Tegernsee

We have some smaller pictures this week (click for bigger versions) because we had a lot of fun.

We went with the Frantzens down for a hike into the mountains, where they promised our kids a swim. The weather was warm (~90 degrees F) and we even brought George. We drove an hour south to the Lake Tegernsee which is one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen. Dark blue water, impressive mountains rising from the lake and a cute town.

We began by hiking along a small river/stream and everyone loved throwing rocks in the water.
All the scenery was beautiful. The kids loved it.
As we hiked, the mountains came into view and "the hills came alive with music".
Here we hiked through a private home where cows were grazing with their cow bells ringing while grazing. I pointed out the difference between beef and veal to the boys.
Each turn was incredible. You quickly realized that the broad riverbed was required when the mountain was full of melting winter snow.

The second half of the journey was when we found where the mountain spring had carved a 70 foot fall from the rocks, and produced the original "German water slide." While the water was 14 degrees C or 55 degrees F, our kids could not resist the fun element of the slide.
David was first and provided the courage to the others. We now ask the others, " if David said he would jump off the Brooklyn Bridge, would you?" We consider it a teaching moment. German slip-and-slide. Made of rocks.
Julia also was willing to risk hypothermia. Our friend, Mr. Frantzen led the way and is now officially considered unfit to watch Daphne's children. (He was in the water for 30 minutes - He's Bavarian.)
The wives watched from a safe perch. My wife - who never would let this happen in the USA was laughing.

Here's the official evidence. Sort of our "Summer Christmas Card".
We hiked back down the trail past some rock sculptures which will not survive the winter thaw but were quite pretty. Brian was thinking, "how can I get my whole shoe in the water...."
Finally, there was a Gasthaus (guest/beer house) along the way where the boys could have sausage and the adults could have a beer.
Another wild adventure in Bavaria.