Hiking with Opa is fun!

Koenigssee

This beautiful lake was the base for our explorations. The lake was formed during the ice age when glaciers retreated through the mountains back north. It is considered one of the cleanest lakes in Europe and absolutely stunning . Many of the trails and the chappel are only accessible by boat. The boat ride includes some trumpet playing by the captain and the echo can be heard up to 7 times (Alex and Eric got bored after hearing it every day on the way over the lake:)

First hike - Ice Chappel

We started our first day in the mountains with an easy 8 mile hike to a small glacier which included snow fields, ice domes and bridges.

Base camp Koeningssee / Bavarian Alps in Germany

For the next leg of our trip, we are exchanging hotels for camper and tent. We are in the most southern part of Germany (Berchtesgaden) surrounded by high mountains, deep lakes and clear air. Ahhhhh. Opa, Tom's dad joined us as the 'almost' local tour guide. He seems to know everything about hiking and camping. Comes from lots of practice.

Bye bye Ireland

.... and thank you for a great time!

Castles

There are several hundred castles all across Ireland and we visited about a half dozen of them. They are in varying states of upkeep and many are ruins. At their height all had a primarily military purpose and each has a history lesson attached. Ireland has had a violent past - from waves of occupation (Vikings followed by Normans followed by the English), several cruel wars (such as Cromwell's war as a response to the Irish Rebellion which left 1/3 of the population dead) and natural disasters such as droughts and extreme cold which killed hundreds of thousands.

Many of the castles were built in the early Middle ages and changed shape and ownership often to reflect the changing military and political fortunes. It was moving to walk through them and learn about their history. The two pictures show Bunratty Castle and Kilkenny castle which are among the ones most well preserved and look back at an eventful past. Kilkenny castle has the most amazing green yard / meadow that I have ever stepped on - huge and soft :)

Bikes for rent in Dublin

Cool!