Garmisch-Partenkirchen

When I was stationed at Cambrai-Fritsche Kasern,  Darmstadt, Germany, US Air Force, 1967-1969, Garmisch was my favorite destination for a little R&R.  I was in love with these mountains!  Having graduated from high school in Kansas, I had never seen anything like these!  It's one thing to know they exist, yet much different to see these up front and in person! 
    We decided to check out a popular trail and  to take a hike inside a crack in the earth called Partnachklamm, a gorge walk along a narrow, raging stream as it tumbled down the gorge. 
 We also climbed the Zugspitz...Germany's highest mountain at about 9,000'+ elevation.   No switchbacks on this one!  We hit this one head on...straight up the middle.  The face got pretty steep but we kept climbing!   All the way up and through the nook where the Tram let us off on the platform.
Clouds covered the top much of the time with occasional vista views in every direction.  We took a seat around a picnic table with a Bratwurst in one hand and a Coca Cola in the other.  About the time we finished eating, it began sleeting nearly pea sized ice pellets.   We didn't mind too much until it turned into rain.   We headed for the Tram after a stop at the gift shop to buy a magnet for my daughter, Ami. 
   Even with weather, we had a good visit.  Madi Barton don't care much for heights but I think she had a good day....except the part about being stalked by the big black birds!  Thanks for coming along Madi!  Also with me wwas Vonda Vensel, Max Barton and Ron Pinkerton.
    On top is a huge steel constructed platform with 4 levels.  On top is a 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains and valleys,  with beautiful Lake Eibsee far below.  There were still patches of remaining snow.  Glaciers glistened in the sunlight. 
It was beautiful!