Matt was feeling better this Tuesday, so he joined us for our activities. We started the day with a 10:30 tour of a nearby dairy farm. As we were waiting for the tour to start, Sonja shared some buttermilk with those that had not had it before. This too is not on Angie's lists of favorite foods! I got a slice of cheese with tomato basil flavorings - Yum. Then we went outside to check the surroundings. We saw a church near by, and then heard cowbells. Upon crossing the street, we say the cows wearing their big bells. What a pleasant sound. A graveyard was on the same side of the street. It was interesting because the family members plant and maintain little flower gardens in the plot over their family members casket. Sonja told us that families can opt to a 10 year arrangement with the graveyard owners. After that they can renew the rent, or stop it. Interesting concept.
We were surprised at the number of people that came for the dairy tour; probably about 35 people. The tour was in German, and Sonja translated what the man said in German to English for the 6 of us. This dairy processing store is owned by the local farmers as a coop, and they hire the tour guide and others that work there to manage it. They give the tour as a way of publicizing that the milk and cheeses are fresh and not brought in from big milk producers. At the end of the tour, he gave each of us a small sample of three cheeses. Matt and I liked the one of the milder cheeses. The garlic cheese was very yummy, but garlic would stay with me for a week, and I would have to get my own bedroom !
Our next venture was to the Hochgratbahn Cable Car. 'The Hochgrat mountain range is the highest in the western region of Allgäu at 1834 m. The summit is named the Nagelfluhkette – an impressive ridge.' Melissa and I were a little nervous about the very long run of the cable car, but we made it ! The views from the top were phenomenal. There was a panoramic hike along a top ridge, which Angie, Greg, Joe, and Sonja took. They came back exhilarated and full of smiles. Matt, Melissa and I stayed on a lower trail, and went into the restaurant once we were frozen and had a hot drink. It was about 3 or 4 by the time we got back to the resort.
We had reservations at Altstaufuer Einhehr Restaurant. Once again, the Bavarian food was outstanding. It was our last dinner with Sonja. She did a great job planning our activities for the 2.5 days. Oktoberfest is on Wednesday, and she was ready to head home to her husband. We are very grateful to him for sharing her this week!
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