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Day 0
Füssen, Germany
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Distance: 0.0 (0.0)
Elevation Climbed: 0 m
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Day 0 - Füssen, GermanyAfter a delicious breakfast at our Youth Hostel in Füssen, Andy, Scot, and Irene rode to the Neuschwanstein Castle while the others drove in the support vehicle. Both groups got immediately got lost and tried upwards of three routes to find the castle. Eventually all arrived at the same time to purchase tickets for the English speaking tour of the castle. Andy, Scot, and Irene unicycled 170 meters (560 ft.) from the ticket booth to the door of the castle while the others took the fairly steep climb on foot. The 19th century Bavarian castle that inspired Walt Disney's design of Disneyland was colorful, opulent, romantic, and dreamy complete with a walk-through cave.After the tour most of the group decided to partake in a 900 m (2900 ft.) hike to the top of the mountain behind Neuschwanstein and overlooking the valley of Füssen. There were breathtaking views all of the way up. At the top we had a traditional German meal, served to us by a very friendly, strong traditional Bavarian waitress. A gondola ride down the mountain saved our knees before the first day of the tour. Several members of the group rode the wild luge at the base of the mountain. By the evening, our final rider, Ken Looi, arrived from New Zealand after a very delayed flight. We all relaxed at our hostel and then walked into downtown Füssen for a lovely dinner at a Pizzeria. We hope that the intermittent rain showers we have been experiencing these last few days will subside before we head into Holzgau, and the Alps. Some Firsts: "Wow, this is delicious-I've just discovered something new in life!" -David, trying his first roasted, salted almond. "This is my first train. Oh, this is my first mountain." -Kim, from the flatlands of Minnesota, sampling new adventures in Germany. "Wow, that's a first!" Joe, seeing a lapdog in a restaurant-something very commonplace in Europe. "You could make a whole gallon of sweat juice out of me." -Andy, after a pre-Tour climb of 170m (560ft.) to reach Neuschwanstein Castle. "I don't know if this is gonna hold." -Bronson, stepping on a log while hiking up the mountain in front of a worried Joe. "You'll have to take a number if you want to invade us." John, pretending to be the original guard of Neuschwanstein Castle (while we all waited an hour for our number to be called.) "Beau, you realize you have the coolest dad in the world, right?" -David, referring to the extraordinary Nathan. "What happens in the Alps, stays in the Alps." -John. |
Move your mouse over the images for a pop-up caption. Click on the image for a larger picture. Created: August 2, 2005 07:46
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