August 27, 2015

Get Away to Garmisch


August 27, 2015
Day 1: Garmisch-Partenkirchen

On day one we drove from Eschenbach to Edelweiss Lodge in Garmisch.  It only took about three hours and was absolutely worth every moment spent in the car!  Edelweiss is one of those resorts that every one talks about and it went on our things to do in Germany but there was no great push for it.  I am surprised that it wasn't because Garmisch is stunning.  It borders Austria and the Austrian Alps so think Sound of Music and you got what the land looks like.

Edelweiss Resort and Lodge
Our room at Edelweiss
The height of the ceilings was super high
The view from our room
Garmisch (pic from website)
One of the houses in Garmisch
The store front area
We actually were able to go to Garmisch on a marriage retreat and our 22nd wedding anniversary.  It was a pretty magical time and the perfect place to enjoy our time together.


August 28, 2015
Day 2: Garmisch/Zugspitze/Eibsee

On day two, after the classes we joined a couple of our friends, Mike & Karen.  We went to Zugspitze and Eibsee Lake.  It was spectacular and pretty much as awe inspiring as the Cliffs of Moher.

The Zugspitze is 9,718 feet above sea level and is the highest peak of the Wetterstein Mountains as well as the highest mountain in Germany.  It's on the border between Germany and Austria and has three glaciers; the Northern Schneeferner, the Hollentalferner, and the Southern Schneeferner.

The "Mike's" walking towards the cable car
Looking at Eibsee Lake from the cable car entrance
The Eibsee Cable Car
Looking up towards Zugspitze
Eibsee Lake
The German Alps as we ride the cable car
A terrifying but beautiful ride up the Zugspitze

It was absolutely breathtaking...

It looks like a painting but it was oh-so-real!

Almost to the top!

The restaurant at the top
Looking down at Eibsee Lake
We are right up in the clouds
Looking at the brave souls that climbed to Summit Cross
Me and Captain Jack!
This fellow who so rudely flew into view
Mike, Karen, Me & Mike
You can see the German Alps, Swiss Alps, Italian Alps, and the Austrian Alps from up here!
Tirol Austria is up there too!  ;)
Part of the view around us

It was pretty surreal 
My cutie patootie waiting for us
Karen & Mike at the restaurant
Mike & me at the restaurant
Prost!
Karen & Mike at the top
He found sledding up there too!
Cute little church tucked away by the sledding area
The "Mike's" and Karen sledding!

This cool sign up there.  It reminded me of a May Pole




Pretty much couldn't get enough of this place





Looking back up at the Zugspitze from below
Eibsee Lake
These pictures don't do it justice
I wish we could have sat here for hours...

There were little ducks everywhere
The sun was just starting to go down so it washed this glorious view out
After our hike and walk around Eibsee we went back to Edelweiss and drank a tower of beer...mainly because we deserved it!  :)


As you can see it went down quickly!


August 29, 2015
Day 3: Partnach Gorge

On day 3 we hiked up to Parnach Gorge before we headed home.  Garmisch was just one of the coolest trips we have taken so far and every time I say that sentence, I feel even more blessed than I felt before.

The Partnach Gorge is a deep gorge that been split by a mountain stream.  It is in the Reintal valley near Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Just an FYI, when I see something that makes me super happy, I can't help but take multiple pictures of it trying to get the perfect pic that will show how amazing it is.  This can be pretty annoying, especially for my husband.  The annoyed husband usually ends up causing me to have blurry pictures do to the "drive by" picture taking.



See, multiple pictures!


Hiking up to the gorge

Captain Jack looking cute at the gorge







Me, Mike, Mike, and Karen at the gorge
Me & my lover lover





After we walked through the gorge, we did a LOT more hiking up to this amazing little area that had a very good restaurant and enjoyed a few beers and some lunch.







The Graseck Restaurant
The view from the restaurant

Walking towards the cable car down


The cable car was short and fun to ride down the gorge.  I would say this was one of the best anniversaries we have had.  We pretty much spent the entire month celebrating our 22nd anniversary.  We have seen some pretty special things in the past 22 years.  This world is filled with so many amazing things and even if it isn't in Europe or the highest peak in a foreign land, I find the beauty in the world around me and for that I will forever be profoundly grateful.