THE DANUBE AND WALHALLA

Michael went back to Goettingen on Sunday and I explored the town some more and Monday a trip on the Danube to Walhalla was in order. It was built in the mid1800's to honor great Germanic people (I think they are all men.) It is based on the Parthenon but not exactly to scale. It is on a high hill overlooking the Danube out in the middle of nowhere. When walking around the outside it almost felt like our Parthenon in Nashville until you looked out over the countryside and the Danube - lovely location.
Along the Danube were more Kleingartens (little gardens). There is a patch of these small gardens in rich soil divided by fences, sometimes with little sheds and often like little cabins and they spend the weekend there tending and enjoying them. They have flowers, vegetables, fruit trees and lawns. Like our backyards without the house. Maybe most of these people live in apartments.

Regensburg

Our first foray out of Goettingen was to Regensburg in Bavaria during Octoberfest season. Regensburg is on the Danube River and the bridge was built in the 11th century and is the pride of the city.The city is so clean and well kept and lived in that if it weren't for the narrow streets and the half timber buildings and signs telling when they were built you would think they were much newer. Nothing shabby about this town.
Towers and clocks were an important status symbol through the centuries so if you came into wealth you would build a tower and if you could afford it you would make it taller than anyone elses.
One of my favorite places to eat lunch was the little wursthaus by the bridge that lore has it that the bridge builders ate here and it has been serving wursts ever since. The potato soup with wurst, bread and beer made a satisfying lunch.

MICHAEL'S BROKEN LEG

Michael broke his leg 24 August when he was hit by a car while on his bicycle. Fortunately it was at low speed while turning and Michael was legally crossing the street on his bicycle. He had surgery to put pins and screws in his foot and leg and I flew to Germany and arrived the day before he was released. It was good to be able to help him in little ways, carrying laundry and groceries but it was better to just be in his world for a while.
Goettingen is a great little town. Its not a tourist town so few outside Germany have heard of it but it is easy to get around and the old city is very scenic. They have an excellent bus system that everyone uses and fortunately a bus stop is right in front of Michael's apartment. Even though I didn't use a bicycle it was easy to appreciate their accommodation for those using them with extra wide sidewalks and designated lanes for bicycles, even traffic lights just for bicycles and pedestrians.
The city wall encircles the old city and is wide enough that it is a walking path, thats where I saw the hedgehog.

PERCY PRIEST IN FALL

Mid-Fall is not when I thought I would be on the water in my kayak. But it was a beautiful sunny day and the water was warm and fortunately I stayed dry. Corey joined me in his new kayak and we paddled around the Hamilton Creek area. A regatta was planned for this day but the lack of wind foiled their plans.

PICKETT STATE PARK

After everyone else headed home I went back to Pickett State Park to reminisce and plan for our gathering next Fall. The park is just as beautiful as I remember it and looks well taken care of.
The CCC cabins built in the 1930's are especially charming. Years ago we stayed in the cabins built in the 1950's - Crab Orchard Stone style and in the 1970 chalets. Each has its charm and level of comfort.
The lake with its S-shape curve,swinging bridge and natural stone bridge was just as beautiful, also.

BIG SOUTH FORK

We stayed at the Big South Fork Lodge. They are set up to board horses and provide lodging. It was fun to be out in the country and around horses.
Rose, Will, Shania and I went for a 2 hour ride Sunday afternoon at Southeast Pack Trips. They had good horses and the sandy soil was easy on the horses hooves and the trip through the Fall Color was magnificent.

FALL COLOR ON THE CUMBERLAND PLATEAU

We had our annual Weaver family gathering Saturday at MaryKay and John's in Crossville. Cool sunny Fall day, couldn't ask for better weather. The color was close to its peak, too.