Innsbruck to Vienna

We snuck out of Innsbruck at daybreak today, with the idea of making Vienna by noon.  Early on the clouds hung around the base of the mountains, looking a lot like cotton candy.  Or so it seemed to me.  That's what happens to a man when he hasn't had his coffee!

The clouds melted and were gone we drove east, away from the mountains.

We've seen this variety of chestnut tree frequently in Germany and now in Austria.  Usually the blossoms are whitish, but these were sort of magenta.

Every little town features at least one nice church building with a tall steeple.

Right about here the odometer on the Volvo turned over 3,000 miles.

Solar panels are widely used on houses, barns, and in a few cases, in large volume where hundreds are installed on the ground to harvest solar energy.

On the bank of the Danau (Danube) River at Passau we saw our second mermaid of the trip; the first was in Copenhagen.

May Pole

We took lots of shots of scenes like this one.

At one point we found ourselves re-entering Austria.  We didn't even know we'd left!

One of our better pictures, we think.  "The hills are alive..."

We have learned that in Germany and apparently also in Austria most trucks are not allowed on the highway on Sunday.  They actually enjoy it as a paid holiday, and they take it at a rest area, as these were doing.  We saw them grilling and relaxing as we drove past.

We found some more great friends at home in Vienna, Austria, and after moving into their house for a short stay we took the U-Bahn into the city for a short look-around.

Sausage and brown bread with mustard.  There was a festival going on.

Two scoops each, gone without losing a lick

One scoop was enough for this little guy!

Haiger to Innsbruck

 We said our good-byes to Botho and Gisela and pulled away from their house at 7:00 a.m., heading for the Alpine regions of Germany and Austria.  It rained on us much of the way.  When we first glimpsed the Alps they were shrouded with clouds.  This is what we saw:

After passing through the city of Fussen (?) we crossed the border into Austria.  Passports are not required when moving from one EU country into another.

Finally the weather lifted a little and we began to see sights like the following:

These little huts are everywhere in this country.  Their purpose is yet to be revealed to us. 

A private home in Ehrwald, Austria

A stopping place for coffee and pictures, two of which are below

Breath-taking!

Our hotel in Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck street scene

And another

Dinner of veal schnitzel under a big yellow umbrella in the rain.  And sitting on a furry blanket to keep warm!

View from our room.

Cappuccino for two

Haiger

At breakfast this morning we were joined by a long-time friend of Botho and Gisela, Armin Wagener.  Armin is a like-minded brother in the Lord whose life testimony and ministry of encouragement have touched not only our hosts but also our pastor back home in Jackson.  We were blessed to be counted anew among those whose spirits have been lifted by breaking bread with this man.  We know we will see him again in glory, where we will worship Jesus with him for all eternity. 

 

As we began our drive to our first stop in the Haiger vicinity the day was so brilliant, and springtime in Germany was so gorgeous, that I prevailed upon Botho to stop and give me a few minutes to capture these images.  They aren't of anything special.  On the contrary, they are rather "common", and typical of the natural beauty that abounds in this part of Germany.  Would that we all could arise to such beauty!

Dandelions

Beech and Spruce

The trees themselves seemed to want to give glory to God!

Our first stop was the castle at Braunfels.  We had three hours of castle-gawking yesterday, but all from a distance. We were to go through this castle up close, and as we neared it we saw that it was among the best-preserved that we had seen.

This was a "burg", a fortress castle designed for security and defense.  In the image below Betty and Gisela stand in front of the first of three gated entrances.  As Botho pointed out, it was designed to give unwanted guests a "warm welcome" by pouring molten asphalt on their heads as they approached the outer gate  (opening at the top, see second image below).

The inner courtyard, accessible only to wanted guests.

Stairs designed for horses, and as a refuge for villagers when under attack.  The big gate was for horses, and closed at night.  The door was for men to enter.

The castle's jail

This gate was lowered at night

To get into the castle required passage through multiple gates, each with defenses.

The penalty of misbehavior - time in the stocks!

Fortunately, Ron was released in time to enjoy yet another delightful "ice" - for lunch!

Ron's choice - spaghetti ice cream (with bing cherry "meatballs")

Post ice cream.  Forgot to hold my stomach in!

Braunfels village street.  Note the large pocket watch.

Red Beech in early spring leaf.  Spectacular!

Our second stop for this day was a reconstructed Roman fortress at Saalburg.  This was placed here in the first century to garrison troops who were building and maintaining the "Lime" ("limit"), or border line of defenses against the barbarians to the east.  It was very impressive!

Entrance

Ovens where bread was baked daily for the soldiers

Bread that was baked in those same ovens today for us!  The recipe came from research done at Pompeii.  The bread was steaming when it was offered to us, and it was delicious!  Stick-to-the-ribs kind of bread.  Good and good for you.

Wall and dry moat around the fort

Botho's mom, Christa, lives with them - has her own flat upstairs and is remarkably independent at 83.  It was our privilege to visit with her briefly upon our return to their home.

Posing on her rooftop patio

We want to close this posting by expressing our deepest appreciation to our hosts for their hospitality and generosity to us over this past week.  We have had a week of the most thoughtful, sensitive, mistake-free, self-giving guide service imaginable.  We are aware that we have been blessed in many practical ways by their evident focus on us and our enjoyment.  But what makes the week even more special has been the fellowship in Christ and friendship that we have enjoyed and deepened as we have traveled this great country together with them.

So, Botho and Gisela, it is with grateful hearts to "BG Tours" that we close out this last day of touring with you.  Our memories of our time together will last.  If the Lord is willing, we will see you again soon.

We love you in the Lord.