Fockenstein, Wine and Cheese, and Charlene

After a few weeks' hiatus from hiking due to inclement weather, I was delighted with a forecast of 59 degrees. Not that the inclement weather here is on a par with a class two hurricane, but I'm not outdoorsy enough to brave the rain in the low forties.  The fifties seemed balmy.

Fockenstein, which we picked because it is fun to say, is located by Tegernsee, a beautiful lake south of Munich, and the hike begins by a cute town called Bad Wiessee. Bad means Bath; it's not a bad town. In fact, it's a lovely place, perfect for strolling or resting on the benches, as evidenced by the protruding feet. We also got to hit a Flohmarkt or flea market in town where I scored some awesome ribbons for one Euro.

We hiked especially fast to Fockenstein without compromising greeting every fellow hiker we passed. Bavarian hikers are the friendliest bunch of people you can imagine; I try to regularly vary my greetings of "Servus," Grüss Gott," and the fallback "Hallo." 

We got home in plenty of time for a wine and cheese party for our friend Charlene. Jeremy is cutting Zwetschgen or small plums here in the afternoon sun in preparation. And on the left, you'll also see Shera who I must thank profusely for letting me borrow her sassy shoes on Friday and for helping me pick out great cheeses. And there's Charlene, who is sadly moving to Umea, Sweden. I hate that she is leaving but am so looking forward to visiting her and her husband Roberto in northern Scandinavia. And me. And on the other end is Katja-doesn't she look like our pretty cousin Jennifer?