Remagen Bridge. At around 10 PM we passed the remains, the west side tower, of the Remagen bridge. The captain slowed and shone a spotlight on it. A very touching moment given the importance of the bridge in ending the war earlier and the bravery shown by the troops in capturing it.
Trip Log
After the castle tour we were bussed back into town, just below the castle, and were given a walking tour of the city. After some free time we took a 2 and a half hour drive to Koblentz to embark on our new ship.
Day 4 The Rhine is at historical low levels (actually, the lowest ever recorded) so our boat is not able to navigate the middle section of the river so the boat moved to the Strasbourg harbor and we were all loaded onto busses for our trip to Heidelberg and eventual transfer to our new ship.
Woke up this morning a little late and in Kehl, Germany. Woke at 5 to 8 and was scheduled for the Strasbourg tour at 8:15. So panic ensued. Cleaned up, got dressed and made it but we didn't leave until 8:30 so I had time for breakfast.
We woke up docked in Breisach, Germany this morning and after breakfast we took a shore excursion to the Black Forest. We took a one and a half hour narrated bus trip through small German towns and into the Black Forest.
Yesterday was the beginning of our much anticipated Viking River Cruise on the Rhine from Switzerland to Amsterdam. By coincidence Mike, our cross street neighbor, was flying out of Orlando yesterday as well, and since he was only going to be gone 5 days he drove his car and parked it there.
Playing water volleyball every day and preparing for our trip has kept us busy. I got a clean bill of health from my recent endoscopy and had my permanent 4 tooth bridge installed. Alesa had her 'metal' test for next years knee surgery and passed with flying colors.
Lynn and Tracy drove up last night for a sisters' weekend. They arrived around 7 and after a little visiting, snacking and imbibing we took a golf cart ride down to Brownwood for a quick visit for the entertainment. This morning I played my usual Sunday golf while they played tennis.
It's that time of the year and, of course, we are keeping a watchful eye on the hurricanes. So far it looks like they will all miss us. Alesa and I continue to keep busy with water volleyball, a refreshing way to keep active in this heat. We now play in 3 different leagues, 6 days a week.
With Alesa's knee waiting to be replaced and some problems with her foot we have spent much more time at water volleyball. We go about 4 times a week for about 2 hours each time.