Another great day!



Beilstein

Today we again expected rain, but never saw a drop. There was a very light mist early in the morning, but we never got wet. :-) 

Our first stop was in Senhals for a quick hello to the innkeepers at the hotel where my sister Marcia and I stayed three years ago. They actually remembered me! It was such a nice hotel, and I would strongly recommend the Hotel Weinhaus Halfenstube to anyone in the area.

On the ferry - these people are having fun!

Next stop was Beilstein for a hike up to the castle ruins. It’s a long way down from the top of the turret!! Gorgeous views of the Moselle River valley. Then we hopped on the ferry to cross the river for a quick lunch of beer & brats. Along the way to our next stop, Jeff & Kathleen played a quick game of chess on the super-size board. Check out the picture below!

Our final stop today was at Cochem, where several of our group took in the Reichsburg Castle tour. It’s a very impressive and well-preserved site, and the views are incredible.

Our final dinner together

Tonight we had our final dinner together as a group – a bunch of Americans eating Italian in Germany. Hmmm. Tomorrow we ride our final stretch on bikes; then split up to go our separate ways across Europe. Amie & Kathleen will be heading off to Paris & London. Pat & Ken are going to do more biking in southern France. And Jeff, Leigh and I are going to visit our Bast relatives until Sunday morning, when we head south to Berchtesgaden National Park in the Alps.

More pictures from Thursday:

Kathleen loves round hay bales!

Amie with Reichsburg Castle - Cochem

Jeff & Kathleen playing chess

View from Beilstein castle ruins

Russian musicians in Cochem - gorgeous voices!

Entry to Reichsburg Castle - Cochem

Moselle River from Reichsburg Castle