I catch the bus, which will drop me at Echeisbruke again, where I will have a 1 hour wait on the connecting bus to Fussen. I dig out my "other" gloves, because I know that with the darkness that is falling, and the temperature already dropping, it will be a cold wait. As we make our way, I see Wies Church on a small hill - so, I didn't get to go inside, but I did at least see the outside of it - as tired as I am, I am satisfied with that. We arrive at the bus stop a few minutes before 5:00. My next bus is scheduled to leave at 6:05. There is one gentleman who also gets off at this stop, and he proceeds to pull out what appears to be dinner ... read more

The bus ride from Ettal to Linderhof is less than 20 minutes, if you get a direct bus, which I was fortunate to catch. Linderhof is not just the name of another one of King Ludwig's Palaces, but is also the name of the small community where the Palace is situated. As we roll past the snowcovered farms, I see deer tracks, scattered houses and bus shelters where the school children can try to get protection from the biting cold. The day is very sunny, but the wind is brisk and the air cold. I think this is the coldest day yet. Still not terribly uncomfortable, but I wouldn't want to be out in this for any extended period of time. We pass through the village of Zieglerhof, and I wonder if any of my German ... read more

So having arrived at my hotel just before 6:00, I give Jeff a quick call, and learn that my daughter Shauna needs me to call her. Gone 2 days and daughter is having a "mom's away - I gotta talk now" attack. I talked to Shauna, and after learning she is not engaged nor dying, but just needed an emotional pep talk after getting her feelings hurt, was feeling the pangs of hunger since the potato soup had long since worn off. Since dinner at the hotel restaurant is included in my rate, and frankly I had walked enough for the day, Tonight's menu specialty that peaks my interest is Schweinsoxe, or in English, "Crunchy Pig Knuckle". OK, I could have taken the easy route and gone with the salmon, but I convince myself that this ... read more

Let me just say - Cuddle Duds are one of the best inventions to date. Worth every penny I paid for them - actually they were not so expensive, but I would have paid twice their value for sure. The morning was overcast and quite windy on that hill, and I was so happy for the extra layers. There was no indoor area to wait other than a very small souvenier shop that maybe 4 people could squeeze into. I went in for a few minutes, bought a booklet and magnets and then had to make my way back out so others could come in and do the same. I did duck into the ladies room for a few minutes, thinking that would be a great place for protection from the elements, not t mention nature ... read more

Out I go in search of the spot that I have been watching for over a year. The Fussen Homepage has a webcam, which has an image burned in my brain as I have looked at this website almost daily for the last year. So, I know it is located on the Reichenstrasse, and I have a map, so I am optimistic that I will find this familiar site. But, before that a quick stop in the Tourist office is needed to inquire on a tour for Wednesday outside of the Fussen area. No luck on the tour - it is only available for groups. But, I can take the public bus to everywhere I want to go, so I will study the bus routes and plan my Wednesday. Fussen has the architecture that is typical ... read more