Winzergenossenschaft Glottertal

Today we voyaged into the vineyard-dotted area of Glottertal to the "Winzergenossenschaft Glottertal" to celebrate the birth of and welcome to the world a little bundle of joy.  Her parents couldn't have chosen a more perfect setting - a private tour of a small vineyard with a wine tasting and some homemade nibbles to follow.  It was truly a delight and I whole-heartedly recommend a visit to this vineyard.  Prost!

One of the larger wooden wine barrels.

I spy...

A paraglider!

Badische Staatsbrauerei Rothaus

Today we ventured to the Rothaus Brauerei (brewery) in Rothaus, near Schluchsee.  We had a delightful uphill trek through the woods, with a crisscross of pavement here and some cows there.  Once atop, we had a some beer, a tour of the facilities, and then some more beer and a 'traditional Black Forest lunch' (as it was called).  As the sun set we descended back to 'see'-level and took the train back home.  A great way to spend a Thursday!

Bottled, foiled, and ready to be boxed.

Where the yeast rises.  Or settles, I can't remember which...

Sun setting on Schluchsee

Zähringer Berg

Took a little walk this summer's day just across 'town' to the Zähringer Berg with some friends and a dog named Mr. Bailey.  We got lost in the woods for a bit, but the view was well worth it.  The countryside looked just like a painting of a landscape.

My what big fruit you have...

Some of this summer's yield from Alex's dad's garden...

Zucchini versus a bottle of Spätburgunder rot wein.

Zucchini versus a bottle of Malibu

Tomato (yes, that is one tomato) versus my hand

Hello, Tour de France

Today I took a bit of a road trip with some friends down to der Schweiz to catch a glimpse of the Tour de France.  Our travels took us into the hills of the Delémont region.  We did get a bit lost on the way there, however that just provided us the chance to see some of the lovely scenic countryside.

This was my first "official" bike race (aside from a couple Dana Alia races I attended with my good friend Johanna) and it was tons of fun!  Of course, since I went along with 2 cycling enthusiasts, that made it even more exciting.  The hills of Montavon were a-buzz, and then almost eerily quite in the moments leading up to the emergence of the riders around the bend, which then led to various eruptions of encouragement by flag-wielding fans.  It was quite the experience.

All-in-all a great day.  You can check out further stages and obtain further Tour-related info at their official site.

Titisee

It's been hard to get a break from the rain this month, but the sun was out today, so I made a run up tot he lake with a good friend and her dogs.  It was a perfect day to be in Titisee!  We were there early enough to enjoy the cool morning and beat the crowds.  We enjoyed a full walk around the lake, not running into too many tourists but we did stumble upon a very small cow pasture.

Once we made it all the way around, we took a seat on the grass and spent the rest of our time gazing at the lake and boat-goers.  All-in-all a very relaxing day.

Elztalblick

Today I reunited with a past student of mine.  She took me to a lovely little "Campingplatz" (campsite) nestled in Simonswald, not too far from where we used to have classes.  It it a truly tiny campsite, however it is as quaint, clean, and serene as can be.  Not to mention the view!

Nothing says summer in Germany like enjoying a cool beverage, watching the sun set over the hills.

And then the rain came down...

...but the flowers, they looked so pretty.

Purple Rain...

Week 2 of rain everyday.  At least it makes for pretty sites at dusk.