WHAT REMAINS

So, our grandson has been returned to Michigan safely and all that is left are these photos in my computer files.  The photos are his and they record his journey through Paris.  It seems that monuments, architecture, art and nature are not what intrigues an American 11 year-old.  But it's good to know he has an artistic eye.  The following images belong to Eli and I've taken the liberty of calling the collection, "Memories of Paris."

While I appreciate that he can look at the world and see beauty in what I see as a pox, I really tried to guide his attention elsewhere.  However, I'm fairly sure he returned home with a camera filled with graffiti and little else.  Ahhhh, boys.

Having said all that, here is one of his shoes that I regard as rather clever!  Nice job, Eli.  At least it is color coordinated (insert smile).

THE GREAT ASCENT!

Sufer

For those of you who actually do follow my blog, and I know a few of you do because you are so kind to leave a comment from time to time or email me: I apologize for not alerting you to the fact that I was hosting my 11-year old grandson for three weeks and my blogging came to a virtual stand still. (If you are reading this and would like to follow me on my blog, just click "Followers," at the bottom of the page.  I would love to follow you as well). 


It was fantastic to spend my days doing things 11 yr. olds like to do.  He left to go back to Michigan on Tuesday and I was in a real slump yesterday.  I missed him so much. 


 But, today is a new day and the sun is finally out shining!  I am back to blogging and my photography, so you will hear more from me in the coming days, for sure , lucky you (ha, ha!)


The lake above (I know!  Could it possibly be more idyllic?) was on our way up the Alps, through Switzerland, to Splugen Pass.  We chose this route to Italy because of the vistas and we were not disappointed, they were just amazing.  


Here are a few we especially enjoyed.

Hubby and grandson on a bridge over a river in the Alps

(They're smiling, but I was a nervous wreck photographing this--I'm standing across the one lane road of the bridge while cars whiz by, a shockingly steep precipice behind me.  I couldn't wait for this shot to be over!)

Mountain Majesty

I am an Ohio gal, born and bred.  Seeing the Alps is never boring to me. (Sure beats corn fields mile after mile.)   I am continually in awe of their beauty and strength.  One day, I would love to live in the mountains and breathe the fresh air daily.  

At the Summit of Mt. Spluga

His right foot is still in Switzerland......

and his left foot is in Italy!


(How cool is that? In two countries at the same time?)

Looking back at the Swiss Alps

Looking back at the mountain pass is an exhilarating  sight.  You can't tell, but we are at least 3,000 meters high when this photo was taken.  That leaves a heck of a lot of mountain below, and looking down while your husband navigates the hairpin turns into the numerous switchbacks and tunnels is NOT recommended. 


Altitude and motion can cause queasiness; just ask my grandson who nearly lost his lunch during this drive.

Telephoto lens view 

(You don't think I'd actually go up there now, do you?)

Trickling waterfall into bubbling creek

This is more my style!


 We were treated to many more waterfalls, rivers, and pristine aqua blue lakes on our way down the Alps into Italy...but, more about that in my next blog...

TO STARNBERGERSEE AND TO INFINITY BEYOND!

Shadow image of Steve´s bike on our car

Bikes play an important role in our family´s life.  Not only do we enjoy them for recreation, but due to the fact that we have chosen not to purchase a car here in Europe, it has become our major means of transportation.  I use it to get to and from shops primarily.  It is also my way to the gym, pool, and train station.  It is a passion for my husband who clocks in at least a hundred miles a week.  He lives to bike, I bike to live.  Now a days I am finding that the exercise I get from bicycling is making me healthier and helping me with things like blood pressure and flexibility.  I´m counting on it to stave off arthritis and other debilitation as one ages.  Certainly, moving my body is a good thing--more about that in a later posting.

Bicycling is a way of life here in Germany.  People are accustomed to making good use of the country´s excellent system of biking paths that lead in and out of the major cities connecting in the small villages in between.  Germany lays a bike path for every road it constructs, it´s the law here.  As a result, entire families take off on the weekends for long bike excursions to beautiful lakes, rivers, mountains, castles, villages, and other picturesque destinations.  Often, bikers can be seen toting picnic baskets for a lunch at water´s edge or in the middle of a lush valley or meadow.  Being the outdoors people that they are, they have conceived of many intriguing ways to carte baskets, infants, toddlers, and other bicyclists in tandem.  

We are always pleased to see bicyclists on our way to extraordinary locations such as our recent trip to the Neuschwanstein Castle of King Ludvig of Bavaria.  Perched high atop a mountain, it is only accessable by foot traffic up the levels of stairs.  But, to get to the stairs, you can bike up the mountain and many Germans´do bike up the mountain to gain access to the famous castle that Walt Disney visited and later fashioned Cinderella´s castle after.  

Young and old alike bike throughout Germany

This couple, well past their 60´s, are representative of a lot of Germans out for a weekend ride.  I took this in at the foot of the Neuschwanstein Castle located in Hohenschwangau near Füssen in southwest Bavaria.  

But, you will also see them rising thousands of kilometers into the air as they struggle to crest the peak of a mountain in the Alps.  We have learned to admire these adventure cyclists, many of whom are in our age catagory--late 50´s and much older.   God bless them for not sitting in their armchair or on the couch and getting out there and showing us that we can still do it if we wish.

Yesterday, I was extremely proud of my 11 year-old (soon to turn 12 on Aug. 17th) grandson when after a full day of swimming with me, he chose to go on a bike ride with his Papa to Starnbergersee (a lake ten miles from our home).  The guys left at 6:00 pm and came back after dark around 8 pm.  That was a full twenty miles, including some stretches of steep upward climbs through the forest hills.  Papa said he sure was a trooper and gave it his all.  They rode non-stop and our little Eli was able to keep pace with his more practiced grandpa.  Eli, your Mimi loves you so much and is so very proud of your great accomplishment.  

Now that Eli has built up his confidence on a bike, the next trip will include the Alps.  He and Papa are already discussing the trail map.  Good luck guys!