09 May-Austria

   Our day began with breakfast of course, then we began our 5.3 K walk to Neuschwanstein Castle.  I was a bit harder than we anticipated but we made it.  Most of it was up hill and we were the last to arrive of those who went, but 5 did not go at all.  Here is a view of our hotel from the hike up the mountain. Our hotel is the white building.  During this walk we went from Austria to Germany on what  is called the Roman Road.  The walk-hike through the woods was more beautiful than words can say.  John and I both enjoyed this more than we enjoyed the castle. 

   After the castle we had a lovely picnic in a meadow by a church.  This was a delicious lunch with large mixed green salad, cheese, meats, and a variety of wonderful bread.  Mayonnaise and mustard come in metal tubes like toothpaste was years ago, a tidy way to server this on a picnic too!  As we were eating we saw people arriving and then the bride and groom.  We were  able to observe this personal time for this young couple. As we ate in the meadow amongst majestic views of the Bavarian Alps.  We also saw two forms of hang gliding or parasailing; one from the high peaks which we think did not have motors and then some that began in the valley floor with motors.  John would have liked to do this but there was really no time.  The good option for our group was the summer luge.  I decided not to go as I thought it would be hard to get in and out of the luge and also a bumpy ride.  I regretted it a little bit when I saw how fun it looked but then I also had a great time taking photos of everyone doing this.  Today we were back to the hotel about 3:30 and I am grateful for a little down time to rest, shower again and arrived refreshed for dinner at 7:00pm.  Tomorrow night at this time we will be in Venice!!!  Leaving early and all day in the bus.