Edersee, our travel plan for this year 2020

 

Hi everyone

 

So this year has been a little different for us all.  Here in Germany, we have been very good at wearing our masks, social distancing and washing our hands.  Because of this, we are allowed to travel.  We have chosen to only travel within Germany.  This year we traveled with our friends Rosi and Günther to the Edersee, the Eder Dam, here in Hessen.

The Edersee was built between 1908 and 1914.  It was blown open by a torpedo bomb in 1943 by the British.  It was repaired and is still working today.

There were three towns that were flooded when the dam was made.  When the water is low, you can visit remnants from those towns.  Very interesting.

It is a recreational dam area complete with swimming, boating and bike paths all around the lake.  It also has a Castle because we are in Germany and castles are everywhere. Castles, I believe, are the original proof of German engineering.

So we traveled there and spent two nights at a family run hotel.  Definitely German in style.  The view from our rooms was fantastic and we had a lovely time.  A great break from the reality of life right now.  Three days of no TV or news!

All right, so here we go...

So this is the dam.  While we were there the dam was only 50% full.  This year has been a very dry summer so they have used the water from the dam to fill the Weser river which is used for shipping.  The folks around the Edersee are not so thrilled with this.

Here is the group using the selfie stick.  We are just so "hip".  The beautiful dam in the background.

Here is a pic of Rosi and me on walkway over the dam.  Beautiful old stone dam.  Yep, my hair is now filled with "natural" highlights.

A picture of Wolfgang in the viewing area on the dam looking below the dam.  

The little white flecks are swans.

Wolfgang and Günther were the president and vice president of our local bird and nature club for years.  I have no idea why this momument is here but I thought a picture by the biggest nest was appropriate.

 

OK, so this dog was truly an original breed for me.  The owner said he is a breed that comes out of Mexico.  I have never seen anything like him.  No hair and black as coal.  Of course, we are in Germany, dogs get to go everywhere and they are ALWAYS well behaved.  I always say that in my next life I am coming back as a dog in Germany.  It is a fabulous life.

 

We were driving around the lake and came to the End Station.  It is the last location for the ferry that cruises the lake.  You can take your bike on the ferry and get off at one of the stations and ride the rest of the way on one of the wonderful bike paths.  If you love to bike, Germany is made for you.

So as I said, the dam is only 50% full but that does not stop the ferry.  They just load and unload on the dirt because the real location is no where close to where they can boat.

Afternoon break at the End Station.  The ladies had cappuccino and the guys beer.  I would have rather have had a beer but I was the driver.  That first swig of beer is always the best.

As I said, the Edersee has a castle, Schloss Waldeck.  You can take a cable car up to the castle or drive.  The castle is a restaurant and hotel.    The view is wonderful.

One thing I have learned about castles is that the first gate is never the last gate.  Usually there are two or three and the climb to the top is usually steep.  The cobblestone streets are beautiful but can be a little slick on the walk back down.

 

 I love cartoon board pictures.  You know the things where you just show your face and take a picture.  I think this is what this is  for because I have no idea other than someone like me yelling "oh take my picture in this".

 

So I am not sure if this needs a caption.  Big Guns!

OFF WITH HER HEAD!

A view of the dam from the castle.  You can see how low the water level is because usually the peninsula is not there.

A benefit of the low water table is the fact that we could visit the Asel bridge.  Usually it is under water and is from one of the three towns that was flooded when the dam was made.  Amazing that is still standing perfect.

You can see the path we took from the side of the dam.  It is so strange to think that we were walking where usually it is full with water.

 

 

 Well we thought we would do alittle paddle boating but hey, where is the water?

 

OK, so there was some water and our pal here was having a fabulous time.  Just so you know there was a definite line between the white fur and the muddy fur below but hey, he wasn't getting in our car!

Günther did not have an interest in hiking over to the bridge so he unpacked his camping chair and enjoyed some time in the sun.

Well here is a little American fun in Germany.  This is a Motel that is old west theme.  We had lunch here.  Tex Mex Fries - chili fries.  It is a huge meeting place for motorcycle riders.

 

 

 Each room has a name.  I have no idea who Old McSvenson was but he got a room.  The bikes are available for renting.  On the weekends there is usually music and BBQ but not this year.

 

Finally, a picture board.  Now the vacation is complete.  Matt Dillon and Miss Kitty.

Günther found the best seat in the house, the Jack Daniels rocking chair.  Of course, I am not so sure if you should be in a rocking chair after drinking Jack Daniels.

The highlight of our trip was the rental of an electric boat for a cruise around the lake.  It was so quiet because it was electric.  The weather was perfect and there was a lovely breeze.  We just needed a little Frank or Dean singing in the background.

 

 

 Our driver.  Look no hands!

 

The back seat crowd just enjoying the ride.

Me with my sun visor and wrinkles.  Just forgot to iron my neck this morning.

The fabulous four enjoying the day. 

 

 

The dam from water level.  The water was warm and there were lots of swimmers.

 

Voted most original.  Sailboat towing two Unicorn floats!  I should have taken a video of this because it was so funny to see the two unicorns riding across the water.

This is one of the ferries that travel around the dam.  It has a restaurant and bar onboard.  Of course, every afternoon there is coffee and cake.  In Germany, there is always coffee and cake available somewhere in the afternoon.  Kind of like beer is available EVERYWHERE!

A swan with one foot out of the water.  I think he was flipping us the bird!

 

 

 When three people sit together on a log, this is just a natural picture.

 

Our wonderful hotel, Seehotel Andree.  It was great.  A direct view of the lake, breakfast included with the room.  Every room with a balcony and a complete restaurant for dinner.  Of course, coffee and cake.

The blog would not be complete without a picture of a nice refreshing beer. Hmmmm...

 

 

 Edersee Forelle (trout).  Was absolutely delicious but just reminded me of a hammerhead. 

 

 

 

Our room at night was incredible.  There are no lights around the lake so the stars are everywhere.  We watched the moon rise over the mountains.  We also saw 3 comets and watched satellites heading over. 

 

 

The morning before we left to head home.  What a view.  Edersee was a great place to visit.

 

 

So that was it for this year.  A lovely, calm three days to enjoy the beautiful weather and a beautiful lake.

 

Be good to each other, wear a mask, no hugging, and always remember to WASH YOUR HANDS

 

Love to all

 

Wolfgang and Sarah