Austria

what a day!!! Cold clear mountain streams, green lakes, cows on the road,zig zag up and down mountains, tunnels, and some roads so narrow we would have back up to pass at a safe place, and views that would take your breath away.  Our bnb is up on a hill side, in the country side.  The pic is from our balcony the the flowers

Another great day

left this morning on the train to Langenargen on Lake of Constance.  Water from the glaciers in the Swiss alps flows through this lake which is the beginning of the Rhine.   We took a boat ride from  Langenargen to Lindau, another wonderful old city.   Walked around, gawking, at the old buildings, had cake and coffee, then headed back to Guy and Susan's.  Weather has been wonderful.  We will leave these gracious hosts tomorrow and head for Austria

At Guy and Susan's at Laupheim

Arrived safe and sound, after a few U-turns!!!   Went into the old city of Ulm, saw the Munster Cathedral, which has at the moment the highest spire in the world.   Many old building dating from 13 century.  Another great day, and Guy finally figured out how to get my pics up

Gutingen im Gau Thursday the 3rd

Sadly left the boat yesterday morning!!!  Now it's back to finding our own food, and turning down our own bed!!!  Tough.  The boat was delayed at two of the locks so we couldn't get into Basel in time.  So we were bused from another port downstream into the airport in Basel.  Buses, trams, Switzerland to Germany we finally made it our car rental place--that was a nightmare, but that's a story for another time.   Driving through the Black Forest was lovely, we've had to stop for help many times, and everyone was so friendly.   We are off today to visit with Guy (Paulines son), and his wife

Germany

The river Rhine is beautiful, yesterday afternoon we cruised thru the Rhine gorge,  almost every bend we went around was another castle.  The boat is totally wonderful--service amazing--staff couldn't be more helpful.  We have a neat little balcony of our own, we can slide the window with a flick of a switch and just relax.  The excursions have been great, yesterday we went by bus up the Moselle river, beautiful with vineyards on every mountain slope (well maybe not mountains!! But high hills).  Today we are in Rudesheim and did an excursion into town to see the music box museum, and then took a cable car way up for a great view of the Rhine and city.  Weather has been suu y and warm-how lucky we are.   Can't rave enough about the food--smoke salmon for breakfast--or whatever you wish!!!   We are totally spoiled!!  Thankfully we have walked a lot, but not enough to wear all off the calories.  PS. German beer is very good.  Still can't send pics.  Wifi is very weak

Leaving Amsterdam

1. Wow, wow, and more wow.   Yesterday we did a canal cruise around old Amsterdam--passing by Anne Franks home, etc.  Over 100 Kim's of canals--needless to say we only seen a part 

in our 1hr cruise.  Walked forever--even thru the red light district--had to keep Neil--eyes forward!!!  The houses here are all built on wooden piers--and some are tilting! The boat is wonderful.  We left Amsterdam at noon today.  Amazing to watch the captain manoeuvre this huge boat around!!!  Our cabin -great--right now I am sitting in our own little balcony watching the world go by.  This morning we did a bus tour --to a cheese factory--Gouda, then wandered the streets of Edam, and Volendam.  Weather cloudy, but no rain.  Sure wish I could send pics, but no go yet!!!  Can't find anyone techie enough

Amsterdam

arrived safe and sound--luggage too!!!!   Tonight in a hotel in the old town of Amsterdam--canals everywhere.  Walked and walked some more this afternoon.  Had poffertjes, bitterballen, Dutch beer and Dutch gin.   Can't seem to pull up today's pics to send--so will have to get some help!!!!   Will do a canal tour tomorrow am then head for the boat in the afternoon