Gaby, our host at the Hotel Maximilian, had a warm welcome for us last night and gave us a brief introduction to life in Austria before dinner.  Her hospitailty had me feeling right at home - except roses don't bloom in my yard in October like they do here!

 

The Ehrenberg Castle ruins can be seen from our hotel, but today we are heading back into Germany to see what I call the "two swans".  Neuschwanstein, the fairytale castle, was our first stop.  A few of us took the shuttle bus up the steep hill in order to save our old knees for the hundreds of stairs waiting inside the castle. There was still a 10 minute walk down to the castle, but it was all well worth it just for the views from outside the castle.  The throne room was the highlight for me - especially the mosaic floor.

 

Getting to Hohenschwangau was an easy 15 minute walk after taking a quick break in the little 'village' between the two castles. It was my favorite of the "two swans," partly because the lovely fountains and gardens made it feel more like someone's home.

Since no photos were allowed on either tour, I stopped in the annex gift shop and purchased the small guide book that covers both castles - an inexpensive momento to share back home.

 

Jesse (who, by the way, was in his lederhosen today) and Peter had our picnic lunches ready and waiting for us, so all we had to do was pick a spot along beautiful Lake Alpsee and enjoy!  The weather was perfect, and that meant that we were "a go" for the Tegelberg Luge:  fast thrills for the daring and fun viewing for those cheering them on - Go, Jesse, GO!