The Zugspitz

The whole reason we went to Garmisch last weekend was to see this:

A view from the highest peak in Germany. 

But at first we didn't think we would see a view at all. We took a steep tram up to the top of the Zugspitz only to find that the top was covered by clouds. We took a picture with the sign:

We saw lots of snow, and the kids got their hands icy cold by making snowballs:

We saw dozens of these black birds flying around and perching:

And we drank yummy, very expensive hot cocoa:

Erick accepted my challenge to climb to the peak, a dangerous and scary climb in snow and ice. There are warning signs that explain the need for appropriate climbing equipment... I was glad Erick was wearing hiking boots. He wished he had brought his gloves out of the car. Looking back, I am very grateful that it was foggy. Had I been able to see the height of the cliffs, I think I may have had a heart attack.

Leaving the safety of the railings and gate:

 Almost there...

He made it to the top!

But now he has to get back down. Eeek! He said the guide cable is not very secure. It was pretty scary. That's Erick at the very top:

When Erick was back behind the railings where we felt safe (So grateful he made it safely!), we decided to grab some lunch. I love German food. Erick had venison and cabbage:

I had veal and potatoes:

The kids had pretzels and sausage:

While we were waiting for our food to arrive, the fog disappeared. I ran out of the restaurant to snag this picture before more clouds rolled in:

More clouds did roll in, then they rolled back out again, but this time they stayed away. We walked around to all the places we had seen and took pictures again. But this time, there was a view. 

And blue sky:

Can you tell the kids are cold?

Take a look. Now do you see why I'm glad it was foggy while Erick climbed? Scary!

The view to the valley was breath-taking. The pictures just can't do it justice:

When we went to take a picture at the sign this time around, we had to wait our turn. Last time no one was around:

After plenty of photo-taking and trying to stay warm, we took a tram down the opposite direction toward a glacier. We played around until a cog-train was ready to take us back down:

The kids had a chance to try their skill at rappelling and rock climbing. They all said they wished their aunt Annie was there to show them how it's done:

Going up the Zugspitz has been on my bucket list since I arrived in Germany. I'm so glad I can finally check it off. It was more beautiful than I ever could have imagined. Erick even took a picture of me... because... you know... I was there: