Wednesday, July 16, 2008

More fun in Garmisch

Garmisch-Partenkirken is such a nice place to go. It is on the northern side of the Alps near the Austrian border. There is a lot of skiing in the winter and in the summer lots of people go vacation there for rafting, kayaking, biking, camping, and lots and lots of hiking. This time we went back to the gorge, it still had raging water in it, and we went to the Eibsee (Eib Lake). It is a private lake so we had to pay to get in. We decided to rent a pedal boat, which was lots of fun. It was hilarious watching Mia trying to pedal. We did jump into the lake though it was freezing because it is glaciar run-off. As soon as I jumped in, Murry did too. I think he was really surprised how cold it was.

Garmisch

Hiking in the Partnach Gorge. A lot of the path is cave-like cut into the side of the gorge so you walk behind waterfalls.


Typical hiking-Mom carrying a pack, Mia, and holding the leash. Mia and Murry both want to be with me always. Gaby is actually right behind me too. I'm just so popular :)


At the top of the gorge it opens up and the river is not quite so fast. It's a pretty color green and COLD.


The Eibsee






Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Boat Ride down the Donau (Danube)

One day we went "exploring' and ended up on a river cruise down the Donau to a monastary/brewery (weird!) We sat on the outside upper deck because it was a beautiful day. They served ice cream, pastries, and beer (of course) though they never seemed to get to us! When at the monastary we stayed on the river bank throwing rocks into the river and a stick for Murry when he decided to swim. We then took a motorized canoe around the cliffs to a hike/bike trail and walked back. We found a cliff cave to explore and saw some more beautiful river scenery. Herons
The cave
Our boat on it's return trip
The motorized canoe
Gaby on the boat

The Kelheim war memorial (some ancient war)
The monastary/brewery

This is on a cliff face. The Germans put saints, religious statues, and Virgin Mary's everywhere.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Morgan's Violin Recital

Morgan was really nervous to perform in front of a German audience. Her timing is a little off but I thought she did great for only 1 year of lessons. Her teacher is the one playing the piano. The trio includes 2 German girls named Julia (pronounced Hulia) and Stephanie (pronounced Schtefanie). They are both 10 also. Why is Morgan the smallest? It is a Bach piece. Sorry that the sound quality is not that great. I assure you that it is my camcorder and not Morgan.