European Expedition–Kreuzeckbahn and Hiking through the Alps

We had a great first night of sleep.  Most of us had a full 9 hours – except Chris who got about 5 since he work up at 4:30 fully aware of the chirping birds right outside our window.  He spent the next several hours sitting on the balcony writing in his journal and working on the Cabo video.  I woke up at 4:30 as well and listened to the birds but was determined to go back to sleep, which I did after about 40 minutes.

We woke up at (again) at 8:00, ate cereal for breakfast, got backpacks full of traditional European travel snacks: pringles and fuzzy peaches) and got ready to head out to the Alpspitze.  We were surprised and kinda sad to find the Alspitzebahn closed so instead we went up the Kreuzeckbahn and started an 8 mile hike down the mountain, which turned out to be really fun – and a new adventure.

Hiking down we went through a cool tunnel.  Love these pictures of my crew…

These three girls were singing their hearts out all the way down the mountain.  It was such a fun memory of the day.

The hike was great, the weather was great, and although we missed seeing the peak of the Alpspitze, it was fun to do something new.  The trail led us over and down the mountain to the Partnach Gorge – one of our very favorite things to do in Garmisch. First we spent some time at the rock towers by the river.

The Gorge was so fun…

By the time we had walked out past the Olympic Stadium to the bus we were all EXHAUSTED.  An 8 mile hike might not have been the best idea for the day after arrival.  The minute we got on the bus to take us back to our van, half of us fell asleep.  Katie and Megan were really out.  We bused through town back to our van and then headed to a new part of town where we tried a German restaurant with some fun atmosphere.  I loved my German salad and my Fanta.

It was fun to wander around the street.  Such cool doors and architecture.

We headed back to the hotel.  It began to rain on and off and we spent the remainder of the night inside our cute apartment first taking a much need hour nap and then playing games.  Two games of 7 Wonders where Megan won BOTH games.  Ryan came 2nd both times and Chris and I either tied or came in 3rd and 4th.  Pretty funny.  We ate snacks, read scriptures and Chris worked on videos while I hung out beside him giving feedback.  It was a great day.  Life is good.