Eibsee

We spent the 4th of July on a bike trip to Eibsee (Lake Eib), about 5.5 miles from the base--and 754 feet higher elevation!

Normally all shops are closed on Sundays so we couldn't resist this little bakery in Grainau (see June 25 post) that was open for coffee and a variety of rolls, breads and pastries. In the 30 minutes we were there the line of patrons never ended so it seems to be a popular place in the little village.

 As always, Zugspitze was our "north star"--always present and orientating us to our location. The butcher shop in Grainau named after the mountain is evidence of how important the Zugspitze is to the life of the community. (There are also streets and trains named after the mountain). 

The perimeter of Eibsee is about 6 miles and it was stunningly beautiful. The water wass crystal clear and varied in color from blue to emerald, depending on the angle of the sun and condition of the cloud cover.

A few swimmers and ducks enjoyed the lake experientially but we and several other hikers and bikers stuck to the trails. It was difficult not to stop at every curve of the trail around the lake to take in yet another breathtaking scene.

The reflection of the mountains, sky and trees in the water was like a mirror. Words fail to describe the beauty.

There were also beautiful creeks and waterfalls--which Bob can never resist climbing. While we brought lots of drinking water with us, we could easily have been sustained by these fresh sources.

Heading back home we took a different route and entered Untergrainau (lower Grainau). The beautiful combination of meadows and mountains made us feel like Julie Andrews was going to burst into the clearning singing, "The hills are alive...!"

Back in the village we saw more amazing murals, all painted on flat panels, but looking 3-dimensional.

The cat and flowers in the window looked so real we had to do a double-take to realize it too was only a painting. There is no window!

Window boxes filled with colorful flowers adorn almost all windows--in shops as well as residences. I plan to grow tons of multi-colored geraniums when I get back to White Hall!

Wood carvings are everywhere and can either be simply for adornment or more practical purposes. 

Seventeen miles is probably the longest bike trip I have ever taken and this one was certainly the most beautiful.

Our friends returned from vacation that evening and after a dinner of delicious pasta we gratefully drifted off to sleep to the sound of fireworks from the base Independence Day celebration.