Our trip to Garmisch

What a busy and eventful trip! We started out the trip with a convoy south with our friends the Flemings and the Pollards to Neuschwanstein castle in Germany. There are actually two castles in Schwangau, but the Neuschwanstein is most well-known as the "Disney castle", as it was the inspiration for Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle. I had visited it once before this past December when Susan and Shane were here, but it's completely different in the summer time! We hiked up to both castles but chose not to actually go inside, as most of the rooms are unfinished and you can't take pictures inside. This time the Marienbrucke (a bridge overlooking the castle) was open so we hiked up there as well for the "fairy godmother" of all views! It was amazing, and even the kids did well on the long hike!

Monday we headed to Partnach Gorge for a walk through the picturesque rock formation, complete with waterfalls and raging rapids. Another good hike, but worth all the exercise for the views! The gorge is just outside the Olympic ski jump stadium, which is being used again in 2011 for the Alpine Ski Championships.

Jay got in a few holes of golf while I napped, which was nice for both of us! We figured we needed to get in a little relaxation on this vacation! We spent some time at the pool and the hot tub (just feet in the hot water for me!) and enjoyed some time just hanging out with each other and with our friends.

On Tuesday we broke from the group a bit and took a drive to Salzburg, Austria. We spent a little while there, touring the city and taking in the scenery. The Hohensalzburg Fortress was most impressive, and quite a ways up! From there we headed to Berchtesgaden, home of the Eagle's Nest. All that remains of the one-time resort created for Adolf Hitler is a restaurant, but the view is spectacular nonetheless. We opted for the bus ride as opposed to the four-mile hike up the mountain, and it was worth every (euro) penny. Jay has wanted to see the Eagle's nest for a long time, so it was awesome to finally see it. We tested out the Thai restaurant in Garmisch (not bad) and Jay got in some slot machine and German beer time back at the hotel. Again, early to bed for me!

Wednesday was our full-on lazy day. We slept in, ate breakfast in the room and did a little shopping before my FAVORITE part of our vacation: our massages! Jay got a hot stone massage and I enjoyed an hour-long maternity massage. Just what we needed! It was a great way to cap off our week, followed by a nice dinner and a walk outside in the Alps.

Thursday we got up and checked out of the hotel, and headed to the Dachau Concentration Camp memorial site. I had visited Dachau last summer but Jay hadn't yet been, so I was glad to give him my mini-tour from what I remembered and had read. We saw a few things I missed on my trip last June, so it was worthwhile for both of us.

Now we're back home and getting ready for our next trip, Rome! We fly out tomorrow evening, taking advantage of the time I can still fly and the places we haven't seen in Europe yet. So far, Hayden has been pretty cooperative and I've tried to be hospitable with extra water, good walking shoes and always a snack on hand. Wish us luck!