Oberammergau, Germany

Drove over to Oberammergau (try saying that three times fast) today. The town is known for their Passion play which they put on every 10 years (next is in 2020). We walked around the town, saw beautiful paintings on the buildings (something else they are known for) and enjoyed dessert in an outdoor cafe).

The only problem with having Emma manage the camera today is we have no photos of the town. We do have a photo of a very large soccer ball, though. In the 2nd picture you can see some of the paintings on the building.

Breakfast deliciousness

Emma and I biked to the backerei( bakery) this morning. They are open only from 0700-1000 so we had to get up earlier than our normal. We are still on the time zone from somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean it seems.

We picked up this almond pastry thing (this is what was left after we all had some--think we'll be eating it tomorrow) and a French loaf for dinner.

The fox whisperer

Neighbor Kelly with her patience and cold cuts.

Es regnet

Weather is cold and rainy. We are being bums in our apartment (it is nearly noon and Marlee is still in bed). Maybe a reading day. Will try to venture out this afternoon to see something.

What do you mean we have to hike up this hill?

Emma was less than thrilled about our hike back from the gorge. Rather than walk back along the river, we decided to cross over the river and hike up along the ridge (it was Marlee's idea).

Loved this picture of Cailin

But first let me take a selfie...

Marlee and Emma at Partnachklamm.

Hiking Partnachklamm (Partnach Gorge)

Ventured to this gorge yesterday (Tuesday 12 Aug). Weather was overcast, but not raining and not too sunny (ideal Grant girl weather). The gorge is absolutely stunning. You walk through caves along the side of the rushing river and go behind a couple of waterfalls. Beautiful and a bit wet!

New wheels

The girls and I are finishing up our grand vacation in this cute little red car. The girls were happy that it had 4 doors. Visions of our little 2 door hatchback (aka clown car) from our France expedition 2 years ago come back to mind.

Good times on the way to Bichlbach

Stopped for lunch in our way to Buchlbach Austria on Sunday. To the kids' great delight, there was a playground (the Europeans really know how to keep the kiddos busy). This contraption was by far the favorite.

Dinner at the Genziana hotel

We were graciously welcomed by Mirabella tonight for dinner. We told her to bring what she suggested--we weren't quite sure what we ordered so we were happily surprise at each course. Four courses later, Crystal and I were stuffed. Salad bar was wonderful, followed by a cheesy pasta dish, then turkey with polenta, and topped off with apple strudel. Plus coffee. Wow!

The kids had the salad bar and these great meat concoctions (wrapped around a wooden skewer and French fries).

Hiking lady in purple

We're driving this tomorrow.

Trip up was equally curvy with 36 switch backs.  Would be fun in a sports car.

Erin

Hiking at Stelvio Pass

Marlee and I hiked up to the country line (Switzerland and Italy).

Hot choc at Stelvio

Who would have thought that we'd be drinking hot chocolate in August. There is snow outside with some gorgeous views.

Bellinzona Castles

Dinner

Risotto, rolled pasta dish (kind of like an Italian enchilada) and an asparagus curry pasta dish. Delicious!

Up hill climb

Back to our apartment. Have I mentioned how much I dislike hills? I have had enough hill workouts for the near future!

Flowers

As we were hiking up the hill in search of Fiumelatte, we passed these flowers growing out of the wall along the road. Even the weeds are beautiful!

Fiumelatte and gelato in Varenna

Took the ferry to Varenna today with the intention of finding Fiumelatte (translated as milky river due to the water's color). The river is about 250m long and very cold. The air around the area was refreshing after our hike. Luckily, we found it without too much trouble (again, no map and poor directions) after hiking up a hill and back down again.

Stopped for our daily dose of gelato before heading home. We enjoyed our gelato overlooking the last picture (Varenna).