April 10

Day 7:  The Black Forest

The checklist for today while visiting the Black Forest:  Have Black Forest Cake, CHECK and buy a cuckoo clock, CHECK!  But first, last night we went through a couple of locks on the Rhine River and they are always cool to experience!

We were up early today and on the buses by 8:45 for the one hour and change trip to the Black Forest.  The scenery as we climbed through the German countryside and mountains was breath taking.  Upon reaching the pinnacle we pulled over at a hotel with several individual buildings.  I went to the "How Cuckoo Clocks Are Made" while Kim went on a guided hike.  Following the demonstration I found the clock I wanted and purchased it.  How fortunate that it was one of the ones on sale which basically paid for the shipping and insurance.  It will be on our wall in about six weeks!

Panoramic View of the Black Forest

"Babbling Brook" off the mountain side

Another panoramic View of the Black Forest

Bridge on Kim's hike through Black Forest

"The Group" helps me celebrate my cuckoo clock (to my right)

THE Clock!

Kim is "WOW"ed by the purchase (see her "W"-"O"-"W" facial/hand signals!!)

Kim returned and I showed her the clock then we watched the demonstration on how Black Forest Cake is made, then had some!

Preparing the final touches to Black Forest Cake

NOTE we are SHARING a piece of Black Forest Cake :)

Today is the final day on board the Viking Idi, so our big task this evening is to pack then go to the "Farewell Dinner."  We will be sad to say good-bye to our new-found friends from the St. Louis area:  Dennis, Mary, Bob & Nancy but maybe someday we can all travel together again!