyDeletevery happy you followed my recommendation into the Pfälzer Wald and along the Weinstraße (got the "ä" and "ß" in there!!), told you it'd be boring to meander close to rhine, you have to get up a few hills before hitting the mountains soon! France also leaves some good memories, as I can see (the Alsace region is the most German part, that's why you got so much sausage and meat!).
Take care on your further trip. It was so good to see you, Heather!
Tschüss, val
Heather - I am disappointed to see that you didn't put all your French lessons from high school to work. HAHA - looks like you guys are having a great time - must have been nice to sleep in a hotel and take a nice hot shower!! The sausage platter looks quite disgusting!! The Alps are going to be tough - good thing you got some hill training in! :-) Well I hope all is well and that you are having a fabulous time!! Looks like a blast!! Bring me home some of that good wine!! Lots of Love!! XOXOXO
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