September 17 - Train Ride to Salzburg

​Today’s adventure took us on a train ride into Salzburg among the Alps.We were able to walk to the train from our condo. Then 20 minutes later we were in Salzburg.  

Another full day walking in Old Town, touring the Hohensalzburg castle, Mirabell Gardens, Mozart’s home, and BierGartens.

Once in Salzburg, we walked along the different shops and restaurants. Narrow streets, but cars still ran on them.

Another funicular to the tour the large castle, Fortress HohenSalzburg. This is central Europe’s largest, completely renovated Fortress, dating from the 11th Century.

From the top of the castle, the views of Salzburg were 

Lunch outside of the castle was a treat. Dessert was fun, a Salzberg Nockerl and apple strudel.

Look at Carl’s lunch Salmon and potatoes supreme came wrapped in foil looking like a swan.

We then toured Mozart’s birthplace to see documents, pictures, and original instruments from the family. 

A walk to The Augustiner Bräu Mülln - beer garden. 

The last stop of the day was a walk through the Mirabell Gardens where Maria and the children danced around the fountain in the Sound of Music. 

18th century oldest Dwarf Garden in Europe.

September 16 - Hallstatt Salt Mine

​Drove to Hallstatt to see the salt mine and walk the town. Buildings were built on the side of the mountain. 

Took the funicular to the top to start our tour of the salt mine. 

To get to the lower parts of the mines, we rode slides down several levels into the mine.

From the top we could see all over Hallstatt.

Long day but so interesting. 19,000 steps for the day. 

September 15 - Gresh’s Leave, Drive to Salzburg

​Today John, Kristen, Kya, Mason, Winter and Kaleb left for home. They had been in Nuremberg a week before us.  

We left to travel south to Salzburg Austria. First adventure was a boat ride to see a castle and a monastery.

We walked around the island and went inside the monastery.

For the next 3 days we will be staying in Teisendorf, where we will be staying. 

September 14 - Walk to Kraftshof, More Ceremonies

​The Kawa Festival is steeped in lots of traditions. This morning we went to watch the goose dance. 

The locals of the town have a this dance around the tree they erected the other day. First there is the entrance to the tree, then the dance.

After the dance, Shan, Arlo, Drew and Bill and I walked to the next town, Kraftshof. This is a picture of St George’s church.

St. George’s church provided a level of protection from the North during the late 1500s.

A few pictures of the houses and the Automat, as we were walking through the town, 

This is the last day of the festival. It culminates at the castle where Carl, Shan and Arlo will be part of a reception where the mayor and other dignitaries will give messages.  We will be able to watch from the castle gardens.  

Here’s a picture of Arlo in a traditional outfit  

September 13 - Church Service, Parade, More Festival

​There was a church service in the castle gardens. Didn’t really understand any of the words but the tune of the music was familiar. 

Shan took us on a tour of the inside of the castle, which is being renovated.  Here’s Carl’s families crest. Quite impressive. 

Next was the parade. I can’t begin to describe the parade except to say the floats were very creative and probably not ones we will ever see in the US. 

This was the one that caught my eye. This float was commemorating 25 years of viagra!

A bee hotel  

Even though it rained, it didn’t faze anyone. No one left.  They just put up their umbrellas. 

Arlo needed a few more rides and a couple games.

John got into the fun, too. 

Here’s the crew who made it to the tent tonight