Sorry it's been awhile everybody. Things have been a bit hectic around here. We had a Chaplain's Retreat this past weekend, combined with an upcoming move to Thallichtenberg, AND work stuff (hiring, getting new staff acquainted with Army stuff, etc.). So pretty busy.
This weekend, as I said, was a much deserved bit of rest with a Chaplain's Retreat. They put us up in Edelweiss - an American style lodge in the Bavarian Alps (Garmisch-Partenkirchen if you must know). Since we'd already been to the Alps once before, and passed through a place called
Andechs Kloster on that time through, we decided to head back through there for lunch. We were not disappointed! It is an old monastery where they still raise their own livestock (hogs) and brew their own beer (delicious!!!!) - since 1455. We got there about 1 in the afternoon, and the place was
packed! We thought we were going to have to fight some Germans for a place to sit down. Really not too far of an exaggeration, except Germans are generally too nice for that sort of nonsense. We all got our seats right next to each other.
This shot is of Ian and Catherine. It's hard to appreciate the crowd, but I'm guessing they can easily fit 300 people on this outdoor terrace. No real idea on how many can fit inside. The quality of food and beer certainly justifies the amount of seating, but it really is almost inadequate.
And of course Leah wanted her chance to sit with Catherine. You can't see here, but folks still wear the traditional lederhosen and dirndls in this part of Germany. Pretty much like the Scots still wearing their kilts.
From Andechs, we drove south into the Bavarian Alps to the Edelweiss Lodge. It's an actual garrison, and I'm wondering how one gets stationed there. Since we got there before everyone else, we decided to walk around and explore a little bit. Her you can see the Alps in the immediate background. The statue is of General Marshall (if I remember correctly). Leah had a good time "directing" the poses.
Last shot for now is of Ian and Leah from the top of Germany . . . Zugspitze! Just shy of 3000 meters, practically straight up. There isn't much but air between the kids and the other side of that fence/rail. Long drop too!
I'll try to post some other shots from the top of Zugsptize coming up. It was a pretty cool train ride up to a glacier, then a short cable-car (gondola) up to the top. It was fun to look out one side to Germany, then turn around and look down the other side into Austria.
I hope everyone out there is doing well. Cheers!
Marc
