On day 6, we decided to sit back and enjoy the ride letting someone else worry about the logistics. It was a nice change of pace. No train schedule to follow. No meal planning. Just pure enjoyment. It's not like our other days were taxing by any means, but we did learn that perhaps my dad wouldn't be the best partner if we're ever selected to compete on The Amazing Race.
Taking a large bus tour was something completely new for all of us. I've always planned my daily itinerary on my own. I guess I have trouble trusting others not to screw up my adventure. There's my Type-A personality rearing it's ugly head again. I feel almost like it's cheating sometimes to take the easy route. In a way, I booked the bus tour as a matter of safety. The only other way to reach our destination would have involved renting a car and driving ourselves on the autobahn, an idea that Anh & my dad seemed to embrace to eagerly. The women much preferred the bus tour. Go figure!
Our destination was Neuschwanstein Castle near Fussen, the home of recluse Ludwig II of Bavaria. The ride on the autobahn wasn't all that remarkable. The scenary was nice, but nothing out of the ordinary. We weren't terribly disappointed, but the guy sitting in front of us probably was because he was apparently expecting big excitement as he filmed the ENTIRE ride. It took us approximately 90 minutes to reach the area around Neuschwanstein, and this guys captured every ordinary minute. I'm sure his friends were fascinated when he shared the footage. Who wouldn't love watching 90 minutes of driving down the highway?
Prior to the castle, we made a pitstop for lunch and a bit of an adrenaline rush on...an Alpine slide! Also known as a Summer luge, we had experienced riding an Alpine slide when we visited The Smokey Mountains during Summer vacations, but this was a true Alpine slide in the valley of the Alps! FUN!!!
After boarding your sled, you are pulled to the top of the slope by a cable.
Then, gravity takes over and you race down!
Of course, the goal is to go as fast as possible, but you will want to apply your brake on the curves. Grandfather can explain what happens when you don't. There was an incident when I was little. This time, he remained in control of his inner dare devil.
On the way up for round 2. Kelly snapping her 1 millionth "selfie."
What a way to start the tour!
After lunch, it was time to depart for the castle. There were two routes. One, hike. Two, ride the bus. Well, we enjoyed a couple of liter beers over lunch. So...we decided to hike! Ha! Idiots! Mom & Dad stayed on the bus. It really wasn't that bad of a hike, it was the incline that was killer. We stopped periodically for pictures and to catch our breath and were able to drag ourselves to the top. Whew!
It's a good thing we had an awesome tour guide to keep us entertained and motivated along the way. The scenery was easy to get wrapped up in and distraction would only eat into our time at the castle.
Still climbing!
Photo op! Take a breath!
It really was one of the prettier hikes I've taken. I would highly recommend it, but I'd skip that second beer prior to the start!
These are not alien rock formations nor were they naturally created. Someone once stacked some rocks, and the tradition was created. Odd! Humans are weird.
Our first glimpse of the swinging bridge over the gorge. That's where we were headed. Still a ways to go! Time to get moving!
Finally! Level ground & amazing views!
Easy to see why Ludwig II chose this site.
Marienbrucke, Queen Mary's Bridge, is suspended over the gorge and offers breathtaking views of the castle and surrounding landscape.
Does Neuschwanstein Castle look familiar? It was the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's castle.
Hmmm...Which way to the castle?
We weren't allowed to take pictures of the interior. Sure it was impressive. It's a castle! Aside from wanting to document the interior for my memories, I would have LOVED to photograph our castle tour guide. He was quite the character! A real odd duck as our bus guide put it. The story of Neuschwanstein and Ludwig II is actually quite fascinating, but you'll want to Google and research it for yourself. As a National landmark, the tour guides employed at the castle must adhere to a script. They leave out all the juicy details!
The path down from the castle wasn't nearly as rigorous as the hike up. We all enjoyed the stroll under the canopy of trees.
It's hard not to miss this little corner of the world. I can see why my dad's memories are so vivid. It definitely makes quite an impression.
Cheers to another fabulous day! We all knew they were limited.
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