We started our bicycle journey out of Tymowa and cycled 80km to Wroclaw. Martins Aunt and Uncle were gracious hosts as always. I only wish I knew what they were saying. ;)
The next day, Saturday, June 20th, we took the train to Prague. We weren't sure if there was a train from Prague to Munich so our backup plan was to stay the night in Prague. We've both been to Prague before so our main goal was to get to Munich. We did find a train to Munich, luckily with room for our pesky bikes! So after 11 hours of travel, 4 trains, and 1 bus we finally made it to Munich.
We found a campsite in Munich and decided to stay for two nights so we can sight see. On Sunday, June 21, we went to the city center, visited both the toy museum and the residence museum. Both were great but the Residence Museum exceeded my expectations. It was better done inside than any other castle I've been too. Over 300 rooms! 
Martin in Munich.
Munich
On Monday, June 22, we started biking. It was a long day but well worth the work because we had made it to the Bavarian alps! The biking trails in Germany are wonderful! The roads are so smooth, not a bump to be found. This long trip made us so excited for the upcoming week of cycling theough Germany.
Rest stop somewhere in Bavaria.
The goal for the day was to get to Garmisch or Grainau, where Germany's largest peak looms overhead. When we were about 70km in, but I didn't think I'd make it much farther. It was only 3pm so we took our time and cycled into the mountains and made it to a campsite. We cycled 117km, which is a record for us while carrying heavy loads, and really the first day of bicycling! We were proud of ourselves to say the least.
On Tuesday, June 23 we left the campground bright and early with hopes of summiting Zugspitz. We biked to the nearest information center and they gave us directions to the best possibilities for hiking. We biked up to Ehrwald, Austria, and then up, up, and up to the hiking trail. By the time I got to the trail I was worn out, but Martin was determined to make it to the top. Unfortunately due to weather he had to turn around. 
See, I'm tired.
Wednesday, June 24-Martin was determined to get up this peak. So we decided to make our way to Erwald again, except this time by train to save our already sore legs, and Martin would spend the day hiking while I spent the day looking for Internet and drinking beer in Erwald. Unfortunately no internet, but had a wonderful Pilsner with the peak in my view! 5 hours later Martin was back down and we on our bikes again, this time in Austria. We were hoping to make it to Fussen but with our sore legs, we stopped and camped in Reutte, Austria. 
Veiw from Erwald
One thing about Austrian cycling as compare to Germany- Austria has a lot to learn about organized, smooth, and well signed cycling in Germany. Granted, the bike paths were signed, however roads where bikes don't belong were not signed and instead we were greeted with honks and yelling. We quickly got off the road only to find the bike paths were gravel and no fun to ride on with small tires and a heavy load.
Thursday, June 25- we made it through Austria and back onto the smooth streets of Germany! We took our time today, knowing we'd only need to bike 40km or so. We made our way to Fussen, and checked out the old town.
On our way into Fussen
We went to Neuschwanstien castle, which inspired Disneys sleeping Beauty. I didn't go in but we walked around it and up to it and we were able to see it from all angles as we were biking in. It is truly spectacular. The castle was never truly finished before Ludwig II died. We also saw the Hohenschwangau castle, which was the original home of the king of Bavaria.
We made our way to Buching, where we were welcomed by a local couple through the bicycle tourists website "Warm Showers". It'll be nice to sleep inside and have clean clothes!
(third try to post comment). Thank you for the account of your amazing adventures, Kate. Pictures and descriptions are so interesting, and the example of stoicism and enthusiasm that you both provide - well, thank you again.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Aunt Mary!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYou finally started your journey toward Europe. I hope that God bless you.
ReplyDeleteFor me I made it ! I crossed the continent of United Sates from San Francisco to Yorktown for 84 days. Three days ago I just came back to my home. Anyway I want to give you my appreciation. And let's keep in touch.......
Min.....