The Black Forest

We set out for the Black Forest like most of our adventures, with little more than a hotel reservation and a GPS that works about half the time. We started at Fruedenstadt, the town that Walt's family immigrated to the U.S. from 3 generations ago. Growing up he had always heard about the Ehman(n) Bakery in Germany, so we wanted to check it out. Well, there is no Ehman Bakery. At least not that we found. Now, a little more research might have been in order, cause we didn't know the name for Bakery in German, but no one that we randomly accosted on the street had heard of it either. There are several Ehman's in the phonebook, but after we ask them 'spechen si enlisch?' and they say 'nein', that is that. So, we ate at a brauhaus and hit the road.

Appreciating his German roots

Appreciating Walt's German roots

The Schwarzwaldhochstrasse is a famous stretch of road between Freudenstadt and Baden-Baden that is known for breathtaking views of the Black Forest. This was the visibility the day we made this particular drive. Not ideal...but to make things more interesting, the ride was punctuated by calls of 'Mama, tee!' from the backseat. Yes, we are in the midst of potty-training, and got to check out several rest stops along the way. Oh the joys...

Baden-Baden is a historic spa town where Emperor Caracalla once bathed and the wealthy come to get away. Of course, for us it was not quite so glamorous, but we enjoyed the walking district and the beautiful parks.

Sunday morning we decided to fit one more sight into our agenda, so we pulled out the GPS and hit attractions. Walt had spied a castle ruin on one of the hills, so when we saw

'Schloss Ruin' on the GPS we decided to 'Go!' Our first clue should have been when the GPS said to 'Turn right on road' (no name), but we went a little further before we realized we were on a walking path. Oops. So, we went on an improptu Volksmarch (German for 'hike where we tell you to'). It doesn't have quite the same relaxing quality when you are pushing a stroller, but we had a ball. Never did find those castle ruins though!

Look, they issue blankets!

Well, one of them is happy...

Yeah, I'm that mom.

Playing in the leaves

Cash enjoying his first Volksmarch

The guys

P.S. No, it is not your imagination. I did not become a better photographer. We got a better camera...and I LOVE it!