Today’s blog title says it all. In preparation for the Men’s Elite Individual Time Trail tomorrow – and because I never knew what a funicular was until we came to Norway – we decided to preview the end of the course. We had read that the four time world champion. Tony Martin (aka the Panzer Wagon) was upset that the end of the time trial was uphill. Let me tell you – it’s not uphill – it’s up mountain. The last 3.5km is about a 9 percent grade. The funicular goes from near downtown up to the top. But, instead of taking motorized transportation, we walked it … slowly, thinking all the time .. I would not want to ride up this. But we did see people riding it – some enthusiastic leisure riders --- and ... read more

We wanted to check in with everyone before we actually leave for Norway. Right now we are sitting in Black Sheep Pizza in the Minneapolis Airport – eating pizza and watching the World Championship Team Trial from earlier today. We are already having an awesome vacation! Yesterday we visited Uncle Earle, Aunt Betty Jane and Lynette. Dave brought them up to date on the ancestry project he is working on; some new facts about the family in the 1917-1918 period. And as we always do – we learned new stuff about Earle and Betty Jane that we didn’t know. This visit, we learned that they had a Coast to Coast store after Earle returned from WWII. Betty Jane is a second generation American – her mother was born in America, but her grandparents came from Norway. ... read more

Well our first day in Paris is nearly over. We arrived early this morning and breezed through the airport. We found our taxi waiting for us coordinated for an early check in and seemingly had things under control. We did have a small issue with motion sickness in the group - a residual effect of the extremely turbulent over night flight - but nothing that a shower, a cool, dark room, and some sleep did not cure. The cottage is an awesome blend of old and new; private and group areas with some interesting quirks. It is located on a small dead end street conveniently located to the grocery, bakery, and bank - everything we could need. We are about a half miles from the Opera House - and we even managed to navigate the streets ... read more

I am happy to report that we have had a successful vacation and still have a day left to ski. We met the conditions for a successful vacation yesterday when Dave completely tired me out. There we were, skiing at The Great Glen Nordic Center - home to 45 km of groomed trails. We had skied most of the trails - though I don't think close to 45 kms - and there were two trails left. Thumper and Peacemaker. I was defeated by Thumper. I could have done it I am sure, but was really too tired to think it was a good idea. As it was, it took most of what I had left to ski back to the Nordic Center. Thank goodness it was Thumper that did me in and not Fuzzbottom or Hairball. ... read more

Today we are in the heart of Bavaria. We are staying in a nice house in the little town of Rosshaupton. The house we are staying in appears to be a converted house barn structure ... And there are two working barns next door ... complete with dairy cattle. The very best thing is that we are close to the things we are planning to see and don't have to drive so very far. Today we went to Linderhof, Ettal, and Oberammergau. The weather was fine, the drive was scenic, and we were back to our hose in time to do some grocery shopping. We decided today's was the day for spaghetti ice, so Emily had that for a mid afternoon treat. Tomorrow our plan is to go to Neuschwanstein, Garmish and perhaps Fussem. Hopefully we ... read more