Tour of Germany. Spring 2015. Part 3.

April 30th.

Sunshine had disappeared. We had wanted to visit the "Eagles Nest" Hitlers retreat.

But it wasn't open, it opened May 16th. Took the photo from Konigsee, where we had decided on a boat trip. The boats are all electric due to the strict environmental protection enforced on the lake.

Bought our tickets and off we went.

Ths is the view from the boarding point. The water is very clear. 

Konigsee from the boat.  The weather was not brilliant but we tried to capture the beauty.

There are many of these cascades from the snow melts. Near this spot we stopped and the boat captain took a trumpet and opened the doors, he began playing notes and to our amazement they were perfectly echoed, the reason for the stop. About half hour into the trip the boat stops here.

St Barthaloma. A church and monastery. We stayed on to the end of the lake.

We disembarked here to walk up to the Obersee, a small lake above this one. Walking along the path through the trees we came across this.

A Fire Salamander. Never seen one before, didn't know what it was until research later. Nice to make new discoveries. The walk was about 20 minutes then we were there.

So tranquil and beautiful.

There was also a newish boathouse.

Again the water was so clear. 

  We had an hour or so wandering round before getting the boat back.

Back at Konigsee we had the best Apple Struddle and custard I've ever tasted. Then back to the site picking up some shopping on the way. The end of a really enjoyable day.

May 1st.

Another dull miserable day. Caught the bus into Berchtesgaden and walked to the salt mine. Took about 20 minutes. We decide we would take the tour. After passing through the entrance we had to put on miners overalls.

We certainly looked good.

Hazel especially. 

  You go underground on a train. Then a walk, a ferry across an underground lake, and train back.

It's a very interesting and informative tour. I will never take my salt for granted again. 

 After the visit we walked up into town. Had a coffee in the square.

Then took a stroll round. Found everything closed, May Day. Got the bus back to the site, deciding to come back into town tomorrow, when it will be open.

 

Tour of Germany. Spring 2015. Part 2.

April 28th.

Woke to a dry morning, but it had rained most of the night. Packed up and left site at 0945hrs. Crossed the border into Germany 1040hrs. Got tangled up in traffic soon after, a truck had overturned on a roundabout. The diversion was through a small town, bet the residents loved it. We got to Lake Constance and then followed the lake to "Camping Park Gohrem" which has a stellplatz adjacent. Arrived 1415hrs, by the time I'd checked us in the sun disappeared, and the rain came down.

Never mind, we thought, when it eases up we'll take a walk. 1600hrs and we took the walk, the place was massive, quite a few permanent vans too. Shower blocks were excellent, and there was a well stocked shop where we bought some bits. Then back to Eevie.

Had dinner the watched "The Marigold Hotel" DVD. Very good film. 

April 29th.

Sunny morning and on the road at 0800hrs. Heading for Berchtesgaden. Here I made one of the biggest errors of the whole trip. We took the Autobahn up to Munich and then down to Berchtesgaden. Since we returned home a scenic route has been posted on "Search for Sites" which is almost door to door of the days start and finish, maybe another time. The weather continued good and as we got nearer our destination the Alps came into view, always such fantastic scenary. Arrived at "Camping Muhlleiten" at 1330hrs. 

The owner Richard spoke very good English and is very willing to please. I booked for 4 nights as there is so much to see here. We were also given a card which gives free travel on public transport throughout Berchtesgadenland. UK take note. The weather still being lovely we took the mile walk along the river

to Konigsee. Very touristy and lots of people, nice though. Naturally a beer by the lake was in order.

The glass wasn't empty long. We checked out the prices and times of the boat trips, as this is the only way of seeing the lake. That woulld be our plan for tomorrow. Strolled back to Eevie.

Went for our showers and they were superb, 5* hotel standard at least, the loos were too.

Haad an early night as it had been a long day.