Bad Wiessee, Day 2

Monday was our second hiking day. We though it quite funny because all but two joined the "easy walkers" today. All 14 of us in the two groups started off on the boat that takes passengers across the lake stopping at each of the five villages. We stopped first at town of Tegernsee, same name as the lake. It looked so pretty, all the towns have a promenade pathway along the waterside. I think it is possible to go around the lake on this pathway, 2 hours to bike, 2 1/2 hrs to run and 3-4 hrs or so to walk. It's 25km I think the guides said.

Leaving Bad Wiessee on one side of the lake.

Tegernsee on the opposite side.

We continued on the boat to the end of the lake, and got off at Rottach-Egern.

The two groups split up here and our group went through town, along the little canal/river then up to The Balcony Path. The harder group was climbing up much higher to some small peaks and a higher path.

Our guide Alan pointing out our trail for today. He was the one who designed this program for HF 4 years ago so knows it intimately and is now designing a self-guided one in this area but on different paths for next year.

Our path, once we got to it was lovely. Undulating, in the woods with some great views out over the valley.

A walk in the woods.

Some views across the lake.

We had lunch at an old monestery which has been converted into a very large beer hall but still run by the old royal family of Bavaria.

Our group discussing German menu. I had a very good goulash soup that called out for a beer. I had to ignore that cry because we still had a couple more hours hiking to get back to hotel.

It was lovely and sunny as we headed out of town to regain our path (the hard part) and then along to far end of lake and the town of Gmund. I somehow slightly twisted my often cranky knee during the 2nd to last descent and I was in a bit of pain hiking out. We arrived in town to catch bus back to Bad Wiessee too late for the 4pm so the whole group went for coffee. Had a great conversation around the table each person saying what was their favorite trip ever, and then we got into traditions such as the tooth fairy and pumpkin carving and how we all have such commonalities regardless of which country we come from. Except the two from Australia but originally from Scotland said as youngsters they carved turnips. They were too poor to have pumpkins. Can't imagine carving a turnip!  

We had a talk after supper from a local tourist gal about the valley (which she prounces wallee). It was interesting but we both just needed to get to bed. Tomorrow is another day of hiking.