The Olympic Torch Arrives

The Olympic Torch was brought through Bury St. Edmunds on July 7, 2012.
My sister and brother-in-law were in town to help us celebrate, which was so special. We started the day with a picnic at a friend's house before proceeding to the main street to watch the parade. Like the whole of 2012, there was a sense of national pride and excitement in the air. In addition, the family of the torch bearer was present and so proud. It was touching, and a great way to start off the Olympic Season.

Northern Ireland

24 hours after returning from Austria/Germany, we boarded a plane for Belfast. We met our friends Frank and Nancy who were our hosts, at their ancestral family home, for the Memorial Day weekend. It was a fun weekend filled with lots of sunshine.

Frank & Nancy



Front yard of their ancestral home

City of Fermanagh

Bagpipe Competition

Fly fishing spot for Frank & Adam

Monea Castle

Monea Castle

 

Slieve League

Slieve League



Bavaria

We met friends in Bavaria and saw some amazing sites.

Eisriesenwelt: :The World's Largest Ice Caves.

 

At the entrance of the caves.

Inside the Ice Caves where lamps are used.

 

We took a Gondola to get to the top. It was gorgeous. 20 minutes after this picture was taken, we were surrounded completely by fog.

 Obersalzberg: Hitler's HQ

The Bunkers under Obersalzberg.

Bunkers. It was creepy to think we were standing where Hitler had been.

Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau Castles

Hohenschwangau to the left. Neuschanstein up in the mountain to the right.

Hohenschwangau.

Mary's Bridge

Neuschwanstein. The inspiration for Cinderella's Castle

The Sound of Music in Salzburg

We spent a beautiful (thank goodness the weather was perfect) taking a bicycle tour of Salzburg. It was a great way to see the entire city, as well as stop by a few of "The Sound of Music" sites. The city is beautiful, and to see the movie scenes was such fun. It kind of made me want to sing...I think Adam, Joe and Michelle were happy I didn't.

Slazburg

Michelle, Joe, Adam & Jaclyn

Adam & our Tour Guide

Bike Tour!
 

"The Sound of Music" Sites

The Back of the VonTrapp Mansion

The Abbey on the Hill

Mirabell Gardens

Salzburg was built into a rock wall.

Arch where Rolf delivered telegram to VonTrapp Family

"I have confidence" Fountain

Cemetery in Salzburg that inspired the set

"The Hills Are Alive"

Abbey Gate

Front of VonTrapp Mansion

"Do A Deer" Steps

"I am Sixteen Going on Seventeen" Gazebo

Salzburg

Mozart's Home

 

WILD in Garmisch

Myself and 6 ladies from RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Alconbury headed to Garmisch, Germany for a conference. Due to interesting travel plans, it took us a plane, a train and an automobile to get us there. In the end, it was worth it (even with the steady battle with "morning" sickness). We had a great time getting to know each other, the area, and PWOC a bit better.

The Ladies

Bavarian Mountains

Fun in Garmisch

Garmisch

Garmisch

Garmisch