Wallenfels

Several years ago, we were driving home and saw all of these people gathered on the side of the road near the river. It looked interesting, so we pulled off and checked it out. It was the"Wallenfels" - the ORIGINAL log flume ride (like they have at Disney and other theme parks, but this one is with real wood, no seatbelts, and once again one of those things that probably would never be available in the U.S. because of liability - or you would at least have to sign your life away). Anyway, ever since we saw it, it has always been on my list of things to do. They only offer it one time each Saturday during the Summer Months. You have to book way ahead and hope for good weather. So last Sturday we all went with friends of ours and we had so much fun! You get very wet, but it is a very neat experience!

All of the rafts dry and empty and waiting for the people to arrive...

The Dam holding back all of the water. They open up this little Dam and the water flows through. The boats go underneath this bridge, so it s necessary to duck!

We got there early and got our spot

The flumes slowly filling up

It is really such a funny sight to see

and miraculously, no one gets hurt...

Anxiously awaiting

They open the Dam and one by one, each boat goes through the falls

lots of smiling faces

The boat is led by just one guy steering with a paddle

There were several small rapids and 6 small waterfalls to go through (you can see the boat is drenched!

And after about a 35 minute ride,we made it to the end where they have beer and bratwurst to celebrate! They even gave us each an "Urkunde", which is like a certificate of completion.

Here is the group behind us finishing up, with onlookers on the bridge

Definitely a fun time!!

And this melts my heart - 2 old German men who have probably done this each weekend in the summer since they were young men! Tradition runs deep!

And a thank you sign, wishing us a safe trip home :-)

And before we left, we had dinner at a biergarten with friends - such a nice day!!!

Random italy pics

Yes - this is the last of them :-)

A Ceramics museum - amazing sculptures!!

Such talent!!!

The drive through the Italian Alps is probably one of the prettiest drives on earth!

There are castles, vineyards, apple orchards, and Mountains for 100 miles - Amazing!!!

Bailey took this one of Grafitti in Bolzano - true artists also!!!

The clear green water !!

We had our daily cappachinos (for only 1.20 euro each)- we think this one was George Washington :-) Italy has the best coffee!!

And the pizza is not so bad either :-)

One afternoon, we found a Mall and the kids got a chair massage for a euro. Mia giggled so loud.

And this little guy provided us so much entertainment :-)

A beautiful sunset during an evening walk in the village (we stopped the evening walks after the first night because Mia got so many bug bites :-( )

Before the sun went down, on the walk we stopped by this cemetary 

So interesting how different it is...

And the corn was almost ready

and such beautiful sunflowers!

And when we got home - our little Peacock friend had found his way up to the roof of the house whre he sleeps each night - so adorable!

Hiking in Bassano

Our hosts told us about 2 really cool hiking trails. One was to a waterfall in the forest and one was up on a mountain overlooking Bassano. There were animals, vineyards, fruit bearing trees, and olive trees. So much fun!!!

Lots of Olive Trees

And grape vines

We went early, so it wasn't too hot yet...

gorgeous trees!

and the lighting was so pretty!

The kids aren't always happy to go, but once we start walking, they usually enjoy it :-)

I love these guys!!!

And more vineyards...

and more grapes...

This was such a funny little bridge - definitely not very safe!

This was on the way to the Waterfall

So peaceful!!!

Gorgeous!!!